Best Unit Request at Desert Springs II

[Jwerking]

Have to II exchanges into 2 BR units at DS II from Dec 17-31. Two seniors and three 40 yr olds - so may want to chill at the pool periodically. Prefer quiet with not too many kids - since we will be there over Xmas - that is likely impossible. Of course, would be nice to have views of the golf course and mountains in distance if possible.

Any suggestion on what buildings and/or units to request?

Would Jasmine court units be desirable or undesirable?

Thanks for any comments.

 

[Theseus]

We are presently staying in Jasmine Court (JC) Building 6700 with views of the golf course and distant mountains on both sides of the valley. Our villa’s views face north though some in the same building face east. Previously we stayed in Building 488, which we liked for its view over a water feature bordering the golf course and its close proximity to the Cassia Pool (designated as quiet pool). Overall, we now prefer JC as it is generally much quieter with far less motor traffic since this is a separate gated community. We also like being able to walk to the pickle ball courts. The JC pool is larger than the Cassia pool but it has been quieter than the other DS II pool areas.

I walked the JC area early yesterday morning just after sunrise and the views west from between buildings 6300 and 5700 were spectacular as the mountains on the west side of the valley are much closer than those on the east. Also there is a beautiful pond (with fountain if recollect correctly) on the golf course. Please see the resort map: https://content.vistana.com/files/l...lub/DE-M-012_SiteMap_Layered_WCAG_FN_1300.png

Note that most DS II buildings are L shaped and will have villas with views facing other villas.

 

[Steve Fatula]

Jasmine can be either. Used to hate it when we first starting going to DSV2. Seemed to be so far from everything. But then, after time passed, starting liking not being in the middle of everything, quiet! So, whether good or bad, that's up to you.

 

[cp73]

We were there last week. Normally we stay in DSV 1. Last week we stayed in building 475 at DSV 2. That building has a golf course and water feature right outside your balcony. It was great watching the golfers try to hit onto an island hole. So many hit the water. Beyond the golf hole was Hovley Lane (you couldn't see the cars though and little traffic noise) and the mountains. I loved the view. You could not walk out from our balcony (first floor) because of the water. However you saw plenty of grass fairways and this great picturesque hole. I would recommend it. If you look at a site map I would also recommend any of the building that face inwards on the loupe (Bouganvillea). For example Bldg 524....there are some water features inside that loupe plus a fairway runs through it. I would also say any of the blogs off of Via Lantana would be fine. Except. you dont want a unit facing inwards. Hope that helps.

 

[dioxide45]

We were there last week. Normally we stay in DSV 1. Last week we stayed in building 475 at DSV 2. That building has a golf course and water feature right outside your balcony. It was great watching the golfers try to hit onto an island hole. So many hit the water. Beyond the golf hole was Hovley Lane (you couldn't see the cars though and little traffic noise) and the mountains. I loved the view. You could not walk out from our balcony (first floor) because of the water. However you saw plenty of grass fairways and this great picturesque hole. I would recommend it. If you look at a site map I would also recommend any of the building that face inwards on the loupe (Bouganvillea). For example Bldg 524....there are some water features inside that loupe plus a fairway runs through it. I would also say any of the blogs off of Via Lantana would be fine. Except. you dont want a unit facing inwards. Hope that helps.

426 is a building I would avoid in the future. We were in it a few years ago and it is right against a water feature. That also means ducks and other birds and with it came a bunch of poop on and around the patio.

Unlike DSVI, there are a bunch of villas in DSVII that have driveway views. These are less than ideal and you can see them better on a Google Maps satellite view.

 

[Steve Fatula]

Unlike DSVI, there are a bunch of villas in DSVII that have driveway views. These are less than ideal and you can see them better on a Google Maps satellite view.

However, there's a lot that have pond views! We love the pond views.

628, 753, 737 (mesquite pool), 426, 488, 566, 539 (water golf hole island), 475, 419, 375 (by quiet pool and ev chargers)

 

[VacationForever]

I had been assigned once to face other buildings and carpark at DSV II. Since then we refuse to exchange into DSV II.

 

[Steve Fatula]

I had been assigned once to face other buildings and carpark at DSV II. Since then we refuse to exchange into DSV II.

