Desert Sun vs The Terra Cotta Inn

Now I don’t want to start a rivalry, but I’ve been to both of these resorts and have been asked many times which one I prefer. So, let’s take a minute to make a quick comparison of these two wonderful nudist resorts in Palm Springs, California.

I think the best thing to do is compare apples to apples. Let’s imagine planning a trip to Palm Springs and trying to decide between the two resorts. Of course there are other nudist resorts in Palm Springs, but these are the two we are comparing for now.

It’s high season and you want to spend a week, about six nights. Do you want a room with a kitchen or is a bed and bathroom enough? Well, let’s look at both options.

There are lots of options at the Desert Sun so I’ll try to narrow it down. Note that all room prices include the day use fees.

Photo from the Desert Sun website.

A King bed Chaparral room. The Chaparral rooms are like regular hotel rooms that usually overlook the volleyball pool area.  This room will run you about $998 for the week. Stay a little longer and the price may be reduced. A reduction is also in order with proof of membership to AANR and other nudist organizations.

A King Studio with Full Kitchen at $1,300 for the week.

Note that the Desert Sun also offers Courtyard rooms that are single level and near the “quiet pool” and condo units that may be rented.

At the Terra Cotta there are fewer rooms, but the options we are comparing are ample. Note that all prices include the day use fees.

Photo provided by the Terra Cotta website.

A King bedroom, steps from the pool is $959 for the week.

A King Studio with Full Kitchen at $1,059 for the week.

So what types of amenities do you get at each resort? Let’s take a look.

Desert Sun:

Pooltime: DS has a volleyball pool, a quiet pool, and a saltwater pool.

Hot Tub: Yes, there are two hot tubs to enjoy on cool evenings or whenever you want.

Massage services: There is a full service spa with massages, salt glows, body wraps, and facials to name a few.

Meals: There is an onsite restaurant, The Oasis Cafe, open for lunch Wed-Sun and dinner Fri-Sun, along with a poolside bar open on weekends.

Sports: There are tennis courts and a fitness center available for you workout buffs.

Events: There is a calendar of events with something happening most weekend nights.

Terra Cotta Inn:

Pooltime: There is a saltwater pool surrounded by lounge chairs.

Hot Tub: There is a hot tub to enjoy on cool evenings or whenever you want.

Massage services: There is a massage therapist who offers massages either under the gazebo or in the relaxation room near the pool. Additional services may be available by contacting TCI in advance.

Meals: While there is no restaurant on-site, TCI offers an expanded all you can eat continental breakfast with coffee, tea, and juice plus an array of pastries, fruit, yogurt and hard boiled eggs. Lunch orders are taken, delivered, and served poolside from a local restaurant.  At around four o’clock each day Wine and Strawberries are served poolside, as well as a selection of hot and cold appetizers are made available in the lobby.

Sports: There are no sports activities that I am aware of. However I’m sure you are welcome to exercise at will.

Events: There is a calendar of events with something happening during each season, such as Thanksgiving dinner cooked and served by Tom and Mary Clare, a New Year’s Eve Party, Super Bowl Sunday, and many more.

So why do people choose to stay at one or the other? Good question. Everyone has their own criteria. Here are a few that might be on the list.

Meet new friends. Friendly people can be found at both resorts. The owners are present at both, but more frequently at TCI.

Small, intimate atmosphere. While DS can provide an intimate atmosphere at the quiet pool and other areas, it is certainly a larger resort. TCI consists of only 17 rooms surrounding the pool. There are not a lot of separate activities going on, so everyone is fairly quiet, relaxed, and friendly.

I don’t want to just sit around and sunbathe. DS certainly offers plenty of athletic activities while TCI is geared more towards relaxation.

Please tell me there are no swinging activities. Neither resort supports any swinging events and will kindly but firmly ask you not to display any overtly sexual activity in the public areas.

So which resort is better? Each resort is absolutely wonderful and they each offer something different. You be the judge of which resort you like best.

Visit both resorts via internet now.

Desert Sun: http://www.desertsunresort.com/index.html

Terra Cotta Inn: http://sunnyfun.com/index.php

Dog Days of Summer

This weekend we decided to visit the Terra Cotta Inn located in Palm Springs, California. We are frequent patrons and always enjoy the relaxing and friendly atmosphere. The owners of the Terra Cotta Inn are Tom and Mary Clare Mulhall. They are usually present and actively involved with their patrons which adds to the mom and pop feeling of this historic motel.  If you ask why people tend to choose the Terra Cotta for their vacations, the usual answer will be the personal camaraderie they share with Tom and Mary Clare. Of course, everyone enjoys the Four O’clock appearance of Tom in his bow tie serving wine and strawberries. Sometimes the other staff members will assist with this daily activity, usually clothed or partially clothed, but Tom’s participation is always anticipated and met with a jovial spirit and adds to the light-hearted and whimsical environment. Sadly, Tom and Mary Clare recently lost their long time canine companion, Godiva. While she is truly missed and remembered fondly, Godiva’s legacy lives on with the new addition of Jude. The assumed to be German Shepherd and Labrador mixed puppy is quickly growing into her large paws. Of course, switching from a mature and laid back dog to a mischievous puppy is a bit of a challenge to both patrons and owners alike. However, Jude is winning hearts with her vivacious and playful love of her daily visitors and playmates.