
JW Marriott Phoenix Desert Ridge Resort & Spa
Best for families who want an on-site waterpark, lazy river and kid-friendly pool programming.
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JW Marriott Phoenix Desert Ridge Resort & Spa is a large, family-friendly desert resort in north Phoenix with an on-site waterpark, multiple pools, two golf courses and a full-service spa. Fairmont Scottsdale Princess is a large 5-star Scottsdale resort known for golf, multiple pools, a full-service spa and major seasonal events — read this if you’re choosing between a waterpark-style family stay (JW) and a classic Scottsdale luxury resort with event programming (Fairmont).
Updated · about 18 miles apart

Best for families who want an on-site waterpark, lazy river and kid-friendly pool programming.

Best for travelers who prioritize a traditional luxury resort with extensive event calendars, many pool options and multiple high-end room categories.
When JW Marriott Phoenix Desert Ridge Resort & Spa wins: choose JW Marriott when you want an active family stay — AquaRidge WaterPark, a lazy river, multi-story slides, a children's pool and family-friendly dining make it better for younger kids and groups wanting on-site recreation.
When Fairmont Scottsdale Princess wins: choose Fairmont Scottsdale Princess for a classic Scottsdale luxury experience — more formal signature restaurants, extensive event and conference space, six outdoor pools, and a large variety of suite options (including Fairmont Gold and Privado studios) make it better for adults, couples and event attendees.
Bottom line: both are large, full-service desert resorts with golf, spas and many pools; pick JW Marriott for waterpark-centered family fun and broad resort recreation, pick Fairmont for traditional 5-star Scottsdale luxury, variety of room types and a stronger focus on seasonal events and meetings.
| Category | JW Marriott Phoenix Desert Ridge Resort & Spa | Fairmont Scottsdale Princess |
|---|---|---|
| Overall vibe | Family-forward resort with waterpark, multiple casual and formal dining options and extensive activities. | Large 5-star luxury resort with a focus on golf, spa, multiple pools and seasonal events. |
| Location | North Phoenix, adjacent to Desert Ridge Marketplace; close to Wildfire Golf Club and Musical Instrument Museum. | Scottsdale (7575 E Princess Drive), within minutes of Scottsdale Quarter and Kierland Commons. |
| Size (rooms) | About 950 rooms (869 guest rooms + 81 suites). | 750 rooms. |
| Who it's for | Families, groups and golfers who want active, on-site recreation. | Guests seeking polished 5-star service, event attendees, golfers and couples. |
| Pools & water features | AquaRidge WaterPark: lazy river, three multi-story slides, children's pool plus 5–6 outdoor pools and pool cabanas. | Six outdoor pools and 2 hot tubs; multiple poolside bars and premium pool views from many rooms. |
| Dining & bars | Multiple outlets including Tia Carmen, Kembara, Meritage, twenty6, Just A Splash Bar & Grill, Desert Ridge Taqueria, Copper Alley and Starbucks. | Five restaurants including La Hacienda, poolside bars and multiple lounges; in-room dining available. |
| Spa & wellness | Revive Spa — two-story, 28,000 sq ft with 41 treatment rooms, steam/sauna, spa pool (ages 18+). | Full-service spa offering massages, body treatments and facials; fitness classes on site. |
| Golf | Two 18-hole golf courses on site plus driving range and lessons. | Golf course on site and golf lessons available. |
| Event & meeting space | Very large: several ballrooms (Grand Canyon Ballroom up to 4,000 capacity), 316 acres and extensive indoor/outdoor venues. | Large conference and event facilities (conference space ~4,274 m² / 46,005 sq ft). |
| Parking & access | Self-parking and valet (surcharges); no official shuttle; car recommended. | Self-parking (surcharge) and valet available; near major Scottsdale shopping districts. |
JW Marriott Phoenix Desert Ridge sits in north Phoenix next to Desert Ridge Marketplace and a short walk to Wildfire Golf Club.
Choose JW Marriott if you want quick access to Desert Ridge shopping and family-friendly attractions.
Fairmont Scottsdale Princess is located in Scottsdale near Scottsdale Quarter and Kierland Commons.
Choose Fairmont for a Scottsdale address with easy access to upscale shopping and event venues.
JW Marriott offers roughly 950 accommodations with a mix of standard rooms, balcony rooms and suites sized for families.
JW Marriott’s room mix favors families and groups who need extra space and easy pool access.
Fairmont Scottsdale Princess offers 750 rooms across many categories including Fairmont Gold, Privado studios and several suite tiers.
Fairmont provides more distinct luxury room/ suite tiers and club-style amenities for travelers wanting upgraded service.
JW Marriott’s food options range from poolside casual to sit-down American and Asian-influenced restaurants.
JW Marriott mixes casual pool dining for families with several full-service dining options.
Fairmont Scottsdale Princess has multiple restaurants and pool bars including La Hacienda and other signature outlets.
Fairmont leans toward traditional resort dining with multiple signature outlets and several poolside options.
JW Marriott’s standout amenity is AquaRidge WaterPark and a cluster of family and adult pool areas.
If you want a waterpark-style pool experience for kids and families, JW Marriott is the clearer choice.
Fairmont Scottsdale Princess features multiple pools (six outdoor pools) and poolside bars suitable for families and adults.
Fairmont offers many pools and poolside amenities within a more traditional luxury-resort layout.
JW Marriott’s Revive Spa and fitness facilities are substantial and oriented to both families and adult guests.
Wellness is a strong focus at JW Marriott with a large spa and fitness offering; evening options are relaxed and family-friendly.
Fairmont Scottsdale Princess provides a full-service spa, fitness classes and more formal evening dining and bar spaces.
Fairmont’s spa and scheduled events make it a good pick for guests who want structured wellness or evening programming.

AquaRidge WaterPark, lazy river, multi-story slides, children's pool and family-friendly dining make JW Marriott the stronger pick for kids.

JW Marriott’s very large ballrooms and extensive indoor/outdoor event acreage suit very large conferences and weddings.

Fairmont Scottsdale Princess is positioned as a traditional 5-star Scottsdale resort with multiple luxury room tiers and seasonal events.

Fairmont’s Fairmont Gold, Privado studios and multiple suite sizes offer more distinct luxury and club-style room options.
JW Marriott Phoenix Desert Ridge is better suited for kids because of AquaRidge WaterPark, a lazy river, waterslides and family-focused pool venues.
Fairmont Scottsdale Princess leans more toward traditional luxury and upscale room tiers; JW Marriott also offers adults-only pool spaces if you prefer a quieter area.
Yes. JW Marriott has two 18-hole golf courses and practice facilities on site; Fairmont Scottsdale Princess also lists an on-site golf course and golf lessons.
Both resorts have full-service spas. JW Marriott’s Revive Spa is a large, two-story 28,000 sq ft facility with many treatment rooms and age restrictions (18+ for spa facilities); Fairmont offers full spa services and fitness classes as well.
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