Rancho Las Palmas Resort & Spa: How it rates

How it rates * * *

New and noteworthy: A $35-million renovation has added a luxury quotient to the rooms, spa and public spaces, while a new mini water park draws fun seekers.

The stay: If visitors can tear themselves away from the lazy river, they may find that the resort is big enough to keep everyone entertained but compact enough not to overwhelm.

The scene: Southern Californians come for weekends, weddings and leisurely golf, swimming and tennis, while Rancho Mirage locals help fill the restaurants.

Deal maker: Splashtopia, the water park with two 100-foot slides, spray fountains, mini beach and a 425-foot lazy river.

Deal breaker: For the crowd-phobic, the renewed resort is already highly popular and sold out on some weekends.

Stats: 41-000 Bob Hope Drive, Rancho Mirage; (866) 423-1195, www.rancholaspalmasresort.com.

Rooms: Summer, midweek rates begin at $109, while peak season weekends can hit $440.

Rating is based on the room, service, ambience and overall experience with price taken into account in relation to quality.

* * * * * Outstanding on every level

* * * * Excellent

* * * Very good

* * Good

* Satisfactory

No Star: Poor