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Marriott Desert Springs Villas I

Jim Cameron

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What activities (such as tennis and the pool) do guests staying at Marriott Desert Springs Villas I have at the JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort & Spa Hotel? Are these activities available only on certain days?
 

mbstn6254

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What activities (such as tennis and the pool) do guests staying at Marriott Desert Springs Villas I have at the JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort & Spa Hotel? Are these activities available only on certain days?
The pool is not always available to guests at the Villas. During peak times it is not. We use the Spa at the JW Marriott frequently and pay a fee for each day.
 

mjm1

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Westin Kierland Villas;
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Hyatt Pinon Pointe
What activities (such as tennis and the pool) do guests staying at Marriott Desert Springs Villas I have at the JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort & Spa Hotel? Are these activities available only on certain days?

DSV1 provides complimentary access to the tennis courts and other JW facilities Monday through Friday. Exchangers have the same privileges. The higher MF's for DSV1 include about $60-70 as a result of having this access. For those that use the facilities it is a great deal.

Best regards.

Mike
 
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VacationForever

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DSV1 provides complimentary access to the tennis courts and other JW facilities Monday through Friday. Exchangers have the same privileges. The MF's for DSV1 are about $60-70 higher than those for DSVII as a result of having this access. For those that use the facilities it is a great deal.

Best regards.

Mike
A note to the comment on MF. DSVI MF is $200 more than DSVII. Other than covering Mon-Fri JW Marriott Spa access, MF is also much larger - about 1700 sq ft which presumably more to clean, maintain and refurbish.
 

mjm1

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A note to the comment on MF. DSVI MF is $200 more than DSVII. Other than covering Mon-Fri JW Marriott Spa access, MF is also much larger - about 1700 sq ft which presumably more to clean, maintain and refurbish.

Thanks for clarifying my comment. I edited it a bit in that regard.

Mike
 

bucs0721

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Our first trip to Desert Springs Villa I is coming up in November. Looking for a recommendations on which building to request. Also looking for recommendations on grocery stores, restaurants, and things to do in Desert Springs. Thanks!
 

davidvel

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Our first trip to Desert Springs Villa I is coming up in November. Looking for a recommendations on which building to request. Also looking for recommendations on grocery stores, restaurants, and things to do in Desert Springs. Thanks!
There are dozens of threads on these topics, if you'd like to search.
 

answeeney

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I’ve never got to grips with the search function on this site as it seems to produce a lot of extraneous results when I try.

Just as a matter of interest, how would you search for the “best unit location at DSVI” and get the most relevant results?
 

bucs0721

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Geez...wtf is the problem with people on this site? I get it that some people here can tell you the color of toilet paper in room 214, by year, for every single MVC location. I can't. I come here to get information - CURRENT information.

I searched & this was the most CURRENT thread about this location.
 

bucs0721

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There are dozens of threads on these topics, if you'd like to search.

I meant to make quote you in my response (above) but I'm not quite the TUG expert as you are so it didn't work for me.

Not sure what kind of help you're trying to provide, but you failed. Maybe there's an 'I know everything, just ask me' thread where you can post (use the search function). I'm sure you're quoted in there numerous times.
 

Fairwinds

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Geez...wtf is the problem with people on this site? I get it that some people here can tell you the color of toilet paper in room 214, by year, for every single MVC location. I can't. I come here to get information - CURRENT information.

I searched & this was the most CURRENT thread about this location.

White?
 

mauitraveler

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Geez...wtf is the problem with people on this site? I get it that some people here can tell you the color of toilet paper in room 214, by year, for every single MVC location. I can't. I come here to get information - CURRENT information.

I searched & this was the most CURRENT thread about this location.
If you search for "Palm Springs" and enter "cp73" in the "posted by member" box, you will find his post from 3/19/18. It may not be the most recent, but it is a very comprehensive listing that might answer some of your questions.
 

davidvel

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Geez...wtf is the problem with people on this site? I get it that some people here can tell you the color of toilet paper in room 214, by year, for every single MVC location. I can't. I come here to get information - CURRENT information.

I searched & this was the most CURRENT thread about this location.
I meant to make quote you in my response (above) but I'm not quite the TUG expert as you are so it didn't work for me.

Not sure what kind of help you're trying to provide, but you failed. Maybe there's an 'I know everything, just ask me' thread where you can post (use the search function). I'm sure you're quoted in there numerous times.
Wow, you're quite the peach, and created a reputation in only 13 posts. Your post was off topic as it had nothing to do with the OP, other than the resort.

There are a number of threads about "room location dsvI", "palm desert grocery", "palm desert (or springs) restaurants", etc. etc.
 
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bucs0721

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Wow, you're quite the peach, and created a reputation in only 13 posts. Your post was off topic as it had nothing to do with the OP, other than the resort.

There are a number of threads about "room location dsvI", "palm desert grocery", "palm desert (or springs) restaurants", etc. etc.

Very surposied you'd want to come all the way to California.

Yeah, I'm quite the peach, Mr. Important.

I posted a question in a thread titled "Marriott Desert Springs Villas I" with a question about "Marriott Desert Springs Villas I". LMFAO.

