Jan 5 - Jan 10, 2025
Starting at
2,549
California
The Palm Springs International Film Festival: A Cinematic Experience
Program No. 2138260MEADV-1116-60
Screen eight highly anticipated films over five nights at the Palm Springs International Film Festival, enjoying expert-led discussions with industry insiders.
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800-454-5768
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DATES
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PRICES
DATES
& starting prices
PRICES
Jan 5 - Jan 10, 2025
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6 days
5 nights
13 meals
5B 5L 3D
1
Check-in, Registration, Orientation, Welcome Dinner
Palm Springs, CA
2
Palm Springs Field Trip, Film Screening & Critique Session
Palm Springs, CA
3
Two Films & Critique Session
Palm Springs, CA
4
Two Films & Critique Sessions
Palm Springs, CA
5
Two Films & Critique Sessions
Palm Springs, CA
6
Film & Critique Session, Program Concludes
Palm Springs, CA
At a Glance
Join us for one of our most popular film programs, as we spend five nights in the charming desert city of Palm Springs. Screen the latest international releases and documentaries – films that are in competition for Academy Award Nominations from worldwide studios – and hear commentary from industry professionals and other experts. Free time is offered in the evenings to attend additional films and explore the Palm Springs International Film Festival on your own.
Activity Level
On Your Feet
Palm Springs is a great city for walking! Expect to walk up to 1 mile per day to meals at local restaurants or to watch additional films on your own. Transportation to the Richards Center for the Arts at Palm Springs High School is provided by motorcoach. There are some stairs at the theater and wheelchair ramps are available.
Best of all, you’ll…
- Screen eight films, several with commentary from an industry professional offering an insider’s perspective.
- Engage in critique sessions that provide the opportunity to analyze and discuss the films.
- Learn about the history of Palm Springs with a local expert and discover how this desert oasis became a Hollywood hot spot.
General Notes
This is a Road Scholar Large Group program. The number of participants in this program may be as high as 200. The entire group will be together for the included films, critique sessions and most meals. Participants will be divided into groups of no more than 40 participants with a dedicated Group Leader for some activities and field trips. The schedule for your group may vary from what is published, however, each group has an opportunity to experience all program elements. If you are traveling with companions who are not your roommate and you would like to be grouped together, please list their names in your “Personal Information & Preferences” on your Road Scholar “My Account” page. Due to the nature of this program, listening devices are not available.
Featured Expert
All trip experts
Alci Rengifo
Alci Rengifo is a film critic based in Los Angeles who writes for Entertainment Voice and Riot Material. In addition, he is a Rotten Tomatoes-certified critic and is frequently invited to speak on various film topics and host events at venues such as Santa Monica College. Alci has also written literary criticism for the Los Angeles Review of Books and is a managing editor at the East Los Angeles monthly Brooklyn & Boyle.
Please note: This expert may not be available for every date of this program.
Nadine Bopp
View biography
Nadine Bopp taught sustainable architecture, urban planning, botany, and environmental science courses at The School of the Art Institute of Chicago, Columbia College, and DePaul University for 19 years. She has a master’s degree in landscape architecture and worked for the Chicago Park District, running the operations for 124 parks. As a lifelong environmentalist, she continues to broaden her knowledge by exploring drought-tolerant landscape design, water conservation, and California’s landscape ecosystems. She enjoys teaching about Southern California’s gardens, architecture, and botanical diversity.
Alci Rengifo
View biography
Alci Rengifo is a film critic based in Los Angeles who writes for Entertainment Voice and Riot Material. In addition, he is a Rotten Tomatoes-certified critic and is frequently invited to speak on various film topics and host events at venues such as Santa Monica College. Alci has also written literary criticism for the Los Angeles Review of Books and is a managing editor at the East Los Angeles monthly Brooklyn & Boyle.
