JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort & Villas Tour
Introduction
Welcome to Jackson Jet Setting's complete tour of the JW Marriott Desert Springs in Palm Desert, including the attached timeshare villas and all resort amenities.
Property Overview:
- JW Marriott Desert Springs (main hotel)
- Marriott Desert Springs Villas (timeshare property with two sections: Villas 1 and Villas 2)
- Villas guests get limited access to JW Marriott amenities
Marriott Desert Springs Villas 2: Accommodations
Two-Bedroom Unit Features
Kitchen & Dining:
- Full kitchen with full-size refrigerator
- All cooking items and utensils provided
- Nice dining room area with table
- Second bedroom has small kitchenette (can be sold as separate studio)
Bedrooms:
- Master Bedroom: King-size bed with oversized television
- Second Bedroom: Queen-size bed
- No double queen setup in second bedroom
- Streaming capability on TVs (Netflix, YouTube) but no casting ability
Living Area:
- Living room with TV area
- Sleeper sofa
- One chair converts to single sleeper
- Plenty of space for kids sleeping in living room
Bathrooms:
- Master Bathroom: Walk-in oversized shower, single sink, toilet, nice marble finishes
- Second Bathroom: Shower/tub combo, toilet, sink
- Master bathroom has public exit (serves as guest bathroom)
Additional Amenities:
- Full washer and dryer in unit
- Cleaning items and washing materials provided at check-in (may need to request more for longer stays)
- Lots of closet space
- Room capacity: Many people, but limited real beds beyond the two bedrooms
Unit Details:
- Location: Building 837
- View: Mostly driveway and parking areas (some units overlook golf course)
- Checkout Time: 10 a.m. (earlier than typical hotels due to longer cleaning time)
Villas 2: Pools & Amenities
Best Pool Complex (Across from Building 837)
Features:
- Largest pool complex for Villas 2 guests
- Water's Edge Bar and Grill on-site
- Nice large pool with plenty of space
- Small kids pool (covered with shallow entry)
- Hot tubs (under construction during visit but completed by video release)
- Outdoor seating for dining and watching sports
Important Access Note:
- Villas 2 guests do NOT have access to JW Marriott pools during the week without paying extra
- To access JW pools during the week for free, must stay in Villas 1
Additional Pool Areas
- Multiple pool complexes throughout Villas 2
- Most sections are connected
- One section with pickleball court and extra pool located down the road (less convenient—not recommended)
Outdoor Amenities
Garden Areas:
- Beautiful garden with butterflies and hummingbirds
- Nice walking areas throughout the large complex
Recreation:
- Charging stations
- Exercise areas
- Grills near some rooms (golf course views)
- Multiple outdoor seating areas with shade
Activity Center:
- Kid Zone
- Movie theater
- Rock climbing wall for kids
- Various daily activities
Sports:
- Tennis courts (Villas guests get one hour free during the week)
- Pickleball courts
Meeting Space:
- Limited meeting space in Villas 2 area
- For larger events, use JW Marriott's conference center
Villas 1 & Central Facilities
Check-In & Main Building
Location: Where all villa guests (both sections) check in
Features:
- Front desk
- Timeshare sales office
- Marketplace with Starbucks coffee
- To-go items available (not amazingly priced)
Clubhouse Pool
- Outdoor pool table
- Hot tub
- Larger pool overlooking golf course and villas
Fitness Center
Access:
- Villas guests use this gym (unless staying in Villas 1 during the week)
- No access to JW Marriott spa areas or spa pool for Villas 2 guests during the week
Equipment:
- Pretty sizable with multiple rooms
- Treadmills
- Machines
- Free weights
- Typical hotel gym equipment
- Exercise classes offered on schedule
Villas 1 Pools
- Multiple pool areas
- Closer to JW Marriott (less walking distance)
- Near tennis courts
Tennis Facilities
Impressive Courts:
- Tons of tennis courts
- Clay courts
- Hard courts
- Grass courts
- Very nice tennis resort—highly recommended for tennis enthusiasts
Resort Transportation
Complimentary Shuttle Service:
- Runs throughout the resort
- Starts at 9 a.m. on strict schedule
- Calling options available during off-hours
- Helpful for late dinners at resort restaurants
JW Marriott Desert Springs: Main Hotel
Property Overview
- Typical large conference hotel
- Many rooms
- Two championship golf courses beautifully woven through the villas
- Beautifully manicured grounds with abundant wildlife
- Unique desert oasis concept with extensive water features
- Historic property (opened in 1980s)
- Staple of Palm Desert social scene
Grand Entrance & Lobby
Arrival:
- Valet area at front entrance
- Water is the main feature throughout the property
Stunning Atrium:
- Very large, impressive atrium upon entry
- Sets the tone for the resort
- Left side: Main check-in
- Right side: Starbucks
- Tiered stairwell leading down to resort's signature feature
Mezzanine Level:
- Sushi bar
- Sports bar
Signature Feature: Duffy Boats
Unique Experience:
- Electric boats that come INDOORS through panic doors
- $5 per person ($0 for JW guests—included in resort fee)
- Approximately 20-minute round trip
- Multiple stops throughout the property
- Drops guests off at various restaurants (including Mikaito)
- Fun way to tour the resort and access dining
The Oasis: Main Pool Complex
Unique Design:
- Located on an island completely surrounded by water
- Only accessible by bridge
- Multiple tiers of pools
- Cabanas available for rent
- Pool bar on-site
Note: Limited shade except under umbrellas—wear sunscreen!
