I'm taking a honeymoon in California, and we will be spending a couple days in Palm Springs from Dec 27-30. I'm wondering first what type of place we should stay in, we don't golf, and are looking for a place to Relax.

I'm wondering if anyone knows much about the Peppertree inn, or the Catilena resort. I've seen that they got good reviews from tripadvisor. I'm wondering if it would be better to stay at a bigger resort, or somewhere else.

Suggestions??

Congrats on your marriage first off...
NO, I don't think you'll be happy with the Peppertree, kind of an old place. The other I think your talking about is Caliente Resort, never stayed there but have driven by numerous times. I wouldn't recommend it. It has some good reviews but have no idea why. It looks very dumpy from the outside.

I would recommend these:
Viceroy - pricey but nice & intimate
The Lodge - nice hotel mixed reviews though
*Le Parker Meridian is OUTSTANDING! loved this hotel, very very nice. Pricey now that it's a Meridian property though.

If you want to stay away from the "Strip" then La Quinta Inn, Esmeralda is also good.

But beware that all hotels are going to be very high or have no availablity. Also try www.palmsprings.com

Good luck!

Caliente has VERY nice rooms and is much nicer than a drive-by viewing would suggest. Great pool, nice staff and fun tiki bar.

Any reason to be on the strip or not? And any suggestions or some hiking that is in the area?

Take a look at LaMancha Resort. They have villas with private pools- great for honeymooners. Some units have been updated and some are older. They also have a spa and restaurant on site.

Don't overlook the Ingleside Inn. It was THE ultimate hideaway for Hollywood stars back in the day. It's secluded, up against the mountian, next to a golf course. It's lounge, Melvin's, is one of the more history rich places in town.

There's hiking in Joshua Tree National Park:

http://www.nps.gov/jotr/activities/hiking/hiking.html

There's also hiking in Anza-Borrego Desert State Park:

http://www.desertusa.com/Thingstodo/du_absp_hike.html

And I think there are hiking trails in the mountains along the "Palms to Pines Highway," Highway 74 between Palm Desert and Banning.

The Gable/Lombard room at The Willows would be the ultimate.

PSL

I second any room at the Willows!!