BookResorts™ is an independent travel network offering over 100,000 hotels worldwide.is an independent travel network.

JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort & Spa Palm Desert, California
Book Now Or call, 24/7+1 (888) 605-1350
Rooms & Suites Dine & Drink Activities Spa Gallery FAQs
Ready to book?Lowest online rate, free perks and upgrades.Book nowCall 24/7 · 888-605-1350
Hotel comparison guide

JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort & Spa vs The Ritz-Carlton, Rancho Mirage

JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort & Spa is a large, family-friendly Palm Desert resort with extensive pools, golf and a very large spa; this guide is for travelers who want activities, space and family amenities. The Ritz-Carlton, Rancho Mirage is a hillside luxury resort and spa in Rancho Mirage; read on if you favor a quieter, design-forward luxury stay with strong service and fewer on-site family amenities.

Updated

Aerial view of resort pools and lagoons at sunset at JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort & Spa

JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort & Spa

Family-friendly · Large grounds & pools · Golf & activities

Best for multigenerational stays, groups and active travelers who want many on-site activities (golf, pools, gondolas, kids’ programs).

See rooms & suites
The Ritz-Carlton, Rancho Mirage, Rancho Mirage, California

The Ritz-Carlton, Rancho Mirage

Luxury hillside spa · Intimate grounds · Upscale dining & service

Best for couples or travelers seeking a quieter luxury escape with strong spa and service credentials in Rancho Mirage.

Quick Verdict: JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort & Spa vs The Ritz-Carlton, Rancho Mirage

When JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort & Spa wins: choose JW Marriott for families, golfers, groups and anyone who wants a wide range of on-site activities (five pools, two championship courses, kids’ programming, gondolas) and big meeting/wedding capacity.

When The Ritz-Carlton, Rancho Mirage wins: pick the Ritz-Carlton for a smaller, more distinctly luxury hotel experience — a hillside resort with focused service, a full-service spa, two outdoor pools, and a quieter, more adult-leaning atmosphere.

Bottom line: JW Marriott is the activity-packed, family-and-golf-focused choice with large grounds and many venues; The Ritz-Carlton, Rancho Mirage is the pick for travelers who want a compact luxury resort and a stronger emphasis on spa, design and personalized service.

Call +1 (888) 605-1350Book JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort & Spa

JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort & Spa vs The Ritz-Carlton, Rancho Mirage – At a Glance

Side-by-side facts for JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort & Spa and The Ritz-Carlton, Rancho Mirage
CategoryJW Marriott Desert Springs Resort & SpaThe Ritz-Carlton, Rancho Mirage
Overall vibeLarge, activity-rich resort for families, groups and meetingsSmaller luxury resort and spa with hillside setting
LocationPalm Desert, near El Paseo and on-site golfRancho Mirage, in the mountains near Agua Caliente Casino
Size (rooms)884 rooms244 rooms
PoolsFive outdoor pools plus hot tubs and a family pool; one spa saltwater lap pool is adults-onlyTwo outdoor pools, poolside bars and pool cabanas (surcharge)
Spa & fitnessSpa Desert Springs — 38,000 sq ft, 47–48 treatment rooms, large fitness options and scheduled classesFull-service spa with treatment rooms, sauna and 24-hour fitness; reservations required for treatments
Restaurants & barsMultiple outlets (Rockwood Grill, Fisherman's Landing, Mikado Teppanyaki, Aquifer65, pool bar, Starbucks, Spa Bistro)Two restaurants (State Fare and another) plus a bar/lounge and 2 poolside bars
Meeting & event spaceExtensive — dozens of indoor/outdoor venues, largest ballrooms in the areaConference space ~16,000 sq ft with 15 meeting rooms
Family-friendly?Yes — kids’ club, family pools, kids’ activities and family-focused dining optionsFamily-friendly but smaller scale; offers supervised childcare/activities (surcharge)
Pet policyDogs only (max ~50 lbs) with a non-refundable pet fee (details vary by source)Pet fee and deposit published (pet fee and deposit amounts listed in supplier details)
Nearest major airportPalm Springs Intl. Airport (PSP) — the closest major airport to Palm DesertPalm Springs Intl. Airport (PSP) listed among nearby airports; preferred airport shown as Ontario Intl. (ONT) by the supplier

