Renaissance Esmeralda Resort

Pros: Great Pool Area, Good Service, Many Amenities and Activities
Cons: Noisy rooms, some with small beds, some things expensive

We love going to Scottsdale and Phoenix. The many first-class resorts there are bargains when the heat goes up and the great swimming pools are a good way to soak up that excess heat. There are many world-class restaurants and attractions to keep you ...

Pros: First Class rooms & amenities. No need to even leave the resort!
Cons: Very large in size, can be confusing to navigate upon arrival.

The Esmeralda Renaissance Resort & Spa is my highest recommendation for acommodations in the desert. I have stayed, paid, and worked at several of the hotels in the desert and this is my absolute favorite. It is located in one of the most exclusive and ...

Pros: Extremely peaceful and relaxing, especially by the pools
Cons: Great distance from the Palm Springs airport with limited flights and no shuttle to resort.

Last week I spent four nights at the Esmeralda and hated to leave. The daytime highs were in the 70's, which is wonderful for December. With the raging blizzard on the East Coast, half of the folks at my meeting there did not want to leave the hotel and ...

Pros: Very family friendly, especially for young children. Indian Wells is peaceful
Cons: Indian Wells is further away from several Palm Springs tourist spots

I live in the San Francisco Bay Area, and my wife says, "You need a vacation," which really means "I need a vacation so you better take me!" I've never been to Palm Springs, but we decide that would be a good place to visit.

I ask a few...

Pros: Clean, well kept, very friendly & accomodating staff.
Cons: Contrary to their advertising, HEATED POOL MY A$$!

As for the pluses, you can just as easily read the other reviews here. They're all pretty much on target. Food in the restaurants is very good. I was there the week before Thanksgiving and the pool was so cold I couldn't even go in beyond my ankles. ...