41000 Bob Hope Dr
Rancho Mirage, CA 92270
Tel. 800/I-LUV-SUN (458-8786), 760/568-2727
Fax. 760/568-5845
Editor's note:Now owned by KSL Resorts, Rancho Las Palmas Resort & Spa was previously a Marriott property.
New and noteworthy: A $35-million renovation has added a luxury quotient to the rooms, spa and public spaces, while a new mini water park draws fun seekers.
The stay: If visitors can tear themselves away from the lazy river, they may find that the resort is big enough to keep everyone entertained but compact enough not to overwhelm.
The scene: Southern Californians come for weekends, weddings and leisurely golf, swimming and tennis, while Rancho Mirage locals help fill the restaurants.
Deal maker: Splashtopia, the water park with two 100-foot slides, spray fountains, mini beach and a 425-foot lazy river.
Deal breaker: For the crowd-phobic, the renewed resort is already highly popular and sold out on some weekends.
Follow the link to see our critic's full review of Rancho Las Palmas Resort & Spa.