Rest And Relaxation in Rancho
July 11 2009, Published 4:12 a.m. ET
The last time we went to the Rancho Las Palmas Resort in the Palm Springs area, we swore we would never would go back. The pool was too warm – more like a bath than a refreshing swim – room service took 2 hours (hotel said they were “understaffed”); it was over-crowded; and there was nothing for the kids outside of the one pool.
But recently the hotel went through a major renovation so we decided to try it again. We were glad we did. Starting with renovated rooms, which are much more luxurious than the old ones, the entire resort feels new.
Our 14 year old loved the new “Splashtopia “ area which encompasses almost two acres, with a 425 ft lazy river, small sandy beach area (great for babies and toddlers); and the two hundred feet waterslides.
With the Splash Grill serving poolside, we didn’t have to leave for our lunch (or more importantly, cocktails!) Note: $9 is a little high for a kid’s meal but everything was very fresh and well cooked and that includes a drink.
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My husband liked the 27-hole Ted Robinson-designed golf course; the 25 brand-new tennis courts (clay and hard-court surfaces!); and we all liked the new bluEmber restaurant where you can eat outside around fire pits in the night air, looking over the landscaped grounds, with the San Jacinto Mountains turning purple in the fading sunset.
If you’re a Spa Queen, the spa area is lovely and tranquil and they offer every kind of massage, wrap, mud bath, body scrub you can image. The “Summer Renewal Package at $159.00 is a good deal –a 50 minute Massage of choice and a 25 minute Facial or 50 minute Facial of choice and a 25 minute Refresher Facial.
By far the best part of the resort is the up-dated rooms, most of which have a small patio and since the most of sprawling village-like hotel is no more than two stories high, you feel like you’re in your own little resort.
Will we go back again? You bet your $13.95 margarita!
(Photo: Courtesy of The Rancho Las Palmas Resort & Spa)