Palm Springs is hot, not in the Paris Hilton, “That’s hot,” way, but at times 115 degrees in September. And even in a dry heat you still sweat. For a long weekend it reigns supreme for relaxation, just be sure to score seats inside at restaurants or you may melt halfway through your appetizer. While there are hotels galore I always choose boutique hotels. I like small, low key with good service. My two top picks:

1-Movie Colony Hotel

A 16 room boutique hotel with plush beds, a large pool with bonus floating noodles and rafts ideal for a lazy way to stay cool in the water, complimentary breakfast, wine hour and beach cruiser bikes plus a masseuse on call. There are DVD players in each room so bring along you NetFlix vids you’ve been wanting to see unless you want to re-watch some of your favorites from the hotel’s collection. A good place and good price.

2-The Colony House Hotel

A fun hotel with good beds, delicious restaurant and plenty of lounging around the pool. And since the restaurant looks out onto the pool, there is always a bartender on hand to mix you up a cold cocktail. Plus, they accept dogs.

For food check out Chez Philippe’s offerings of a delicious seafood paea and seafood linguine with a yummy sauce. For Mexican head to La Consuelas Terazza and order the fiesta guacamole, fajitas and a margarita. And if your mood is for comfort fare choose the Kaiser Grill and order the tuna melt or cheese steak.

For breakfast, you must go to Norma’s at The Parker hotel.

Order the lemon pancakes or the rice krispy coated french toast for a huge, but yummy carb overload.

Best time to go is fall or spring when temps are bearable, but definitely meant lounging around and if golf is your game the winter months are your ideal time.