I like to stay in unique lodgings whenever I can, and my husband just loves the breakfasts at B&B's. I found El Rancho on the internet and the reviews were good. I liked this motel and it definitely reminded me of long ago family vacations at motor court hotels. As per reviews, the new owners have lovingly restored El Rancho, and have included the history or the lodge as well las the connection to the current innkeeper. The courtyard is charming and the pool/jacuzzi were sparklingl and pristine. The room we stayed in had been tastefully redecorated.
Things I liked: Retro desert hacienda ranch charm, Courtyard & Pool, Good quality bedding; Comfortable mattresses; Great magazine/book/DVD library; Wireless Internet; Helpful staff, Good Coffee; Pet guests were very respectful and friendly; Even though our room was facing swimming pool/spa the human guests were equally respectful and quiet. Things I think need some work: Tile floor in bathroom was damaged and mismatched and detracted from decor(I'm hoping that's because the lodge is still a work in process); Mildew on inside of shower door; No remote for ceiling fan so you have to jump up on bed to turn off/on.; Only mirror in room is above sink; King-sized bed as really 2 separate twin mattresses so if you were in middle they separated; Non-existent breakfast (just packaged Danish or cookies)and apples or bananas; Website needs updating to include new amenities and delete weekend Wine/Cheese which was not apparent when we were there.

I recently spent a weekend with some friends at El Rancho Lodge located just outside of Palm Springs on E. Palm Canyon Drive. Arriving on Friday night, the darkness concealed our surroundings. The next morning I was able to see the hotel in daylight. The courtyard complete with decorative tile and indigenous plants charmed me, but more stunning was the proximity of the beautiful mountains and stunning blue sky located directly behind the lodge--so close it almost looked like an optical illusion. There were several guests who were eating the substantial continental breakfast at the tables by the large pool and Jacuzzi. We were given excellent restaurant recommendations from Sandy, the owner. Dave's Hideaway is close by, reasonable and had gourmet food. Shame on the Moon had yummy food and was also very reasonable and I even had great pastrami at Manhattan in the Desert. To be honest, I had not even wanted to go on this trip because I am not a big fan of the desert because it seems so stark. Sandy, the proprietor, steered me to the Palm Canyon Oasis, only ten minutes away from the hotel. It was magnificent with waterfalls and running streams and hikes through the canyon with almost a “redwood forest” effect, due to the Washingtonian Palm Trees--the native palm tree that Palm Springs the city must have been named for. I could now say I am a desert convert.
This lodge is rustic and homey--perfect for those who are not fans of the ubiquitous high-rise hotel chains. It would be great for family or girlfriend reunions and has reasonable prices. Highly recommended!

The El Rancho Lodge will forever take up the best memories with respect to our honeymoon roundtrip in the western U.S.!
After having been to Miami, Las Vegas and touring Utah and Arizona, we were ready for some quality relaxation time. Palm Springs being the next stop, we decided to go for a quaint, relaxed accommodation instead of a larger hotel chain. As we did not book upfront, we viewed about 5 rooms in different hotels, all of which left us feeling bad. We were about to book a room in the Quality Inn, when I spotted the El Rancho sign across the road. Since this was on my list of favourite hotels (prepared before our departure to the U.S.), I urged my husband to go check it out. The owner, Sandy, showed us a room and a patio suite. Even though they both seemed old-fashioned at first, we opted for the patio suite (we are both smokers).

What can I say? Yes, the decor of the room is not the best and the kitchen comes straight out of the 50's/60's and yes, the breakfast is virtually non-existent. But ah, the quietness of this accommodation, the personal attention, the picturesque athmosphere... the pool, lit up at night, the romantic feeling of it all.... the extensive DVD library. We had the best time there!
Upon recommendation from the owner we ate at Manhattan (deli further on the road) twice. Brilliant and inexpensive. They have the BEST bakery and pastry section, which is open all day and where you can get a lovely breakfast in the morning. Starbucks closeby too.
We did have a car, this is necessary if you stay here, but don't let it bother you. It is great, driving Palm Springs at night!

So: if you're looking for something else, the ultimate experience of Palm Springs as it used to be - stay at the El Rancho Lodge!
Trust us, we've seen many hotelrooms and other lodges in the area, and they cannot begin to compare with the El Rancho!
Great value for money and absolutely romantic. Loved it!

We were not entirely impressed with our El Rancho Lodge experience.

Although our room was average, our "king-size" bed was actually two smaller mattresses pushed together. This was especially problematic because the "crack" between the two mattresses was incredibly uncomfortable to sleep on - really put the damper on the romance!!

Our bathroom was also really unacceptable with almost no water pressure in the shower to the point that showering was difficult.

The continental breakfast also was nothing spectacular with the pastries resembling those plastic wrapped pastries you find in snack machines.

Also, it was not really walkable to downtown Palm Springs, so be prepared to drive.