Stay at the place where a Capra classic was born

Surrounded by desert, director Frank Capra once lounged in a cozy casita near Palm Springs and penned the 1946 snowy holiday classic “It’s a Wonderful Life.” Who knew? The La Quinta Resort & Club wants to make sure you do by offering a special holiday deal.

The deal: The offer, called “It’s Always a Wonderful Life at La Quinta,” gives you a third night free when you stay two nights. Decorations at the resort, through Christmas, will honor the snowy fictional town of Bedford Falls, and the film will be screened for free on Saturday nights in the resort’s theater. There will also be a bell ringing every day in the plaza – based on the film’s premise that “every time a bell rings an angel gets its wings.”

Rates for the package start at $159 per night plus tax and a $27-per-day resort fee. Use the promo code “PBWA2N” when booking online. By phone, ask for “It’s a Wonderful Winter.”

Note: The cost of the third night will be deducted from your bill upon check-out; the free night is not reflected in your online total when you book.

When: Good for stays through March 1, subject to availability.

Tested: On the website, and by phone, when I checked last week, this package was available for a three-night stay starting Tuesday at the rate of $159 per night for the first two nights, with the third night free.

Contact: La Quinta Resort & Club, (800) 598-3828.