
JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort & Spa
Best for families, large meetings, and travelers who want many on-site activities (golf, gondola rides, multiple pools, kids' programs).
Prices in other currencies are estimates. You’re charged in USD.
JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort & Spa is a large, family-friendly Palm Desert resort with extensive pools, two on-site golf courses, a 38,000 sq ft spa, and multiple dining options. The Westin Rancho Mirage Golf Resort & Spa is a full-service golf-and-spa resort in Rancho Mirage with three pools, three restaurants, and on-site golfing — this guide is for travelers deciding between a larger family-focused resort (JW) and a more compact, golf-focused Westin.
Updated

Best for families, large meetings, and travelers who want many on-site activities (golf, gondola rides, multiple pools, kids' programs).

Best for guests prioritizing a recognizable full-service brand with convenient Rancho Mirage golf access and a compact resort footprint.
When JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort & Spa wins: choose JW Marriott if you want a bigger resort with more pools, extensive family programming, two championship golf courses, large meeting and wedding venues, and one of the largest spas in the area.
When The Westin Rancho Mirage Golf Resort & Spa wins: pick The Westin if you prefer a smaller, golf-focused resort in Rancho Mirage with three outdoor pools, straightforward meeting spaces, and a strong Westin brand offering.
Bottom line: JW Marriott is the choice for group travel, families, and guests seeking a broad range of on-site activities and venues; The Westin is sensible for golfers or travelers who prefer a more compact, mid-size desert resort experience.
| Category | JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort & Spa | The Westin Rancho Mirage Golf Resort & Spa |
|---|---|---|
| Overall vibe | Large, family-focused resort with many activities and event spaces | Golf-and-spa resort with a mid-size, family-friendly profile |
| Location (town) | Palm Desert | Rancho Mirage |
| Size (rooms) | 884 guestrooms across 8 floors | 512 guestrooms |
| Pools | Five outdoor pools plus hot tubs and a spa-only adults pool | Three outdoor pools; lifeguard on site |
| Restaurants & bars | Multiple venues (Rockwood Grill, Aquifer65 & JW Sushi Bar, Mikado, Fisherman's Landing, Starbucks, pool bar, Spa Bistro) | Three restaurants including Pinzimini (Italian), a coffee shop and a bar/lounge; daily complimentary reception |
| Spa | Spa Desert Springs — 38,000 sq ft, 47–48 treatment rooms, adults-only spa policy | Full-service spa with treatment rooms and steam room; reservations required for treatments |
| Known for | Two Ted Robinson championship golf courses, gondola rides across resort waterways, large event/wedding venues | On-site golf, family-friendly pools, convenient access to local Rancho Mirage attractions |
| Meetings & events | Extensive: 235,000+ sq ft of indoor space, 26 event rooms and very large ballrooms (Sinatra Ballroom, Springs Ballroom, etc.) | Conference center with 21 meeting rooms and about 2,068 sq ft of event space listed in supplier summary |
| Family policy | All ages welcome resort-wide; spa areas limited to adults | Family-friendly (children welcome); property not adults-only |
| Golf on site | Yes — two championship courses on property | |
JW Marriott sits in Palm Desert near El Paseo and the San Jacinto Mountains.
Choose JW Marriott if you want a larger resort anchored in the Palm Desert activity corridor.
The Westin Rancho Mirage Golf Resort & Spa is located on Dinah Shore Drive in Rancho Mirage.
Pick The Westin if you want a Rancho Mirage base with easy golf access and shorter on-property walks.
JW Marriott offers a very large room inventory with suites and multiple room categories.
More room types and suite choices at JW Marriott suit groups and families needing variety.
The Westin has a mid-sized mix of traditional and suite room types.
The Westin’s room mix is solid for couples, golfers and families seeking standard full-service rooms.
JW Marriott provides an extensive range of on-site dining options for varied tastes.
JW Marriott suits travelers who want many on-site dining choices without leaving the resort.
The Westin offers a smaller set of venues focused on Italian cuisine and casual dining.
The Westin is a good fit if you prefer fewer but solid on-site dining choices and evening social hours.
JW Marriott emphasizes pools and family activities, with five outdoor pools plus hot tubs.
Families and pool-focused travelers will appreciate the variety and scale of JW Marriott’s pool offerings.
The Westin lists three outdoor pools and poolside amenities.
The Westin works well for guests who want relaxing pool time without a sprawling campus.
JW Marriott’s Spa Desert Springs is a major spa facility on site with a broad wellness program.
If spa size and a wider wellness program matter, JW Marriott clearly leads.
The Westin provides a full-service spa and on-site fitness activities in a smaller package.
The Westin covers basics for wellness and evening drinks but on a smaller scale than JW Marriott.

JW Marriott — more pools, kids’ programs, family activities (miniature golf, gondola rides) and spacious grounds.

The Westin — golf course on site with focused resort layout and golf-view room options.

JW Marriott — Spa Desert Springs is much larger with a wide suite of amenities and specialty treatments.

The Westin — mid-size property with essential resort services, straightforward dining and easier on-property logistics.
JW Marriott is more family-oriented with five pools, kids’ activities, miniature golf and family-focused dining; the Westin is family-friendly but smaller in scale.
Yes. JW Marriott has two championship courses on the Desert Springs Golf Club; The Westin also lists golfing on site and golf lessons.
JW Marriott’s Spa Desert Springs is significantly larger (38,000 sq ft, 47–48 treatment rooms) and offers more specialty amenities; The Westin has a full-service spa but on a smaller scale.
No. Both properties welcome guests of all ages; the JW Marriott spa has areas restricted to adults, but the resort overall is family-friendly.
Explore how JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort & Spa stacks up against other hotels nearby:
vs. sites like Expedia, Hotels.com and other OTAs ·