Would you consider a little bit outside of Palm Springs? We once stayed in Palm Springs (at a crummy hotel that I would never recommend) and it was a nice town to walk around. However, we just stayed at the La Quinta Resort in La Quinta, Ca - it is a classic property nestled at the base of the mountains, very beautiful and self contained. It is part of the Waldorf Astoria collection of hotels. We got a great rate this time of year, but I think it will go up soon.