We are thinking of going to Palm springs during Easter vacation. We have a 13 year old son that loves to swim. Any recommendations for hotels/resorts that have nice pools? Do you think that the water park in Palm springs will be open during the last week of March?

Don't want to spend more than $200/night. Less would be even better but I realize P Springs can be pricey.

We're hikers and would like hike recommendations as well. We figure Joshua Tree is close. We've been to Anza Borrego and liked it a lot.

The Rennasiance Esmerelda is a beautiful hotel which should be in that range - has a great pool for kids with sand on one side. I know i spelled that wrong.

Another vote for the Esmarelda. We stayed there in Feb. Had a great time. Great pool, service. We got a corner room (really huge) with view of the pool.

You would be lucky to get a rate at the Esmeralda for less that $250 a night at that time. Easter week is the highest of the high season. Although, occupancy is off after 9/11 and no one is sure what will happen. So who knows.

The water park usually opens in that timeframe. It was bought by Knotts last year, so chances are good I guess.

You could do some great hikes a lot closer than Joshua Tree, though that is worth a day visit. The Indian Canyons, the Lykken Trail, the Art Smith trail and the Boo Hoff are all wonderful hikes. Depending on the kind of winter we have, it is likely there will be water, pools and waterfalls in the Indian Canyons. The guided hike in Tahquitz Canyon is worth considering too.

PS L

Thanks for all the info. The trail info in especially useful - that is usually the main activity on our vacations -we just love it. The pool is a trade off for our son who doesn't find hiking all that exciting.

Any other hotels with a great pool that charge less than $250/night? I'll check the Esmerelda and see if they are offering deals. I would be surprised if they were though - despite Sept 11, the type of affluent people that seem to frequent Palm Springs don't seem to be much affected in their spending style. Just an observation.

My husband and I take my grandchildren
to the Holiday Inn in Palm Springs. Its right off the main street close to all kinds of restaurants and right across from a Hyatt. The pool is great and so are the rooms for $100-$150??

I just heard an ad on the radio for discounted room rates at the Oasis Resort (which is the waterpark). You might want to check into staying right there at the resort. Your son would have plenty of opportunity to take advantage of the pool time.