Set on 360 acres in the residential community of Rancho Mirage, the Westin Rancho Mirage has 510 rooms and suites in more than a dozen clusters to either side of the main Spanish-Moorish hotel and on or near the Pete Dye golf course. The spacious lobby (with extensive meeting space to either side) flows through to a sprawling Las Brisas swimming pool that features a 60-foot waterslide. There are two smaller pools to the right and left amid the lodging clusters. The tennis courts—an unusual rust color with a tan border (called "Santa Fe" colors)—stand in one corner of the property, roughly 100 yards from the lobby and directly adjacent to the Spa and fitness center. One is a sunken stadium with grassy terraces to either side. Like the resort itself, the courts are landscaped with oleander, hibiscus, and sentinels of palm trees.
Pro Shop: 760-202-2021
Peter Burwash International's Pat Dennehy oversees the tennis program. He played for Wayne State College in Nebraska before joining PBI in 1986. His first postings took him to Florida and Japan; however, for most of the years since 1992, he's been head pro at the nearby JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort. He takes over at the Westin just at it's about to enter high season and his initial calendar is an ambitious blend of clinics, drill sessions, Cardio tennis, and round robins, with two or more activities scheduled for every day of the week and supplemented by Saturday clinics for juniors.
Courts & Fees. Seven hard courts, one a slightly sunken stadium. A pro shop has been added—previously the resort had been without one—carrying a full line of tennis accessories, clothing, shoes, and logo wear as well as rental and demo racquets and on-site restringing.
Golf Courses. There are two golf courses available to guests: one by Pete Dye, the other by Gary Player.
Spa. The 14,000-square-foot Spa at Mission Hills offers treatments inspired by the East and Native American cultures. Next door is a gym with an array of cardio equipment and Cybex stations, as well as free weights, Pilates equipment, and fitness classes.
A necklace of two-story buff-stucco buildings have been strung out to either side of the main hotel and its conference center. All the rooms have full-width patios or balconies, tile baths, and coffeemakers with Starbucks coffee.
There are four places to dine, chief among them Restaurant Bella Vista, which has views of the mountains, Las Brisas pool, and golf course to go with its Mediterranean-influenced menu
Rates on request.
Seasons. Year-round but most comfortable from late October to May.
General Tourist Information. Visit the Palm Springs Desert Resorts Convention & Visitors Authority website or contact them at 69-930 Hwy. 111, Suite 201, Rancho Mirage, CA 92270. Phone: 760-770-9000 or 800-967-3767 or Fax: 760-770-9001.