JW Marriott Desert Ridge Resort Phoenix
 

Has anyone stayed at this new resort in Phoenix? We are considering a family vacation here this summer and they are running some incredible specials right now. <BR><BR>Any feedback would be greatly appreciated.<BR><BR>Thank you,<BR><BR>Cindy

Just stayed there in early January for the Fiesta Bowl. A very nice resort, brand new. In fact, they were still putting on finishing touches while we were there. They have a spa, golf courses (2), and something like 5 pools. It was really beautiful, and filled with Buckeye fans for the Fiesta Bowl. It is a bit farther out of Phoenix, so if you plan to go to Scottsdale, Tempe, or downtown, you'll want a rental car. You'd probably want one to explore anyway. If you just want to veg at the hotel, but take day trips, they have lots of those available - the front desk will make all the arrangements for hot air balloon rides, hummer trips, horseback riding. They will fax/send you a list of stuff to do. Hope this helps.

topping please

Cindy,<BR><BR>Are the specials being run directly through the resort?<BR><BR>We want to visit in mid March.<BR><BR>Thanks

SUSAN,<BR><BR>The specials are through Marriott.com. We found a great rate there... not sure if the rates will be low in March though, isn't that high season?<BR><BR>Good luck and happy travels. If you do go, let me know how the resort was.<BR><BR>Thanks<BR><BR>Cindy

Just returned from five days there for a business conference. Service is superb. Food outstanding. Since it is so new, everything is still gorgeous. Lots of pools and two hot tubs, including a lazy river--all available 24/7. There is a big shopping center with many restaurants across the street, and a gorgeous spa (pricey)attached to the hotel. I would go again on a personal vacation. First class all the way, and very friendly.

My sweetie and I just stayed there in Feb. If you go, make sure you go to Roy's (it is located in the resort)it was a highlight for me. Simply delicious.
I think it would be a lovely resort for a family. The kids would love the pool area. It has this canal thing around the pool that is propelled to keep the water moving and they have these raft innertubes to ride on. Adults and children alike were in it. We even went on it, it was alot of fun.
The resort is beautiful and very new. Rooms typically nice, bathrooms were larger than normal, very nice.
The only caveat, be warned that the pool food/beverage service was the worst I have ever encountered. Maybe they have improved by now, the resort had only been open a couple months when we were there. If it still is not good, just go up to the bar yourself.
We enjoyed our stay alot, I would go back. And again I think a family would love it. The golfing was good.
Enjoy! (And don't miss Roy's, make a reservation when you arrive, it was the best part for me)
I think the resort was about 20 minutes from the airport if that helps.