Did you ask for specific building or am I just lucky again! Been going over 20 years now, never happened even once but I do own there so maybe I get priority with my requests, don't remember the order they use I always get my building request. Maybe that's why I didn't get it to DSV1 last year.

 

[VacationForever]

Did you ask for specific building or am I just lucky again! Been going over 20 years now, never happened even once but I do own there so maybe I get priority with my requests, don't remember the order they use I always get my building request. Maybe that's why I didn't get it to DSV1 last year.

I think that you get priority at DSV II because you are an owner there. I own at DSV I and always get my building preference there.

BTW, welcome back! I am glad you are healthy again!

 

[Steve Fatula]

I think that you get priority at DSV II because you are an owner there. I own at DSV I and always get my building preference there.

BTW, welcome back! I am glad you are healthy again!

That must be it then, it makes more sense as I was shocked actually I didn't get my DSV request last year, but I don't own at 1! I got a Cook St. view, lol.

Thank you!! I am not fully healthy but getting stronger and more confident every day. I should be able to make it up a Volcano in Costa Rica next month, we'll see (doc says I can). A little worried about the trip but if I can get past one trip, my remaining PTSD will be gone. Been a very very miserable 4 months but so much better now. Trip will probably be the greatest trip I ever had, not because it is necessarily but because it will all be over.

 

[cp73]

426 is a building I would avoid in the future. We were in it a few years ago and it is right against a water feature. That also means ducks and other birds and with it came a bunch of poop on and around the patio.

Unlike DSVI, there are a bunch of villas in DSVII that have driveway views. These are less than ideal and you can see them better on a Google Maps satellite view.

yes duck season is coming. Fortunately our room didn't have the duck issue. It was right against the water feature, however it was elevated about 4 feet above it. You couldn't exit from the balcony even though it was ground level. The only way the ducks could have gotten into it was to fly. Not an ideal arrangement especially if you like to walk out from your patio area. But enjoyed the view.

 

[Jwerking]

Thanks All for the suggestions - very much appreciated.

Sounds like many folks enjoy ground floor units - is that correct? Isn't there noise from above on the ground level units - esp if you get stuck under a bunch of kids? I am a very light sleeper - so always request top floor, but now that we are in our 70s, carrying luggage to the top floor is no picnic when there is no elevator. At least at DS, the buildings are only 2 story vs 3 at many resorts without elevators.

As II exchanges, will certainly get lower priority for unit location, but at least being a Marriott owner helps.

Any recommendations on budget friendly restaurants with good food in the PS area- probably not, as the area is not really budget friendly, but thought I would ask you regular visitors anyway. I have searched for good Chinese restaurants, but does not appear there is any authentic Chinese food in the area.

Thanks for everyone's help.

Joyce

 

[Foggy1]

Thanks All for the suggestions - very much appreciated.

Sounds like many folks enjoy ground floor units - is that correct? Isn't there noise from above on the ground level units - esp if you get stuck under a bunch of kids? I am a very light sleeper - so always request top floor, but now that we are in our 70s, carrying luggage to the top floor is no picnic when there is no elevator. At least at DS, the buildings are only 2 story vs 3 at many resorts without elevators.

As II exchanges, will certainly get lower priority for unit location, but at least being a Marriott owner helps.

Any recommendations on budget friendly restaurants with good food in the PS area- probably not, as the area is not really budget friendly, but thought I would ask you regular visitors anyway. I have searched for good Chinese restaurants, but does not appear there is any authentic Chinese food in the area.

Thanks for everyone's help.

Joyce

Just got back and I would recommend:
Chinese - PF Changs
Mexican - Don Diego
Pizza - Papa Dan's
Thai - Smile Thai
American - Sherman's Deli.
In-and Out Burger

 

[dioxide45]

I recommend Grill-A-Burger. It is in the same plaza as Sherman's Deli.

 

[Steve Fatula]

Sounds like many folks enjoy ground floor units - is that correct? Isn't there noise from above on the ground level units - esp if you get stuck under a bunch of kids? I am a very light sleeper - so always request top floor, but now that we are in our 70s, carrying luggage to the top floor is no picnic when there is no elevator. At least at DS, the buildings are only 2 story vs 3 at many resorts without elevators.

