We have just completed a 5 day visit to Desert Shadows. There are new owners – Dan and Laurie. Dan and Laurie are very outgoing and have a variety of updates planned. They are experienced with resorts, restaurants and spas and have a clear picture of what they want to accomplish. We did talk to them personally.
The place is beautiful and the condo we had was perfect. Well equipped modern kitchen, two floors, fireplace, 1 ½ baths, patio and balcony with chairs, washer/dryer, beautiful setting overlooking gardens with waterfall, etc. Not at all rundown as someone previously suggested.
The original hotel section has very small rooms and is very rundown. People who were staying there complained quite a bit about it. We stayed there on a previous trip – sounded like it had not changed. This area is going to get a big time facelift. But it is off to the side of the resort and you can enjoy the main area without even seeing this section. Be careful in selecting your arrangements if you decide to visit.
The café is fairly limited but the food is pretty good. It is open for dinner Thurs – Sunday and everyday for lunch. They did almost fill the place on Friday and Saturday but make reservations at 15 minute intervals so that they can care for about 15 tables with three people. This causes some discussion of why you need a reservation –they call you if you don’t make one – when they can accommodate everyone. The answer is they space you so they can do it with 3 people.
There is a new front desk manager who is very helpful and personable but the woman at the desk in the morning is totally useless. They serve continental breakfast in the front lobby Monday to Friday. On our first morning we were there at 8:30 AM. There were large muffins and yogurt. I saw a toaster and asked if they had bread. She said no that earlier that had 2 bagels but they were both gone. Two bagels? A large sugar laden muffin is not on my diet and plain cornflakes or bread slices I could toast would have been appreciated. My husband drinks tea. On Friday the only tea left at 8 AM was herbal and he asked her if she had any regular tea and she said no – just what was there. I then said that they had English Breakfast tea the day before and could she check to see if they had any. She didn’t look happy about it but she found a few bags and brought them out. I would say that service is improved from what earlier posters said about the old management but it still has at least one weak link.
Dan and Laurie have removed the famed family statuary and plan to put a bar in this area. I think they will be successful with a bar and light snacks. They could probably also be successful with selling some up to date “nudist fashions “ a la what you see worn at Caliente. The shop area is a sorry place indeed. There are improvements planned for the spa which is pretty basic right now – that will probably do well too if it is showcased. Now the most noticeable thing at the spa is the constant closed sign. I think that will change soon. Laurie has plans and experience!
Laurie said to look for big changes in a year and then more the following year. I have no idea how they are financing the improvements but I have the feeling that the condo owners and guests will be happy to finance improvements through purchases – food, drink, merchandise, services. It looks like a fairly upscale clientele.
They do have a no children policy. There were some single men and gay couples. But it is mostly a couples crowd. The balance seemed just fine – no one should be uncomfortable. The guests were very friendly and we socialized at the wine and cheese party on Friday and with people at the pool.
Bottom line – a great place to visit – the changes are for the better. Upscale-but low key. No glitz like at Caliente but a very enjoyable respite.
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