The hype
Guests are blown away by the grounds, pools, and lobby spectacle, but often feel the rooms don't quite match the luxury price tag.
Jw Marriott Desert Springs Resort & Spa
$260-450/ night
Book this if You want a Vegas-style mega-resort experience without the gambling, complete with boat rides to dinner and flamingos in the lobby.
Why People Love It
- The massive atrium lobby with real waterways and boat transport
- Five distinct pool decks including a saltwater lap pool and adult-only zone
- Two Ted Robinson-designed championship golf courses right on site
Quick Take: It’s a 'city within a city' that impresses with scale but nickels-and-dimes you with fees while struggling to hide its 1980s bones under a modern facelift.
Reviewed by @mommythrives: I honestly couldn't believe there were wild flamingos right outside the lobby. The whole property feels like a massive oasis in the middle of the desert. Taking the boat to dinner was a highlight, and the mountain backdrop is just unreal. Perfect weekend reset.
Guest Who Stayed Here Said
Reality check
The AC units can be loud enough to wake you up ('loud boom'), and if you're near the atrium, the lobby noise travels straight up to your balcony.
- You are traveling with kids who need constant entertainment (arcades, boats, pools)
- You are attending a conference and want everything under one roof
- You love golf and want to roll out of bed onto the fairway
Cleanliness & Maintenance
8.2
- Housekeeping: Generally reliable daily service, though some guests report missed spots and dust in corners.
- Bathroom hygiene: Mostly clean, but occasional reports of mold in grout and hair left in drains.
- Maintenance: The 2020 renovation freshened things up, but wear and tear is visible in common areas and AC units.
- Linens & towels: Crisp and standard Marriott quality; no major complaints here.
- Odors & scents: Lobby smells like the signature JW scent (subtle floral), but some rooms have had musty or stale smoke odors.
Sleepability™
6.5MODERATE
0-4LOUD
4-7.5MODERATE
7.5-10SILENT
- Loud air conditioning cycling on/off
- Atrium echo reaching lower floor rooms
- Thin connecting doors between rooms
Before you book
Good to know
- The boat ride is free for guests but requires a reservation—book it immediately upon arrival.
- The 'Springs Serenity Pool' is the adult-only option if you need a break from splashing kids.
- Check-in is at 4 PM and lines can be long; mobile check-in is recommended.
What to pack
- Earplugs or a white noise machine for the AC and hallway noise
- Walking shoes—the walk from the parking lot to the room can be a hike
- Refillable water bottle (hydration stations are available)
Room Genie
Best picks
- High-floor rooms (5th floor+) for mountain views and less lobby noise
- Griffin Suites for renovated interiors and separate living areas
Rooms to avoid
- Lower floors (2-4) facing the atrium/lobby (noisy)
- Rooms near the elevators (high foot traffic)
Room Request Genie – copy & paste
“I would appreciate a room on a high floor (5th or above) facing the mountains, away from the elevator and atrium noise. A renovated room with a quiet AC unit is preferred.”
FAQ & Hidden tips
Everything you actually want to know before you book.
Is the boat ride free?
Yes, it's included in your resort fee, but you must make a reservation.
Is the pool heated?
Yes, the pools are heated, making them usable even in cooler winter months.
How much is the resort fee?
Approximately $51.30 per night, covering wifi, fitness classes, bike rentals, and golf bag storage.
Can I bring my dog?
Yes, but it's expensive. Expect a fee around $150 per stay plus a potential $150 cleaning fee.
Is there an adult-only pool?
Yes, the 'Springs Serenity Pool' is reserved for guests 18+.
Is breakfast included?
Typically no. Buffet breakfast at Rockwood Grill is around $38/person unless you have a specific package or elite status.
Insider Tips
- ✨
Ask the bell hop for putters and balls to play the 18-hole putting course near the entrance for free.
- ✨
The 'Pink Flamingo Milkshake' at Rockwood Grill is a massive, shareable secret menu favorite.
- ✨
If the main valet is backed up, the self-parking garage is a bit of a walk but often faster to exit.
5 things to know before you go
💡The 'resort fee' includes mini-golf, but you have to know to ask for the equipment.
💡You might find ants in your room—ground floor units are especially susceptible.
💡The walk from the self-parking garage to the lobby is long and hot in the summer.
💡The 'renovated' rooms still have some quirky 80s layout issues, like bathrooms open to the bedroom.
💡You can sometimes hear the 'boom' of the AC unit shutting off in the dead of night.
Local Playbook
Map
See where Jw Marriott Desert Springs Resort & Spa is located and what's nearby.