I try and never ever get ground floor, the one exception was in Hawaii (Kauai) at the Laggons, the folding doors on ground level was nice and it is pretty soundproof. Totally agree on noisy kids / sleeping. As you mentioned, some may like ground floor in places with no elevator.

 

[Retired2025 aka AlmostRetired]

Have to II exchanges into 2 BR units at DS II from Dec 17-31

We are presently staying in Jasmine Court (JC) Building 6700 with views of the golf course and distant mountains on both sides of the valley. Our villa’s views face north though some in the same building face east.

628, 753, 737 (mesquite pool), 426, 488, 566, 539 (water golf hole island), 475, 419, 375 (by quiet pool and ev chargers)

Jwerking, maybe we can catch up by the pool and share timeshare stories.

All, thanks for the suggestion on villas. I printed off the site map and used a number 2 pencil to fill in the votes. This is the first time I had someone make a reservation for me using points and booking a unit (they used holding points). When I look at the reservation it had in it Not Guaranteed: Chairmans club pts owner, First floor room my name. For some reason the status stayed with the name change. I have never seen my status (Executive) appear on my point reservation. Does it only appear for Chairman?

My ask will be the Jasmine Court with the 6700 unit as my first choice. I should get it now I that am Chairman level. Is there a Jasmine unit to avoid and does 1st floor/2nd floor make a difference with the view.

While enrolled owners have the greatest gig in town, renting points is not a bad second. The one bedroom for 9 nights (12/18-12/27) taking advantage of the 30 percent discount and paying 50 cents a point has me staying for $92 per night. The airfares are a bit high last minute but with my wife's spending habits, I have it covered with points.

Thanks for the suggestions.

 

[cp73]

I would also recommend for the best sandwich place in the desert to go TKB (The Kids Bakery) in Indio....they have great sandwiches. I know it's a bit of a drive from the resort but its well worth it. You won't be disappointed. Also for those of you that liked Jack O Lope ranch they are back open (as of Sept 23) with new owners. We had dinner on the patio last week and it was nice. New menu and the same menu is served both inside and outside the restaurant. Also the menu is not as expensive as the old inside dining menu.

 

[kiko412]

Jwerking, maybe we can catch up by the pool and share timeshare stories.

All, thanks for the suggestion on villas. I printed off the site map and used a number 2 pencil to fill in the votes. This is the first time I had someone make a reservation for me using points and booking a unit (they used holding points). When I look at the reservation it had in it Not Guaranteed: Chairmans club pts owner, First floor room my name. For some reason the status stayed with the name change. I have never seen my status (Executive) appear on my point reservation. Does it only appear for Chairman?

My ask will be the Jasmine Court with the 6700 unit as my first choice. I should get it now I that am Chairman level. Is there a Jasmine unit to avoid and does 1st floor/2nd floor make a difference with the view.

While enrolled owners have the greatest gig in town, renting points is not a bad second. The one bedroom for 9 nights (12/18-12/27) taking advantage of the 30 percent discount and paying 50 cents a point has me staying for $92 per night. The airfares are a bit high last minute but with my wife's spending habits, I have it covered with points.

Thanks for the suggestions.

Good choice on building 6700 at Jasmine Court. We always stay at DSV2, now we request Jasmine Court every time and get it...we prefer the quieter surroundings since it's just the wife and I (retired). We have stayed in bldgs 5500 thru 6300 so far and each time we approved. They also show us the view from the balcony/patio on their tablet at check in (at least for us). Also, check if there will be a tree blocking your view. You can always change if the view is not to your liking. Something I have noticed is that bldg 5500 is not just 5500, 5600 is also there. Don't know which map you view, but each map I receive after checking in all unit numbers aren't listed on the map. So if you get a 5611, for example, you may be in bldg 5500 or 5700 (just past experience). As far as the view, for privacy, we request 2nd floor. No elevators there but getting to the 2nd floor is not that bad. So far, so good, knock on wood.

 

[kiko412]

Jwerking, maybe we can catch up by the pool and share timeshare stories.

