We stayed here during spring break. We have a time share with Marriott and traded in the studio part of our unit. We had a great time. We still had a small fridge, sink and microwave, which was fine with us. The kids had a great time at the pool and the kids' club. There was tons to do and plenty of good restaurants in the surrounding area. I played golf at the on-site golf course (a Faldo design). Very pretty. We met lots of other families, some we still stay in contact with. We will definitely go back again.

Just returned from a week stay at Marriott's Shadow Ridge, and can't say enough good things about it! We traded through Interval for a 2 bedroom lock-out. The villa was very nicely furnished and kitchen well stocked. Nice granite counter top throughout kitchen and bath. Everything in great working condition. The grounds are beautifully maintained. We were in building 1900, and could walk to 3 of the 4 pools. The pools are large and had cabanas and shaded areas. Staff was probably the friendliest I've experienced anywhere. Absolutely NO pressure for time-share tour. The golf course was closed for reseeding, but we knew that ahead of time. With over 100 golf courses in the area, finding a course to suit your taste & wallet was not a problem!
There is a great mix of things to do in the Palm Desert/Palm Springs area. We took a drive to Joshua Tree National Park (about 1.5 hours away). The way the park is set up, I would highly recommend entering the park at the NORTH entrance (at 29 Palms), and taking in the northern area, including Jumbo Rocks, Hidden Valley, and Keys View. You can then exit the WEST entrance and head back. There isn't much to see in the southern entrance and it is a long drive from N to S. We also enjoyed Indian Canyons, especially Andreas Canyon and Palm Canyon. They are just outside Palm Springs. The Aerial Tramway is also great and there are hiking trails on top at San Jacinto State Park. We had dinner at The Falls restaurant in Palm Springs on the night of Villagefest (every Thursday evening...vendors, food, music, etc.) If you reserve early enough, ask for one of the balcony tables overlooking the street - very fun with just one table for 4 or 2 per private balcony! There are plays and art museums galore, if you are so inclined. We also drove south to the Salton Sea, but unfortunately it is nearly deserted due to the increasing salinity of the water. 1500 empty campsites, abandoned marinas, and a lot of dead fish! What a reality check for nature lovers...made you realize that the beauty of nature & our state/national parks is fragile. Of course, we enjoyed several hours in the pools (except the "quiet pool", which was a bit too quiet!). Weather in October ranged from 80-102.
Overall, it was a great resort and vacation. Don't hesitate to book a villa there. Enjoy!!

The rooms were spacious, clean, and the kitchen had all you would need to make dinners at home. Great view of the golf course. Kids loved it.

Marriott's Shadow Ridge is a Gem in the desert. The resort is situated in the midst of a Nick Faldo designed 18 hold golf course. Shadow Ridge is a quiet resort. the Pool area offers a welcome escape from the heat of the day, and in the evenings you feel isolated like you're the only one there. A great family destination children will love the waterslide and watching the bunnies frolicking in the common areas.
Make sure not to miss a red jeep tour, the Areal Tram, or the Living Desert.