Accommodation in Palm Springs

Question

My husband, myself, and our 2 boys (25 and 21) are visiting Palm Springs for 6 days in early January. We have 4 days planned springs and 2 days in Joshua Tree area.

Because my husband works for the Marriott, we get decent discounts on room with the Marriott chain of hotels.

I booked 2 places for now. JW Marriott Resort and The Westin Desert Willow Villas.

JW Marriott sounds bustling with lots of activities and a resort... but our room is so-so. 2 Queen Beds - standard room.

The Westin Desert Willow Villas is a more spacious room with kitchen, balcony, living area it seems. But will it be boring compared to JW?

I could also book other Marriott properites in the area. We will be spending our days doing outdoor stuff but will come back to the room around 5 or 6pm and would like some relaxation ..

Any recommdendations or feedback on accommodations?

Answer

For a 6-day Palm Springs visit with 4 days in town and 2 days near Joshua Tree, your choice of accommodation should balance comfort, convenience, and the type of experience you want after a day outdoors. Since you have Marriott benefits, you have several strong options to consider.

Here’s a breakdown of your current bookings:

JW Marriott Desert Springs: This resort is bustling with amenities—multiple pools, restaurants, golf, and organized activities. It offers a lively atmosphere, which can be fun if you enjoy resort life. However, the standard room with 2 Queen Beds may feel a bit small and basic if your main priority is space and comfort after long days exploring.
Westin Desert Willow Villas: The villa-style accommodations provide more space, with a kitchen, living area, and balcony. This is ideal for relaxing in the evenings, preparing light meals, or just having a private retreat. The trade-off is that the property is quieter and may have less “action” or social activities compared to JW Marriott, which may feel less exciting if you’re looking for resort entertainment.

Other Marriott options in Palm Springs to consider:

Renaissance Palm Springs Hotel: A smaller boutique property with a modern design, offering a quieter, more intimate stay while still being close to restaurants and downtown.
Marriott’s Desert Springs Villas II: Similar to the Westin villas, these offer spacious accommodations with kitchenettes and living areas, ideal for longer stays and evening relaxation.
SpringHill Suites by Marriott Palm Desert: More budget-friendly, suite-style rooms with extra space and small kitchenettes. Less luxurious than JW, but functional and comfortable.

Suggestions:

If your priority is evening relaxation, space, and privacy after outdoor adventures, the Westin Desert Willow Villas is the better choice. You’ll appreciate the kitchen and living area for downtime.
If you want resort-style amenities and a more social, lively atmosphere where your family can hang out together, JW Marriott is better, though you may want to request an upgraded room if possible to maximize comfort.
Since you’re spending most of your days outdoors, having a calm retreat in the evening may outweigh the benefit of resort buzz, especially for a multi-day stay.

Overall, for a balance of comfort, space, and relaxation after days of hiking and exploring, the Westin Desert Willow Villas is likely the more suitable choice. You can always visit the JW Marriott during the day for pools or activities if desired, without staying there overnight.

Accommodation in Palm Springs

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