Local trip tips

SUMMER CONCERT SERIES: Humphries Half Moon Inn is offering several concert packages to pair with its summer concert series at Humphrey's by the Bay, through October. The Premium Suite package includes two concert tickets in the front row and dinner for two from a dinner show menu at Humphrey's Restaurant; the Junior Suite package is the same, except with tickets in row two; and the Guest Room package is the same, but with tickets in rows three or four. Go to www.k-hotels.com ; after booking call the restaurant at 619-224-3577 to reserve, and call the hotel at 619-224-3411 to make hotel reservations. BRIDE-TO-BE BEAUTY: Place360 Health + Spa in Del Mar is helping brides-to-be with a three-month beauty package, which includes facials and waxing, plus health services such as acupuncture, exercise, nutrition and life coaching. The package begins at $2,120; go to www.place360healthspa.com or call 858-793-1104. SPA SAMPLER: The JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort & Spa in Palm Desert has introduced a Coachella Valley Date Spa Sampler for $175, which takes advantage of the valley being the primary date-growing region in the U.S. The sampler at the Spa Desert Springs includes a 90-minute treatment that uses the date's antioxidant power to revitalize skin; the "mini" treatments are a date peel/facial, full-body date scrub and date massage. Available through Sept. 30, excluding Saturdays and holidays; go to www.spa.desertspringsresort.com . PALM SPRINGS SALE: The Renaissance Palm Springs is offering rooms for $179 per night, with a $100 hotel credit to be used in the hotel, through the end of June. Go to www.renaissancepalmsprings.com or call 760-322-6000 and use the code P50. SOCAL SPECIAL: The W Scottsdale in Arizona is hoping to draw Southern California residents with its Destination Sensation package, available through Sept. 11 for $697. The package includes a three-night stay; Bliss Spa Elemis Exotic Lime & Ginger Salt Glow spa treatment; private sunrise or sunset yoga session for two; transportation to Camelback Mountain for hiking; a welcome dinner for two at Sushi Roku on the first night; and a "Local Foodie Tour" of Scottsdale that includes a $50 voucher to one of Scottsdale's restaurants. Go to www.wscottsdale.com/destination or call 877-W-HOTELS.

Cheap summer deals in Palm Springs - OC Deals - The Orange County ...

It may have come to your attention that it is bleeping hot in Palm Springs in the summertime, but maybe that is sounding pretty good right now, with the June gloom descended upon us here like a cloudy curse.

Hopefully this summer won’t be as cold as last year, but even if it is, maybe you can escape to the desert and take advantage of some of these discounts in Palm Springs.

The Palm Springs tourist bureau has put together a list of properties that are offering free midweek nights and  up to 40% off on lodging , as well as discounts on things to do. (And note if you have a season pass for Soak City , you can use it at the Palm Springs site as well as in Buena Park).

You can check it all out online at www.comeplayinpalmsprings.com

When you look at these rates, remember that most of these hotels will slap an annoying “resort fee” on top of them, in a nasty attempt to make you think you’re paying less than you actually are.  Check out any parking fees as well.  (I noted a few hotels on this list with no resort fees)

My name is Tom Mulhall. I am a past president of the Palm Springs Chamber of Commerce. Restaurant week is this week June 3-12th where you can get great deals at great restaurants in Palm Springs.

Also many other hotels not listed have great summer rates. They just didn’t fit the cookie cutter categories at Palm Springs Tourism’s site.

For instance, the Terra Cotta Inn clothing optional resort and spa, which was just picked as the best small resort in the whole Palm Springs area in Palm Springs Life’s Magazine, Dec 2010 Best of the best issue, has a June special on Sun thru Thurs of Stay 2 nights, take $25 off, stay 4 nights, take $50 off. They have no hidden resort or parking fees and include free breakfast and afternoon snacks. In July & Aug their speical is Mon-Thurs stay 1 night, get 50% off on the 2nd. You can go to http://sunnyfun.com to get the discount coupon.

So if you want to try something different and fun, Terra Cotta Inn is perfect for couples trying topless or nude sunbathing for the first time.