Marriott Desert Springs Villas I - best units?

[fairrci]

Will be checking into Desert Springs Villa I on June 30, 2012.

Which units are the best?

Any suggestions about restaurants/activities/hikes, etc., would be welcomed.

Thank you,

Bill

 

[BJRSanDiego]

Best units

Will be checking into Desert Springs Villa I on June 30, 2012.

Which units are the best?

Any suggestions about restaurants/activities/hikes, etc., would be welcomed.

Thank you,

Bill

I try to avoid the units that are on the outside along Cooks Street. Also some of the units get noise from the JW.

Which units are best somewhat depends on the size of the unit that you have. If you have a 1 or 2 BR, you will have a patio that looks out toward the back of the unit - - most likely looking at grass along the golf course. If you have an efficiency, many of them have a patio that faces the parking lot and A/C units (I've seen postings on Tripadvisor where people are complaining abt this). I've been told that end unit, bottom floor efficiencies have a patio facing the golf course. So if you're in an efficiency, you might ask at the desk as you're checking in.

I prefer bldgs P, O, N, M, U and V.

In another TUG post (sorry but I don't recall the thoughtful person who posted it...) they showed a map of their preferences:

http://www.vacationlovers.net/palmsprings/marriott_desert_springs_resort_map.html

 

[BJRSanDiego]

Restaurants, activities

Will be checking into Desert Springs Villa I on June 30, 2012.


Any suggestions about restaurants/activities/hikes, etc., would be welcomed.

Thank you,

Bill

Some of the restaurants that I enjoy and go to:
Kobe Japanese on 111 - they have an early-bird special. call for times
Sherman's deli
Papa Johns (you get a discount because you are staying at Marriott)
Lake View - over at the JW. You can take a free shuttle. You get a 20% (?) discount when staying at DS1/2. Also, you can take a free boat ride from the lobby of the JW to the restaurant.
Cafe Des Arts (French)

I like to go to the College of the Desert swapmeet on Sat/Sun but during the summer it shrinks to about 1/4 of its winter size.

The Palm Springs street fair in the evening is fun in the summer.

Outdoor hiking like in Joshua Tree NP or Indian Canyons is likely to be overly warm. Try going up on the tram to mt. San Jacinto

 

[celosch]

I am actually in the area as we speak on business. I took a drive over to check out the JW and DSV. I second the aerial tram recommendation, it's a great experience. It was 108 degrees at the bottom and 68 at the top.

The village of La Quinta is about a 10 minute drive from DSV. There are some great restaurants and a few shops there. I highly recommend Stuft Pizza Bar and Grill for dinner.

 

[celosch]

Also, I did Joshua Teee earlier this week. It is elevated somewhat so on a breezy day, even in 100+ heat, the less strenuous trails and walks are doable.

Enjoy your trip!

 

[pipet]

Definitely recommend the tram & various hikes on Mt San Jacinto. The hike to the peak is moderately strenuous but worth it. It can be quite chilly & windy at the top (& sometimes rainy), so don't go without appropriate clothes. If the peak isn't your thing, there are also several other nice trails to check out near the tram. Be sure to smell the Jeffrey Pines; they smell like butterscotch!

I've done some Joshua Tree hikes in the heat, and I wouldn't personally do any but relatively tame hikes in the summer. Bring at least 4x the water you think need!

Idyllwild is a little bit of a drive but very charming, and also will have more favorable temps due to the elevation.

Even with the heat, the Marriott pools will be nice, and they have misters as well to help you cool down.

 

[cp73]

I usually go out to the desert area at least four times a year. Two other great restaurants are Babe's Barbecue at the River, and Jackalope Ranch in Indio. Be sure to have the Ribs at Babe's and at Jackalope go for the happy hour and sit in the patio under the misters. Its quite a site to see. My two favorite hiking places are Indian Canyon and Joshua Tree. It will be hot in July however if you take an easy pace it can still be enjoyable. Indian Canyon has a some nice streams you can walk along that is partially shaded. Its about 20 minutes from the resort at most. Joshua Tree is about a 70 minutes drive from the resort.

 

[mjm1]

I agree about Jackelope Ranch, which is on Hwy 111 to the east, and Babes at The River on Hwy 111 in Rancho Mirage. Another great place at The River is Acqua Pazza. They have a 3 course dinner for 19.95 and only 15.95 before 5pm. Mamma Gina's on El Paseo in Palm Desert is also outstanding.

The best part of the desert for me this time of year is the cheap golf. Enjoy!

 

[dickgregory]

Roy's is excellent for dinner, if you don't mind spending the money.

 

[LynnW]

We always go to Babes as well. Will have to check out Jackelope Ranch in the fall.

Lynn