All, thanks for the suggestion on villas. I printed off the site map and used a number 2 pencil to fill in the votes. This is the first time I had someone make a reservation for me using points and booking a unit (they used holding points). When I look at the reservation it had in it Not Guaranteed: Chairmans club pts owner, First floor room my name. For some reason the status stayed with the name change. I have never seen my status (Executive) appear on my point reservation. Does it only appear for Chairman?

My ask will be the Jasmine Court with the 6700 unit as my first choice. I should get it now I that am Chairman level. Is there a Jasmine unit to avoid and does 1st floor/2nd floor make a difference with the view.

While enrolled owners have the greatest gig in town, renting points is not a bad second. The one bedroom for 9 nights (12/18-12/27) taking advantage of the 30 percent discount and paying 50 cents a point has me staying for $92 per night. The airfares are a bit high last minute but with my wife's spending habits, I have it covered with points.

Thanks for the suggestions.

Btw, I am Executive, but haven't noticed that on the reservation.

 

[jpa2825]

Going to DSVII next week to watch kids participate in the half Ironman Triathlon (2 2bdrm & 1 Studio). Inclined to preference Jasmine Court but wanted to know if there are any EV chargers there. We will have a rental EV and our daughter is coming out from LA in her Mini Cooper EV. Also, assuming we all want 2nd floor for privacy, which buildings should we preference to be convenient for all 3 rooms.

Additionally, can you walk from JC over to the rest of DSVII (for example from Bldgs 6700 / 7300 / 7500 / 7700 to Bldgs 619 / 628? If so, the above EV request is not such a huge deal. I know if you are driving you need to access separate gate off Hovley Lane but map doesn't show walking paths.

Finally, is there currently a charge to park at JW Marriott? I think we are scheduled to eat there 1 night and obviously can't walk from JC (or DSVII generally).

 

[kiko412]

Going to DSVII next week to watch kids participate in the half Ironman Triathlon (2 2bdrm & 1 Studio). Inclined to preference Jasmine Court but wanted to know if there are any EV chargers there. We will have a rental EV and our daughter is coming out from LA in her Mini Cooper EV. Also, assuming we all want 2nd floor for privacy, which buildings should we preference to be convenient for all 3 rooms.

Additionally, can you walk from JC over to the rest of DSVII (for example from Bldgs 6700 / 7300 / 7500 / 7700 to Bldgs 619 / 628? If so, the above EV request is not such a huge deal. I know if you are driving you need to access separate gate off Hovley Lane but map doesn't show walking paths.

Finally, is there currently a charge to park at JW Marriott? I think we are scheduled to eat there 1 night and obviously can't walk from JC (or DSVII generally).

Was at Jasmine Ct before the summer and did not see any EV chargers there. Not sure if they have installed some now...Walking back and forth between Jasmine Ct and the main facility is possible, but only by taking the golf cart paths. I have asked a number of employees encountered at JC and each said the same: walking the golf cart paths to get from one location to the other is unsafe and not recommended due to the use of the golf carts, unless you are actively golfing. Although, there is a shuttle that can get you to the other facility as well as the JW Marriott. It is by on-demand which means that you call them when needed. As far as parking at JWM, not sure if they charge for parking, as we have never been there. Again, these were in place when we were there before last summer. I'm sure if you contact the resort they can give you more updated and detailed information. Hope this helps.

 

[kiko412]

Update: see thread "Palm Desert Spring 2-Electric Car Charging Stations"

 

[PcflEZFlng]

+1 for TKB Deli in Indio. Their sandwiches are fantastic. For burgers, Gastro Grind in Palm Desert is unbeatable. And the best empanadas I've ever had anywhere are at Mi Cultura in Palm Desert.

 

[dioxide45]

I have asked a number of employees encountered at JC and each said the same: walking the golf cart paths to get from one location to the other is unsafe and not recommended due to the use of the golf carts, unless you are actively golfing.

I believe this is clearly spelled out on printed materials that they give you at checkin. They don't want anyone on the golf course that isn't golfing or working there as part of the grounds crew. The golf course is also not owned by Marriott Vacation Club and is part of the hotel complex. While there are golf carts, a bigger problem is errant golf balls. A golf cart being driven can easily avoid someone walking, a golf ball can cause a lot of injury if you don't see it coming.

 

[Steve Fatula]

They've let me walk it at night though, extra walking trails!