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Heading to DSV-I -- questions to ask?

Cathyb

Cathyb

Tug Review Crew: Rookie
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Our week is starting today -- rain and all. Split our unit so we will also be going to Shadowridge next week, upgraded our studio to a one bedroom there. Have been coming to Palm Desert for many years.

Plan on attending almost all of the meetings here at DSV -- the Owner's meeting, II primer, etc. If anyone has questions they would like me to ask, I'd be happy to do that.

Doing the sales promo at Shadowridge Enclaves. Getting $75 off for dinner at Morton's Steakhouse. Going to use Morton's 2 for 1 three course meal at $99. See Morton's webpage for details on the 2 for 1 -- it is a great deal.

Have asked for upstairs, end unit -- we will see. Also a funny one here -- we have our timeshare in our Trust. Well, our unit reservation is alphabetized under 'T' for Trust -- not under our last name. I just found that out. Last year we did our usual Gate check-in, but they could not find our paperwork -- now we think it was because the Guard had it under 'T' for Trust.

Weatherman claims just one day of rain -- time will tell. :rolleyes:
 
Cathyb said:
Doing the sales promo at Shadowridge Enclaves. Getting $75 off for dinner at Morton's Steakhouse. Going to use Morton's 2 for 1 three course meal at $99. See Morton's webpage for details on the 2 for 1 -- it is a great deal.
Click to expand...

Make sure they let you use both coupons at the same time. The $99 coupon does not say it can't be combined with other offers, but the $75 coupon may have limitations. I took the golf coupons last week. :)

Also, ask if they still offer the 24oz porterhouse with the $99 coupon. They added it as a special this past Tuesday. No extra charge! We went twice this year. We don't have to eat again for a very long time. ;)

Cheers!
 
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Have a wonderful week. I love DSV-I. It was love at first sigh.

I hope you use the small road from Carlsbad to PalmDesert (I think it's Pines to Palm Hgwy) if the weather is not that bad.:whoopie:
 
Wow--my hubby's face just lit up on the 24 oz Morton Steak- thanks for the tip. I forgot my laptop because we were fighting pouring rain while packing the car -- however, for interered Marriott owners that do not travel with their computers -- I am in the FedEx store across from Morton's on a weekly rental unlimited (!!!) time for $15/week, unbelievable! The have nine stalls ready for customers.
 
Cathyb said:
Wow--my hubby's face just lit up on the 24 oz Morton Steak- thanks for the tip. I forgot my laptop because we were fighting pouring rain while packing the car -- however, for interered Marriott owners that do not travel with their computers -- I am in the FedEx store across from Morton's on a weekly rental unlimited (!!!) time for $15/week, unbelievable! The have nine stalls ready for customers.
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Cathy - good tip, thanks. We go to DSV I or II each year. Free printing too at the FedEx?

The ability to print is the part I miss this most at TS stays. Even with my own laptop, sometimes I want to print things and I have to make elaborate notes about what to print out when I next get to a printer, or back to my printer at home. I have to decide whether I want to pay for computer access at the TS, to print.

Small problem yes, but, glad to know of the FedEx option if needed.
 
Quick report as I forgot my notes at our unit. We were originally put in a non-desirable unit in Building O -- right next to spa on bottom floor -- it was NOT at all what we asked for and there were 'no other units available'. This unit was sparely furnished in the kitchen, the bed was NOT the famous Marriott bed, the curtains were the plastic, vertical blinds. I was miserable! Next day I requested a unit move (yes, repack) and they had a Building N available on Monday, we took it. Message here -- do not request Building O!

New unit had bigger and comfy bed, new window coverings and a pretty decent view with JW big in the background. The only slight drawback was that the dining area was not at the window (first time, 18 years). The unit was also definitely smaller that most we have been in. Still has the old TV, they are sloooowwwly installing the flat screen TVs over the fireplace. Still has the 2004 kitchen appliances.

Went to a great meeting put on by Kathy of Sales. She has a world of information on using Marriott points and just a little sales pitch. Worth your time to attend. She has been with Marriott over 15 years and knows the shortcuts in foreign travel packages. I wish I had my notes here to tell more on this one.

