Usually stay in historic Palm Springs hotels, but this time want to try Palm Desert or environs. Don't play golf or tennis. Want condo or suite -style room with good beds and furniture plus nearby pleasant pool area. Like to look at grass and mountains. Recommendations?

I'm surprised nobody's jumped in with the Renaissance Esmeralda in Indian Wells, but it is definitely a top-notch resort. Yes it's a resort that does appear to be popular for at least golf if not tennis, and we don't play golf or tennis either, but it has huge spacious rooms with among the best service from the staff you'll get at any hotel. It's pricey -- BUT I just got a coupon in the mail valid through 3/19/05 for $169, which is fantastic (I think the room we're in goes for $300 or more). It of course says a limited number of rooms at this rate are available but you will NOT be disappointed here. Rate code LOCS. Really nice pool, great rooms, big, nicely appointed, great staff. You will feel pampered.

Esmeralda is a good suggestion. Owned by marriott with the Renaissance brand.

Another thought I had is the Residence Inn in Palm Desert located at Cook St and Frank Sinatra Dr. They have studios and 1/2 bedroom suites and the rates are not outrageous even in season. Some of the rooms have nice south facing views of the mountains over the neighboring City of Palm Desert 36-hole Desert Willow golf facility.

Residence Inn Palm Desert offers 1 and 2 bed room suites with a full kitchen supplied with utensils. Each sutie has a balcony view of the mountians...very beautiful!

Club Intrawest has a nice setting, elevated with views, inside the Desert Willow golf courses which have desert landscaping. The units are great.