Manuel Marquez
View biography
Manuel Márquez came to Road Scholar after a rewarding career in medical practice management. He has led groups to Cuba and his native Los Angeles. As an undergraduate in Boston, he was introduced close-up to the wonders of western art, the colonial and revolutionary history of the United States, and a love of learning about planet Earth and all its inhabitants. Manuel has explored nearly fifty countries on five continents. He enjoys music, reading, movies, and his beautiful cat, Pearl.
Mary Jackson
View biography
Mary Jackson recently retired from teaching English at a Northern California high school. During a 34-year career, she taught honors English and multicultural literature, chaired the English department, and served as a mentor teacher. During the summers, Mary and her husband, Drew, took high school students on international trips that took them throughout Europe, Asia, and Africa. Over 60 Road Scholar programs later, they stay busy with both intergenerational and adult programs in Northern California, from hiking Yosemite to exploring the coastal village of Mendocino.
Laurel Howat
View biography
Laurel Howat, a second generation Los Angelino, holds a B.A. in French, an M.A. in humanities, and a certificate in crime scene investigation. She resides in Long Beach, California with her husband Jim. Prior to Road Scholar, Laurel worked for Air France, the Getty Museum, and LAC/USC Medical Center. Laurel began as a Road Scholar instructor in 2000 and became a group leader the following year. She enjoys reading, movies, hiking, backpacking, country music, and opera.
Dawn Spare
View biography
Dawn Spare is an avid traveler with a deep love of nature, history, and culture who enjoys both the city and country life. She earned her BFA magna cum laude from the University of California, Irvine, and attended graduate school at Temple and the University of Wisconsin. She lives on California’s Central Coast underneath pine trees at the beach, where she walks in nature daily. She belongs to a book club and has sung for over 20 years with the award-winning Vocal Arts Ensemble.
Drew Davis
View biography
Drew Davis loved watching movies on his time off during his service in the U.S. Navy, and moved to Los Angeles to pursue a career in film. After attending the Los Angeles Film School, he became the course director there, teaching the fundamentals of screenwriting, film production, editing aesthetics, and sound design, as well as film history. Afterwards, he became an adjunct faculty member at Santa Monica College. Currently, Drew is the production coordinator at SMC, assisting students with equipment, production methodology, and production logistics.
Karyn Benkendorfer
View biography
Karyn Benkendorfer is a native Californian who has a B.A. in communications arts – film and television from Loyola Marymount University. She is also a graduate of ITMI’s International tour management program. Karyn is a passionate storyteller, photographer, writer, and teacher. She is energized by engaging with people, sharing stories and experiences. On her daily walks, she logs 5-8 miles. She is an active volunteer with Opera League Los Angeles.
Drew Jackson
View biography
Drew Jackson is retired from teaching elementary school and now pursues his two artistic loves: photography (drewjackson.net) and home brewing beer. After traveling with hundreds of students over many years, Drew found that he enjoyed the benefits of group travel; upon retirement, working with Road Scholar was a perfect fit. Eight years and over 60 programs later, Drew and his wife Mary stay busy with both intergenerational and adult programs in Northern California – from hiking Yosemite to exploring the coastal village of Mendocino.
Suggested Reading List
(2 books)
Visit the Road Scholar Bookshop
You can find many of the books we recommend at the Road Scholar store on bookshop.org, a website that supports local bookstores.
The Palm Springs International Film Festival: A Cinematic Experience
Program Number: 21382
The Movie Business Book 4th Ed.
Drawing from a variety of experts in an industry that has seen major disruptions and technology advancements over the years, this is a must-read for film students and industry newcomers. A definitive sourcebook, it covers the nuts-and-bolts details about financing, revenue streams, marketing, globalization, micro-budgets and much more.
Images of America: Palm Springs
Learn about the history of Palm Springs from the time of the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians, the original inhabitants of this harsh desert region, through the discover of the spring by a U.S. government survey party, to the development of the Palm Springs we experience today.