They have cut out the cloth placemats, salt, pepper and are working on the binder with info in it. Still get intro coffee, soap and dishwasher soap. In summary, I was a little disappointed this year -- both on the unit but also the general slowness of getting the renovations done. Of course we had lots of rain two days, but today it is very nice. Will try to give my observations on Shadowridge next week when we go there.
 
I would be interested in your recommendations regarding the pluses and minuses of DSV and Shadow Ridge. I plan to exchange into Palm Desert in the next two years and would appreciate suggestions regarding which resorts to prioritize. Previously, I would have sought DSV1 due to the resort access but that is no longer an issue. Our daughters are college age, so we are no longer concerned regarding activites for kids. A well equipped fitness center is very important, as well as pools and area restaurants. Have a great trip.
 
Hey Cathy, we're in bldg R this week. What a view.
We are guests of friends. The lock off beds are too soft, not the usual comfy beds.

Our friends (owners on their week) were assigned to O when we checked in. It was the one bldg they said they did not want. They were reassigned.

Someone in one of those buildings has a dog, probably a service dog because it is large.

Yesterday we got the TVs all switched to flat screens. They said they do 5 a day. A-J are done and they are doing other units hit and miss. A-I have their hard surfaces redone, and I see they are installing new appliances in the buildings over by the tennis courts.

Our friends concur that the meeting with Kathy was very helpful. We head to villas II on Saturday.
Jolene
 
Superchief said:
A well equipped fitness center is very important,
Click to expand...

Shadow Ridge just finished re-doing their fitness center. All new equipment, and new flooring. Each treadmill, stepper, and bike has it's own tv. Headphones are available, or, like me, you can use your own headphones. They also have USB plugs and ipod plugs on each machine. No more blaring tvs!!!!!

All new weight machines and free weights, too. There is also a smaller fitness center in the Enclaves section now. Not as many weight machines, but you can do a full workout with the machines and free weights that it has. Same treadmills and steppers as in the main fitness center, but no bikes.

Cheers!
 
daisy23: Not free, but they do offer printing at a nominal fee. BTW, it is a PostNet store (not Fedex) and take in packages for shipping. They have Dell computers with average speed except when you are calling up an email for American Airlines -- it takes a few more seconds than my home computer to load it up. Weather has jumped to low 80s.
 
Superchief: Comparing DSV-I with Shadowridge (not Enclaves) one bedroom units. Much smaller units with upscale furniture but too big for the unit. Example: Six padded chairs around dining table but no room for them. The food storage in Shadowridge is not good because the smaller kitchen has cabinets at angles and filled with the normal dishes, bowls. We ended up storing our canned goods on the sink top. At DSV-I you can walk to almost everything. At Shadowridge you need to drive to the gym beneath Faldo Restaurant or take their shuttle. Depending on your building, the Enclaves gym can be a good walk. The grounds are so huge at Shadowridge that you either take the shuttle or your car for most things.

At DSV-I there is a shopping center within walking distance (Ralph's). At Shadowridge it is 1-1/2 miles to Von's Pavillion. We haven't gone to the pools yet -- can report that part later.

By the way, the golf course is now checkered! For water savings they have squares of green grass where you tee off, but the outlying areas are dead. Looks awful! Activities are shared between the two resorts; both have Orientation meetings with discounts given. That's it for now. We are going to explore more tomorrow -- I have my 'free' Morton's Steakhouse Valentine's dinner tonight compliments of a Sales promo at Shadowridge.
 
Jolene! We are now at Shadowridge and units are quite small (spoiled I guess). Building R is a beautiful view,how lucky you were! We have a golf view, small water view and lots of dead grass due to the water conservation -- what a difference than at JW!!! We are going to the Kathy (Rewards tips) meeting here today (again) because there was SO much good info she gave that we missed some of it (old age I guess- lol). I would like to know your opinion of DSV-II vs DSV-I. We have never stayed there.
 
Idanna: Yes, $58 I think -- but it was worth it. I was a nagging wife for two days and DH was more than willing to move me. :) On the first floor next to Spa with a fence you see through left no privacy whatsoever! Plus the conversation in the Spa went on for hours. Moved to N upstairs and was much happier.
 
nwl: Thanks, we do plan to use the gym soon! I am just overwhelmed with the size of this project. I love the furniture selected except it is a bit too big for the size of the unit IMHO.
 
