If you’ve ever driven down Bob Hope Drive in the Coachella Valley, you know the vibe. It’s palm trees, shimmering heat, and that specific brand of California desert luxury that feels both old-school and incredibly polished. Right in the middle of it sits The Westin Rancho Mirage Golf Resort & Spa. People talk about it a lot. Some call it a family paradise; others swear by it for a quiet golf weekend. Honestly? It's kind of both, which is a hard trick to pull off without feeling like a chaotic theme park.
You’re looking at over 360 acres of land here. That’s huge. It’s not just a hotel; it’s basically a small village dedicated to the idea that you should probably be sitting by a pool with a drink in your hand. Or hitting a ball. Or getting a massage.
What makes The Westin Rancho Mirage Golf Resort & Spa different?
Most people think all desert resorts are the same. You get a room, a pool, and a view of some brown mountains. But this place has a legacy. Formerly known as the Westin Mission Hills, the rebrand wasn't just a name change; it was a massive $15 million overhaul. They leaned hard into the "resort" part of the name.
The centerpiece is the Pete Dye Resort Course. If you know anything about golf, the name Pete Dye usually means "I’m going to lose a lot of balls today." It’s a par-70 course that plays about 6,700 yards. It's tricky. The undulations are classic Dye, but because it’s a resort course, it won’t absolutely break your spirit. Usually.
But here is the thing.
The resort isn’t just for the golf obsessed. They put a lot of money into the "Las Brisas" pool area. They added dual waterslides. Now, usually, waterslides at a high-end resort can feel a bit... tacky? Here, they managed to tuck them in so the kids stay busy while the adults can actually hear themselves think at the other end of the pool deck. It’s a delicate balance that most Palm Springs spots miss.
The Room Situation: Where You’re Actually Sleeping
Let’s talk rooms. Specifically, the Heavenly Bed. It sounds like marketing fluff, and maybe it is, but it’s basically the gold standard for hotel sleep. The rooms at The Westin Rancho Mirage Golf Resort & Spa are spread out in these low-rise buildings. This is key. You don’t feel like you’re in a Vegas high-rise. You feel like you’re in a villa.
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The views matter here. If you book a "resort view," you might be looking at a garden. If you want the real experience, you go for the golf or mountain views. Seeing the San Jacinto Mountains turn purple at sunset from your balcony? That’s the whole reason you pay the desert premium.
Standard rooms are around 525 square feet. That’s plenty of space to spread out your gear. They kept the desert palette—lots of earth tones, creams, and wood. It’s calming. It doesn't scream for your attention, which is exactly what you want when the outside temperature is 105 degrees.
Eating and Drinking Without Leaving the Property
You’re going to eat at Pinzimini. It’s the main spot. It’s Italian-inspired but very much "California fresh." Think grilled octopus, local dates (you’re in the date capital of the world, after all), and solid pasta.
- Pinzimini: The heart of the resort. Great for a long dinner.
- Kona Grill: More casual, right by the golf course.
- Las Brisas: This is where you get your poolside fish tacos and mojitos.
- Chef’s Secret Window: This is a cool little quirk—it’s basically a walk-up window for quick bites and gelato.
One thing people get wrong is thinking they have to stay on-site for every meal. Rancho Mirage has some of the best high-end dining in the valley. You’re ten minutes away from The River at Rancho Mirage, which has everything from Cheesecake Factory (if you're basic) to high-end steakhouses. But honestly, once you're settled in at the Westin, the motivation to leave is pretty low.
The Spa and Wellness Angle
The "Spa" part of the name isn't just an afterthought. The Spa at Westin Rancho Mirage is a 14,000-square-foot facility. They do this thing called "Honey Massage" using honey from their own on-site hives. It sounds sticky. It’s actually incredibly hydrating.
They have 15 treatment rooms. They do the whole bit—hydrotherapy, steam rooms, and a quiet sanctuary where you can sit and wonder why you don’t live like this every day.