Program
At a Glance
Duration
6 days
Program Begins
Palm Springs, CA
Program Concludes
Palm Springs, CA
Meals
13
| 5B |
5L |
3D |
Activity Level
Join us for one of our most popular film programs, as we spend five nights in the charming desert city of Palm Springs. Screen the latest international releases and documentaries – films that are in competition for Academy Award Nominations from worldwide studios – and hear commentary from industry professionals and other experts. Free time is offered in the evenings to attend additional films and explore the Palm Springs International Film Festival on your own.)
Best of all, you'll...
- Screen eight films, several with commentary from an industry professional offering an insider’s perspective.
- Engage in critique sessions that provide the opportunity to analyze and discuss the films.
- Learn about the history of Palm Springs with a local expert and discover how this desert oasis became a Hollywood hot spot.
General Notes
This is a Road Scholar Large Group program. The number of participants in this program may be as high as 200. The entire group will be together for the included films, critique sessions and most meals. Participants will be divided into groups of no more than 40 participants with a dedicated Group Leader for some activities and field trips. The schedule for your group may vary from what is published, however, each group has an opportunity to experience all program elements. If you are traveling with companions who are not your roommate and you would like to be grouped together, please list their names in your “Personal Information & Preferences” on your Road Scholar “My Account” page. Due to the nature of this program, listening devices are not available.
Featured Expert
Alci Rengifo
Alci Rengifo is a film critic based in Los Angeles who writes for Entertainment Voice and Riot Material. In addition, he is a Rotten Tomatoes-certified critic and is frequently invited to speak on various film topics and host events at venues such as Santa Monica College. Alci has also written literary criticism for the Los Angeles Review of Books and is a managing editor at the East Los Angeles monthly Brooklyn & Boyle.
Please Note:
This expert may not be available for every date of the program
Nadine Bopp
Nadine Bopp taught sustainable architecture, urban planning, botany, and environmental science courses at The School of the Art Institute of Chicago, Columbia College, and DePaul University for 19 years. She has a master’s degree in landscape architecture and worked for the Chicago Park District, running the operations for 124 parks. As a lifelong environmentalist, she continues to broaden her knowledge by exploring drought-tolerant landscape design, water conservation, and California’s landscape ecosystems. She enjoys teaching about Southern California’s gardens, architecture, and botanical diversity.
Manuel Marquez
Manuel Márquez came to Road Scholar after a rewarding career in medical practice management. He has led groups to Cuba and his native Los Angeles. As an undergraduate in Boston, he was introduced close-up to the wonders of western art, the colonial and revolutionary history of the United States, and a love of learning about planet Earth and all its inhabitants. Manuel has explored nearly fifty countries on five continents. He enjoys music, reading, movies, and his beautiful cat, Pearl.
Mary Jackson
Mary Jackson recently retired from teaching English at a Northern California high school. During a 34-year career, she taught honors English and multicultural literature, chaired the English department, and served as a mentor teacher. During the summers, Mary and her husband, Drew, took high school students on international trips that took them throughout Europe, Asia, and Africa. Over 60 Road Scholar programs later, they stay busy with both intergenerational and adult programs in Northern California, from hiking Yosemite to exploring the coastal village of Mendocino.
Laurel Howat
Laurel Howat, a second generation Los Angelino, holds a B.A. in French, an M.A. in humanities, and a certificate in crime scene investigation. She resides in Long Beach, California with her husband Jim. Prior to Road Scholar, Laurel worked for Air France, the Getty Museum, and LAC/USC Medical Center. Laurel began as a Road Scholar instructor in 2000 and became a group leader the following year. She enjoys reading, movies, hiking, backpacking, country music, and opera.
Dawn Spare
Dawn Spare is an avid traveler with a deep love of nature, history, and culture who enjoys both the city and country life. She earned her BFA magna cum laude from the University of California, Irvine, and attended graduate school at Temple and the University of Wisconsin. She lives on California’s Central Coast underneath pine trees at the beach, where she walks in nature daily. She belongs to a book club and has sung for over 20 years with the award-winning Vocal Arts Ensemble.