A Look Inside JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort & Spa

JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort & Spa: rooms & suitesRooms & suitesJW Marriott Desert Springs Resort & Spa: pools & beachPools & beachJW Marriott Desert Springs Resort & Spa: diningDiningJW Marriott Desert Springs Resort & Spa: spa & wellnessSpa & wellness
See all photos →

Location: JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort & Spa vs The Ritz-Carlton, Rancho Mirage

JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort & Spa – Location

JW Marriott sits in Palm Desert on 450 acres with lakes, golf courses and quick access to El Paseo and regional attractions.

  • About a 5-minute drive to El Paseo shopping and near San Jacinto Mountains viewpoints.
  • On-site access to two Ted Robinson-designed championship golf courses.
  • Resort grounds include lakes and a gondola ride across resort waterways.

Choose JW Marriott for big grounds, golf and easy access to Palm Desert attractions.

The Ritz-Carlton, Rancho Mirage – Location

The Ritz-Carlton is a hillside Rancho Mirage property set near the San Jacinto Mountains and regional attractions.

  • Located on Frank Sinatra Drive with mountain views and resort-style landscaping.
  • About a short drive from Agua Caliente Casino and local shopping/attractions.
  • Supplier lists nearby points of interest and multiple local golf options.

The Ritz-Carlton suits travelers who prefer a mountain-side luxury setting near Rancho Mirage points of interest.

Rooms: what you’ll find in your room

JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort & Spa – Rooms

JW Marriott offers a wide range of rooms and suites across 884 units, including multiple suite levels and accessible rooms.

  • Room types include Executive Suite, Signature Suite, Junior Suite and a Presidential Suite among others.
  • Many rooms feature balconies or pool/lake views; some rooms are mobility/hearing accessible.
  • In-room Wi‑Fi included for direct bookings; resort fee covers some in-room services.

Go JW Marriott for space and many room-type options, including large suites for families.

The Ritz-Carlton, Rancho Mirage – Rooms

The Ritz-Carlton has 244 air-conditioned rooms with luxury bedding, furnished balconies/patios and designer bathrooms.

  • Room types include Club Room (1 King or 2 Queens), Terrace Firepit King Room with Patio, and multiple executive suites.
  • Rooms have refrigerators, microwaves and 55-inch LCD TVs; many offer private furnished balconies or patios.
  • Some rooms and suites include Club Lounge access; mobility-accessible configurations are available.

Choose the Ritz-Carlton for fewer, more consistently upscale rooms and available Club Lounge options.

Dining & drinks: variety and atmosphere

JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort & Spa – Dining & drinks

JW Marriott offers many on-site dining venues spanning casual poolside bites to teppanyaki and a signature American grill.

  • Signature outlets include Rockwood Grill, Fisherman's Landing, Mikado Japanese Steakhouse and Aquifer65 & JW Sushi Bar.
  • Multiple casual options: Oasis Poolside Bar & Grille, Starbucks and the Spa Bistro.
  • Live entertainment and happy hour features at Blue Star Lounge; some restaurant hours vary seasonally.

JW Marriott is ideal if you want diverse on-site dining for all ages and occasions.

The Ritz-Carlton, Rancho Mirage – Dining & drinks

The Ritz-Carlton has a more compact but refined dining program with two restaurants and a lounge/bar.

  • State Fare is the resort’s American restaurant; the property lists two restaurants and a bar/lounge.
  • Cooked-to-order breakfasts and 24-hour room service are available (breakfast for a fee).
  • Two poolside bars support daytime pool service; the resort also offers room service.