I'll run it by you next time I want to post something to make sure I don't hurt your feelings.
 

BJRSanDiego

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Geez...wtf is the problem with people on this site? I get it that some people here can tell you the color of toilet paper in room 214, by year, for every single MVC location. I can't. I come here to get information - CURRENT information.

I searched & this was the most CURRENT thread about this location.

When I have searched on Tug, I too sometimes get irrelevant links. I have personally found it more useful to do a Google search along the lines of "Tugbbs: Marriott Desert Springs Villas I recommendations". (or skip the word recommendations). Or enter Marriott Desert Springs Villas I site:tugbbs.com. I got pages and pages of info when I tried that a minute ago.

A thought - - when asking for what is the "best location", you may get more useful recommendations if you share some of your interests: like "close to the JW", "need morning sun", "want to be close to the activities", "want to be close to a quieter pool", etc. Also, it helps to provide the unit size that you have reserved. Some of the efficiencies have crummy views depending on where they are in the building. What is best for me, may not be the best for you, if I have no idea what you're looking for.

There is no need to "flame" me back. I'm trying to be helpful and am not criticizing you or others.
 

cp73

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Things to Do


Hiking:

Araby Trail right off the main highway 111 - Its about 20 minutes from the resort - can be done in about an hour to however far you want to go. This hike gives you a nice view of the valley and it goes right by Bob Hopes house which is unique and makes this hike worth it. I usually stop slightly above his house but the trail goes on and on. If you take it just to his house its about 1 - 1.5 hours round trip. Bring a water bottle. Great view of the valley.


Indian Canyons - this is about 30 minutes from the resort in Palm Springs. Great place with lots of places to hike. Its on an Indian reservation so there is an admission charge. Its pretty unique and worth seeing. You can spend as long as you like there. I would say a minimum of 2-3 hours. They do have a concession stand inside, or you could pack a lunch and bring in. Plenty of trails to hike. Once you enter the reservation go to the canyon on your right. Hike along the stream. Easy hike about 30 minutes. After this drive to the main canyon which has the large parking lot and concession stand. Hike down into the oasis and walk/hike from here. Lots of palm trees and shade here which the path leads down to.


Joshua National Park - about 1 hour from resort. Its huge and becomes an all day event. Take lunch with you and drinks/cooler. No food sold in Park; outside they have some fast food places miles from main areas of the park. Very unique for a National Park. Enter park from main entrance. That is the side where fast food restaurants, gas, & concessions. There is nothing near the south entrance except desert.


Palm Spring Tram - in December- February likely to have snow at top. Check weather before you go. About 30 degress cooler at top. All day event. In Palm Springs area. Steep tram ride to top. Fantastic view from top and lots of easy trails to hike at top. Also they have a restaurant where you can eat. Once you get to top your in the forest. Its interesting going from desert to mountain forest in about 20 minutes.


You can get additional information on all these hikes & places on-line. The front desk may also have information on them.



Other things to see and do:

· Sat & Sun they have a flea market at the College of the Desert in Rancho Mirage. During the summer its very limited due to the heat.

· On Thursday nights they have a Villagefest on the main drag in Palm Springs; Arts, crafts, entertainment. Interesting way to spend a couple hours walking around in the evening.

· The Living Desert – good for kids; a zoo with the desert animals. Avoid on hot days in summer.

· The McCallum Theater – check the schedule to see who/what is playing; they have all sorts of entertainment, nice place to go see an event. Very casual dress.

· Indian Casinos’ – there are a few Indian Casinos that offer gambling. There is a nice one right off the freeway in Rancho Mirage and another large one in downtown Palm Springs. There are a few others.

· Shopping – On El Paseo there are high end shopping stores. Nice to walk around and restaurants in that area. There is also a Costco and Walmart near the resort.

· Outlet Mall in Cabazon. You will drive by the outlet mall on your way into Palm Desert from Los Angeles. Its about 25 miles before you get there. You will see it. Lots of shops by all the major retailers. Lots of deals. If your into shopping you could spend most the day here. Not my favorite place.

· Sunnylands Annenberg Estate – check out on internet. Huge estate/retreat. Many Presidents have stayed here. Reservations are needed for tour. Historical place. Very interesting and would highly recommend. However tough to get into without reservations way in advance. Its close to the Marriott in Rancho Mirage. No tours during the summer.

· Tour of Movie Stars Homes in Palm Springs – did this tour and really enjoyed it. There are a couple of companies that offer this bus tour.


· GOLF -There are two golf courses at Desert Springs. There maybe a special rate if your staying there. If you call they can tell you that. Shadow Ridge which is about 2 miles away has a 18 hole course. There are many big tournaments played at the courses in the desert. Check out http://www.palmsprings.com/golf you can see all the courses and pricing. Its a golfers paradise. PGA West has six championship courses where big tournaments are played in March.


· Tennis – There are several courts at DSV for tennis. I believe DSV I is no charge. If you’re a tennis fan be sure to drive by on Hwy111 & Washington the stadium where the BNP Baribas Tennis Tournament is played in March. It the 5th largest ranked tennis tournament in the world. In fact the owner, Larry Ellison of Oracle, wants to make it one of the four majors or the fifth. Already it draws more than Australian and French Opens. And the stadium is the second largest tennis stadium in the world. Only second to Arthur Ash stadium at the US Open in New York.


