Jw Marriott Desert Springs Resort & Spa

“JW Marriott Desert Springs = JW Marriott perfection and Marriott legendary guest service and consistency”

39 years ago, I was a guest of the Marriott Desert Springs Resort on its Opening Night, never to realize that we’d be back to the JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort and Spa, every year, thereafter. At that time (1987), the Marriott Desert Springs had a vibrant, new, luxury shine, and there was pract… more

39 years ago, I was a guest of the Marriott Desert Springs Resort on its Opening Night, never to realize that we’d be back to the JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort and Spa, every year, thereafter. At that time (1987), the Marriott Desert Springs had a vibrant, new, luxury shine, and there was practically nothing around it, other than desert. Several years later, we realized that Marriott was way ahead of the ball, and selected a stellar resort destination, in Palm Desert. Now, there is development all around the JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort and Spa. Our most recent visit was all pleasure, and no business. This was the first visit that we can remember when the hotel did not have a large group conference, but, I believe the hotel was sold-out. Despite the density of guests, the resort was tranquil when you wanted it to be, and a happening place, when you wanted to turn that on. There are an abundance of activities at the JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort and Spa, including golf, tennis, pickle ball, a fabulous gym at the spa, and miniature golf, to name just a few. We had a few fabulous meals at the Rockwood Grill, and at the Oasis Poolside Bar and Grill. The lounge, in the lobby, AQUIFER65, is one happening place in the late afternoon and evening. The main pool is immaculate, safe, and a lot of fun. Unfortunately, the “Springs Pool” was not open during our Peak Season visit, and that is a loss. It seems like the hotel may be value engineering their Balance Sheet, in favor of packing the main pool. with guests, rather than spreading guests out, between the main pool and the Springs Pool. Not since the Covid 19 Pandemic, have I seen the Springs Pool open and operating, regularly, other than to host poolside banquets and receptions. The “shuttered” Springs Pool is a loss to the otherwise favorable guest experience at the JW Marriott Resort and Spa. Our room was immaculate, reasonably attractive, functional, but worn. Actually, at 39 years old, many areas of the JW Marriott Resort and Spa are showing their age, and their guest rooms, in particular, are in need of a refurbishment (something more than a “refresh”). The staff of the JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort and Spa are welcoming, kind, professional, and efficient (and, they seem happy in their jobs). I have commented, before, that the JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort and Spa is managed by a powerhouse, long career, Marriott General Manager, and that man has his finger on the pulse of the entire resort. I’d be very surprised to learn that there is a nook or cranny that that man has not walked, or touched, at the resort, every day. One can only hope that the current, longtime General Manager has an understudy, and when the time comes that he moves to his much-deserved retirement, that there is someone with similar leadership skills and DNA, to fill his shoes, as the JW’s General Manager. In my opinion, the JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort and Spa is a high profile, high ticket resort for Marriott International, and Marriott International is/would be well suited to deploy their Best of the Best General Manager to the JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort and Spa. A stay at the JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort and Spa is costly, and not for the cash bashful; I believe a visit to the JW Marriott Desert Springs, is in-line with other like resorts. The JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort and Spa is less than 30 minutes away from Palm Springs Airport. Ontario Airport is an hour away, and San Diego, LAX, and Orange County Airports are 2+ hours away. We like the Hollywood Burbank Airport, but have never flown in there, for a vacation at the JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort and Spa. The Palm Springs Airport is a pleasure to fly in and out of. A stay/vacation at the JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort and Spa is as close to perfect as it comes. The hotel/resort is in need of a 40-year update. For all I know, that is in the plans.

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“Great service, nice grounds”

Stayed here for the 5th year in a row for stagecoach, beautiful property- very smooth as far as the shuttles to stagecoach went. Good choices of food with late night options as well. The service is what you’d expect from a JW. The one complaint (more my wife’s than mine) is that there was literally… more

Stayed here for the 5th year in a row for stagecoach, beautiful property- very smooth as far as the shuttles to stagecoach went. Good choices of food with late night options as well. The service is what you’d expect from a JW. The one complaint (more my wife’s than mine) is that there was literally no hot water any nights after getting back from the festival. That would’ve been between 9 pm and midnight each night if our 3 night stay. A little ridiculous there’s no hot water especially with the price we paid but again- minor for me but if you want a nice hot or even lukewarm shower at night- this missed the mark.

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“Beautiful grounds!”

The property itself is beautiful, but it is definitely beginning to show its age. The front desk staff and valet staff were lovely. Housekeeping was hit-or-miss; a fitted sheet that didn't fit the bed, and coffee and water did not get restocked during the entire visit. In general, the staff appeare… more

The property itself is beautiful, but it is definitely beginning to show its age. The front desk staff and valet staff were lovely. Housekeeping was hit-or-miss; a fitted sheet that didn't fit the bed, and coffee and water did not get restocked during the entire visit. In general, the staff appeared consistently overwhelmed by the volume of guests. The pool area, especially, felt like a crowded theme park rather than a spa or resort.

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