JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort & Spa

The JW Marriott provides a memorable sense of arrival. Guests arrive via a long driveway flanked by gorgeously green golf courses, then cross a moat-style river home to flocks of flamingos before arriving at the massive entrance, complete with towering palm trees and a massive water fountain. Inside, the lobby is no less of a (slightly dated) showstopper. The interior atrium space is festooned with hanging plants and huge windows that overlook the pool complex and back golf course grounds. A set of stairs leads down to a large bar and seating area, then down another flight to the gondola rides. Add a Starbucks, screeching caged birds, and the hustle and bustle of hundreds of guests and you've got quite the symphony of sounds. There are quieter corners of the resort, such as the spa and back room annex. Past guests have complained about navigating from their rooms via a maze of elevators and hallways to get to the facilities. As of our visit in 2019, the resort was undergoing construction in some of the rooms and Starbucks. 

The JW Marriott is in Desert Springs, a city of about 25,000, located 30 minutes away from downtown Palm Springs by car. The resort, with its moat and golf courses, feels like a world unto itself, but guests could easily walk to an outdoor shopping mall, wine bar, and Morton's Steakhouse in about eight minutes if they wanted to. Other tourist attractions require a car to reach.

• 24-minute drive to Empire Polo Club (where Coachella and Stagecoach are held)
• 25-minute drive to Palm Springs International Airport
• 27-minute drive to Desert Hot Springs
• 30-minute drive to downtown Palm Springs
• 40-minute drive to Joshua Tree National Park 
• 43-minute drive to Palm Springs Aerial Tramway

As of our visit in 2019, not all of the rooms were renovated at JW Marriott Desert Springs. Still, renovated or not, each of the rooms are spacious and nicely maintained. The main difference is that the renovated rooms have been freshened with blue accents, while the older rooms still have a desert color scape of oranges and sand browns. Features include a large flat-screen Smart TV, single-cup coffeemaker, closet, and Wi-Fi (included in the resort fee). Bed configurations come in either a single king bed or two queen-size beds. There's a huge inventory of suites with extras like dining rooms and pull-out sofas.  Adjoining rooms are popular with families. Bathrooms provide large vanities, and either a shower/tub combo or separate tub and shower. Aromatherapy Associates toiletries are provided. Most of the rooms have furnished balconies, with either views of the pool or grounds. Some rooms overlook the parking lot.

Features at the JW Marriott Desert Springs are over the top and unparalleled in the area. For leisure visitors, it's imperative to take at least one gondola ride from the lobby through the back golf course and grounds -- an excellent way to see how massive and maintained the property is. There are two 18-hole, par 72 championship golf courses, and green fees cost extra. Golf balls are included in the resort fee. The Spa at Desert Springs offers a wide range of relaxing and beauty treatments, plus it has an outdoor pool and a restaurant. The spa is next door to the fitness center, which offers two rooms, modern equipment, and a few free cardio and yoga classes per day. There are two pool complexes, with three pools total. The main pool complex is just behind the lobby, and it holds whirlpools, sun decks, two large pools, and a snack bar. The third pool is tucked back by the back annex and is quieter. Food and beverage service is provided poolside.

Business and event travelers have access to over 210,000 square feet of event space, including ballrooms. There's also a full business center. Dependable Wi-Fi is included in the resort fee. 

If you want to do all your dining at JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort, there are loads of good options -- especially for dinner. Room service is served until late.

• Rockwood Grill serves American cuisine for all three meals. It's family-friendly and offers lovely views of the back water area.
• Mikado Japanese Steakhouse is a standalone restaurant (complete with a pagoda and koi pond) that serves Japanese food and steaks for dinner.
• Aquifer65 and The Sushi Bar is located in the lobby and gets very lively, especially during conferences.
• “T&T” Time & Temperature Innovation Kitchen is only open for dinner on Friday and Saturday nights. The concept is a five-course tasting menu that rotates seasonally, and face time with the chefs.
• Blue Star Lounge offers lunch and dinner, plus outdoor fire pits 
• Oasis Poolside Bar & Grille serves lunch and snacks by the main pool.
• Fisherman's Landing highlights fresh seafood and local produce for dinner.
• Spa Bistro offers healthy bites (and Champagne) for spa guests.
• Starbucks is full-service in the lobby for specialty coffees, hot sandwiches, and grab-and-go items
• Costas Nightclub is open on weekends with DJs and dancing. Note that a cover charge might apply.