75 Willow Rdg, Palm Desert, California, United States | (888) 551-4925
Three swimming pools open 24 hours, 159-foot water slide, and poolside cabanas
Modern rooms with kitchens; some have jetted tubs
Free golf cart shuttles to get around the property
DVD rental machine
Gas grills and picnic tables located around the grounds for guests' use
Lighted tennis courts
1,400-square-foot fitness center with steam room and sauna
Fabulous kids' club with desert excursions, pottery painting, and tie-dying
Full business center and spacious work areas in rooms
Surrounded by a spectacular golf course
Free Wi-Fi in villas and throughout property
A grill with casual fare and a marketplace with breakfast items and sundries
Fee for parking
Sprawling property, and golf cart shuttle rides can require a wait
No spa services
Limited dining options
The 198-unit, upscale Westin Desert Willow Villas is a time-share outpost of the Starwood chain. Set in Palm Desert, a 20-minute drive from downtown Palm Springs, the Westin embraces its Sonora desert environment with two massive pool areas and plenty of water-focused activities for all ages. The villas are modern, with full kitchens, showers with twin showerheads, and sofa beds. For cold desert evenings, there are outdoor fireplaces and heat lamps so guests can relax and appreciate the stars. Just be aware that there are no spa services, and dining options are limited -- many guests quickly tire of the casual grill restaurant, so come prepared to cook or drive for more variety.
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Scene
A desert oasis dedicated to health and relaxation
The Westin Desert Willow Villas is made up of villa apartments, but there are plenty of areas to gather and socialize, work out, play, or nap by one of the two beautiful pools. Parents will find time to chill thanks to the awesome kids staff, and can spend time on the adjacent golf course, working out or snuggling on a sunbed in one of the private poolside cabanas with a ceiling fan creating a welcome breeze. The complex is carefully designed to fit into the desert environment, with beautiful stone pathways, decks and floors, and landscaping with palm trees, cactuses, and brilliant flowers everywhere. The poolside Agave Grill and Bar has a casual vibe, and looks a little like a not-terribly-tacky chain restaurant, but the outdoor patio is pretty. There is a fun kids menu, and a healthy foods option. Gas grills and picnic areas can be found around the grounds, and there is a cozy outdoor fireplace with inviting couches and chairs and heat lamps to beat back the cold desert night air.
Location
A 20-minute drive from downtown Palm Springs, surrounded by a golf course
The Westin Desert Willow Villas is located 11 miles from the Palm Springs International Airport. The resort is about a 20-minute drive from downtown Palm Springs. The Villas are surrounded by the Desert Willow Golf Resort and its two 72-par, 18-hole courses (the Firecliff and the Mountain View), and guests can use them for an additional fee. Views of the desert and distant mountains are unforgettable. The property itself is sprawling, and golf carts are on call to shuttle guests around.
Rooms
Full kitchens, modern bathrooms, and fantastic beds
Units at the Westin Desert Willow Villas are quiet, spotless and contemporary, with green, brown and blue color schemes inspired by the surrounding desert. The decor is tasteful, if a bit chain-like, with desert photography on the walls. Kitchens have full glass cooktops, microwaves, full-size refrigerators, dishwashers, coffeemakers, and toasters. Premium Villas have larger kitchens with breakfast bars, and fireplaces in the dining area. Beds have pillow-top mattresses and luxury linens. Bathrooms are modern and showers have dual shower heads; some bathrooms feel spa-like, with big walk-in showers and separate jetted tubs. Each unit has its own washer and dryer.
Features
Custom running routes, kids' club and teen center, and a marketplace with coffee and sandwiches
The Westin Desert Willow Villas has a well-equipped fitness center with weights and cardio equipment and individual TVs. But for runners who aren't afraid to brave the desert heat, staff will provide custom running maps, and towels and free water upon return. The kids' club staff offers activities like T-shirt tie-dying and pottery painting, and supervises the kids on the humongous water slide. The Agave Grill offers casual drinks and dining (think: hot dogs and sandwiches) all day and evening, with a special kids' menu and a menu dedicated to super foods. However, this is the only restaurant on the property and some find the variety a bit limited. The marketplace is stocked with snacks and sundries for villa kitchens, as well as sandwiches and hot coffee.There are three pools, one with a big waterslide, and poolside cabanas complete with ceiling fans and refrigerators are available for rent.