The Ritz-Carlton focuses on a smaller set of upscale dining options and attentive service.

Pools & signature amenities

JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort & Spa – Pools & signature amenities

Pools are a central feature at JW Marriott, with five outdoor pools and specialty water features across the grounds.

  • Five outdoor pools plus hot tubs and whirlpools; dedicated family pool and chilled Oasis pool.
  • Spa-owned outdoor heated saltwater lap pool is adults-only and available to spa guests.
  • Poolside bar and cabana options, plus lakes and gondola rides for a resort experience.

JW Marriott is the better pick if multiple pool options and family water amenities matter.

The Ritz-Carlton, Rancho Mirage – Pools & signature amenities

The Ritz-Carlton offers two outdoor pools, poolside bars and private cabana options (surcharge applies).

  • Two outdoor pools with poolside bar service and available cabanas for rent.
  • Pools are part of the quieter, luxury resort layout rather than a sprawling pool complex.
  • Pool access hours and cabana policies are set by the resort; some services may carry charges.

Pick the Ritz-Carlton if you prefer a quieter pool experience with cabana services.

Wellness & nightlife: spas, fitness and evening options

JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort & Spa – Wellness & nightlife

Wellness at JW Marriott centers on a very large spa and a full activity schedule plus multiple fitness facilities.

  • Spa Desert Springs is ~38,000 sq ft with 47–48 treatment rooms, Hammam, Finnish sauna and Turkish steam room.
  • Fitness options include a large 4,000‑sq‑ft fitness center, yoga/Pilates classes and a 24‑hour smaller gym.
  • Nightlife is low-key on property: lounge entertainment, bars, and evening dining rather than late-night clubs.

JW Marriott is for guests who want a large, varied spa program plus active wellness offerings.

The Ritz-Carlton, Rancho Mirage – Wellness & nightlife

The Ritz-Carlton provides a full-service spa, sauna and 24-hour fitness facilities with scheduled classes.

  • Spa reservations are required for treatments; spa services, sauna and treatment rooms are available on site.
  • 24-hour fitness center and fitness classes are on the property; some wellness amenities are included in the resort fee.
  • Evening options focus on quiet bars/lounges and fine dining rather than late-night entertainment.

The Ritz-Carlton is best for guests who want focused spa treatments and a classic luxury evening atmosphere.

Who Wins? Best Pick by Travel Style

Best for families & kids
Grand multi-level hotel atrium lobby at JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort & Spa

JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort & Spa

JW Marriott — multiple family pools, kids’ programs, gondola rides and many family-friendly dining options.

Best for a quieter luxury stay
The Ritz-Carlton, Rancho Mirage, Rancho Mirage, California

The Ritz-Carlton, Rancho Mirage

The Ritz-Carlton — smaller property footprint, refined service and a calm hillside setting.

Best for golf & activities
Elevated evening view down the hotel atrium toward lobby seating at JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort & Spa

JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort & Spa

JW Marriott — two on-site championship golf courses, many courts and on-property activities.

Best for a focused spa weekend
The Ritz-Carlton, Rancho Mirage, Rancho Mirage, California

The Ritz-Carlton, Rancho Mirage

The Ritz-Carlton — full-service spa, poolside relaxation and a strong luxury service focus.

Frequently asked questions

JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort & Spa vs The Ritz-Carlton, Rancho Mirage: FAQs

See all FAQs →
Which hotel is better for families with young children?

JW Marriott — it explicitly provides kids’ programs, family pools and multiple family-oriented activities across its large grounds.

Which hotel is better for a couples’ spa getaway?

Both have full-service spas, but The Ritz-Carlton skews smaller and quieter; JW Marriott’s spa is much larger with broader facilities if you want more options.

Do either property’s pools have adult-only areas?

