Marriott's Desert Springs Villas I & II Or Shadow Ridge with elevators for seniors?

[hajjah]

I have an AC that expires in October and want to use it. The best resorts that are available in September are both Desert Springs I & II, and Shadow RidgeVillage/Enclaves. I've been to Desert Springs I back in 2017, but did not enjoy climbing the stairs with luggage and groceries. I've read that Shadow Ridge Villas has elevators, but is it worth it if Desert Springs units are better? We're not that interested in using the JW Marriott property. I owned at Shadow Ridge Enclave, but never visited. I recently gave that unit back to Marriott since the maintenance fees were so high. I didn't lose anything because I got the unit for free back in 2018.

 

[dioxide45]

You can always request a ground floor unit at Desert Springs. We have been several times and requested such every time and haven't been placed in a second floor unit. September isn't high season, so they shouldn't have an issue fulfilling such a request.

 

[hajjah]

You can always request a ground floor unit at Desert Springs. We have been several times and requested such every time and haven't been placed in a second floor unit. September isn't high season, so they shouldn't have an issue fulfilling such a request.

Thanks for the reply. I never stay in ground floor units. I'm too paranoid about bugs and whatever else crawling inside. My main reason is that I try to always request the top floor wherever I stay to not have guests above me. Some folks are very noisy and even allow their children to run and rip. I've also experienced children jumping off the sofa above my unit at Newport Coast. Is it correct that Shadow Ridge has elevators? If so, I prefer to request the top floor with an elevator.

 

[BJRSanDiego]

Thanks for the reply. I never stay in ground floor units. I'm too paranoid about bugs and whatever else crawling inside. My main reason is that I try to always request the top floor wherever I stay to not have guests above me. Some folks are very noisy and even allow their children to run and rip. I've also experienced children jumping off the sofa above my unit at Newport Coast. Is it correct that Shadow Ridge has elevators? If so, I prefer to request the top floor with an elevator.

Yes, it is true that Shadow Ridge Villages and Enclaves have elevators. I think that all units that were built after the ADA regs went into effect have to have elevators if they are three or more stories high.

 

[hajjah]

Yes, it is true that Shadow Ridge Villages and Enclaves have elevators. I think that all units that were built after the ADA regs went into effect have to have elevators if they are three or more stories high.

I decided to book Shadow Ridge Villages to have the elevator instead of Desert Springs. I don't think we'll be as happy with the resort and unit, but as seniors, we try to do the best that we can. I was so sad to learn that the Ariel Tram will be closed next month. That was one of my main reasons for selecting this area, but we'll find some other things to do and places to visit. I did watch a few videos of the resort to get an idea of the location and the units. I'm hoping to not be too far from the gym and maybe the pool. Only one of us uses the pool. Of course we will have a car. If anyone has suggestions, please include them.

 

[mjm1]

I decided to book Shadow Ridge Villages to have the elevator instead of Desert Springs. I don't think we'll be as happy with the resort and unit, but as seniors, we try to do the best that we can. I was so sad to learn that the Ariel Tram will be closed next month. That was one of my main reasons for selecting this area, but we'll find some other things to do and places to visit. I did watch a few videos of the resort to get an idea of the location and the units. I'm hoping to not be too far from the gym and maybe the pool. Only one of us uses the pool. Of course we will have a car. If anyone has suggestions, please include them.

Sorry to hear the tram won’t be operating during your stay. Take a day trip up to Idylwild to get out of the heat. There are several restaurants available for lunch. It’s not a big town, but there are some shops to explore too.

 

[davidvel]

I decided to book Shadow Ridge Villages to have the elevator instead of Desert Springs. I don't think we'll be as happy with the resort and unit, but as seniors, we try to do the best that we can. I was so sad to learn that the Ariel Tram will be closed next month. That was one of my main reasons for selecting this area, but we'll find some other things to do and places to visit. I did watch a few videos of the resort to get an idea of the location and the units. I'm hoping to not be too far from the gym and maybe the pool. Only one of us uses the pool. Of course we will have a car. If anyone has suggestions, please include them.

If you want to be close to pool and gym ask for 1100 or 1200 building. Both have been refurbished as well.

 

[hajjah]

Great! I cannot thank you Tuggers enough.

 

[dioxide45]

I believe the gym is in the golf clubhouse? Some people may opt to just drive over there as the whole checkin and golf clubhouse is kind of disconnected from the resort buildings.

 

[davidvel]

I believe the gym is in the golf clubhouse? Some people may opt to just drive over there as the whole checkin and golf clubhouse is kind of disconnected from the resort buildings.

Correct, #12 on the map.

 

[hajjah]

Correct, #12 on the map.

Thanks so much.

 

[BJRSanDiego]

I decided to book Shadow Ridge Villages to have the elevator instead of Desert Springs. I don't think we'll be as happy with the resort and unit, but as seniors, we try to do the best that we can. I was so sad to learn that the Ariel Tram will be closed next month. That was one of my main reasons for selecting this area, but we'll find some other things to do and places to visit. I did watch a few videos of the resort to get an idea of the location and the units. I'm hoping to not be too far from the gym and maybe the pool. Only one of us uses the pool. Of course we will have a car. If anyone has suggestions, please include them.

My wife and I enjoy having an elevator and not having to climb stairs. But we also dislike having the people with cement boots thumping around above us. We also greatly prefer a 2 BR unit. We slightly prefer DSV2, then 1 then Shadow Ridge. So, when we want to go to Palm Desert, and put in a request, we'll take any of them as long as it is a 2 BR. But if we are manually exchanging then we'll take whatever is available that meets our dates.

BTW, the Westin Desert Willow is also a nice resort and IIRC have elevators.

 

[hajjah]

My wife and I enjoy having an elevator and not having to climb stairs. But we also dislike having the people with cement boots thumping around above us. We also greatly prefer a 2 BR unit. We slightly prefer DSV2, then 1 then Shadow Ridge. So, when we want to go to Palm Desert, and put in a request, we'll take any of them as long as it is a 2 BR. But if we are manually exchanging then we'll take whatever is available that meets our dates.

BTW, the Westin Desert Willow is also a nice resort and IIRC have elevators.

Thanks for this additional information. Since I used my remaining AC, Westin was not included. I would have loved to try the resort.

 

[Sugarcubesea]

I decided to book Shadow Ridge Villages to have the elevator instead of Desert Springs. I don't think we'll be as happy with the resort and unit, but as seniors, we try to do the best that we can. I was so sad to learn that the Ariel Tram will be closed next month. That was one of my main reasons for selecting this area, but we'll find some other things to do and places to visit. I did watch a few videos of the resort to get an idea of the location and the units. I'm hoping to not be too far from the gym and maybe the pool. Only one of us uses the pool. Of course we will have a car. If anyone has suggestions, please include them.

@hajjah,

I just booked a 2 bedroom at Shadow Ridge- Enclave in October to have the elevator, because we are also seniors and can not carry luggage up flights of stairs.