Builing O is my favorite with two exceptions. The two units next to the pool. Both of you seemed to have gotten those units. All the other units in Building O have great views of the golf course, JW Hotel, Lakes, Pools, etc. Especially the further to the left side in that building. I always request building O, except I tell them I dont want either of the units by the pool.
 
Cathy, We were guests of friends in bldg R last week so it was their request that got us that great location. We aren't doing so well with our location requests, despite being multiple week owners and staying on our own weeks.

You really notice the size differences when you move from one place to another.

Villas 2 units are smaller than 1, no fireplace, smaller patios. The master bedroom is more cramped.

Lockoffs in villas 2 have a king bed and couch, Villas 1 has 2 double beds in the lock off. I don't like that there is no bar sink, but a bathroom type sink in villas 1 lock off.

Decor and furnishings in villas 1 and 2 are similar, same dishes and equipment. The lockoff access in villas 2 is through a door inside the villa, same as SR, so you don't have the spacious foyer or privacy that villas 1 have.

Villas 2 owners still get tennis included, but not for long.

Shadow Ridge landscaping has matured, and I think it's getting beautiful. It wasn't so great when it was new.

Desert Springs is undergoing a mandatory (water saving) conversion to desert landscape, and it's scrawny and ugly in some spots, lots of rock. Today they were replanting the entire area around that waterfall that is their signature photo.

I'm one of those who loved and remembers the abundance of flowers and blooming shrubs at Desert Springs 10 years ago. If I can hold on for 10 years it will be as nice as Shadow Ridge.

DH has been golfing there, and yes, they are experimenting with water conservation on the golf course. It's awful. BUT it's better than snow!
Jolene
 
Cathy - thanks for the PostNet printer information.

Empty Nest gave a good description of some of the differences between DSV I and DSV II. Yes, the units in Villas I are more spacious, but over time, we have come to prefer Villas II -- sometimes it is just us two, and it is easier to use the two bathrooms in a Villas II two bedroom, where they just have a connecting door between the master and the lock off. At DSV I, one has to go out into the foyer and open another front door to the lock off, to get to the second bathroom.

Also as I mentioned in a previous post, when we had our DS and DIL and the three grandkids in their own unit in Dec., they had to have DSV II since the small kids couldn't navigate going out a front door, across a foyer, and pushing open the front door to the lock off.

OTOH, a family with teens may love having them over in the lockoff across the foyer, in DSV I......

Overall, we prefer Desert Springs Villas to Shadow Ridge - maybe a little bit of sentiment since we own at DSV II and bought it in 1997, but really I think it is the beauty of the lay out of the property, the fact that the buildings are all just 2 stories, the greenery and rolling green lawns near practically every unit, the views of the mountains - it is the location where we feel most comfortable and relaxed.
 
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I applaud Shadow Ridge and Desert Springs for conserving water. More resorts should be doing the same.

Cheers!
 
Has the freeTennis deal for DSII been cut already or are they just talking about it... Noticed this in an earlier post We haven't heard anything as owners about this
 
NWL said:
I applaud Shadow Ridge and Desert Springs for conserving water. More resorts should be doing the same.

Cheers!
Click to expand...

Grande Vista is also suggesting this. In fact there's a note on the refrigerator saying about that and asking not to leave the lights on when you're not in your room. Recycling sites are also available. This is very good for everybody.
 
Shadowridge gym -- wow,it is real nice. About 6 treadmills and a bunch of others. At DSV-1 we had a real mini room (because at that time you could use the hotel's); now they have renovated and working on a large gym room, but I don't think it will be as large at Shadowridge's. Another plus at Shadowridge is your choice of TV channels. You get Los Angeles stations -- at DSV you get Palm Springs stations most of the time and that isn't real exciting - lol. We walked the grounds yesterday and the pools are really great! For families with kids, Shadowridge is better over DSV. Weather has been in the low 80s -- a little higher than normal.
 