Yes — JW Marriott’s spa saltwater lap pool is adults-only for spa guests; The Ritz-Carlton’s pool setup is quieter but not advertised as adult-only in supplier details.

Which hotel is more convenient for large meetings or weddings?

JW Marriott — it has significantly larger meeting and ballroom capacity across many indoor and outdoor venues; The Ritz-Carlton has meeting space (~16,000 sq ft) suited to smaller events.

More JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort & Spa Comparison Guides

Explore how JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort & Spa stacks up against other hotels nearby:

Book your stay

Resort fee covers Wi‑Fi, parking & classes

  • Lowest rate guarantee
  • Complimentary perks & upgrades
  • 24/7 concierge
Check availability Call 888-605-1350
Offer terms

Price comparison & offer terms

These terms apply to the price comparison, Lowest Price Guarantee, free perks and concierge service shown on this site.

How we compare rates

The nightly rate shown is the lowest nightly rate we found for JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort & Spa after searching every available night up to 12 months in advance, based on single occupancy (one guest). We compared that rate with publicly available rates on other online travel agencies (OTAs), such as Expedia, Hotels.com and similar sites, and show the price difference we found. We don't name the specific site each comparison came from.

Rates and availability change constantly. The rate for your dates, room type and number of guests may be different. The full price, including taxes and fees, is shown before you confirm.

Lowest Price Guarantee

Free perks & upgrades

24/7 concierge

General

BookResorts may change or end these offers at any time. These terms are in addition to our Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy. BookResorts is an independent travel agency and is not affiliated with JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort & Spa.
Legal

Terms & Conditions

Last updated: January 1, 2026

Please read these Terms carefully. They contain important information about limitations of our liability and the resolution of disputes through binding arbitration and a class action waiver (Section 16), and our right to change these Terms (Section 18).

1. Acceptance of these terms

These Terms & Conditions (the “Terms”) govern your access to and use of BookResorts and any booking you make through us. By using the site or making a reservation, you agree to these Terms. If you do not agree, please do not use the site.

2. Definitions

“We,” “us,” and “our” refer to BookResorts, operated by SVH Tours & Travel Services, Inc. “You” refers to the person using the site or making a reservation. A “Supplier” or “Travel Provider” is the hotel, resort, or other provider that supplies the travel services. “Travel Services” means the room stays and related services made available through us. “Content” means text, descriptions, images, reviews, and other material on the site.

3. Who we are

BookResorts is an independent online travel agency that acts as an intermediary between you and Suppliers. We are not a hotel, and we are not owned by, affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by any hotel or brand featured on the site. When you book, your reservation is made with the Supplier through us as agent.

4. Eligibility & use of the site

You must be at least 18 years old (or the age of majority where you live) and able to enter a binding contract. You agree to use the site only to make legitimate reservations for yourself or for someone you are authorized to act for, to provide accurate and complete information, and to inform any other traveler of the terms that apply to their reservation.

5. Bookings & confirmation

All reservations are subject to availability and to the rate rules, restrictions, and policies shown at the time of booking. A reservation is confirmed only when you receive a confirmation from us. You are responsible for reviewing the rate rules (including cancellation terms) before you book.

6. Prices, fees, taxes & currency

Prices are shown in the currency indicated and include applicable taxes and fees unless stated otherwise; the total is displayed before you confirm. Our price may include a service fee and may differ from the rate offered directly by the Supplier. Currency conversions, where shown, are estimates. Certain taxes or resort fees may be collected by the Supplier at the property.

7. Cancellations, changes & refunds

Each rate carries its own cancellation policy, shown before you book (for example, non-refundable, or refundable up to a stated deadline). Refund eligibility and timing follow the policy attached to the rate you select. Service fees may be non-refundable. Failure to check in (“no-show”) may result in forfeiture of the amount paid, per the rate rules.

