Located in southern California, JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort & Spa is a Palm Desert oasis. The Marriott Bonvoy resort looks out to the Santa Rosa Mountains and Coachella Valley. Situated on 450 acres of prime real estate, the luxury property appeals to golfers, spa lovers, families and year-round sun seekers.
My husband and I were visiting the four-star hotel in January, after the recent multi-million-dollar renovation. With 884 rooms, including 101 suites, there’s room for business and leisure travelers.
We were impressed with the magnitude of the Desert Springs property upon arrival. Driving up the impressive entrance we immediately spotted Chilean flamingos preening their pink feathers, while families putted balls on the mini golf greens.
The lobby featured fresh flower arrangements and several reception areas for Marriott Bonvoy hotel guests. We appreciated that our room was available for early check-in. If your room isn’t yet ready, there are plenty of places, on property, to eat, drink or play.
Spacious rooms and suites at JW Marriott Desert Springs
We stayed in room 8157, a signature view king room on the top floor of the 8-story hotel. Our room featured hardwood floors, plush bedding and modern furnishings. The mountain-inspired mural, behind the wood headboard, in blue, gray and white colors tied in with the Santa Rosa Mountains.
The best part about our hotel room was the small balcony, with chairs, that looked out to the resort and Coachella Valley. At night, we watched the electric boat light up like a Christmas tree and glide, silently around the man-made lake. My next favorite feature in our room was the bathtub with soaking salts and sliding privacy shutters. For those who prefer showers to tubs, our room offered both.
Amenities and activities at JW Marriott Desert Springs
My husband and I have been married a long time. He loves to golf and if I’m not horseback riding, I love a relaxing spa day. We both had our needs meet at JW Marriott Desert Springs. The property has 2 18-hole golf courses, in addition to a practice area. There is a $38 nightly resort fee, but it does cover in-room enhanced wireless internet access, daily instruct0r led fitness classes, mini golf, daily golf bag storage and one hour driving range access, in addition to tennis and pickleball court and racquet rental, as well as lawn games.
While I didn’t spring for a massage treatment in one of 48 treatment rooms, I did access the wellness lounge at Spa Desert Springs. With 38,000 feet of newly renovated spa, there are 47 treatment rooms, a yoga and mat Pilates studio and outdoor lounge, Spa Shop, Spa Bistro and saltwater pool.
I was like Goldilocks checking out the Mind Sink Loungers, NuWave Zero Gravity Wave loungers and Ceragem M2 massaging chairs. Truthfully, I could have stayed in the wellness lounge all day, drinking their special tea. Instead, I transitioned outside to the saltwater pool and soaked up a little vitamin d while waiting for my smoothie from the Spa Bistro.
This was in addition to the aromatherapy Hammam steam chamber, dry sauna, wet steam and soaking in the ladies’ locker room hot tub. The men have their own amenities to enjoy, including desert rain showers. The wellness lounge is co-ed.
If you are looking for family-friendly activities, check out the 12,000 square foot JW Entertainment Zone. My husband and I played arcade games that I didn’t realize still existed, along with skee-ball and virtual reality games.
Sensory overload is possible in the Zone. I was pleased to learn that JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort & Spa recently became the first Greater Palm Springs hotel to gain Certified Autism Center designation. With 1 in 36 children in the US diagnosed with autism, according to the CDC, the hotel’s staff is trained and certified in best practices.
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JW Marriott Desert Springs drinking and dining options
Finally, there are no less than 10 dining outlets at JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort & Spa. We enjoyed the Eggs Benedict at Rockwood Grill. Mikado Japanese Steakhouse was closed on our visit, but alternatives were Fisherman’s Landing, Aquifers65 & JW Sushi Bar, as well as Blue Star Lounge and Starbucks, in addition to Spa Bistro. Of course, there’s always room service.
Room rates start at $399, subject to availability and seasonal. Check the website for current pricing. You can also check Booking.com or Expedia for competitive rates as well. The Palm Desert resort is pet-friendly, if you consider a $250 pet fee reasonable. Check-in time is 4:00 p.m. with check-out time at 11:00 a.m. Both self-parking and valet parking are available on property.
Hotel review and all photos by Oregon-based travel writer Nancy D. Brown. She received a media rate during her 2-night stay. As always, all thoughts and opinions are her own.
