The Westin Mission Hills Villas

Just got back from our third stay here. This is a great place. Had a 2 bedroom lock-off. Plenty of room. Perfect for four, but can accommodate up to eight. Only little problem got fixed quickly, and we were given a $70 credit for our "inconvenience." I was sorry to see some activities at the pool missing, like music trivia. Plenty for kids to do. My only complaint is that the rooms need more natural lighting. Installing SolaTubes would brighten up the rooms. I hate to turn on lights during the day.

We exchanged a studio in Marriott's Beachplace tower for a 2 bedroom at Mission Hills. The unit was on the second floor, which is a problem for us because there was no elevator and we had heavy suitcases. But it was very large and comfortable. The master suite had two fireplaces and was tastefully furnished. The studio unit was actually a small one bedroom with a complete kitchen, a small living room, a full bath and a nice bedroom with balcony. Both units had a view of the golf course and the distant mountains. We found the amenities, particularly the adult pool, to be excellent. The staff was very well trained and friendly. The weather was very cold during our vacation (Jan 1-7) but we were still able to go hiking in the desert and to use the Westin resort's excellent heated pool and fitness center. The only drawbacks: parking was tight and we sometimes had to park in the spaces of another building. The toilet tank overflowed twice--both times an engineer came to fix it but could find nothing wrong. Finally, Westin's Mission Hills is rather far from the more interesting commercial and restaurant areas (Paseo in Palm Desert and downtown Palm Springs). It is surrounded by look-alike shopping centers with vast parking lots, chain restaurants and superstores. I don't need to come to Rancho Mirage to shop at Costco and eat at Taco Bell.

We stayed here last Easter week. It was great!! The units were gorgeous. We stayed in a 2 bed unit. Even though we have younger kids, they loved having their own "living room and kitchen" to watch movies in (we liked not having to listen to Scoobie Doo...) The bathroom was huge, with a large jacuzzi (big enough for my 6'6'' husband), with a separate shower, toilet room, and double sinks, with, Westin robes. I liked the fireplace in the bedroom (and another in main living room) and the bbq on the deck. Kitchen was also great. Laundry was a breeze with 2 washers and dryers (one set each side), as I don't like driving home with dirty laundry. Beds were super comfortable, with nice black out drapes. Excellent units. My first choice for the Palm Springs area.

I love this resort. My family has gone there several times. For use during the summer, it's hot, but the pools are so beautiful and the service wonderful. Our favorite food in the main restaurant are the banana pancakes. The grounds are so well kept. We have been owners since 2003.