8. Your responsibilities

You are responsible for having valid identification and any required travel documents (such as a passport or visa), and for complying with the Supplier’s policies, including minimum check-in age, occupancy limits, deposits, and identification requirements. You are responsible for the accuracy of all guest information you provide.

9. Suppliers & third-party services

Suppliers are independent third parties. We are not liable for the acts, errors, omissions, representations, warranties, or negligence of any Supplier, or for the quality, condition, or safety of the travel services they provide. Any dispute regarding your stay or the services delivered is between you and the Supplier. Supplier terms and policies apply in addition to these Terms.

10. Third-party links

The site may contain links to third-party websites provided for your convenience. We do not control and are not responsible for those sites, and a link does not imply endorsement. Your use of any linked site is at your own risk and subject to that site’s terms.

11. Intellectual property

The site and its Content (excluding third-party trademarks) are owned by BookResorts or its licensors and are protected by law. Hotel names, logos, and trademarks are the property of their respective owners and are used only to identify the property being booked. You may not copy, scrape, or reuse any Content without permission.

12. Prohibited conduct

You agree not to use the site for any unlawful or fraudulent purpose; not to make speculative, false, or fraudulent reservations; not to use automated tools to access or scrape the site; and not to interfere with the site’s operation or security.

13. Reviews & user content

If you submit reviews or other content, you grant us a non-exclusive, royalty-free license to use, display, and distribute it in connection with our services. You are responsible for what you submit, and we may remove content at our discretion.

14. Disclaimers

The site, its Content, and the travel services are provided on an “as is” and “as available” basis, without warranties of any kind, whether express or implied, including as to accuracy, availability, or fitness for a particular purpose. We do not warrant that listings, prices, or descriptions are error-free.

15. Limitation of liability

To the fullest extent permitted by law, BookResorts will not be liable for any indirect, incidental, special, punitive, or consequential damages arising out of or connected with your use of the site or any booking. If we are found liable, our total liability will not exceed the greater of (a) the fees you paid to BookResorts for the booking at issue, or (b) US$100. This limitation reflects the allocation of risk between us.

16. Dispute resolution

We want to resolve any concern quickly and fairly. Before pursuing a formal claim, you agree to first contact our support team at 888-605-1350 or support@bookresorts.com and give us 60 days to resolve the matter informally. If we are unable to resolve it, any dispute will be handled by the state or federal courts located in California, as set out in Section 17 (either party may still bring qualifying claims in small claims court).

17. Governing law & venue

These Terms are governed by the laws of the State of California, USA, without regard to conflict-of-laws rules. Any permitted court action will be brought exclusively in the state or federal courts located in Los Angeles County, California, and you consent to their jurisdiction.

18. Changes to these terms

We may update these Terms from time to time. The version in effect at the time of your booking applies to that booking. Your continued use of the site after changes take effect means you accept the updated Terms.

19. Force majeure

We are not responsible for any failure or delay caused by events beyond our reasonable control, including severe weather, natural disasters, pandemics, strikes, government actions, or Supplier closures.

20. Miscellaneous

If any provision is found unenforceable, the remaining provisions stay in effect. Our failure to enforce a provision is not a waiver. These Terms are the entire agreement between you and us regarding the site.

21. Contact

Questions about these Terms or a reservation? Call our support team, available 24/7, at 888-605-1350.
Legal

Privacy Policy

Last updated: January 1, 2026

This Privacy Policy explains how BookResorts collects, uses, shares, and protects your personal information when you use our site or make a booking. For the purposes of applicable data protection law, the data controller is SVH Tours & Travel Services, Inc. (operating as BookResorts).

1. Information you provide

When you search, book, or contact us, we collect information such as your name, email, phone number, billing and payment details, the names and details of other guests, your travel dates and preferences, and the content of your communications with us.

2. Information we collect automatically

When you use the site, we automatically collect technical and usage data such as your device and browser type, IP address, approximate location, pages viewed, referring URLs, and interactions with the site, using cookies and similar technologies.