A couple of Desert Springs Questions

We were in Palm Springs over President's weekend and had an opportunity to pop in to see DSV I, II and Shadowridge because we have been thinking about buying a resale unit. I have been researching the BBS & Tug reviews, but I still have a couple of questions that hopefully someone here can help me with:

(1) POOL - I am wondering about the impact of DSV I is no longer able to use the hotel pools (effective 1/1/2010). All the pools I saw between the villas 1 buildings were quite small. The day we visited it looked like everyone with kids was using the Palmeras pool at Villas II, and the small Villas I pools were pretty empty. Two resorts using 1 pool could put a real strain on the Palmeras pool -- especially trying to get lounge chairs. Any updates, thoughts, or observations?

(2) WATERING - Wow! There is a huge difference in the abundant green-ness of Desert Springs vs. Shadowridge. Desert Springs does look like an oasis in the desert. It is almost other-worldly green. Shadowridge landscaping is much dryer, much more like the genuine desert, and not really very green, at all. Someone updated that "Desert Springs is undergoing a mandatory (water saving) conversion to desert landscape, and it's scrawny and ugly in some spots, lots of rock. Today they were replanting the entire area around that waterfall that is their signature photo." Does that mean that over time, both the DSV Villas, JWMarriott & the golf course will eventually loose all that green and be more brown, tan & rocky like Shadowridge? If yes, that is going to be a HUGE change.

(3) POOL ACCESS to JWMarriott - I saw lots of shuttle traffic back & forth at DSV. I realize that the ability of DSV I owners to use the Spa Pool is history. But if DSV people wanted to go over & use the big hotel pools -- how would the hotel know or enforce this? Are the pool towels different than at the timeshare? Seems to me that once you take the shuttle over, and you are there you could eat, swim or do whatever you wanted. Just curious?

Just a note to add how different strokes for different folks is true. My husband liked Shadowridge the most. Mostly for the way it is set up with the various pools (noisy & quiet), fun activity center & place to eat all side-by-side. I, on the other hand, preferred the more spacious rooms, balconies, and views at DSV I and II. So, I guess it will end up being price that will dictate which one we end up buying.

Thanks for any information anyone can add!

--- Rene McDaniel
 
Rene McDaniel said:
(3) POOL ACCESS to JWMarriott - I saw lots of shuttle traffic back & forth at DSV. I realize that the ability of DSV I owners to use the Spa Pool is history. But if DSV people wanted to go over & use the big hotel pools -- how would the hotel know or enforce this? Are the pool towels different than at the timeshare? Seems to me that once you take the shuttle over, and you are there you could eat, swim or do whatever you wanted. Just curious?
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Rene,
Over the last couple of years they would give you a wrist band at DSV I to use the pools at the JW. However the wrist band was only needed on the weekends during the busy season (Easter). During the rest of the week no wristband was needed. And they even told you that at the front desk. As you had mentioned anyone could go in there. Even on the weekends I can only think of one time they had someone checking. It was very loose. For the most part I would say they didn't care unless the hotel was full and it effected the hotel guests.
 
cp73 said:
Rene,
Over the last couple of years they would give you a wrist band at DSV I to use the pools at the JW. However the wrist band was only needed on the weekends during the busy season (Easter). During the rest of the week no wristband was needed. And they even told you that at the front desk. As you had mentioned anyone could go in there. Even on the weekends I can only think of one time they had someone checking. It was very loose. For the most part I would say they didn't care unless the hotel was full and it effected the hotel guests.
Click to expand...

Has anyone visited the JW pools since Jan 1 2010? Is there a gate keeper at the pools to ensure only JW guests can enter.

Asking because I was there on an extremely busy weekend a few summers back, and the gatekeeper handed me a wristband. I was with my wife who was very nervous about going to the JW pool. She knew we that DSV II guests did not have the privilege at that time. However the place was so over run by a rowdy crowd, the guard even made a comment like " They are really wild today" and he handed us a wristband and we walked right on in. I told DW to just make like we belong and it worked.

I know DSV I owners are upset about losing the privileges, however if the JW pool gatekeeper is not enforcing the rule, the DSV I owners are getting the last laugh! Along with DSV II visitors!!!!
 
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