JW Marriott Desert Ridge has really changed and not for the better

[hcarman]

We are owners at Canyon Villas and have been coming once or twice a year for the last 10 years. During that time we have really seen a lot of changes with the neighboring JW Marriott. Gone is the free self-parking. Shuttles run shorter hours which we were told was because of JW Marriott's requirements. The facilities are closed to Canyon Villas guests for a month at a time now. What I find ironic is that in general, vacation club owners are the ones that also have elite status with Bonvoy, they are also the ones that have Bonvoy credit cards, and spend lots of money at the JW doing spa treatments and eating in their restaurants. But it sure seems like the JW is trying to distance itself from this loyal group of Bonvoy members. The icing on the cake was when we spent over $400 at a restaurant and then were told we only got $3 off on the parking? And they had lost our rental car key fob at the valet with no apology. Customer service seems to be gone and there is too much nickel and diming. Just wondering if the same thing is happening at other properties where a vacation club neighbors or shares a property with a Marriott branded hotel. I know it is not happening with Hyatt or Shell.

 

[noreenkate]

And they had lost our rental car key fob at the valet with no apology.

Ooof!

 

[vacationlover2]

Did they eventually find the fob?

 

[jwalk03]

The JW at Grande Lakes has started charging Lakeshore Reserve guests for pool access that use to be free.

 

[dioxide45]

The JW at Grande Lakes has started charging Lakeshore Reserve guests for pool access that use to be free.

Has this started? I understand it is due to a new waterpark they added on at the JW Grande Lakes.

 

[jwalk03]

Has this started? I understand it is due to a new waterpark they added on at the JW Grande Lakes.

I haven't stayed there recently but the website says this:

JW Marriott Orlando, Grande Lakes Outdoor Pool*

• 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Monday through Sunday
• An entry fee of $50 per unit per day will be collected for groups up to four people.

No lifeguards are on duty at the pool or other water areas. Children 12 and under must be accompanied by an adult at all times while in these areas.

* Off-site.

 

[Superchief]

We have been going to Canyon Villas for the past 10 years, usually in late March. The JW changed owners a few years ago and has been going downhill since then. The new owners are trying to squeeze every dollar they can from resort and timeshare guests. They started by closing off the main adult pool to 'regular' guests and charging $40+ for special lounge chairs and an opportunity to sit by that pool. They then moved the workout room from the hotel to the Spa area, and this year they no longer allow CV guests to use the workout facilities. I think they also charge JW guests to use the workout facilities. The lazy river was closed this year and will be replaced by the water park which will also require a fee. Roy's is closing due to the high cost for a new lease, and it will be replaced by another overpriced JW restaurant. I think they also lost the annual LPGA tournament that previously was held there.

When we started going there, Platinum/ Titanium MR members had free access to the spa facilities (pool, steam room, and larger workout room). That also changed with the new owners. The JW restaurants were very good and offered early dining and nightly specials. We also used several Dining for 2 MR reward certificates at Tuscany for excellent dinners.

Due to the changes at the JW and Phoenix becoming much more crowded and expensive, we will find an alternative vacation destination for next year. The resort wasn't very busy this year and I'd expect their business will decline due the the impact of their greed on guest experience. It's really a shame.