Hip, cool, affordable: $139 O/W to Palm Springs

By Clara Bosonetto Maerz

For ajc.com

A long weekend in Palm Springs is certainly worth the time it takes to get there. This hip desert town rarely fails to impress for scenery, nightlife, cuisine, activities and adventures.

Just over 100 miles east of Los Angeles, the area has some of the world's most famous golf courses and opportunities for horseback riding, tennis and hiking in the mountains and surrounding desert.

Many of the top accommodations in Palm Springs are not only affordable, but have a glamorous retro atmosphere — reminiscent of the past glamor days of the '50s. And many of these retro cool spots are within a short walk of the best boutiques and restaurants in town.

The Del Marcos Hotel, in the city’s historic district, is a classic and hip hotel designed in 1947. It features just 16 guest rooms, each with a private patio or balcony and all surrounding a cool saltwater pool. It's also situated in the shadow of the San Jacinto Mountains and just a block from the center of downtown. The hotel offers free Wi-Fi, free parking and "Recession" rates from just $49 a night.

The best part is that airfare to Palm Springs is affordable year-round. One-way rates of $139 ($160.20 including all taxes, fees) are available on trips finished on or before Sept. 1, 2010. There is no advance purchase notice, so go as soon as today. Also, there are no blackout dates to avoid.

American, Delta-Northwest and United get you there at this rate via connecting flight service (Dallas Fort Worth, Salt Lake City and Denver, respectively).