Come On In — the “Agua” is Fine

The Agua Caliente Casino Resort Spa is custom tailored for a quick, multigenerational summertime getaway, from its proximity to the greater Palm Springs area to accommodations that earned it the AAA Four Diamond award for 10 consecutive years. With vacation package specials that often put deluxe suites in the $150 per night range, it also offers a winning value proposition as the private rooms have all the stylish trappings of those at more expensive hotels.

Palm Springs’ famously clean desert air appeals to older travelers and those with allergies, and much effort has been put into extending that into Agua Caliente’s guestrooms. The PURE process rendering rooms and suites allergy friendly involves a stringent, seven-step process that includes air filtering, disinfecting and surface sanitizing to offer rooms that go beyond clean, reducing the impact of potential irritants such as mold, dust mites, yeast, bacteria, pollen, viruses and fungi.

Agua Caliente Palm Springs © Lukas Bischoff | Dreamstime.com

The 16-story property itself is a self-contained retreat perfect for adult family groups traveling together, from its nicely-maintained pools and well-appointed cabanas, to the Sunstone Spa, Vegas-style casino fun (without as much noise and sensory overload as Strip hotels), and a state-of-the-art concert theater. In addition to multi-band and classic rock shows that tap into boomer nostalgia, other performances run the gamut from Donny & Marie (July 27) and Brad Paisley (Aug. 2) to Penn & Teller (Dec. 7) and Steve Martin & Martin Short (Aug. 24). All provide a reminder the Coachella Valley is not the exclusive domain of college kids and young professionals.

The resort is also ADA-compliant, family- and pet-friendly and, beyond the glitter of the casino and the theater, is quiet and laid-back. During high season, parents, grandparents and young children can be spotted frolicking at the pool — which also happens to be well supervised by security people working hard to ensure things don’t get too loud or out of hand with groups not traveling with children (i.e. bachelorette parties and business travelers). There are several dining venues at different price points, including the upscale Steakhouse, offering a weekend brunch noted to be popular with locals.

Though Agua Caliente does not have a kids’ club (and families will no doubt want to make the short drive into Palm Springs and Palm Desert to enjoy shopping and cultural activities), there is a new cultural center in the works (set for completion in 2019 or 2020) detailing the history and culture of the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians operating the casino. It will encompass outdoor spaces for activities and lectures teaching the public about the tribe and the role nearby hot springs played in shaping Palm Springs. A walking-light hiking path, Oasis Trail, will offer a taste of “the distinctive character, geography, flora and beauty of the nearby Indian Canyons,” according to a press release issued by the tribe.

The new center, which builds upon an existing museum just outside town, will be adjacent to the resort’s sister facility, Spa Resort Casino, with more casino games, another Steakhouse branch, lounge-style live entertainment and meeting rooms, which itself is under renovation though still open for business.