· Pickleball – fastest growing sport in the country. No pickleball at the JW yet, just a matter of time. Pickleball Nationals will be played at Indian Wells tennis facility (see above) beginning in November 2018 and for the next 5 years to start. It should be a real winner and the nicest facility in the country. Can’t wait to see it.


· Movie theaters – there are lots of movie theaters in the area with all the current releases playing. Also an artsy theater at the mall (Monterey and Highway 111) near the resort with movies. There is also an international film festival in Palm Springs in January.



Favorite restaurants


Guerrimos at El Paseo (Palm Desert)- nice mexican food; best in the desert in my opinion, and I love Mexican food. Get Carnitas About $20 a person; best Carnitas ever. They also have a rolled shrimp ring which is excellent and unique. Don’t recall the exact name of it, but ask, its popular. Excellent Margaritas and guacamole and chips. Order either of those and you wont go wrong.


Las Casuelas – they have three Mexican restaurants in the desert areas. If you eat at the one in Rancho Mirage eat outside on the patio. There is one in downtown Palm Springs that gets a lot of people activity. There is also one at corner of Hwy 111 and Washington. I believe thats in Indian Wells or La Quinta. Food is ok, typical California Mexican food.


Jackalope Ranch in Indio - eat at the bar area outside on patio....worth seeing; Your going here for the great atmosphere sitting outside. If you eat inside the restaurant is more expensive; go for the outside bar area you can pretty much get same food just a lot less expensive. Food is good; December could be a little too cool for the patio. They have misters in the warmer months. Summer too hot for sitting outside but you can sit in the bar area inside.


Babes barbecue at the River (Entertainment Center) in Rancho Mirage - excellent barbecue; get the baby back or beef ribs, also the goat cheese tamale is my favorite; Many other good restaurants also at the River, such as Cheesecake Factory, Yardhouse, and Flemings.


Gorilla Burger - great hamburgers - on Country Club very close to resort. Same strip mall as Pa Pa Dans & Shermans. As seen on Diners, Drive-ins and Dives (DDD) in 2017.


Papa Dans Italian - good Italian reasonably priced; excellent pizza. Same shopping center as Gorilla Burger. They also will deliver to the resort; We have had pizza delivered when we don't want to go out. Also nice to eat there. Reasonably priced.


Sherman’s Deli; been here for lunch but they also serve breakfast and dinner. NY style deli. Excellent pastrami and roast beef. Worth going to. Pricey for sandwiches but excellent. They also have a location in Palm Springs. Also on DDD in 2017.


Tylers in Palm Springs – great hamburger place in downtown Palm Springs. A favorite of locals and tourists. Right in the heart of downtown. Open for lunch. Be sure to have some potatoe salad.


Zobo and Meesters – breakfast and lunch place located in Cathederal City. Excellent barbeque on weekend. Recently on Diners, Drive-ins and Dives in 2017


Wilma and Freedas – great breakfast and lunch place on El Paseo. Also on DDD in 2017. Always seems to have a long wait. Go at off times to avoid wait. Great food and bakery.


Outback Steak House - chain restaurant on Highway 111. Steaks reasonably priced.


Bills pizza in Palm Desert on Hwy 111 and Palm Springs. Excellent pizza, get one of their specialty pizzas.


Castelli’s – great Italian in Palm Desert on Hwy 111. Lots of locals go here. More pricy than Papa Dan’s.


Si Bon – my favorite new restaurant as of last week (3/18). Great Belgin food. Close to resort at corner of Country Club and Monterey next to Albertsons. Really good. Look up on Yelp for more info. Probably highest rated in desert.


If you want high end; there is Ruth Chris, Mortons, Maestos, Flemings, and many other high end chain steak houses. In addition they have a few unique to the desert such as LG’s, Chop House & Sullivans. Been to Sullivans several times, my favorite is the rib eye and banana foster.


We went to LGs (12/17 & 18) for New Years and were really impressed (La Quinta) We had a party of 8 and everyone loved it. Steaks were fantastic and the restaurant had lots of rooms with great seating. Its now our favorite steak restaurant in the desert.



I think you will really like Palm Desert and the surrounding area...Its a great place. Let me know if you have any other questions.
 

PcflEZFlng

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Gorilla Burger - great hamburgers - on Country Club very close to resort. Same strip mall as Pa Pa Dans & Shermans.
It's actual name is Grill-A-Burger but you can Google "Gorilla burger" and it comes up!
 

RNCollins

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Our first trip to Desert Springs Villa I is coming up in November. Looking for a recommendations on which building to request. Also looking for recommendations on grocery stores, restaurants, and things to do in Desert Springs. Thanks!


The GREATER PALM SPRINGS CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU publishes a visitors guide that can be sent via mail for free. The link and their site is below. They will give you many suggestions on what to see and do in the area. Definitely do not miss Joshua Tree National Park.

https://www.visitgreaterpalmsprings.com/
 
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