Doral Desert Princess Resort, Cathedral City

I planned a last-minute business trip to the Palm Springs area late in April and my wife asked if she could accompany me. I booked directly with the hotel and was impressed by the inordinately personal and gracious service I received on the phone from the reservations specialist. She was warm, friendly and eager to satisfy my very specific requirements. Her manner was unusually civil and responsive, leading me to anticipate a positive experience. "Positive experience" is an understatement. The Doral Princess Resort is exemplary in every respect. When we arrived at the busiest time of the evening, the valet parking attendants were solicitous, patient and energetic. The bellman who took our luggage and myriad other items to our room on the fourth floor was exceptional. He talked with pride about the many years he had worked at the hotel and went out of his way to ensure that we were comfortably situated. Our room had a spectacular view of the pool area, golf course and mountain range beyond. Its location was far better than what I expected for a short-notice reservation and the room was tastefully decorated, fresh and well appointed. We were astonished by the white-glove reception we received upon arrival. It set the tone for a spectacular weekend. We had breakfast the following morning at the hotel's restaurant. The decor was bright, warm and inviting, just perfect for a leisurely meal with a wonderful breakfast buffet or full service. The dining facility reminded me of a larger Cape Cod breakfast house with its warm colors and open feeling. The servers couldn't do enough to make us feel welcome. I had the house special omelette and it was delectable. We decided to invite our 2 daughters to join us, so they drove over from college in the Orange County area and our eldest daughter stayed until late in our second evening. We decided to have dinner at the hotel restaurant a half an hour before closing. Though we were practically alone at that time, the two brothers who waited on us made us feel like the dinner period was just beginning. There was no rush, no impatience and no pressure to rush us through our meal. These gentlemen provided the epitome of courteous and gracious hospitality. The food was spectacular and it takes a great presentation of quality ingredients to impress me since I'm a serious, passionate cook myself. The impeccable manners of our waiters were worthy of emulation by servers in any fine dining establishment. Overall, the Doral Resort deserves an unequivocal "beyond excellent" rating. There was an uncommon consistency in service and style from beginning to end. The pride of the staff was evident and the environment was conducive to relaxation or business activities. To put this review into a meaningful context, it should be noted that my wife works for a famous 5-star hotel in San Diego and we have owned 2 timeshare weeks at a luxurious property in Palm Desert for 19 years. My wife couldn't stop commenting about the cleanliness and spaciousness of the entire hotel. The management of this property has it right and there is obviously a top-to-bottom standard of sincere, attentive and gracious service. We were afforded every conceivable personal accommodation. My only regret is that I didn't know about the Doral Resort when our daughters were younger. In a world where so many hotels provide service that often seems contrived and insincere, the Doral Princess Resort in Cathedral City is a standout in every respect, an absolute model of true hospitality. We look forward eagerly to returning in the near future and I would recommend it without reservation for the most discriminating travelers and business professionals.

We got our reservation through priceline and were moderately pleased with the price in spite of the $23 in taxes and fees. We were angry though when we arrive having thought we had paid everything only to find a $15 resort fee with the only explanation that it covered such things as coffee in the room. The rooms were adequate and the resort atmosphere sterile. We'll not go back. What made us really upset was that we had no recourse. Hidden in the fine print from priceline was the possibility of such a fee. That didn't make me feel any better as I felt I had been "taken".

We usually stay out of this wind tunnel area, but did not have a choice this time.No fault of the hotel, of course, but the winds are very high here, which does not make for a nice poolside experience.My recommendation is to stay further south, preferably in Rancho Mirage, Palm Desert or Indian Wells. The hotel is fine, but not worth the rate.We first had a room on the fourth floor, which was in better shape but made me nervous with the balcony and a young child.Tim, a very quality guy at the reservations desk, cheerfully gave us a first floor room.If any other hotels are looking for someone to improve their front desk service, Tim was very well mannered. On the other hand, they have a gal at the front desk most of the time, her name is something like Nicole; the hotel would be very wise to replace her with Tim. The walls were scuffed, the carpet cut out and replaced, obviously, upon entry.The chairs were stained so I would not sit on them without putting a towel down first.The bedspread had some stains. Our first day poolside, there were towels, used, everywhere around abandoned lounges.Worse, ashtrays used and dirty were left.I personally tidied up the place. However, I was so thankful to be out of the cold and we did enjoy our stay, it was just not worth the $200 per night price, which is what it is with everything added on.The valet guys were great, and the bedding and housekeeping was satisfactory.

the hotel was great. the room was great. the food was great. the pool was great. the service was great. i would stay here again.

Rooms were completely run down. Not worth the money and not worth the inconvenience of being off the Strip. This "resort" is nothing but an over-priced hotel.