TripAdvisor Traveler Rating

Young kids looked like they had a great time in small skate rink. We bought Fireside table for $140 plus food and drinks for 2 of us. Definitely not upscale or worth money. Could have sat at nearby hotel fire pit for free and enjoy the same experience. Definitely a reason that most of the tables were not booked.

My wife and I had the pleasure of staying at the JW Marriott Phoenix Desert Ridge Resort & Spa and were quite pleased. The food and cocktails at both Kembara and Tia Carmen were exceptional but not inexpensive. Every employee, from the Front Desk, to wait staff to house keeping were amazing and clearly well trained as you would expect from a resort of this level. The reservations/fees for many of the pool side amenities, like chairs and day beds, particularly in the adult only area were a little, as my wife said, obnoxious! Most noteworthy, the pickleball courts and clubs were fantastic. Open play was fun and at a perfect level. We took a semi-private lesson with Mitch and it was great. We've had a very amount of instruction and Mitch was the best we've ever encountered. Wish we lived closer so we could take more lessons from him!

We stayed here starting on the Sunday of the black Friday weekend. The entire resort was decked out in Christmas regalia. We were able to check in early and it really didn’t look like they were that many people staying there but the public areas were crowded with families. We did get an upgraded room, but it really wasn’t all that special. It was quiet and faced the golf course and mountains. It’s a very large resort and it took us a bit to figure out where everything was. Outside they had an ice rink and were making snow for a slide. There were Christmas lights everywhere, but being in Arizona, the water slides, splash pool and regular pool were open as well. As per usual with Marriott properties, the staff were helpful and pleasant. It’s a pricey resort so it’s only an option for us on special occasions.

I booked a sundeck suite for 5 nights that had about 1000 sq ft outside deck overlooking the lazy river and water slides. The outside deck had a large dining room table under lattice, a couch, 2 chairs, and a table. What was missing was 2 lounger chairs that were clearly displayed on the JW website advertising the unit. I spoke with 3 people over the day about getting any kind if lounger chair and was told point blank....it wasn't going to happen..In fact the front desk lady hung up on me twice and I wasn't being rude. Just pointing out the obvious. This is a water park facility that has about 1000 chairs on the site. I even offered to go get two and was told I couldn't do that. Thankfully the next morning a more senior manager called to apologize and get us two lounger chairs. I told him I wasn't sure if I dealing with a top hotel or a government agency. We did not get comped anything and we spent quite a bit at the hotel.

Only spent one night here, but would happily go back. Rooms are new and in very good shape, my bed was firm, which I like. Bathroom was new and very nice. I had a good night's sleep. The resort is huge and well kept. I had access to the Griffin Club, which had good options for breakfast and a good space for us to have a meeting. There was some construction around, but it seemed to be for a big Christmas event. Service was great across the board. Lots and lots of outdoor seating and pool areas, it wasn't busy when I was there, so didn't get much sense of the "scene." Overall a very nice place, once again, would happilt return.