Having never stayed at a Fair field Inn I was impressed for what was offered. The rooms are very spacious and have a balconey. Well mine had as I was on third floor facing pool and jacuzzi.
Pretty good housekeeping standards although it is always diificult to check how clean carpet is.
I had no interaction with staff ( apart from check in ) so I cannot commend on that.
The always included in room rate breakfast was not too bad I guess for one morning.
Location is good as noted by other reviewers.
I certainly prefer this place above the Hilton Garden Inn were I stayed last year.

The Fairfield chain seems to have improved in the last 5-7 years. I used to think of it as a small step up from a Motel 6. However, this was a pleasant surprise. The room was very large and fairly well-appointed. Little things like lack of a mirror in the bedroom area and limited amenities (shampoo, no lotion) separate this from a hotel in one of Marriott's upgraded brands. We had a first floor room with easy access to the lovely courtyard.

The room appeared to be very clean, but inspection of a brand new pair of socks revealed that the carpet is in desperate need of a good shampooing.

The breakfast is a nice plus -- very satisfying, good selection.

I was told a refrigerator was available when I checked in, but the "refrigerator guy" was on his dinner break and couldn't bring it until later in the evening. Two calls later, and I finally said forget it. However, the staff was friendly.

I'll definitely stay here again when I return to the desert for this annual event. Not all trips require a resort accommodation. Great value.

My wife and I stayed at the Fairfield Palm Desert in early August 07, booking through Marriott Rewards on the "$50 Bonus Bucks" coupon promotion. The rate was reasonable, and the eventual $50 payback sounded like a good deal. Prior to arrival, I looked online and the property's exterior architecture didn't look like it was built as recently as 1998. Upon arrival, we were happy to see that while the exterior was dated-looking, their recent interior remodel was very nice! The lobby and breakfast room were clean and fresh.

We reserved a King Suite, which in essence is two rooms adjoining but with only one exterior door opening into a huge living room with two love seats (both sleepers), a coffee table, chair/ottoman, desk and desk chair, large mirrored counter with microwave, sink and mini-fridge. This living room opened through dual french doors to a large King bedroom with full bath, with both rooms having a balcony. For those that reserve a 2-queen or king standard room, I would have to assume the rooms would be of adequate to above average size. Also, balconies appear to be only on the third floor overlooking the pool. I'd recommend a balcony for better natural light in the room... the windows on the second floor weren't overly large. Also, we noticed that the ground floor rooms facing the pool had sliding glass doors too, but none had views of the pool (just the plant-covered pool fence).

All in all, this stay would've been a 4 out of 5 at least... the room was large, reasonably priced, the property/room was clean, the pool good-sized with lots of deck space and chairs, the location very convenient to El Paseo (Palm Desert), The River (Rancho Mirage) and a large mall right around the corner.

However, an issue surfaced as check-out approached. What followed forced me to give Fairfield PD a 1 out of 5 (2 out of 5 is too generous)... I asked in the morning on check-out day about the Bonus Bucks coupon and the front deskperson said I'd have to come back at check-out to get it from the Manager (seemed strange that only the Manager could do it). When I returned to check out, I talked to another woman at the desk (not sure she was the Manager) and she gave me what was nothing more than an advertisement for the promotion with the Marriott toll free number and said to call them and they'll send it to me (already two different stories from two different employees! And neither one sounded quite right). On the way home, I called the Marriott number and ended up speaking with a Customer Care person who told me that the hotel should've given me the coupon on the spot at check-out! He called the hotel while I was on hold, only to come back and state that the hotel was out of coupons and that the hotel would get them in the next day or two and mail it directly to me. I thought it odd that the Marriott CC person didn't do something more to rectify the situation immediately, considering I'd been LIED TO TWICE by people at the front desk. Well, I waited for five mail days and... you guessed it... no coupon. So I called the same Marriott CC person and he again called the hotel with me on hold. He returned saying that the coupons had just arrived at the hotel two days prior (therefore three days late) and would be mailed out that day (why though were they not mailed to me two days ago when they arrived? Why did I as the customer have to basically hold their hand to make this all happen?). Lo and behold, I got the coupon in the mail just yesterday after lies from the hotel and flippant customer service from Marriott. So do I return to this hotel? Maybe, but if it's with a promo, I'll make sure they can deliver before we arrive. Will I still stay at Marriott hotels? Maybe... we've had exemplary service as Silver Reward Members in the past and this I suppose was an unfortunate mis-step with their "Customer Care". Let's just say... one more chance, and only one more chance...

The staff was fantastic. The pool area was clean and inviting. The rooms were immaculate and comfortable. Everything was great, especially for the price. I definitely recommend this hotel.