Palm Springs is the perfect getaway for those equally obsessed with luxury and design. While there are many chicly designed hotels in the greater Palm Springs area, the JW Marriott truly stands out for a variety of reasons. In the third and fourth quarters of 2021, the hotel revealed major renovations, elevating the property to a new level that design aficionados will surely appreciate. Inspired by the physical, historical, and social environments of Palm Desert, almost every aspect of the hotel from the lobby to the 884 guest rooms, which includes 101 suites, a spa, as well as the event venues had a major facelift. The extensive redesign truly transformed the property into a modern oasis.
A Rich History
The Desert Springs Resort first opened in February 1987 and officially became a JW Marriott in 2002. It is one of the largest resort and convention complexes in the southwestern United States. Situated on 450 acres, the landscaped grounds are incredibly lush and unique.
One of the most notable features of the property is the flamboyance of flamingos that’s generally gathered near the front, adding a wow factor to the already beautiful entrance. The flamingoes have been there since the hotel opened. They are Chilean Flamingos (the light pink variety), as opposed to Greater Flamingos, also known as Caribbean Flamingos, which are a darker pink color. Two hatchlings were born in 2021, adding to the already vibrant colony. Bird lovers will not only appreciate the friendly flamingoes but also enjoy the resort’s indoor arboretum which features a variety of species.
The manmade lakes are another element that spans the property, even though the lobby, for a total of 70 acres of water which is recycled for the golf course. There’s even a boat ride available.
In addition to all of this, the resort has incredible recreation facilities including two Ted Robinson designed eighteen-hole championship golf courses, twenty tennis courts as well as a 30000 square foot spa offering an extensive menu of services. The property also has a total of 51300 square feet of flexible indoor meeting space to accommodate both large and small groups.
Dessert Chic Meets Contemporary
The guest room renovations were inspired by desert life and the natural elements including the Coachella Valley aquifer. Each spacious floor plan has sleek hardwood floors and modern furnishings.
The walls feature on-trend, mountain-inspired, silhouette murals, all in blue, grey, and crisp white hues. Wallpaper murals have had a major comeback in recent years and add a charming touch to each room.
With quartz vanities and rain-style, five-fixture showers, the bathrooms are also a sight to behold. Best of all, more than 300 rooms offer free-standing, contemporary soaking tubs.
The fluted accent walls give the bathrooms an up-to-the-minute feeling yet the terrazzo backsplash and tiles are a homage to old Palm Springs. Still, modern conveniences like backlit mirrors are smart conveniences that help guests to easily get ready for a night out.
In addition to upgrading the finishes, the hotel’s designers also opened up the walls and added sliding barn doors, so the guests enjoy the beautiful views while relaxing in the tub.
Many of the rooms have rattan beds, which are another beautiful choice that exemplifies the modernist style the area is known for. These beds are flanked by sconces on each side.
However, some of the rooms have a more contemporary look with four poster beds and a lamp on each nightstand.
The Sinatra Ballroom
The Sinatra Ballroom is one of the most famous aspects of the JW Marriott. At 25000 square feet, is it also the largest indoor hotel ballroom space in the Greater Palm Springs area. With finishes reflective of the mid-century modern era, the redesign of the conference center interiors and Sinatra Ballroom were created to honor the last performance of famed singer and Palm Springs resident. The cool blue colors inspired by “Old Blue Eyes,” sparkling modern chandeliers, and an overall sophisticated desert palette are present throughout the space offering a stylish and unique setting for conferences and events.
However, the ballroom isn’t the only way the Sinatra is celebrated. The hotel now pays tribute to Frank Sinatra every day between 4:05-4:11 pm in the lobby bar, Aquifer65, playing “Come Fly with Me” and “The Best is Yet to Come,” over the speakers while guests enjoy a signature Sinatra Smash cocktail.
The Spa
The Spa at Desert Springs was also renovated with a beautiful new lobby, refreshed locker rooms, and reimagined retail shop, stocking favorite brands such as Lululemon, Kerstin Florian International, Eminence Organic Skin Care Derm Young, LEEF Organics, and TARA Spa Therapies.
This full-service spa is a perfect place to relax, recharge, and leave feeling as new and fresh as the renovations of the hotel itself. “Now more than ever, people are looking for a peaceful escape from the everyday stresses of life. A place to safely unwind,” says Dawn Ferraro, JW Marriott Desert Springs Spa Director. “The spa’s inspiring new look and unique array of therapeutic services provide an exclusive, revitalizing experience for guests in a clean and spacious environment.”
What could be a better place to relax, recharge and enjoy everything Palm Springs has to offer?