Karyn Benkendorfer
Karyn Benkendorfer is a native Californian who has a B.A. in communications arts – film and television from Loyola Marymount University. She is also a graduate of ITMI’s International tour management program. Karyn is a passionate storyteller, photographer, writer, and teacher. She is energized by engaging with people, sharing stories and experiences. On her daily walks, she logs 5-8 miles. She is an active volunteer with Opera League Los Angeles.
Drew Jackson
Drew Jackson is retired from teaching elementary school and now pursues his two artistic loves: photography (drewjackson.net) and home brewing beer. After traveling with hundreds of students over many years, Drew found that he enjoyed the benefits of group travel; upon retirement, working with Road Scholar was a perfect fit. Eight years and over 60 programs later, Drew and his wife Mary stay busy with both intergenerational and adult programs in Northern California – from hiking Yosemite to exploring the coastal village of Mendocino.
Activity Level
On Your Feet
Palm Springs is a great city for walking! Expect to walk up to 1 mile per day to meals at local restaurants or to watch additional films on your own. Transportation to the Richards Center for the Arts at Palm Springs High School is provided by motorcoach. There are some stairs at the theater and wheelchair ramps are available.
Suggested Reading List
View Full List
(2 Books)
You can also find many of the books we recommend at the Road Scholar store on bookshop.org, a website that supports local bookstores.
HAVE QUESTIONS?
Prefer to enroll or inquire by phone?
We can help. Give us a call, and we can answer all of your questions!
Call
800-454-5768
While we make every effort to ensure the accuracy of our published materials, programs are typically advertised more than a year prior to their start date. As a result, some program activities, schedules, accommodations, personnel, and other logistics occasionally change due to local conditions or circumstances. Should a major change occur, we will make every effort to alert you. For less significant changes, we will update you during orientation. Thank you for your understanding.
Duration
6 days
5 nights
What's Included
13 meals | 5B | 5L | 3D |
8 expert-led lectures
1 expert-led field trip
8 performances
An experienced Group Leader
5 nights of accommodations
Taxes and customary gratuity
Road Scholar Assurance Plan
Day
1
Check-in, Registration, Orientation, Welcome Dinner
Location:
Palm Springs, CA
Meals:
D
Stay:
Hotel Zoso
Activity Note
Hotel check-in from 4:00 p.m. Remember to bring your nametag (sent previously).
Afternoon:
Program Registration: After you receive your room assignment, join us at the Road Scholar table in the lobby to register with the program staff, get any updated information, and confirm the time and location of the Orientation session. If you arrive late, please contact your Group Leader and let them know you arrived. Participants in this large capacity program will be divided into smaller color groups, each with its own Group Leader. Confirm your color group at registration with program staff. Palm Springs is a very popular destination with limited hotel space. Please book pre- or post-program stays well in advance to ensure you have a room. Additional nights may not be available if requested too close to the program start date. Orientation: 5:00 p.m. In individual color groups, the Group Leaders will greet everyone and lead introductions. We will review the up-to-date program schedule, discuss roles and responsibilities, logistics, safety guidelines, emergency procedures, and answer questions. Periods in the schedule designated as “Free time” and “At leisure” offer opportunities to do what you like and make your experience even more meaningful and memorable according to your personal preferences. The Group Leader is happy to offer suggestions. For general information about the Palm Springs International Film Festival (PSIFF), or to purchase tickets to additional film screenings not included in your program, visit http://www.psfilmfest.org. Program activities, schedules, personnel, and indicated distances or times may change due to local circumstances/conditions. In the event of changes, we will alert you as quickly as possible. Thank you for understanding.
Dinner:
At the hotel.
Evening:
Following dinner, we will be joined by a local expert for an introduction to the Palm Springs Film Festival. We will learn about the history of the festival, how films are selected, and even get some tips to prepare for screening films critically in the coming week. Continue to get to know your fellow Road Scholars, settle in, and get a good night’s rest for the day ahead.