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Then there’s the fitness side. Westin has this "RunWestin" program. They have a Run Concierge. Yes, a person whose job is to help you find the best 3-mile or 5-mile routes around the property. In the summer, you do this at 6:00 AM or you don't do it at all. Trust me on that.
The Family Factor (and the Backyard)
If you have kids, you know the "Backyard." It’s an area designed for activities that aren't just swimming. They have bowling, arcade games, and something called "duckpin bowling"—which is basically regular bowling but smaller and somehow more frustrating but fun.
They also have a rescue dog program. This is probably the coolest thing about the resort. They partner with Animal Samaritans to host a "Dog of the Desert." You can meet the dog, play with it, and if you fall in love, you can actually adopt it. It’s a very human touch in a corporate world.
Realities and Nuances: What to Watch Out For
Look, no place is perfect. The Westin Rancho Mirage Golf Resort & Spa is a massive property. If your room is at the far end of the resort, you are going to be doing a lot of walking. If you have mobility issues, you’ll want to request a room near the lobby or the main pool.
Parking is another thing. You can choose valet or self-park. Self-parking is fine, but again, depending on where your room is, it might be a hike.
Also, the resort fee. It’s a standard thing in the Coachella Valley, but you should budget for it. It covers the Wi-Fi, the fitness center access, some of the court fees for tennis and pickleball, and the shuttle service.
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Speaking of pickleball—they’ve gone all-in on it. They have several courts and even offer clinics. It’s the fastest-growing sport in the country, and the desert is the epicenter of it. If you want to play, book a court time when you check in. They fill up fast, especially on holiday weekends.
Is it worth it in the summer?
This is the big question. Palm Springs in July is a different beast. It’s hot. Like, "don't touch the steering wheel" hot.
But here’s the secret: the rates at The Westin Rancho Mirage Golf Resort & Spa drop significantly in the off-season. You can stay at a five-star resort for a fraction of the winter price. The pools are chilled. The AC is cranking. If you’re a "pool person" who just wants to lounge and dip into the water every twenty minutes, the summer is actually a genius move. Just stay hydrated.
How to Get the Most Out of Your Stay
If you're planning a trip, don't just wing it. This place is too big for that.
- Check the Event Calendar: They often have live music by the pool or "Dive-In" movies where they project films over the water.
- Book Tee Times Early: Even if you aren't a pro, the Pete Dye course is an experience. If you're more casual, ask about the Mission Hills North Gary Player Signature Course nearby—it's often part of the stay packages.
- The Backyard Pass: If you’re with family, look into the passes for the Backyard activities. It saves money compared to paying for games individually.
- Morning Hikes: Use the Westin’s location to your advantage. You’re close to the Bump and Grind Trail in Palm Desert. Get out there at sunrise, see the whole valley, and then come back for a massive breakfast at Pinzimini.
The Westin Rancho Mirage Golf Resort & Spa manages to feel like a destination without being pretentious. It’s a place where you see people in $400 golf polos walking past kids with ice cream on their faces. It works because there’s enough space for everyone to have their own version of a vacation.
Whether you’re there to shave two strokes off your handicap or just to sleep for ten hours in a Heavenly Bed, the property delivers. Just remember to wear sunscreen. Even if it's cloudy. The desert sun doesn't play around.
Actionable Steps for Your Visit
- Download the Marriott Bonvoy App: You can use it for mobile check-in and to request extra towels or pillows without calling the front desk.
- Hydration is Non-Negotiable: The resort provides water, but bring a reusable gallon. The desert air is incredibly dry, and you’ll feel the fatigue much faster than you realize.
- Reserve Dining: Even if you're staying on-site, Pinzimini gets busy on Friday and Saturday nights. A quick reservation saves you a 45-minute wait in the lobby.
- Explore Beyond the Gate: Take one afternoon to visit Sunnylands, the historic Annenberg estate nearby. It’s stunning, and the gardens are free to tour.