coast starlight A second, larger location is open in the Mission at 2327 Mission St., between 19th and 20th streets

The deserts, including Palm Springs and the desert national parks, are sizzling hot in summer; coast starlight temperatures regularly top 100 F (38 C). Winter is the time to visit the desert resorts (and remember, it gets surprisingly cold at night in the desert).

A second, larger location is open in the Mission at 2327 Mission St., between 19th and 20th streets coast starlight (& 415/648-0504). 1801 Haight St. (at Shrader St.). & 415/386-7670. Reservations not accepted. Tapas $5 $9; main courses $13 $15. MC, V. Daily 11am 4pm; Sun Thurs 5 11pm; Fri Sat 5 11:30pm. Streetcar: N. Bus: 6, 7, 66, 71, or 73.

The cozy downstairs restaurant, strewn with floral bouquets, is a warm environment in which to indulge in the $65 fixed-price four-course gourmet dinner, which is served Tuesday through Thursday. Friday and Saturday it s $75 for four courses, and Monday is bargain night, with a three-course dinner for $50.

Somebody has to get the best room in the house. It might as well be you. You can start by joining the hotel s frequent- guest program, which may make you eligible for upgrades. A hotel- branded credit card usually coast starlight gives its owner silver or gold status in frequent- coast starlight guest programs for free. Always ask about a corner room. They re often larger and quieter, with more windows and light, and they often cost the same as standard rooms. When you make your reservation, ask if the hotel is renovating; if it is, request a room away from the construction. If you re a light sleeper, request a quiet room away from vending machines, elevators, restaurants, bars, and discos. Ask for one of the rooms that have been most recently renovated or redecorated.