Day
2
Palm Springs Field Trip, Film Screening & Critique Session
Location:
Palm Springs, CA
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
Hotel Zoso
Activity Note
Getting on/off a motorcoach. Walking up to 1/2 mile throughout the field trip. There are some stairs at the theater. Wheelchair ramps are available. Walking 1/2 mile each way to local restaurants.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
This morning, we will break into our individual color groups and board our private motorcoach for an exploration of Palm Springs. We will be joined by a local expert and learn how this desert oasis become a Hollywood hotspot in the early 1930s. During the ride, we will enjoy stops at several iconic Palm Springs landmarks and get a taste of the "desert modernism" architecture style, for which Palm Springs is famous.
Lunch:
At the hotel.
Afternoon:
After lunch, we will board our motorcoach for a short drive to the Richards Center for the Arts, our film-screening home for the program. Located at Palm Springs High School, Richards Center for the Arts was built in 1958 and was one of the original venues for the Palm Springs International Film Festival. In addition to the festival, this theater also serves as a venue for concerts, recitals, and other community productions. Upon arrival at the theater, program staff will provide an introduction to our first film before screening. After the screening, we will return to the hotel by motorcoach, where we will be joined by a film expert who will lead our first critique session to discuss the film we watched earlier in the day. Those who choose not to attend this session are welcome to attend other films.
Dinner:
At a local restaurant.
Evening:
At leisure.
Day
3
Two Films & Critique Session
Location:
Palm Springs, CA
Meals:
B,L
Stay:
Hotel Zoso
Activity Note
Getting on/off a motorcoach. Some stairs at the theater. Wheelchair ramps are available.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
After breakfast, a film expert will join us for our first expert-led critique session of the day. Those who choose not to attend this session are welcome to attend other films. We will board our motorcoach and head out to the theater for our two film screenings. Notable fact: The Palm Springs International Film Festival (PSIFF) has come to be known as the first stop on the road to the Academy Awards®.
Lunch:
Boxed lunch at the theater.
Afternoon:
After a brief break for lunch, we will screen our second film of the day. We will then return to the hotel by motorcoach. The remainder of the afternoon is at leisure. This is a great opportunity to attend other film screenings at the festival. Back at the hotel, a film expert will join us for another critique session. Those who choose not to attend this session are welcome to attend other films. Notable Fact: Every January since 1989, the festival has celebrated international film. The PSIFF features “the largest selection [of] Foreign Language Oscar® submissions of any festival in the nation.”
Dinner:
This meal is on your own and excluded from the program cost. The Group Leader is happy to offer restaurant suggestions.
Evening:
At leisure.
Day
4
Two Films & Critique Sessions
Location:
Palm Springs, CA
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
Hotel Zoso
Activity Note
Getting on/off a motorcoach. Some stairs at the theater, wheelchair ramps available. Walking .5 miles each way to local restaurant.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
After breakfast, we will participate in another critique session. Those who choose not to attend this session are welcome to attend other films. We will then board our motorcoach and head to the theater for two films. One of the PSIFF’s fundamental beliefs is that film is an art form with the power to bridge cultures and illuminate the universality of the human experience.
Lunch:
Boxed lunch at the theater.
Afternoon:
After lunch, we will screen our second film of the day. We will then return to the hotel via motorcoach. After returning to the hotel, we will participate in another expert-led critique session. Those who choose not to attend this session are welcome to attend other films. Notable fact: Past recipients of the Desert Palm Achievement Award include actors Daniel Day-Lewis, Sean Penn, Jeff Bridges, Bradley Cooper, and Eddie Redmayne. Films that have won awards include “The Bank” (Australia), “Life is Beautiful” (Italy), “Broken Wings” (Israel), “Paper Clips” (United Kingdom), and “The Days of Our Lives” (Germany).
Dinner:
At a local restaurant.
