From CaliforniaTravelExpert.com

Rancho Las Palmas

Posted in: Where To Stay Southern California

By Veronica Hill
May 30, 2009 - 5:23:26 PM

It's time to pack up and revisit Palm Springs, that hip desert oasis made famous by Frank Sinatra and countless other stars during the 1950s.

Located in the posh city of Rancho Mirage, Rancho Las Palmas Resort and Spa makes a great central base for touring Palm Springs attractions, from the Indio date farms to the white-knuckle adventures aboard the Palm Springs tram.

Fresh from a $35 million makeover, the Rancho Las Palmas hotel sits on 240 acres of prime Palm Springs real estate lined with palm trees, tranquil fountains and lakes.

By day, head to the Rancho Las Palmas country club and play a round on the 27-hole Ted Robinson-designed Rancho Las Palmas golf course, or head inside the Rancho Las Palmas spa for a delightful desert-inspired body wrap, massage or facial.

By night, take in the dynamic fire features at restaurant Blue Ember, which is also famous for its decadent date cupcakes, then retire to your room where a cozy down comforter and 42-inch plasma TV awaits you.

But what I like most about Rancho Las Palmas? Splashtopia — a warm-water playground with two waterslides, a cliffside Jacuzzi and a 425-foot Lazy River.

I can't think of a place I'd rather be on a hot Palm Springs day.