Curator’s statement
In March of 2024, I did a site inspection for the JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort & Spa located in Palm Desert, California. The resort is an oasis paradise perfect for families and couples. I am most impressed with the fact that they are the first resort in the Coachella Valley to be a Certified Autism Center.
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The resort is a 30 minute drive from the Palm Springs International Airport and a two and a half hour drive from the Los Angeles International Airport. This beautiful property is home to 20 black swans, Chilean flamingos and a variety of birds.
AMENITIES:
- There are two 18 hole golf courses, a driving range and a pro shot.
- There are 16 tennis courts on site that include hard courts, clay courts and grass courts (which are open for use after Thanksgiving weekend). The tennis pro shop is able to provide racket stringing and has two pros that provide tennis clinics with a fee.
- For the pickle ball enthusiast, there are eight pickleball courts.
- One Basketball court.
- They are currently working on resurfacing the bocce ball court.
- An arcade for all ages.
- 15-20 min Boat ride $5 per person, which takes you on a tour of the lake behind the resort.
- On property Starbucks, where you can pay with your app but not redeem stars.
- Cardiff car services.
- Big shuttle bus services.
POOLS:
- 5 pools total
- 4 are open year round with full service.
- 1 pool opens during peak season and is the designated "adults only" pool.
ROOMS:
-The resort has a large variety of room types. Here are just a few:
- Resort King
- Resort Queen-Queen
- Griffin Suite
- Executive Suite with connecting rooms. Bedroom 1: one King. Bedroom 2: two Queen(s), sofa bed, bathrooms: 2, Mini fridge, 978sqft/88sqm, Living/sitting area, Dining area. Max occupancy of four people
- Governor's Suite (Parlor) with connecting king room. Bedroom 1: one King Murphy, Bedroom 2: 1 King, Sofa bed, Bathrooms: 2, Mini fridge, 894sqft/80sqm, Living/sitting area, Dining area. Max occupancy six people
- Vice Presidential Suite, 1 King, Sofa bed, Bathrooms: 1.5, Mini fridge, 741sqft/67sqm. Max occupancy of four people.
-Vice Presidential Suite with connecting queen-queen, Bedroom 1: one King. Bedroom 2: two Queen(s), Sofa bed, Bathrooms: 2.5, Mini fridge, 1131sqft/102sqm, Living/sitting area, Dining area. Max occupancy of seven people
- Guaranteed Connecting Rooms, Bedroom 1: two Queen(s), Bedroom 2: one King, Sofa bed, Bathrooms: 2, Mini fridge, 780sqft/70sqm.
DOG FRIENDLY
- You can bring your fur friend to stay with you as long as they are less than or equal to 50lbs. If you have two fur friends, they can also come and stay with you, just as long as both their weights together does not exceed 50lbs.
- $250/night additional fee
- Beds, bowls, treats and pads provided
- Pets are allowed on the patio at the Rockwood Grill and Fisherman's landing
RESORT FEE of $38 + tax daily INCLUDES
- Daily wellness experience
- Wireless internet experience (Does not include use of the Business Center)
- Daily instructional-led fitness classes
- Self-parking
- Mini-golf
- Daily golf bag storage
- One hour driving range access
- One hour hard court tennis, pickleball court and racquet rental
- All lawn games (badminton, bocce ball, basketball, croquet, soccer, frisbee, horseshoes.
Three SISTER VILLAS
- These sister villas offer one, two, three bedroom accommodations
- They are all a part of the Bonvoy Vacation Club
- If you are staying in any of these properties, you are able to use the resort and amenities.
Need to know
I recommend the JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort & Spa for any tennis and golf player. Each member of the family has an activity to enjoy on the property. There is always something to keep everyone entertained, no matter what age. As a bonus, this resort is dog friendly. The facility is beautiful and the staff is courteous and attentive. What I am most impressed with is that this resort is a Certified Autism Center, which means that the facility has gone above and beyond to make their business or organization more accessible for autistic individuals and those with other sensory needs.
This trip report is part of our ongoing series on travel to Palm Desert, California. In need of further inspiration? Check out Alena Grace Saporsky’s guide, 5-Day Dreamy Palm Desert Escape.
Travel Advisor
Rosalind Ng
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