PALM SPRINGS, Calif., May 6 /PRNewswire/ -- The former homes of Frank Sinatra, Lucille Ball, Dinah Shore and Marilyn Monroe are all celebrity vacation rentals in Palm Springs, California.  But it's more than just Hollywood names that make this desert oasis the vacation rental capital of the West. For a city of nearly 50,000 inhabitants, the variety of affordable vacation homes and condos is dizzying. It's estimated that Palm Springs has almost 1,000 types of vacation rentals in all sizes and styles.

Palm Springs is one of the best resort destinations in the country to rent a vacation home, according to popular online travel guide TripAdvisor. The City was recently voted number seven on the guide's list of Top 10 Vacation Rental Hot Spots in the United States for 2010.

"It's big trend of late," says Rob Kincaid, co-owner of the rental agency Vacation Palm Springs. "It's a growing market. Our vacation home rentals brought more than 12,000 visitors to Palm Springs last year. The change in the economic climate means people are looking for private, yet affordable luxurious environment for special occasions and celebration vacations."

Golf fans  choose villas with patios fronting the many greens in Palm Springs, while families enjoy large houses with private pools and backyards for the family pet to play. Shoppers and nightlife hounds opt for cozy modern downtown condos with mountain views, while history buffs appreciate Palm Springs' huge cache of Mid-Century Modern gems built by renowned architects, which emphasize the blend of indoor/outdoor desert lifestyle. After realizing the space for the price, most travelers easily become vacation rental converts.

Well-healed travelers have known the vacation rental secret for years. "I've rented out vacation homes in Hawaii, Mexico, and Florida," states Matthew Link, a travel writer for TIME Magazine among other publications. "But, nothing compared to my renovated 1950s vacation rental in Palm Springs. My niece and nephew each loved having their own huge room. We spent all day splashing in our private pool, and we roasted marshmallows over the outdoor crystal-glass fireplace. We even had weekly maids who cleaned up the gourmet kitchen. The incredible value of it all blew me away."

Palm Springs offers a wealth of activities for all ages. Catch a poolside movie, ride waterslides at Knott's Soak City, cool off at the top of Mount San Jacinto on the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway, hike ancient palm groves of the Indian Canyons, or take an off-road adventure to Joshua Tree National Park or the San Andreas Fault. Shop boutiques and vintage galleries, explore world-class art collections, take a celebrity or architectural tour, dine alfresco amidst the vibrant village scene, or try your luck at Spa Resort Casino.

Palm Springs is less than two hours away from Los Angeles and San Diego. Daily flights are available to the Palm Springs International Airport from major U.S. cities. Palm Springs is a close and affordable destination for those seeking the perfect blend of outdoor adventure and casual relaxation. Find the perfect Palm Springs Vacation Home and Condo Rental at www.VisitPalmSprings.com.

SOURCE Palm Springs Bureau of Tourism

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