Desert Springs Villas II: Which building?

[DaveNV]

in a couple weeks

Did you request a specific unit, floor, or type of unit? They told me to call a few weeks before check in and speak with their guest accommodations staff, who would help me decide what room to choose.

Dave

 

[clymberz]

Well good luck with everything and I hope you report back. Since we don't go until June I'm sure hoping Riverside County goes from purple to red (or beyond) by then!

We spent a lot of time talking about whether it was (a) safe for us to go, and (b) safe for everyone if everyone went. It will be safe for us because we will have separate entrances, won't go indoors and will hit costco and eat at 'home' in the Villas. Outdoor activities risk is very low. Would it be safe if "everyone went?" -- I don't see travel restrictions. I expect that we our home county in the bay area will be red(if not lower) by when we leave and Riverside will be red according to reports

"In an email Friday, Riverside County spokeswoman Brooke Federico said “is on track” for the red tier because its positive test rate in disadvantaged communities is low. Under state guidelines, that low positivity rate allows the county to advance in the tier system, she said."

Red tier happens Sunday for San Bernardino County, could come next week for Riverside County

Riverside County expects to reach the red tier, which allows restaurants and other businesses to serve customers indoors, on Wednesday, March 17

www.sbsun.com

Whether we go or not, I think everyone will be there and expect it to be busy, because it seems hard to get inventory for that week. I am hopeful that vaccines continue to roll out and reduce both the Risk of outbreak and Impact of outbreak and rate of outbreak. Continuing modifications to behavior is a must - won't go into indoor gyms or restaurants, for example.

 

[clymberz]

Did you request a specific unit, floor, or type of unit? They told me to call a few weeks before check in and speak with their guest accommodations staff, who would help me decide what room to choose.

Dave

Interesting, thanks for the extra context. The folks who I spoke to transferred me to guest accommodations to make a request, but it went to voicemail. I left a voicemail with a list of buildings and preference for 1st floor. If they don't call me back, I'll call back in a few days. If I were going to Maui, I might have some specific requests, certain building, high floor, but aside from Google Maps Satellite view and online resort maps, I don't know the Villas II very well.

I prefer 1st floor to be able to walk out onto the course during twilight and prefer to be closer to greens and holes for some putting with a beer or rose after all the real golfers go home. Don't need to be next door to the pool, but will definitely go to the pools each day as covid-restrictions allow (I expect chair availability to be tight).

 

[DaveNV]

Circling back to this thread. I'm interested in requesting a ground floor unit at DSVII for our visit next month. The resort maps I'm seeing are unclear as to how many units are in each building, and whether there is a difference in space on ground floor patios vs. upper floor balconies. Any some patios larger than others, or are they all the same size? Does anyone have suggestions on which locations might be better to request? Being near a pool or barbecue is always a plus, but space for four adults to lounge together outside is more what I'm after. Thanks.

Dave

 

[BJRSanDiego]

Circling back to this thread. I'm interested in requesting a ground floor unit at DSVII for our visit next month. The resort maps I'm seeing are unclear as to how many units are in each building, and whether there is a difference in space on ground floor patios vs. upper floor balconies. Any some patios larger than others, or are they all the same size? Does anyone have suggestions on which locations might be better to request? Being near a pool or barbecue is always a plus, but space for four adults to lounge together outside is more what I'm after. Thanks.

Dave

Dave, I responded to a similar thread elsewhere.

In regards to how many DSV2 units in each building, first, it depends if you are counting the number of keys/locks. That is, all units are lock offs. I would guess that on each floor there are probably six (?) 2 BR units per floor per building. So, that would be twelve 2 BR units per building or 24 units (both efficiencies and 1 BR) per building. I could be off and perhaps it is eight 2 BR units per floor per building or perhaps four.

Patio size versus lanai size? They are the same. But if you're on the first floor, you could place the chairs on the lawn and effectively expand that area beyond the concrete.

If you booked a 2 BR unit, you will have 2 patio areas. If you booked a 1 BR, you still have a decent sized master patio that could accommodate 4 people. If you booked an efficiency, then you may be a little "tight" on patio space for four people. But if on the first floor, you could place chairs on the grass. I kind of recall that the efficiencies only have 2 chairs.

 

[DaveNV]

Dave, I responded to a similar thread elsewhere.

In regards to how many DSV2 units in each building, first, it depends if you are counting the number of keys/locks. That is, all units are lock offs. I would guess that on each floor there are probably six (?) 2 BR units per floor per building. So, that would be twelve 2 BR units per building or 24 units (both efficiencies and 1 BR) per building. I could be off and perhaps it is eight 2 BR units per floor per building or perhaps four.

Patio size versus lanai size? They are the same. But if you're on the first floor, you could place the chairs on the lawn and effectively expand that area beyond the concrete.

If you booked a 2 BR unit, you will have 2 patio areas. If you booked a 1 BR, you still have a decent sized master patio that could accommodate 4 people. If you booked an efficiency, then you may be a little "tight" on patio space for four people. But if on the first floor, you could place chairs on the grass. I kind of recall that the efficiencies only have 2 chairs.

