Omni Rancho Las Palmas in Palm Springs: A Complete Resort Guide for Families

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Palm Desert is one of my all-time favorite vacation destinations when I’m looking to relax and spend some time in the sun. There are so many great family resorts there that my kids absolutely love. But the one we keep coming back to time and time again is the Omni Rancho Las Palmas Palm Springs Resort.

If you’ve read any of my other blog posts, it’s probably pretty clear that I love a resort with a lazy river. And my kids love resorts with waterslides. So we’ve tried out a number of the Palm Springs resorts with water parks, but Omni Rancho Las Palmas is our favorite for more reasons than just its awesome pool.

If you’re looking for a Palm Springs-area resort that feels like a vacation all by itself, Omni Rancho Las Palmas Resort & Spa is one worth considering. Located in Rancho Mirage, just outside Palm Springs, this sprawling desert resort combines beautiful pools, a family-friendly water park, golf, tennis, a full-service spa and plenty of on-site dining.

What I especially like about Omni Rancho Las Palmas is that you don’t necessarily have to choose between a relaxing Palm Springs getaway and a family-friendly resort. The resort has plenty to keep kids entertained, while adults have spaces and amenities that make it feel like a true resort escape. And because The River at Rancho Mirage is directly across the street, you can easily leave the resort if you want to shop or go out to eat.

Here’s what to know before booking a stay at Omni Rancho Las Palmas in Palm Springs.

Where Is Omni Rancho Las Palmas?

One thing to know when searching for Omni Rancho Las Palmas in Palm Springs is that the resort is actually located in neighboring Rancho Mirage. Its address is 41000 Bob Hope Drive in Rancho Mirage, about 10 miles from downtown Palm Springs.

The location is one of the resort’s biggest advantages. You get the peaceful, resort-like setting of Rancho Mirage while still being within easy driving distance of Palm Springs attractions.

Even better, The River at Rancho Mirage is directly across the street from the resort. The River at Rancho Mirage is an outdoor shopping, dining and entertainment complex. It makes it especially convenient for families who want options beyond the resort.

The resort is also centrally located in the Coachella Valley, making it a convenient base for exploring other desert communities and attractions.

What’s Near Omni Rancho Las Palmas?

There are plenty of family-friendly things to do within a short drive of Omni Rancho Las Palmas.

The River at Rancho Mirage is the closest option and is an easy choice when you want to get off resort property without going far. It offers restaurants, shops, a Dave and Busters, and a movie theater, making it a particularly convenient option for families.

Other nearby attractions include:

• McCallum Theatre: about 2 miles
• Children’s Discovery Museum of the Desert: about 3.6 miles
• The Living Desert Zoo & Gardens: about 4.3 miles
• Agua Caliente Casino: about 5 miles
• Palm Springs Air Museum: about 10 miles
• Indian Canyons: about 12.4 miles
• Palm Springs Aerial Tramway: about 14.9 miles
• Joshua Tree National Park: about 46.5 miles. Here are the best things to do there.
• Pioneertown: about 42 miles. Old-timey fun in this ghost town. Filled with photo ops, gun battles and cute themed shops.

If shopping is on your Palm Springs itinerary, El Paseo in Palm Desert is just a couple of miles away.

For families, I think the location is particularly appealing. You can spend an entire day at the resort, walk across the street for dinner or a movie, and then venture farther out for attractions such as The Living Desert or Indian Canyons.

Omni Rancho Las Palmas Rooms

Omni Rancho Las Palmas has 422 guest rooms and suites, with accommodations ranging from standard guest rooms to larger suites. Rooms feature either one king bed or two queen beds, along with a furnished private balcony or patio.

That outdoor space is a nice touch in a Palm Springs resort. Rather than simply having a standard hotel room with a window, many accommodations give you a place to sit outside and enjoy the desert surroundings.

Room Types

There are several different room categories to choose from. So, where you want to be on the property can be just as important as the size of the room.

Vista View Rooms offer furnished patios or balconies with views of the surrounding resort and desert landscape.

Lakeview Rooms overlook the water and golf course. These rooms are a good choice if having a scenic view from your room is important.

Plaza Rooms are located close to the spa and offer easy access to some of the resort’s more relaxing amenities.

Poolside Rooms put you close to the action, including Splashtopia and the family-friendly pool areas. These could be especially appealing to families who plan to spend most of their vacation at the resort.

The resort also has suites with separate living areas, and connecting room options are available.

If you’re traveling with kids, I’d pay attention to the room location when booking. A poolside room can be incredibly convenient when you’re constantly heading back and forth to the pool, while a quieter room may be preferable if you want a more relaxing atmosphere.

Splashtopia: The Big Family Draw

If you’re considering Omni Rancho Las Palmas for a family vacation, Splashtopia is probably the resort’s biggest selling point.

This family-friendly water park is included for resort guests and features a 425-foot lazy river, two 100-foot water slides, a sandy beach, a cliffside hot tub and water-play areas with fountains and sprinklers. It’s one of the best pool complexes in Palm Desert!

The water slides require riders to be at least 42 inches tall. Younger children can enjoy the other water features, including the lazy river when accompanied by an adult.