Evening:
At leisure.
Day
5
Two Films & Critique Sessions
Location:
Palm Springs, CA
Meals:
B,L
Stay:
Hotel Zoso
Activity Note
Getting on/off a motorcoach. Some stairs at the theater. Wheelchair ramps are available.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
After breakfast, we will participate in another critique session. Those who choose not to attend this session are welcome to attend other films. We will then board our motorcoach and head out to the theater for our two films.
Lunch:
Boxed lunch at the theater.
Afternoon:
After lunch we will view our second film of the day before returning to the hotel. Back at the hotel, we will participate in another expert-led critique session. Those who choose not to attend this session are welcome to attend other films. Notable Fact: Offering screenings of approximately 200 films from 70 countries around the world, the festival has developed a loyal following that increases the city’s population by nearly 300% during the first two weeks of January.
Dinner:
This meal is on your own and excluded from the program cost. The Group Leader is happy to offer restaurant suggestions.
Evening:
Enjoy the evening at leisure. Local Tip: Every Thursday evening, Downtown Palm Springs transforms into the Palm Springs VillageFest, also known as the Palm Springs Street Fair at Palm Canyon Drive between Baristo and Amado. VillageFest features a diverse array of artists, artisans, entertainers, and purveyors of fresh fruits and veggies, snacks, and sweets. More than 200 booths offer beautiful art and handcrafted items.
Day
6
Film & Critique Session, Program Concludes
Location:
Palm Springs, CA
Meals:
B,L
Activity Note
Getting on/off a motorcoach. Some stairs at the theater. Wheelchair ramps are available.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
After breakfast, we will take the motorcoach to the theater where we will view one film. Depending on your travel plans, you may need to check out of your hotel room prior to the morning film screening. The hotel can hold your luggage while you are away. Participants are responsible for transportation from the hotel to the airport. Please consult transportation options in the “Getting There” section of your program materials. After our screening, we will return to the hotel by motorcoach for our final critique session.
Lunch:
Boxed lunch at the hotel. This concludes our program.
Afternoon:
If you are returning home, safe travels. If you are staying on independently, have a wonderful time. If you are transferring to another Road Scholar program, detailed instructions are included in your Information Packet for that program. We hope you enjoy Road Scholar learning adventures and look forward to having you on rewarding programs in the future. Don’t forget to join our Facebook page and follow us on Instagram. Best wishes on your next journey!
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MEALS
13 Meals
5 Breakfasts
5 Lunches
3 Dinners
LODGING
Lodgings may differ by date. Select a date to see the lodgings specific to that date.
Showing Lodging For:
- Jan 05, 2025 - Jan 10, 2025
- Jan 05, 2025 - Jan 10, 2025
Participant Reviews
Based on 18 Reviews
Sort By:
My experience with road scholar has always been positive. I am especially grateful to be able to attend your programs as a single female as my husband is not often to be able to be present.
— Review left January 27, 2024
I've done more than 44 Road Scholar programs and this was a very good one.
— Review left January 23, 2024
The Palm Springs International Film Fest provides an opportunity to see a wide variety of films in a beautiful sunny location. My husband and I enjoyed our fist Road Scholar trip and our first film fest very much.
— Review left January 22, 2024
I fulfilled an ambition to attend the Palm Springs International Film Festival. Traveling with Road Scholar made it almost effortless, educational and a pure delight.
— Review left January 22, 2024
I thoroughly enjoyed my week in Palm Springs for the International Film Festival! Mary Jackson was a great leader, keeping track of us and getting us where we needed to be. The city tour was a plus and the Hyatt Palm Springs was in a great location that allowed for walking to shops, art museum, and restaurants. I highly recommend Road Scholar for educational and informative tours.
