The “tiny house” movement is huge right now and I’ve been binging on cable television marathons spotlighting them the past few weeks. Downsizing and getting rid of clutter for just the essentials is a goal of mine. One day, I can see us in a tiny house on one of the Hawaiian islands, focusing on life and not so much “stuff!” Though it’s not quite practical at the moment with 3 growing children, my husband and I had a chance to experience vacationing in a 400 square foot cottage at Golden Village Palms RV Resort in Hemet, California. This luxury cottage was just the right size for two people and had everything we needed for a getaway and then some! To top it off we were in the San Jacinto Valley, easy access to all Southern California has to offer within driving distance!
When I told family members of our press trip to Hemet, their recollection of the area was a bit dated. References to retirees and snowbirds is only a small portion of what Hemet has to offer now, as it is a great place for couples, families, and even girlfriend getaways! Local history buffs will love the Hemet and Idyllwild museums, kids will be fascinated by the Western Science Center, outdoor lovers will love Diamond Lake and Simpson Park’s mountain bike trails, performing arts lovers will enjoy the Ramona Bowl. Or if you’re like me, you’ll enjoy relaxing at the resort with wine in hand!
Driving into Golden Village Palms RV Resort, I’m already in love will all the palm trees. No matter if I’m miles away from the ocean, a palm tree is a sign of relaxation and I’m more than ready to take it easy. Pulling our car into it’s private driveway, I was impressed by this adorable cottage before me and it’s patio complete with table and chairs and grill. One look down the street and the neighborhood of tiny homes was comforting and homey.
Just over a year old, the cottages are beautifully decorated and fully furnished with one queen bedroom, one bath, energy efficient appliances, a porch, two televisions, a dining area, recliner, and sofa sleeper. Rented nightly or weekly, the rates are comparable to a hotel room, but with more space and privacy! Not once did I feel that this space was too small despite it being one-fourth the size of our family home. 
The bedroom has tons of cabinet space and a full sized closet with mirrored doors visually creating a larger space. 
With Target just across the street from the resort, any necessity is at your finger tips as well as access to food/drinks to cook keep in your cottage during your stay. I was shocked at how quiet the resort is at night. With so many residents with pets walking around during the day, I didn’t hear even the faintest bark while we fell asleep soundly in the firm beds!
Staying in the resort has many amenities such as 3 sparkling pools and spas, pool tables, pickleball courts, a professional fitness center, dog park, sand volleyball courts, live entertainment and so much more!
We were lucky enough to get a private Shuffleboard lesson in the resort’s tournament level shuffleboard complex, then play a round with the group. I’d only played the table top version of the game before and let me tell you, it’s not as easy as it looks. It’s actually quite difficult and I found my inner competitor come out even in our friendly game!
Evening sunsets were lovely, the weather still in the 70’s at night and the porch was a great spot to enjoy that glass of wine! 
I really enjoy a place where you can stay and literally not have to leave the property if you didn’t want to your whole trip. Now that we know that some RV resorts offer cottage-style accommodations we will be exploring this option more often! Our private tiny house with just the perfect amount of square footage and amenities is an amazing option to a hotel room while on a road trip or long vacation. For more information on the resort, visit http://www.goldenvillagepalms.com/.
Our stay was hosted as part a media trip with Visit San Jacinto Valley. All opinions are 100% our own.
I would love staying there. I loved the tiny living space too. I think if I stayed there I would never want to leave. Could you imagine a housing development with neighborhoods like this one. Love It!