3. Information from other sources

We may receive information about you from Suppliers, business partners, fraud-prevention services, and (if you choose to connect one) social media platforms.

4. How we use your information

We use your information to process and manage bookings; communicate with you about reservations; provide customer support; personalize your experience; send marketing where permitted (with the ability to opt out); analyze and improve the site; prevent fraud and secure our services; and comply with legal obligations.

5. How we share your information

To complete a booking, we share necessary details with the relevant hotel and room Suppliers and with payment processors. We may also share information with service providers who support our operations, with advertising and analytics partners, with our corporate affiliates, in connection with a business transfer, with authorities where required by law, and with your consent.

6. Cookies & tracking

We use essential, performance, functional, and advertising cookies and similar technologies. You can manage non-essential cookies through your browser and through our cookie settings. For more detail, see our Cookie Policy.

7. Your privacy rights

Depending on where you live, you may have the right to access, correct, delete, or restrict the use of your personal information, to data portability, and to opt out of marketing.

EEA/UK (GDPR): You may access, rectify, erase, restrict, or object to processing of your data, withdraw consent, and lodge a complaint with your local supervisory authority. We process data based on your consent, the performance of a contract, our legitimate interests, and legal obligations.

California (CCPA/CPRA): You may request to know, delete, or correct your personal information, and limit the use of sensitive personal information, without discrimination. We do not sell or share your personal information as those terms are defined under California law, so no opt-out is necessary. To exercise any of your rights, contact us at support@bookresorts.com; we verify requests before responding.

8. Data retention

We keep personal information for as long as needed to provide our services and to meet legal, tax, accounting, and dispute-resolution obligations.

9. Security

We use reasonable technical and organizational measures to protect your information. However, no method of transmission or storage is completely secure, and we cannot guarantee absolute security.

10. International transfers

Your information may be processed in countries other than where you live. Where required, we put appropriate safeguards in place (such as standard contractual clauses) for those transfers.

11. Children’s privacy

The site is intended for adults and is not directed to children. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 18 without appropriate consent.

12. Third-party links & social features

The site may contain links to, or features from, third-party services. We are not responsible for the privacy practices of those third parties; please review their policies.

13. Changes to this policy

We may update this policy from time to time. The “last updated” date above reflects the current version, and we will provide notice of material changes where required.

14. Contact us

Questions or privacy requests? Reach our support team, available 24/7, at 888-605-1350 or by email at support@bookresorts.com.
About BookResorts · Independent since 1993

A better way to book your hotel

BookResorts is a full-service, independent travel agency connecting travelers to unforgettable stays since 1993. Detailed hotel information, competitive all-in rates and 24/7 concierge support, all in one place.

Est. 199330+ years
100K+Hotels & resorts
200+Countries
24/7Concierge
This is not the official website of JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort & Spa. BookResorts is an independent travel agency and is not owned by, affiliated with, endorsed by or sponsored by JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort & Spa or its parent brand.

Why travelers choose BookResorts

Best available rates

We compare rates from top suppliers. Taxes and fees included, no hidden charges.

100,000+ hotels & resorts

200+ countries and 2,000+ cities, from all-inclusives to boutique stays.

24/7 concierge

Real travel specialists to build, change or help with your reservation anytime.

Full transparency

Honest details on every property: rooms, amenities and policies.

Trusted since 1993

Three decades as a full-service, independent travel agency.

Secure & protected

Every booking is handled securely and your information is protected.

How booking with us works

Questions about a reservation? Our team is here 24/7 at 888-605-1350.
Full details in our Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy.

Lowest Price + Free Perks

UsOthers
Nightly rate
Price guarantee✓
No hidden fees✓
Perks & upgrades✓
24/7 concierge✓
Check availability

vs. sites like Expedia, Hotels.com and other OTAs ·

Book by phone888-605-1350
Book nowLowest rates Call usAvailable 24/7
Photo viewer