— Review left January 21, 2024
I attended the Palm Springs film festival in January of 2024. This was my first time attending this event. I enjoyed some of the movies, but not all. The food was great and the restaurants were good. The complaint I have is too many people attending the restaurants together. I would have preferred one color group goes to a restaurant instead of three groups going together. Also the hotel was ok but to get help from the front desk was not so great at times. The Rooms were very spacious. I will attend this festival again only if they improve the dining experience at the restaurants, too many people.
— Review left January 16, 2024
Road Scholar does such a good job for a very reasonable cost. The Palm Springs film festival was a wonderful event and I am seriously considering registering for next year's event.
— Review left January 16, 2024
This me gave an interesting introduction to new films, filmmaking, and how others view films. We saw 8 films, and there were opportunities to view others while we were there.
— Review left January 15, 2024
The Movies, with one exception, were excellent. The diversity of the content made the experience very meaningful.
— Review left January 14, 2024
WONDERFUL EXPERIENCE/EDUCATIONALLY AND SOCIALLY.
— Review left January 23, 2023
Very informative regarding other cultures.
— Review left January 14, 2023
If you enjoy films and are interested in learning more about the industry, this is a good choice for you. You will definitely expand your world.
— Review left January 14, 2023
Honestly, I was disappointed. The lodging (Hyatt, Palm Springs) was substandard, especially since I paid more than $250 for the extra night I needed. The food at the hotel buffets was usually not hot and they were not able to pull off seated service for the group in a timely manner (after 2 hours, they had not even served the desserts). One morning the eggs overcooked (brown is not a good color for scrambled eggs); they only replaced them after no one would eat them. The tap water in the hotel was bad enough that they provided bottled water, my coffee maker didn't work, no microwave in the room, and uneven housekeeping (when I checked in, the ice bucket in the room and water and dead leaves in it).
The RS organization and communication was not managed well. Specifically, when the "detailed itinerary" that was published listed the FILMS we would be seeing, but not the TIME for lunches, so I ended up not being able to see a film that I selected due to the RS schedule. The printed itinerary wasted space for "fun facts" that were pointless. I ended up calling RS multiple times before the trip just to get information I needed.
RS did try to ameliorate the anonymity of an unwieldy group by creating smaller groups, but the only thing the groups did together was orientation and one lunch, meaning that you were nearly always one person in a group of over 170.
But basically, I'd prefer to do a film fest on my own and choose what I want to see. I didn't get to see some of the things I wanted to (notably "Parasite") due to the morning being blocked for the group screenings, and the "overhead" of getting back to the hotel for meals. Not my favorite trip!
— Review left February 14, 2020
Love this program. Glad it's back. Wish it was 8days instead of 5.
Used to be 8 days. Five days goes too fast.
— Review left January 20, 2020
What a wonderful experience, Road Scholar is great because your people are great. My 91 yr. mother Dorothy and myself Mary Kay had a blast. Thank God, your staff made up for the Hyatts issues. Pls pass on to Linda that she is one of the best Road Scholar rep. that my mother has had in her last 47 trips with Road Scholar. Also, major thanks to Monica and Tiara...the trip was wonderful thanks to these individuals. Planning our next trip!!!
— Review left January 17, 2020
What a wonderful experience! The Hyatt, while old, had the best location; within walking distance of the main movie theater , shops, and restaurants. The breakfasts and other meals were quite good, and the lunch at Lulu's was very good also. The movies and discussion groups were great. Kelly Lampron and the other Road Scholar staff were so friendly, helpful and professional; plus they were always available. Kelly got a free voucher for my friend and I for a discussion group with 7 directors which was so interesting! I'll look forward to repeating the experience next year!
— Review left January 17, 2020
Good job. Looking forward to the PSIFF next year. A special experience we have with our
sister-in-law Lola Byron.
— Review left January 26, 2019
This is a fantastic program for any film buff. If you are not already a film buff you will become one after attending this program. Road Scholar takes immaculate care of all the details - the program is very much all-inclusive meaning you don't have to worry about accommodations, food, or transportation on site. I highly recommend it.
— Review left January 12, 2019
