Palm Springs hotels thriving Labor Day weekend

Labor Day weekend marks the unofficial start of our season here in the desert.

The U.S. Travel Association estimates Labor Day travel will generate 13.5 billion dollars in spending.

If you’re looking for a hotel room in Palm Springs this weekend, good luck.

The Hilton in Palm Springs is completely booked Saturday and Sunday.

“Tons of calls, lots of people walking in requesting rooms. So we are referring to other neighboring hotels but they’re booked up too,” said General Manager Aftab Dada.

It’s the same story at the Hard Rock and the Saguaro.

“We’re doing fantastic. The whole valley is doing fantastic. Beautiful weather outside,” Hard Rock Hotel General Manager Stan Kantowski said.

Managers said this Labor Day booked up quicker than usual.

“The demand was a lot stronger than I’ve experienced in the last four to five years,” Dada said.

There’s a number of factors playing into the up tick in business.

“It’s a combination of the economy is good, gas prices are low, consumer confidence is up and on top of that you cannot beat these 90 degree temperatures,” Dada said.

The Auto Club of Southern California said an estimated 2.5 million Southern California residents are expected to travel over the holiday weekend.

Which helps during the slower months in the desert.

“September historically is a very tough month for our destination. All the kids are back to school, the European travelers are all gone. So this is a very good jump start for our city and our destination,” Dada said.

For those visiting for the first time they said they’re hooked.

“I would come back here with my friends and also my family cause it’s the fun of Vegas but more low key,” said Michelle Lanoix.