Thanks. I've asked questions in a couple pf threads. Sorry if it's duplicated.

We have a 2br villa. I didn't know if there would be space beyond the paved patio, or if landscaping would interfere. Also not sure if we'd need it. I'm being told the uncovered upper balcony area would likely be enough room. Funny how what *I* think we'd like best is so often overruled by the better half.

Dave

 

[BJRSanDiego]

Thanks. I've asked questions in a couple pf threads. Sorry if it's duplicated.

We have a 2br villa. I didn't know if there would be space beyond the paved patio, or if landscaping would interfere. Also not sure if we'd need it. I'm being told the uncovered upper balcony area would likely be enough room. Funny how what *I* think we'd like best is so often overruled by the better half.

Dave

As I recall with DSV2 2BR units, the ground floor units are generally set up so that children can run around out in the grass. So, while I suppose that there could be some landscaping IIRC, it is basically grass in front of the lower patios.

The 2 BR DSV1 units have really large patios both upstairs and down. But the DSV2 patios are plenty big enough for four adults. I kind of recall four chairs, a table and a lounger.

 

[Steve Fatula]

As I recall with DSV2 2BR units, the ground floor units are generally set up so that children can run around out in the grass. So, while I suppose that there could be some landscaping IIRC, it is basically grass in front of the lower patios.

This is very true. We see this all the time. Kind of extends the patio!

 

[DaveNV]

I ended up requesting a second floor unit in a building with "the nicest view possible - water, golf course, whatever, and asked them to make the choice for me.

We arrived yesterday, and at 4:00 check in, the lobby was very busy. There were about 12 people ahead of me in line, but they had maybe six people working the desk. The line went quickly. They initially wanted to put us in a second floor unit in building 475, but the agent, (her name was Elvira), said there was a plumbing problem, and we couldn't get into the room until after 7:00PM. I explained I was exhausted after driving all day, and did they maybe have another unit we could get? She searched on the computer and said there was a unit in Building 971 that was available. I said I'd heard there was a lot of road noise from Cook Street, and was there any other choice. She searched again, and said, "Ok, I found a unit in Jasmine Court. It has a nice north-facing golf course view, and will be very quiet." That sounded just fine. So they put us in unit 6607/08 in Building 6500. It's exactly what I was hoping for. Very nice unit, and this is working out fine.

Map layout of the resort, with Building 6500 circled in the bottom left corner:

The balcony view this morning:

This is very comfortable, and will suit us just fine.

Thanks for the DSVII tips, everyone. I really appreciate it.

Dave

 

[GetawaysRus]

I think the bottom line conclusion, Dave, is that DSV2 is a lovely resort. Threads asking for DSV2 room advice pop up periodically, but there really are many nice locations.

Hope you enjoy the stay.

Edit: It occurred to me that if you're not familiar with Desert Springs Villas, you might enjoy a long walk around the resort. (You'll see distance markers. The front desk or concierge can tell you how long the walk is if you wish to know.) When we've stayed at Jasmine Court, they've grumped at us (understandably) about walking across the golf course toward the main part of the resort during the day. (Don't get hit by a golf ball!) But the walk is best either in the early morning (our preference) or in the afternoon/evening when it's cooler. This time of year, you should see some some baby ducklings and baby geese. There's hummingbirds, a few white egrets stalking food at the water's edge, a cormorant who makes an occasional appearance, and sometimes California pelicans. If you walk as far as the JW hotel (you can continue over to the JW from one end of DSV1, on the side that parallels Cook Street, beyond Building F), you'll see the flamingos out front, but the hotel has unfortunately removed the parrots from the lower lobby. When we were new owners at DSV2 a number of years ago, we used to also take notes about which buildings we thought had the nicest views to help us plan for our future stays.

If you are lazy about walking that far, but still interested to go over to the JW, parking in the structure (to the left of the main entrance) is free.

 

[Steve Fatula]

I used to dislike Jasmine court as it was sort of away from the action, not that there is ever much action at the resort! As I have aged more, I kind of like it now! Quiet mostly.

 

[DaveNV]

I think the bottom line conclusion, Dave, is that DSV2 is a lovely resort. Threads asking for DSV2 room advice pop up periodically, but there really are many nice locations.

I agree, it's very nice. My concern with very large facilities, is that I'll get shoved into a forgotten corner unit somewhere, with a dumpster view, and a mile from parking. This particular building we're in is at the top of the loop, with nothing beyond it but the golf course. Weather is cool and comfortable here right now, so it's very good. We met my brother and sister in law here yesterday, and they stayed overnight in the lockoff side. We haven't seen each other since our older brother's funeral about 18 months ago, so it was a great catch-up. Always enjoy seeing them. This unit is perfect for what we wanted.

It occurred to me that if you're not familiar with Desert Springs Villas, you might enjoy a long walk around the resort.

This is my first time here, and I hope it isn't the last. It seems like it's a very nice resort. Being a Marriott, I expect a higher level of amenities and such, and so far, it seems to be good. Other than evidence of stray golf balls, which seems a tad dangerous for guests, the rest seems really well done. Looking forward to exploring the area.

