We are looking for suggestions of where to stay in the Palm Springs area. Wondering which town and hotel may be best for us.

We are mainly in the area for 3 nights in March to visit Joshua Tree NP, Indian Canyons and perhaps Living Desert Museum and taking the cable car up the mountain. Golf and night life are not considerations.

We seem to be finding the two extremes of accommodations--either very pricey resorts or less expensive 50's type motels. Surely there's something in the middle.

I'd have a look on Airbnb to see what you can find in an apartment.

This is Palm Springs apartments and probably houses too:
https://www.airbnb.com/s/Palm-Spring...ire+home%2Fapt

Also search Palm Desert or use the map.

Garden Vista Hotel
Ivy Palms
Best Western Plus Palm Desert
Comfort Suites Palm Desert
Comfort Inn Downtown
Casa Cody

In Palm Springs, the '50s motels can be very hip and fun. We stayed at the Rendevous. There are a number of similar places closer to the downtown which would be a little more convenient.

Also check the various timeshare resorts - who rent out condos. Plenty of options all over/through the greater Coachella Valley

We rented this really nice condo for 2 weeks for the Palm Springs film festival-it is super nice and the owner Ranz was willing to lower the rent a bit-don't know if he would do that for 3 days but you can message him and ask. The place is really nice and very upscale furnishings, linens etc.

The location would be perfect for the things you mention that interest you since it is on the right end of town but still close to things to do in Palm Springs itself:

https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/1360843

We really enjoyed the Andalusian Court - http://www.theandalusiancourt.com/ a couple of years ago. Choose the room where Lucy, Desi and Little Ricky stayed.