I had the pleasure of staying at the Marriott Desert Ridge Resort and Spa in Phoenix, Arizona. It is always a pleasure staying at Marriott resorts rather than Marriott city hotels as they have so much space and there is so much more to enjoy at the resort hotels.
While writing this review I checked the rates. In a 2 week period the lowest room rates were from $235 to $400 depending on conventions and such. $235 is a great rate for this hotel.
Just look at the pool complex and gardens at the hotel. So much fun to be had. There is also a great golf course available.
We checked in at about 3 after arriving at the airport just after 2pm. Perfect time for checking in as this seems to be between busy times and there was hardly a line.
My Gold Elite status gives me a separate line to use for check in. Since I achieved Gold I have noticed that I regularly get offered a 2pm check out and once I got offered a small room upgrade.
I will achieve Platinum Elite by the end of August and I am looking forward to some more benefits.
The room:
Really nice 2 x double bed room with fridge, table, settee and balcony. This is just perfect for a week away.
Here are the fridge, safe, and bottles of water for the lovely ILLY coffee machine.
The table is a tad small but has a really nice chair and lamp. The chaise-lounge is also handy for relaxing, sitting and even snoozing.
In between the beds is a single side table with a lamp, phone, alarm clock with power plugs, notepad and pen. In the drawers is the Bible and Book of Mormon.
Here is a view of the unit and the tv. The unit contains the fridge as well as drawers for storage and the coffee machine. There is also an ice bucket and glasses.
The cupboard has 2 robes, an iron, ironing board and luxury hangars.
This room is a good size and has all the implements and furnishings necessary for a good stay.
The bathroom:
A nice bathroom stand with space on either side of the sink for your personal implements. Nice modern hardware and special trays for soap and bathroom supplies. Under the sink is the hair dryer.
The hotel is not shy with the supplies it provides. There is facial soap, bath soap, body lotion, mouthwash, cleansing face wipes, ear buds, cotton swabs, a sewing kit and tissues.
There is a separate shower with closing door, and a proper bath for ultimate relaxing.
Toiletries are provided by Aromatherapy Associates of London. Here is shampoo, conditioner and body cleanser.
The gardens and pools:
This is the road leading up to the hotel. It passes such a large space of lovely gardens on both sides.
This is the stylish entrance to the Revive Spa. Most of the building you can see is the spa so you will have a great time inside.
This hotel has a very pleasing entrance lobby. There are modern decorating styles, very comfortable chairs, a counter for valet as well as the check-in area to the side.
On the left of this picture you can just see the stairs going down.
Those stairs lead to a very large lounge, bar, gathering place and lead out to the gardens and pool.
It is a lovely space with trees, lovely patterns, many different seating areas, just an enjoyable space.
This is a sign board in the hotel explaining some of the stores, restaurants and bars available for enjoyment. Even a FedEx office for postage matters.
Here are the valet rates for your information. $42 is not a high rate for valet compared to some city hotels.
The gardens and pool:
I do not have too many pictures of the pool area but as you can see from the stock picture it is a massive space with lazy river, various pools, a food bar, drinks bars, cabanas, and a separate water slide area.
It is a big area and there are so many loungers and day beds and cabanas available.
The water slide has quite a few slides that you can try.
Conclusion:
I would highly recommend staying at a Marriott Resort and Spa. I have stayed at the Marriott Hill Country near San Antonio and the JW Marriott Palm Desert in Palm Springs among others too. All are resorts and have water parks and are very enjoyable.
If you have a choice between a city Marriott and a Resort Marriott you know what I would recommend.
