Marriott's Desert Springs Villas I - Palm Desert, California

Annik D.

The Villas here are nice and the view of the golf course is beautiful. We had 1 day of no water and no warning but the manager Derek took care of us. He even stopped by the villa to give us his card. He was so nice and made our stay super awesome. Thanks Derek. You're the best! It's great that the villas 1 gets access to the JW.

christinamhart

I've stayed at the Newport MVC and Desert Ridge MVC but this was my first time at one of the Palm Springs MVC properties. We were very underwhelmed. Everytime I stay at one of these properties I thank God I'm not an owner. The landscaping is nice and the units are clean but that's about it. Desert Springs I is very understaffed. Long lines at check in, only one server at the Palmera Pool (for the entire pool and restaurant), and no housekeeping the entire week. Not even a mid-week tidy up. At check out guests are ask to take their trash to a dumpster and strip the beds. Seriously? Most of the Staff at the Front Desk and at the Golf Course seem like they hate (really hate) their jobs. Try calling the Concierge or At Your Service-they don't answer their phones. They tell you to make reservations for activities, like pickleball, but they are impossible to get. Food is very mid and prices extremely high (ie-$20 for a really bad margarita). Finally, the staff will tell you that you can only use the pool at the JW Monday-Friday which is a joke because the pool gates are unlocked seven days a week and the place in overrun with locals taking chairs from paying guests. ||||I know Marriott will address these comments with their canned response on how they "value feedback" and "will work to address these areas", blah, blah, blah. But based on all the negative reviews it's obvious they don't care. Owners are forced to use their weeks and pay their Mainteance Fees so why bother? In the meantime, guests (like me) and potential new owners will continue to steer clear. You've been warned.

Stephanie W.

This should be a decent place for the money. However, be aware that the rooms are noisy and they don't replenish even the coffee for the next day. I asked for a replenishment, but it was going to take too long to get more coffee and clean coffee mugs. The resort was not crowded, yet they put us next door to a family with small children and both the parents and the children were VERY loud. Screaming early in the morning, and in the evening. The air conditioning is also very loud and when it shuts off while you are sleeping it gets so quiet it wakes you up. We did not sleep very well between this and the kids next door. We are Marriott members yet we got a view of the parking lot. They also do not provide water, other than at the marketplace which was a very far drive from our unit. Our bathroom was also not clean (cabinets shown in picture). I let them know on our way out and the only response was "did you tell the front desk?" which I did not do since we were only there two nights. I guess since I did not bring up these issues while I was actually there (and not at checkout), they didn't care.

Annik B.

Derek D. saved the day. We didn't have any WATER for the day and NO warning of a shut down. After 2 bad conversations with the manager Johnny and Eva at the front desk, Derek saved the day. He was so kind, apologetic, empathetic and gracious. He kept us up to date and even came by the villa to make sure all was ok. He turned my disappointed experience into a good one. Thanks Derek. I will now stay at your hotel again. Derek's the best.

John M.

We are currently staying at the resort and whilst the villas are very nice, to be woken at 6am by the grounds team mowing the golf course is disgraceful. What's worse is that the management team at the resort will not take any responsibility for the noise or the hour of the day that their guests are disturbed. I was informed - via text message - that I should voice my concerns with the JW Marriott next door as they run the golf course. As you can imagine when you contact the JW Marriott they can't assist as we are guests of the Marriott Desert Spring Villas. If you stay here request a Villa that does not front the golf course. ||||I trust management/guest services will not respond with their standard line "thank you for your review and we apologise for your negative experience" and rather take ownership of the issue and do something constructive to rectify the problem..

Patrick H.

My family have been involved since early in phase one. It's been a lovely investment for annual vacations, but recent updates & upgrades have reaffirmed this what, after guests not being able to access all the amenities for a couple years. Staff are excellent and accommodating.

Families will love movie night at the Palmeras Pool

William S.

Again, we had a fabulous vacation at Marriott’s Desert Springs Villas I. We’re trying to recall how many years we’ve been vacationing at Desert Springs Villas I, and we think that number is more than 30 years.||My impression is that Desert Springs Villas I has improved over time, as the resort has aged. The grounds, landscaping, layout of DVS I is spectacular, and the buildings, villas, and grounds are impeccably well maintained. There are an abundance of pools, tennis, golf, and unlimited opportunity for bicycling and walking at DSV I. We enjoy having access, as DSV I owners, to the amenities of the JW Marriott Desert Springs resort, next door (Monday to Friday, I think).||The staff at DSV I have consistently been welcoming, professional, and efficient. This year, we met Jose, at the Front Desk, who is a gem, as is always the case, Concierge Donna and Jan. The housekeeping department and landscape contractor does an outstanding job maintaining the resort.||The Fitness Center at DSV is well equipped, clean, and accessible 24 hours a day. ||There is no shortage of things to do in Palm Desert, and the Palm Desert area. This year, we spent a few hours, over two days, at Sunnylands, Ambassadors Walter and Leonore Annenberg’s retreat. It was a treat. Similarly, there is no shortage of culture, restaurants and shopping in and around Palm Desert.||The Marketplace, Desert Springs Villas convenience store, is a horror show. We know to avoid it, so it becomes a figment of our imagination. In my opinion, Desert Springs Villas made a huge mistake when they decided to outsource the Marketplace to owners and staff who do not embrace or exude Marriott values. The food at the Marketplace is disgusting. ||In summary, we look forward to an unsurpassed vacation experience at Marriott’s Desert Springs Villas, year after year, and multiple times a year.

Gregory F.

This is a great timeshare Resort destination whether you use the whole Villa or the hotel room portion only. Nicely laid out property with plenty of room and activities. BONUS- the Marriott Desert Springs hotel is adjacent with easy access.