California: A holiday deal at Miramonte Resort & Spa near Palm Springs

Anyone looking for a place to get away in winter should consider a desert stay when temperatures are mild and the scenery is sublime. Miramonte Resort & Spa near Palm Springs sweetens the holiday getaway idea with discounted room prices starting at just $99 a night -- even on Christmas.

The deal: The resort in Indian Wells, Calif., hosts several free family-oriented holiday events: a gingerbread village with elaborately decorated cookie houses and a model train, chestnut roasting, s'mores making, holiday crafts, letter-writing to Santa and more.

When: The offer is good through Jan. 6.

Tested: I found availability for $99 rooms Dec. 24-26, compared with the best available rate on the same nights for $159 a night. The discounted rate, however, doesn't include the $25 daily resort fee.

Contact: Miramonte Resort & Spa, (800) 237-2926

--Mary.Forgione@latimes.com
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December 5, 2012