Palm Springs Things to Do

Our Palm Springs Vacation Rental Experience — Hospitality and a Surprise Twist

We found our Palm Springs rental through the Vacation Rentals section on Craigslist, where several listings caught our eye. I reached out to one, and was promptly contacted by a very professional property manager named Devon, who came across as helpful and genuine. After a quick chat about what we were looking for and our $750/week budget, he recommended a small, centrally located house — and it turned out to be a perfect fit.

Devon met us at the property when we arrived and spent nearly an hour walking us through how to use the various electronic systems and smart home features. Thankfully, the house came with an extensive binder that laid everything out clearly — alarm codes, Wi-Fi and TV passwords, house rules, and even emergency contact numbers. It was a thoughtful touch that made us feel at home right away.

Then came the welcome gifts — and they were over the top. On the table was a dozen red roses, a large bowl of fresh fruit, and in the fridge, we found a bottle of sparkling wine and a chilled bottle of white wine. There was cheese, cream, eggs, jam, bread, coffee, and even two pounds of mixed nuts. It was a warm and generous gesture, far beyond what we expected.

That first night, we stayed in and cooked a lovely meal. The house was so comfortable — plush towels, luxurious bedding, and a mattress that was incredibly supportive. Outside the master bedroom was a little sitting nook with a daybed strung with twinkling lights, perfect for a glass of wine under the stars. The pool and hot tub were right outside our door, lit beautifully at night. We felt completely spoiled.

But the next morning, things took an unexpected turn.

As we were having breakfast — eggs and fruit from our welcome package — we noticed workers at the pool. They were moving furniture and chipping away at the concrete. I stepped outside and asked what was going on. “We’re replacing the pool deck,” they said. I asked how long it would take. “About two weeks,” they replied.

Our hearts sank — that was the entire length of our stay.

I called Devon right away. He was shocked. No one had told him about the construction, and he was more upset than we were. He apologised sincerely and promised to make it right.

The next day, he called back with a surprise. To make up for the inconvenience, he was sending us to Two Bunch Palms Spa in nearby Desert Hot Springs. It included access to the natural hot springs, a full day’s use of the spa facilities, lunch for two, and two massages. We looked it up later — it was a $300 value.

And if that wasn’t generous enough, a couple of days later, we met Devon at a bar downtown where he handed us $500 in cash, bought us drinks, and gave us a coupon for 20% off any future rental with his agency in the next year.

We were absolutely blown away. What could have been a travel disappointment turned into one of the most gracious customer service experiences we’ve ever had.

Thank you, Devon.