There’s also Splash Grill right next to the water park. So, you don’t have to completely interrupt your pool day to find lunch.

For families visiting Palm Springs during the warmer months, this is a huge perk. The desert heat can make sightseeing less appealing in the middle of the day. Therefore, having a resort with this much water-based entertainment gives kids something exciting to do without leaving the property.

The Resort Pools

Splashtopia isn’t the only place to swim at Omni Rancho Las Palmas.

The resort has several pool experiences, including the Conchilla Valley Pool, a newer family-friendly pool with a splash pad, cabanas, lounge chairs and a poolside bar and grill. And the Rancho Las Palmas hosts outdoor movies on Friday nights at the Splashtopia pool deck, which are always a hit with my kids. The movie schedule changes seasonally.

The resort also has the Azure Pool, which is reserved for adults.

That adults-only option is a nice feature because it gives parents a place to escape the kid-centered pool scene for a little while.

There are also private cabanas available, including VIP cabanas at the Conchilla Valley Pool.

Golf, Tennis and Pickleball

Omni Rancho Las Palmas isn’t just a family waterpark resort. Golfers and tennis players have plenty to keep them busy as well.

The resort’s golf facility features 27 holes of championship golf with palm-lined fairways and views of the surrounding mountains.

There are also tennis and pickleball facilities. Active families or couples who want more than just pool time tend to favor these amenities. The resort currently lists tennis and pickleball among its featured amenities.

Spa Las Palmas

While the kids are busy with the water slides, adults can head to Spa Las Palmas, the resort’s full-service spa.

The spa is a 20,000-square-foot European-style spa offering treatments designed around relaxation and wellness. Resort amenities include a steam room, sauna, hot tub and spa pool.

This is one of the things that helps set Omni Rancho Las Palmas apart from a typical family hotel. It’s possible to have a very kid-focused vacation here while still incorporating some serious relaxation time.

Dining at Omni Rancho Las Palmas

You also don’t have to leave the property every time you’re hungry.

The resort currently has several dining options, including Desert Pearl, Double Date, Between the 9s, Conchilla Valley Pool Bar & Grill, Splash Grill and Palms Café.

Options range from more upscale dining to casual poolside meals and coffee and quick bites.

I personally think the Splash Grill is particularly convenient for families. My kids never want to break for meals, but the Splash Grill allows you to grab burgers, kids’ meals and drinks without leaving the pool area. Palms Café is another easy choice for casual meals, coffee, sandwiches, pizza and treats.

And if you want to venture off-property, The River is literally across the street, giving you even more restaurant choices.

Is Omni Rancho Las Palmas Good for Families?

Yes — and I’d consider it one of the stronger family resort options in the Palm Springs area. It actually tops my list of the best family resorts in the Palm Springs area.

The biggest advantage is that the resort gives families plenty to do without requiring you to spend every day driving around the desert. Between Splashtopia, the pools, golf, tennis, pickleball and seasonal family activities, it’s easy to spend an entire day on the property.

At the same time, adults aren’t left with a resort that feels entirely geared toward children. The spa, adults-only pool, golf, nicer restaurants and beautiful mountain views give the property a more upscale feel.

And the location is excellent for families who want to mix resort time with sightseeing.

Is Omni Rancho Las Palmas Worth Staying At?

If you’re looking for a Palm Springs resort for families, Omni Rancho Las Palmas is definitely one I’d put on the list.

The rooms are comfortable and have private patios or balconies, the resort has an impressive selection of amenities, and Splashtopia gives families a major reason to spend time on property. The adults-only pool and full-service spa also make it possible for parents to get some relaxation time.

I also really like the location. You’re close enough to Palm Springs to explore the area but have the convenience of The River right across the street and attractions throughout the Coachella Valley within an easy drive.

This resort does tend to be on the pricier side, but I’ve had good luck finding deals during non-peak times, like in June (before it’s tooooo hot) and November (when it’s still nice enough weather to enjoy the pools). Summer months are the most affordable, if you’re willing to brave thee triple-digit heat.

All in all, if your idea of a Palm Springs vacation involves sunny pool days, mountain views, plenty of activities for kids and enough amenities for adults to relax, Omni Rancho Las Palmas is a great fit.

Final Thoughts on Omni Rancho Las Palmas in Palm Springs

When we stay at Omni Rancho Las Palmas, I truly feel like it’s more than just a place to sleep while visiting Palm Springs. It’s a destination resort where we can easily spend most of our time enjoying the amenities there without leaving the property.

Families will love Splashtopia and the pools, while adults can take advantage of the spa, golf, tennis, pickleball and more relaxing pool areas. Add in the convenient location near The River, El Paseo, The Living Desert and Palm Springs attractions, and you have a resort that works particularly well for a Palm Springs family vacation.

For families who want the classic Southern California desert resort experience with plenty of activities built in, Omni Rancho Las Palmas in Palm Springs is well worth considering.

Check out how this resort stacks up against some of the others we’ve stayed in, such as:

• My Honest Thoughts About the Hyatt Indian Wells Resort
• Your Guide to the Marriott Shadow Ridge in Palm Desert
• My Take on the Westin Desert Willow Villas Resort

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