Best resort in Palm Springs area?
 

My wife and I are taking a 4 day break to the Palm Springs area for the first time(no kids with us). 1)Should we stay in PS, PD, or RM? 2) What are the top 3-4 resorts (with fitness centers, nice grounds, etc)?

Look at Rancho Las Palmas, Ritz Carlton Rancho Mirage, Westin Mission Hills (all in Rancho Mirage) and La Quinta in La Quinta.

Actually the Ritz-Carlton is now called "The Lodge at Rancho Mirage" or something similar. I stayed at the Westin and wasn't that impressed. <BR><BR>My favorites are The Miramonte Resort in Indian Wells and the Desert Springs Marriott in Palm Desert.

I am really partial to the Hyatt at Indian Wells. It was a deluxe resort with both hotel rooms and villa rooms (and not overly large, either). There wasn't much to do except golf, play tennis, or sit by the pool. It was about a 30 minute drive to Palm Desert, but we felt the R&R we got was worth being somewhat isolated.

George:<BR><BR>Really the choice comes down to a "mega resort" or a smaller property. In terms of full boat amenities, the bigger properties are going to win hands down with on-site spas, fitness centers, etc. But there is a price to the intimate feel as the scale increases, e.g. Marriott Desert Springs almost a thousand. That being said, La Quinta can preserve a fairly authentic early California experience if you stay in one of the original casitas. The grounds are very pretty to walk. An alternative is a smaller property. Miramonte is actually quite nice. But if I were going for akidless, romantic weekend, I would be tempted to go to a place like The Willows in Palm Springs. How cool is it to sleep in the same room that Gable and Lombard honeymooned in?! The catch is that the services will not be the same as a big place. But the make do very well, and can arrange in-room spa treatments from good local services and even room service from Le Valleuris across the street. However, to your original question, I would probably rank them, in order<BR><BR>1. Marriott Desert Springs Resort<BR>2. La Quinta Resort<BR>3. Hyatt Grand Champions<BR>4. Renaissance Esmeralda<BR><BR>Best of luck!