Palm Springs Family Friendly Resort: Desert Springs Villas II
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Palm Springs is known for its sunshine, stunning desert views, and relaxing resort vibes, but when you’re traveling with kids, finding the right place to stay can make or break your vacation.
On a recent family getaway, we stayed at Marriott’s Desert Springs Villas II in Palm Desert (just outside of Palm Springs), and it checked every box for our big family including space, comfort, pools, and plenty for the kids to do!
As a mom of four, I know how hard it is to find a resort that’s affordable, family-friendly, and relaxing for parents.
This one hit that sweet spot, and I’d absolutely stay here again.
Below are five standout reasons why Marriott’s Desert Springs Villas II is one of the best family resorts in the Palm Springs area as well as some tips to make your stay even better.
We absolutely loved our time at Marriott’s Desert Springs Villas II—and I can’t recommend it enough for families! If you’re planning a trip to the Palm Springs area, check availability and pricing here:
🔍 Check Availability at Marriott’s Desert Springs Villas II
1. Spacious Villas Designed for Families
We booked a two-bedroom villa, which is actually a one-bedroom connected to a studio room.
Each side had its own exterior door, along with an interior connecting door.
If you’re traveling with younger kids, it’s good to know that the studio does have its own outside entrance. It didn’t bother us at all. We simply kept the connecting door open.
My husband and I usually split the boys between us anyway for sleeping, so one adult stayed in the main villa and the other in the connecting studio.
Between the two king beds, two pull-out sofas, full kitchen, small studio wet bar, two bathrooms, and in-unit washer and dryer; it honestly felt like a mini-apartment.
It was clean, spacious, and completely practical for families!
Our family of six fit comfortably, and I could absolutely see it working for up to eight people!
2. Views & Scenery That Elevate the Stay
Everywhere you look at this resort, the San Jacinto Mountains frame the backdrop.
The property sits along two lush golf courses, so nearly every balcony overlooks green fairways dotted with trees.
Each morning, we’d watch the sun come up over the mountains, and at night the sky turned shades of pink, lavender, and gold. It felt like we were inside a desert postcard.
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3. Seven Amazing Pools at the Desert Springs Villas II
The Marriott’s Desert Springs Villas II has 7 pools! Yes, that is right–7 pools.
They are spread throughout the resort which means you are never too far from a swim.
That’s a game-changer when you’re hauling towels, floats, or multiple kids.
We loved being close to the Palmeras Pool, which also has the kids’ pool and the on-site restaurant The Water’s Edge Bar & Grill right beside it.
Lunch was as simple as walking across the pool deck for burgers or salads, then hopping right back in the pool.
The staff hosted daily pool activities like bingo, trivia, and root beer floats that kept the kids entertained (and adults too!).
A bonus touch I appreciated? Water and ice machines at every pool area. This was great for refilling our kids’ water bottles and staying hydrated.
4. Family Fun Beyond the Pool
The Shade Activity Center was a highlight for our boys.
Inside, there were crafts, games, toys, and a small movie room.
Outside, they played ping-pong, bowled, climbed, and shot hoops.
There’s also a playground on property for younger kids.
We loved how easy it was to walk from our villa to the pool and activity area.
5. Convenient Palm Desert Location
When you’re traveling with kids, being close enough to attractions but still having a calm “home base” to return to is a big win.
The Marriott’s Desert Springs Villas is located in Palm Desert, California which is just about 20-25 minutes from the airport and downtown Palm Springs.
There’s a grocery store and pharmacy just down the road, which made it easy to restock snacks and sunscreen mid-trip.
The Marriott’s Desert Springs Villas is also very close to numerous restaurants, golf courses, and attractions.
It’s also close to Interstate 10, giving you quick access to family-friendly attractions like the Living Desert Zoo & Gardens, Joshua Tree National Park, and the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway.
If you’re planning a mix of relaxation and adventure, this spot is ideal. You get the peaceful resort experience with easy access to everything that the Palm Springs area offers.
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Already picturing your family relaxing by the pool or enjoying movie night in your spacious villa?
This resort truly made our trip magical.
🏡 Book Your Family Stay at Marriott’s Desert Springs Villas IIBonus Tips to Make Your Stay Even Better
- Request a villa near the Palmeras pool if you prefer to be centrally located.
- Pack pool essentials (kids’ floaties, snorkels, rash guards) —you will spend a ton of time in the pool area
- Check the daily activities schedule early in your trip so you don’t miss fun events.
- Use the kitchen — breakfast in the villa saves time and meals on the balcony keep things low-key.
Know Before You Book: Villas I vs. Villas II (Quick Comparison)
There are two neighboring Marriott villa properties: Villas I and Villas II (we stayed at Villas II and loved it).
- Villas I: Often described as slightly larger; closer to the JW Marriott next door; some stays include JW spa access.
- Villas II: Very family-friendly and steps from the Palmeras (main) pool and Shade Activity Center. This convenience was perfect for us.
Our take: We chose Villas II for pool/activity proximity and were super happy with the layout and location. If spa access or being right by the JW Marriott matters to you, consider Villas I. If you want easy pool/activities access with kids, Villas II is fantastic.
Marriott’s Desert Springs Villas is the Perfect Resort with Kids
Next time we visit the Palm Springs area, we will 100% stay at the Marriott’s Desert Springs Villas II again.
It gave us space to relax, activities for the kids, and views that made every morning and evening feel special.
It’s officially our go-to Palm Springs family resort. It’s doable, comfortable, and worth every penny.
Book your family stay: Check rates and availability at Marriott’s Desert Springs Villas II
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May you LOVE your adventure. KW