Notice the damage to the window frame from golf balls. It's like this on most of the windows along here, from what i can see. I guess some golfers are better at it than others. Are these windows shatterproof?

Dave

 

[Steve Fatula]

We like to go in Feb each year. The weather is usually 70's and 80's, which is pretty nice being winter is most areas of the US. Kind of a way to make winter shorter. So, we stay there a couple weeks. There are so many thing to do there is you start looking around.

 

[calberry]

Since I started this thread, and some may expect a report from our stay, let me give you an update now. First, our daughter was not able to get her surgery scheduled for June, so we will be coming back down in Aug. to stay with her and the kids post-op. We all decided we would just use the week for a vaction anyway...NOT. On April 5th while on a bike ride I was hit by a car, so I am in a neck brace for a cracked C-7 vertebrate, and I had a titanium plate and pin put into my shattered right wrist (and yes, I am right handed) two weeks ago after spending 6 weeks in cast that did not work. So I will be startinf physical therapy soon and therefore will not be traveling for a while ;-( We bought e-plus from Interval when we made the trade, so after cancelling the trade we can at least use it at some point later in time after I heal.

 

[zentraveler]

Since I started this thread, and some may expect a report from our stay, let me give you an update now. First, our daughter was not able to get her surgery scheduled for June, so we will be coming back down in Aug. to stay with her and the kids post-op. We all decided we would just use the week for a vacation anyway...NOT. On April 5th while on a bike ride I was hit by a car, so I am in a neck brace for a cracked C-7 vertebrate, and I had a titanium plate and pin put into my shattered right wrist (and yes, I am right handed) two weeks ago after spending 6 weeks in cast that did not work. So I will be starting physical therapy soon and therefore will not be traveling for a while ;-( We bought e-plus from Interval when we made the trade, so after cancelling the trade we can at least use it at some point later in time after I heal.

Oh my, calberry; so sorry to hear. Thanks for update and speedy recovery to all.

 

[LisaH]

So sorry to hear! I’m always afraid of biking on the road here and I grew up biking in China. A former 49ers assistant coach died of his injuries recently after he was hit by a car while riding a bicycle. Wish you a speedy and full recovery!

Since I started this thread, and some may expect a report from our stay, let me give you an update now. First, our daughter was not able to get her surgery scheduled for June, so we will be coming back down in Aug. to stay with her and the kids post-op. We all decided we would just use the week for a vaction anyway...NOT. On April 5th while on a bike ride I was hit by a car, so I am in a neck brace for a cracked C-7 vertebrate, and I had a titanium plate and pin put into my shattered right wrist (and yes, I am right handed) two weeks ago after spending 6 weeks in cast that did not work. So I will be startinf physical therapy soon and therefore will not be traveling for a while ;-( We bought e-plus from Interval when we made the trade, so after cancelling the trade we can at least use it at some point later in time after I heal.

 

[DaveNV]

Since I started this thread, and some may expect a report from our stay, let me give you an update now. First, our daughter was not able to get her surgery scheduled for June, so we will be coming back down in Aug. to stay with her and the kids post-op. We all decided we would just use the week for a vaction anyway...NOT. On April 5th while on a bike ride I was hit by a car, so I am in a neck brace for a cracked C-7 vertebrate, and I had a titanium plate and pin put into my shattered right wrist (and yes, I am right handed) two weeks ago after spending 6 weeks in cast that did not work. So I will be startinf physical therapy soon and therefore will not be traveling for a while ;-( We bought e-plus from Interval when we made the trade, so after cancelling the trade we can at least use it at some point later in time after I heal.

Holy hell! I just saw this. So sorry to hear about your injuries! I hope you're doing better these days, and are recovering.

Dave

 

[calberry]

Holy hell! I just saw this. So sorry to hear about your injuries! I hope you're doing better these days, and are recovering.

Dave

Thanks for the thoughts and concern, by both you and others!!! Very nice.

As a follow-up: I was in the neck brace for 10 weeks, and have been out of it about 6 wks now and am just now starting to feel I am getting full movement and flexibility back. It does stiffen up somewhat after being in one position for a while (like working on the laptop, watching TV, or a long drive). But so far so good with the neck!

My wrist is still a work in progress ;-( The bones have healed, but they did a carpel tunnel release at the same time, so I am still having some nerve issues in my fingers (numbness, tingling). My therapist says it could be months before I am back to normal (if I actually get there) with the finger/wrist flexibility and strenght.

We did drive down to SoCal for our daughter's surgery (she's recovering nicely) and to help with the kids, but I "let" the DW drive about half the time to take take the pressure off the hand/wrist.

One of these days I'll have to try to trade back in to Desert Springs, just for the experience! Meanwhile we are starting to wear our masks more and are very glad we are vaccinated!

Steve

 

[DaveNV]

Hang in there, Steve. And when things get crazy, keep reminding yourself that it's not the about the years, it's about the mileage. Hope you heal completely. You'll soon be able to predict the weather.

Dave