Hilton Vacation Club Palm Canyon Palm Springs

The city felt peaceful, with a small town feel even though it isn't so small. People were generally very friendly, and the city was clean. There are lots of rules, and apparently a law against BBQ grills, so there aren't any on site. The pool has already had plenty of nice reviews from others. At the hotel, the staff were extremely friendly and capable, from the front desk and concierge to housekeeping and maintenance. I liked having a washer and dryer room next door to what I think was the best room location, though my room was near the small smoking area. I hadn't asked for a renovated room but got one. The buildings look dated, while the rooms are large, clean, and nicely decorated, probably the best in the HGV line, with pictures on the walls. My main complaint was just one small bathroom in a two bedroom suite.

The pool is great, and the beds are comfortable. The location near downtown is convenient, and the rooms are an adequate size, with kitchens that have the basics but no frills. Food by the pool is decent, though expensive. The internet is awful, very slow, and keeps dropping, so I had to enter the password several times a day. The living room furniture was the other problem. The sofa seems built to be indestructible, but it's impossible to sit on comfortably.

We did enjoy our trip. The hotel has gorgeous views and a very large bathtub, plus lovely pools, a big basketball court, and a really nice spa with a sauna. If you have a car, the location is good, just a few miles from downtown Palm Springs, with easy access to restaurants, museums, and shopping. The rooms are large, with a full living room and kitchen, but there was a lot of unused space where desks, couches, or lights could have gone. None of the rooms had enough light. There's no real onsite restaurant. The pool serves some breakfast and dinner, but it's more like snacks and fast food, and you have to get up and order. That's fine, but it doesn't feel like a poolside resort experience when you're paying a large daily resort fee. The small fitness room had broken AC and one light that blinked on and off throughout all three days we were there. The treadmills face the wall, with no mirror and your back to the door, which felt unsafe. Turning the machines around or putting up a mirror could help stop people sneaking up on someone.

Enrique at the front desk was a superstar. He got our whole family into the same building and on the same floor, and the customer service was excellent. The rooms were really spacious and comfortable, and the pool is beautiful. Good spot close to downtown PS.