We recently escaped from the heat and jumped into the heat of the desert in Rancho Mirage. Rancho Mirage is a city just east of Palm Springs. The area is dotted with resorts and hotels. The summer months, with temperatures frequently in the triple digits, is not exactly the peak travel season. Nevertheless, with the current pandemic, we were feeling cooped up at home.
After reading up on how Marriott has adjusted to travel in the age of COVID-19, we decided to pull the trigger and book a two-night stay at their Westin Mission Hills Resort Villas property.
Before arriving we already knew we were driving into a weekend of triple digit weather. We also knew that many of the facilities on site would be closed — like the gym, restaurants, pool slide, etc. We knew that the resort would require masks in all indoor areas. And we also knew that they would be asking us to maintain social distancing. It’s always interesting to me to see how public places are going to enforce their social distancing “rules.” After all, we have all been seeing these viral news clips of citizens going crazy over employees trying to enforce masking. In the event of crowds of people who refused to distance, we knew we could retreat to our mini villa where we could hang out with air conditioning.
We arrived on Friday afternoon and I proceeded to check us in. As expected, everyone in the lobby were wearing masks — including the other few guests who were checking in. I was glad to see stickers strategically placed on the floors reminding us to keep at least 6 feet away from each other. Each employee at the front desk had clear, plexiglass divider set up as a shield. After getting our room keys, we drove down to building 36.
Later that night, after settling into our rooms, Faith and I ventured off to find the pool. We went to the main pool that had a water slide. The water slide was closed. We walked up to the gate and were met by a staff member holding a clipboard. They verified that we were on the list and handed us some clean towels. In order to get pool time, guests had to sign up for 2 hour slots. Each 2 hour slot was separated by 30 minutes when the pools were emptied and staff would clean down the area.
Our two-hour period started at 6 pm. Faith and I enjoyed the kiddie pool. At its deepest it was 1 foot deep and Faith was carefree as she ran, splashed, and laughed. For almost an hour we were the only ones at the kiddie pool. The other guests ignored us as they enjoyed the larger pool that was up to 4 feet deep. By 7 pm, a second family approached the kiddie pool and joined us. But by that time Allie had called us on the phone to let us know that dinner was ready so we exited the pool and headed back to our villa.
The following day we got up bright and early. We had 7 am reservations at the Living Desert Zoo. We arrived at 7:01 and walked in. Guests were required to have a reservation and wear masks in the zoo. Pre-COVID, the zoo was already a favorite destination due to the small crowds. Now, during the pandemic, it was even fewer people. By 8:30 it was already getting pretty warm so we left.
Back at the Westin, we got ready for our 10:30 pool reservation. This time there were occasional friends who joined us at the kiddie pool but never for very long, and never very closely. Faith and I dipped into the larger, cooler pool once in a while but for the most part we stayed unbothered in the kiddie pool. After an hour and a half we headed back to the room for lunch and nap time. Faith slept well and didn’t wake up until around 4 pm. At that point we relaxed in the room for a bit and then got ready for our 8 pm pool reservation.
I’m sure you can see the theme of this weekend. Pool time was essential to keeping cool. And the (small) crowds and reservation system allowed for us to enjoy the water without feeling paranoid about getting too close to other people.
We were all sad to leave on Sunday. Of course, we signed up for one more pool slot — the 8 AM pool time. It was magnificent. Hardly anyone was there at that time of day.
We stayed for an hour and then headed back to our room to finish packing up and out by our 10:00 AM checkout time.
All in all, it was a relaxing getaway. I realize that with COVID-19 we all have to figure out what we are comfortable with in terms of risks. I have frequently told my own patients that the only way to have 0 risk is to avoid contact with everyone at all cost. But we can’t do that. And increasingly, it seems like this is going to be a long-term way of living. So considering all the risks and unknowns: Good job, Westin/Marriott!
