West of Hollywood: A WEEKEND IN: PALM SPRINGS

"Sometimes I feel I've got to get away. I've got to run away." Soft Cell

I second that thought and what better place to run away to than a desert oasis frozen in a 50's time capsule.

Palm Springs is one of my favorite weekend escapes from West of Hollywood and I'm headed there this weekend. Below is my personal itinerary for a perfect two days in the desert.

Some prefer a hotel but I've always thought of the desert as a hide-out. I prefer a house where I can seclude myself and not have witnesses to my sloth. I've been lucky enough to have friends with homes to borrow but when I don't, like this weekend, Room Service offers the poshest mid-century retreats for rent.

Above is The Park, where we'll be this weekend celebrating my friend's 30th birthday.

For the ultimate luxury stay at The Russell House.

One of Albert Frey's masterpieces, it sits on a private hillside next to its sister, Frey House II, the archetype of mid-century modernism. I was lucky enough to have dinner there with the owners last spring and it is stunning. The perfect Palm Springs pad - if you can afford it.

If you can't afford a few nights at the Russell House, you can always partake in another favorite P.S. activity, the Museum Trail Hike, which leads you directly behind and above the Russell House.

You won't find views any better in the city and after completing this climb I have the perfect excuse to lie by the pool for the rest of the weekend.

When the sun goes down there isn't much to do in Palm Springs apart from eat and drink. Honestly, I've never found amazing cuisine in the desert and don't like having to dress to impress when hiding out. So if not grilling by the pool I stick to the basics; Mexican & margaritas.

For rounds of cadillac margaritas and enchiladas I always go to the original Las Casuelas.

After, or before, I enjoy Azul for cocktails on the patio. They have umbrella-covered tables for four that glide. Yes, glide. The whole thing: table, seats, umbrella and all. A drink and a ride? Sold.

If you feel that you can't go a whole weekend without a trip to a gay bar, the only place I've ever enjoyed is Toucan's.

It's campy, tiki, friendly, and you might catch a glimpse of some tranny thong.

In the morning a late breakfast will be required. Although I love to cook and lie around the pool, I am too lazy to put together breakfast. A drive over to The Parker is in order for a long brunch and possibly a massage (remember that hike?)