Luxury Behind the Scenes at the JW Marriott, Anaheim Resort

Many luxury travelers who regularly stay at 4-diamond properties are familiar with what they can expect from a destination like the JW Marriott, Anaheim Resort. The JW brand is part of a larger family of Marriott luxury that also includes Ritz-Carlton, Four Seasons and St. Regis hotels and resorts, so when it comes to taking care of guests, the staff of these properties know that true luxury is defined by the personal care that the staff themselves bring into every guest encounter. 

Maribell Denner, Director Of Sales Marketing for the JW Marriott, Anaheim Resort, is a 38-year hospitality veteran who has spent her career in Southern California turning ordinary events into extraordinary ones. “We’re all about curating experiences for guests; we want to know exactly what they’re here for. It’s all about connections. We want families to leave knowing that they left a little bit of their hearts in the hotel,” she says. Here are some ways she and her staff put a little extra love into your family’s stay. 

Making a Magic Stay for Younger Guests 

As you might imagine, a lot of guests to the JW Marriott, Anaheim Resort have a Disneyland® Resort adventure on their itinerary (the hotel itself is just a ten-minute walk to the park). Even after years of service, JW staff recognize the magic and wonder of a child’s first Disney trip, which means that sometimes kids will get a special “visit” from a favorite character. 

“When we see families or groups of people, our staff interacts with them and we find out what they’re there for, whether it’s a birthday celebration, a graduation, and so on,” Denner says. “Associates are empowered to make that small gesture - a handwritten note card or something in the room that could say, ‘I know it’s your seventh birthday, and I understand this is your favorite character; we hope you enjoy your stay with us’” - and then on the hotel bed there’s a new Mickey or Minnie or Yoda awaiting them. 

“It’s for the kids more than the parents, because, as a parent, when I see my kids happy, it just melts me,” Denner says.  

Empowering Staff to Go Above and Beyond 

Unlike other luxury properties that are cutting back on concierge staff, the JW Marriott Anaheim Resort has a team based in the Executive Lounge that cares for guests’ needs. The staff is happy to arrange turndown service, prepare a special honeymoon celebration, or even assist with flowers and champagne for an engagement. 

Other ways that staff are empowered to go above and beyond is to help secure special car service to the park for guests who prefer not to make the trip on foot, or to work with the nearby House of Blues for special concert seating or ticket access. Looking for a quiet cocktail nearby? You might be able to reserve special seats at a nearby speakeasy-style bar in the Anaheim Packing House with the help of the concierge staff as well. From time to time, the hotel’s award-winning Italian chophouse - Tocca Ferro - will also accommodate guests in the kitchen for pizza or pasta making classes. 

Denner is quick to note another special room feature that guests can take advantage of: “We’re the only hotel in the market, and I think even in Orange County, where all the rooms have a separate sunken tub and shower area. That’s truly a luxury.” And here’s a little secret: You can ask the concierge for some special soaking salts custom-blended for the JW for an extra-luxe bathtime. 

Explore Exclusive Spaces: The Executive Lounge and the Secret Garden

Guests with Marriott status or who book a room on the upper floors of the hotel will also receive access to the special Executive Lounge. Many other similar lounges at other properties are essentially just lower-floor hospitality suites with some free drinks and snacks, but at the JW, you’ll get access to a space with a private 10th-floor wraparound balcony. “It overlooks the entire city … it’s the best place to be if you want to see the fireworks from Disneyland” Denner says. 

The hotel also has an expansive outdoor garden space with hundreds of plants and flowers., including a special pollinator garden to attract monarch butterflies as they migrate through Southern California, Every day at 3pm, guests can participate in a special garden tour led by staff through the secluded space to showcase the art crafted for the garden and even view the edible garden where staff harvest herbs and vegetables for use in their restaurants and bars. 

Learn more about the JW Marriott, Anaheim Resort and the many ways they give their guests a truly luxurious stay.