Best Resort for a Family Vacation in March

Old Jan 18th, 2009, 09:39 PM
  #1  
Original Poster
 
Join Date: Sep 2005
Posts: 7
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Best Resort for a Family Vacation in March

I have read many of the posts and can't decide so thought I'd ask for some advice.

Family vacation - husband, myself and 4 year old. Looking for somewhere warm (coming from Minneapolis), a very nice resort feel with 1 bedroom or 2 bedroom accommodations. We would like to stay in US and think I have narrowed it down to Scottsdale, AZ or Palm Springs, CA. We have been to both as a couple but not with daughter. (If you have additional suggestions, please add... must have a direct flight from msp which is most places in US on NWA).

Important is a nice pool (zero entry or something child friendly), nice accommodations, close to dining/shopping and hotel with amenities like fitness room, playground area, etc. If you can please expand on pool details, etc. so I can weigh out all options .

In Scottsdale have looked at Marriott's Canyon Villas @ Desert Ridge connected to JW Marriott and The Westin Kierland Villas connected to Westin Kierland.

In Palm Spring (area) The Westin Mission Hills Resort & Villas and Marriott's Desert Springs Villas I and II (what is the difference?). I think we may have stayed at the Marriott there but not in the villas.

Open to ALL suggestions and pluses and minuses. I just can't decide which is the best for us between all of the above options.
kelluc is offline  
Old Jan 19th, 2009, 08:09 AM
  #2  
 
Join Date: Nov 2003
Posts: 4,639
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Hi, the Montage Resort in Laguna Beach is very nice with a gorgeous pool area. ***kim***
kimamom is offline  
Old Jan 19th, 2009, 11:14 AM
  #3  
lvk
 
Join Date: Feb 2004
Posts: 3,265
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Laguna Beach will not be warm in March. You are on the right track with the desert resorts. I don't think you can go wrong with any of your choices.

I haven't stayed at the Marriott or Westin Villas in Scottsdale, but I have been on the grounds and both are nice choices with great pool areas. They are very large resorts, and depending on where your villa is, you may have quite a hike (or drive) to the pool. The Marriott is very close to that huge Desert Ridge mall complex, with lots of shopping & dining options.

We stayed last year at the Sheraton Desert Oasis, which is a smaller resort, but has all of the things you are looking for and no villa is very far from the pool/fitness center area. It is also close to shopping and restaurants, though there is no restaurant on site, just a pool-side snack bar.

In Palm Desert, we have stayed at both the Westin and the Desert Springs Marriott Villas. I definitely prefer the Marriott property over the Westin. The Marriott complex has much more to do-- restaurants, shops, the little boat ride, etc. I also like the pool areas at the MDS better than the Westin. There is one large Villa pool and several smaller satellite pools. You will want to stick to the Villa pools, as the Hotel Pool is one big, loud singles scene on the weekends.

Another option in Palm Desert is the Shadow Ridge Marriott Villas. It is a newer, large complex with great kids only pool and activity area. However, there is limited on-site dining and no spa.


lvk is offline  
Old Jan 19th, 2009, 12:46 PM
  #4  
 
Join Date: Sep 2003
Posts: 127
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Hello! We have spent the last two spring breaks @ the Fairmont Princess in Scottsdale and have loved it. You can't beat the weather - it is warm and sunny - perfect for swimming. Great restaurants - fabulous pools - great for kids and adults alike.

Hope that you find your perfect spot and have a ball.
courtneycwo is offline  
Old Jan 19th, 2009, 08:22 PM
  #5  
Original Poster
 
Join Date: Sep 2005
Posts: 7
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Thanks! The fairmount princess looks nice but do they have suites or villas (more than just a standard room)?

Is the Desert Springs Marriott Villasmin Palm Desert connected to the Marriott with the gondola ride/river inside?

Can you tell me more about the Shadow Ridge Marriott Villas? What specifically is the pool like; zero entry, slides, etc.? How about the rooms, nice? I feel like we may have stayed there. Were they still doing construction and had a newer workout area with big open doors?

Thank you!!!!
kelluc is offline  
Old Jan 21st, 2009, 08:11 AM
  #6  
lvk
 
Join Date: Feb 2004
Posts: 3,265
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Yes, the Desert Springs Marriott Villas are adjacent to the JW Marriott hotel complex. There is a free shuttle that loops around the villas to the hotel. Depending on where your villa is, it can be an easy walk.

I don't remember if the Shadow Ridge kids' pool is zero entry or not. (you can call them to find out) I know it is large, has a slide and sprinklers. It is also separate from the very large adult pool area by the restaurant building. The pool areas also have plenty of shade and overhead misting devices.

The villas are large and new. They are probably still doing construction on Shadow Ridge, but the last time we were there, it didn't affect us at all. It will be a huge complex when complete.
lvk is offline  
Old Jan 21st, 2009, 02:30 PM
  #7  
 
Join Date: Jul 2004
Posts: 1,051
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
We've stayed at the Marriott Desert Springs Villa's. They are really nice, and having the added amenity of the Marriott Hotel complex next to it, is great. They have shuttles going back and forth so you don't have to move your car.

The Lobby of the hotel is spectacular and it's fun to take the boat ride to the restaurants with little ones. We took our 4 year old grandchild to dinner during Thanksgiving week, and they have to wear a small lifesaver.
MBnancy is offline  
Related Topics
Thread
Original Poster
Forum
Replies
Last Post
johninseattle
United States
18
Feb 12th, 2009 09:59 AM
harveyjkah
United States
9
Dec 1st, 2007 03:32 AM
travelmom13
United States
8
Jun 5th, 2007 08:38 PM
emhg89
United States
4
Jun 21st, 2005 07:54 PM
lisi
United States
3
May 2nd, 2002 04:05 PM

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is On
Trackbacks are Off
Pingbacks are Off
Refbacks are On


Thread Tools
Search this Thread

Contact Us - Manage Preferences - Archive - Advertising - Cookie Policy - Privacy Statement - Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information -