TimMeineke

$3 - 5K? Is that thru the hotel or a resale website?

sjuhawk_jd

ebay (search under Real estate), try the classifieds at www.tug2.net, or www.redweek.com (requires paid membership about $25 for 6 months).

stephem

We are at the Parker for a 3 day get-away and decided to check out this place while in Palm Desert for breakfast. We thought it might do as a place for our larger family. The units are nice, but the 1bdrm ones are pretty tight for more than a couple though. But I could see doing 2 adjoining 1 bedrooms for a short stay if the price is right. The sales agents gave us all kinds of fluff about how high demand was etc, but I pointed out that the Westin hotel selling rooms was probably an indication to the contrary. She tried to come back with a claim that the property is "really never available with Starpoints" but that's clearly not true. It's a nice property though, in many ways it much nicer than the Parker because the furnishings are all nice and new. The grounds by contrast are still a bit of a work in process.

bworrell

I just got the same offer as earlier in the thread -- but now $389 for 4 nights instead. We're thinking about it as it could be a nice escape to plan for the winter.

Any recent reports? Tripitadvisor is mixed (as always) but I feel encouraged that the staff seems to respond to almost every review.

go4bal

Does anyone like the Desert Willow more than Westin Mission Hills Villas?

I called Desert Willow today and was told that a child under 48" could ride with an adult.

I stayed at Mission Hills and we loved the large villa pool.

travelista

Staying at the Desert Willow Villas right now..... this will be my new SPG home in the Palm Springs area.

I do like it more than the Westin Mission Hills Resort & Villas, mainly because this is newer. To me, Mission Hills is feeling a bit tired.

Just a quick 1-night business stay, so no experience with the pool here.

As SPG plat, I was upgraded to a 1-bedroom villa. Full kitchen, laundry, fireplace... outdoor patio, covered parking... I like it!

It is a large property, but not as expansive and huge as the entire Mission Hills area -- so I like that too.

alfagirl

I just booked this property for 12/25 (1 bd villa) but noticed that check-in is 4 p.m. and check out is 10 a.m.!! And it does not offer 'upgrades, late checkout or newspapers to SPG Platinum members'.... hmm...does anyone know if this is a recent change for this property?
thanks

Starwood Lurker

I can't attest to the check-in/check-out time being different than the last time you stayed there, but none of the SVO properties offer upgrades and late check-outs to elite members in SPG and, as far as I know, none of them have ever offered newspapers either...to any guest.

Best regards,

William R. Sanders
Social Media Specialist
Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide

[email protected]

alfagirl

Thanks for the info. I have never stayed at an SVO property. I asked the question because Travelista said he/she was upgraded to a 1 bedroom villa at the property (but I think the 'standard room' here is a one bedroom villa) - and thought they could convey their recent experience on the c/o time. I don't really care if they give me a newspaper, it was just in the list of things they don't provide.

Thanks again!

YYJMSP

Not sure about this property (this is one of the one's we own at, but haven't stayed there yet -- heading there in March), but most SVO properties have a stack of newspapers around the concierge desk area.

In theory, SPG status (Gold/Platinum) isn't supposed to have any bearing on your stay at a SVO property, and SVO status (levels of "SVN Elite") isn't supposed to have any bearing on your stay at a SPG property. But, it's definitely YMMV.

Totoro

Lurkers, when you have a moment, may I trouble you to comment on the current state of SPG Plat benefits at these SVO properties? Specifically, are they required to offer the Platinum continental breakfast or any other Plat amenity at check-in?

I recall that stays at these properties now count for elite status (new benefit starting ~1 year ago). Is my recollection correct? Thank you!

itsaboutthejourney

I can tell you from my experience here that they have been offering the Platinum continental breakfast or points Plat amenity at check-in. (See the how are properties handling breakfast thread for details). My ambassador suggested it was a mistake to be offered points, so when I told him they are now also offering breakfast he believes me. Perhaps the lurkers or property can chime in with an official word on this (and if they will improve the breakfast.)

This is a very suburban golf focused time-share property, so it's not for everyone (especially me). It's so much better than Mission Hills Villas in terms of layout, care of the grounds, parking, pressure to attend a sales pitch, etc. Newer, smaller, and less kids.

Starwood Lurker

Many SVO properties do not have food and beverage capabilities, so there is no brand-wide requirement for them. You may, however, find that the Continental breakfast option is among the choices available at SVO properties where such capabilities exist.

It says that in the Terms and Conditions at spg.com:

9.2.a. SPG Members may earn Eligible Stay and Eligible Night credit towards achieving elite membership levels when staying on Eligible Rates.

Best regards,

William R. Sanders
Social Media Specialist
Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide

[email protected]

wildblueyonder

Looking forward to our upcoming stay at the property this weekend.

Wondering if anyone has suggestions for building / location requests?

We have a 2BR lockout booked... traveling with my parents and kids for Father's Day. Ideally, we'd have a first floor location, butting up against the golf course (e.g., we can walk out, maybe let my 5 year old hit some balls after hours), in close proximity to the pool ("priority uno" for the trip).

Re: others' questions re: the Mission Hills Villas... we were there a few weeks ago:
- I did get Platinum Points at the property (though I don't recall them asking, so maybe there is no choice).
- We thoroughly enjoyed the pool area. Had stayed at the hotel (not villas) last year, and were much happier with the nice features of the Villas pool and the busy, but less raucous atmosphere (i.e., vs. the hotel).
- We stayed in the small 1BR (not Premium, no Platinum upgrade available). It was larger than I expected, nicely equipped and comfortable. The carpets were a little worn, but overall the room was well equipped with nice amenities. The bed was comfortable / Westin standard issue--although, somewhat disappointingly, only a Queen in this unit.
- We regularly stay at my parents' Marriott timeshare in the area... this small 1BR is leaps above the Marriott small BR (i.e., Shadow Ridge, Desert Springs Villas I, II)
- Overall, was a great value, IMO.

I'll update my post based on the trip to Palm Desert this weekend... appreciate any help with requesting a room. Apparently the Front Desk starts working on room assignments tomorrow AM at 7AM PST.

itsaboutthejourney

I'm unclear if you are asking about the Mission Hills Villas (which would be another thread) or the other nearby property, Desert Willow (which is what this thread is about)?