Pros

  • Huge family-friendly resort, with conference center and music venue
  • 4 pools including the popular Lazy River
  • Two 18-hole, award-winning golf courses
  • 10 eateries ranging from casual to high-end
  • Award-winning Revive Spa with 41 treatment rooms
  • Spacious bathrooms with tub/shower combos
  • Meeting and event space galore with a Kinko's on-site
  • 8 lighted tennis courts and a pro-shop
  • Nature walks and a 4.2 jogging course around the perimeter
  • Fitness center with floor-to-ceiling windows
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Cons

  • Daily fees for Wi-Fi and parking
  • Self-parking can bring long walks (valet recommended)
  • Rooms that overlook the pools can be loud, even at night
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Bottom Line

This 869-room megaresort north of Phoenix with two 18-hole golf courses is so massive that even the street is named after it -- Marriott Drive. It's part of Marriott's JW luxury brand, and mostly lives up to expectations, but prices seem a bit high considering decor is a tad generic and signs of age are starting to show. The resort mostly attracts families who keep busy with an unending list of activities, as well as large conference groups gathering in one of the ballrooms. Some pointers: The higher the room the better the view (think mountain vistas and desert sunsets), and light sleepers should avoid the pool area to avoid late-night revelers and live music. For some peace and quiet, the Revive Spa has 41 treatment rooms and a healthy restaurant. The fitness center is small, but it does come with floor-to-ceiling windows, or guests can make use of the 4.2-mile jogging course around the property perimeter. One of the highlights is the 1,600 foot Lazy River pool, for relaxing inner-tube rides along the beautiful grounds.

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Amenities

  • Cribs
  • Fitness Center
  • Internet
  • Jacuzzi
  • Pool
  • Spa

Oyster Hotel Review

JW Marriott Phoenix Desert Ridge Resort & Spa

Location

A sprawling resort on the outskirts of Phoenix, near residential areas and shopping centers

This huge resort is located on its very own Marriott Drive, about a 30-minute drive north of the airport and the center of Phoenix. A car is needed to get to most attractions, and there is a Hertz car rental desk on-site for single day rentals. For shopping and dining there is the Desert Ridge Marketplace just a few minutes away.

  • 32-minute drive to Sky Harbor International Airport
  • 19-minute drive to Phoenix Art Museum
  • 20-minute drive to downtown Scottsdale
  • 23-minute drive to Piestewa Peak, a popular hiking destination
  • 25-minute drive to Scottsdale Fashion Square
  • 25-minute drive to Biltmore Fashion Park
  • 31-minute drive to Pueblo Grande
  • 31-minute drive to the Heard Museum
  • 32-minute drive to Camelback Mountain, a popular hiking destination
  • 32-minute drive to the Phoenix Zoo
See More Location

Oyster Hotel Review

JW Marriott Phoenix Desert Ridge Resort & Spa

Location

A sprawling resort on the outskirts of Phoenix, near residential areas and shopping centers

This huge resort is located on its very own Marriott Drive, about a 30-minute drive north of the airport and the center of Phoenix. A car is needed to get to most attractions, and there is a Hertz car rental desk on-site for single day rentals. For shopping and dining there is the Desert Ridge Marketplace just a few minutes away.

  • 32-minute drive to Sky Harbor International Airport
  • 19-minute drive to Phoenix Art Museum
  • 20-minute drive to downtown Scottsdale
  • 23-minute drive to Piestewa Peak, a popular hiking destination
  • 25-minute drive to Scottsdale Fashion Square
  • 25-minute drive to Biltmore Fashion Park
  • 31-minute drive to Pueblo Grande
  • 31-minute drive to the Heard Museum
  • 32-minute drive to Camelback Mountain, a popular hiking destination
  • 32-minute drive to the Phoenix Zoo
See More Location

Best Rates

Amenities

  • Air Conditioner

  • Airport Transportation

  • Balcony / Terrace / Patio

  • Beauty / Hair Salon

  • Business Center

  • Cable

  • Children's Pool

  • Concierge

  • Cribs

  • Dry Cleaning

  • Fitness Center

  • Golf Course

  • Internet

  • Jacuzzi

  • Kids Allowed

  • Laundry

  • Meeting / Conference Rooms

  • Mini Bar (with liquor)

  • Pool

  • Poolside Drink Service

  • Rental Car Service Desk Onsite

  • Room Service

  • Separate Bedroom / Living Room Space

  • Spa

  • Supervised Kids Activities

  • Swim-Up Bar

  • Tennis Court

Disclaimer: This content was accurate at the time the hotel was reviewed. Please check our partner sites when booking to verify that details are still correct.