Dining Options
Rockwood Grill
- Open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner
- Platinum, Titanium, and Ambassador breakfast location for elite members
- Indoor and outdoor seating
Fisherman's Landing Bar and Grill
- Good quality seafood
- Fun atmosphere
- TVs in restaurant
- Outdoor location
Mikaito (Japanese Restaurant)
- Similar to Benihana concept
- Fun garden in the middle
- Mostly indoor seating
- Accessible by Duffy boat
- Located furthest from lobby on pool level
Water's Edge Bar and Grill
- Located at Villas 2 pool complex
- Convenient dining without walking to JW
Recreation & Entertainment
JW Entertainment Zone
Most Impressive Feature:
- Biggest resort arcade ever seen
- Multiple rooms
- Bowling alley
- Lots of pinball machines
- Perfect for hot days or inclement weather
18-Hole Grass Putt-Putt Course
- Super fun for all resort guests
- Competitive option without renting clubs
- Available for everyone to enjoy
- Ice cream and root beer float area nearby (closed during visit)
Golf Facilities
- Two championship golf courses
- Golf shop on property
- Check in for rounds at the shop
- Pick up carts below shop (very convenient—no shuttle needed)
Additional Amenities
JW Marriott Garden
- Every JW Marriott has a garden
- Located on ground/pool level next to spa
- Nice area to explore
Spa & Wellness
Spa Complex:
- Full spa facility (not toured in video)
- Spa pool
- Fitness center
- Ground floor/pool level location
Shopping & Boutiques
- Outdoor shopping area just outside main atrium
- Multiple boutique shops
- Great for shoppers
Aviary & Wildlife
- Aviary with birds (not visited during tour)
- Flamingos in front area
- Some zoo-like features
- Abundant wildlife throughout property
Event & Meeting Spaces
Convention Center:
- Massive convention center (not toured)
- Multiple ballrooms
- Several event spaces throughout resort
- Ideal for large conferences and events
Key Differences: Villas 1 vs. Villas 2
| Feature | Villas 1 | Villas 2 |
|---|---|---|
| JW Pool Access (weekdays) | Free access | Must pay extra |
| Distance to JW Marriott | Closer | Farther |
| Best Pool Complex | Standard pools | Water's Edge (largest) |
| Tennis Court Proximity | Very close | Available but farther |
Note: Reason for access difference unclear—possibly Villas 1 was built first with grandfathered benefits.
Tips & Recommendations
What to Book:
- Tennis enthusiasts: Definitely book here (amazing courts)
- Families: Consider room configuration (limited real beds beyond two bedrooms)
- Golfers: Very convenient with two championship courses
- Conference attendees: Excellent facilities
What to Avoid:
- Villa section with pickleball court down the road (less convenient)
- Expecting flight discounts or amazing marketplace pricing
Don't Miss:
- Duffy boat ride ($5 or free with resort fee)
- JW Entertainment Zone arcade
- Putt-putt course
- Garden and wildlife viewing
Remember:
- Wear sunscreen at pools (limited shade)
- Check villa access rules before booking
- 10 a.m. checkout for villa units
Conclusion
The JW Marriott Desert Springs is a very unique resort with its indoor/outdoor Duffy boats, extensive water features in the desert, impressive recreation options, and attached timeshare villas. Perfect for families, conferences, tennis players, and golfers seeking a memorable Palm Desert experience.
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