JW Marriott Anaheim Resort JW Garden and Pool Review

If you're looking for a place where both parents and kids can truly enjoy themselves, the JW Marriott Anaheim Resort delivers in every way. Our family recently spent time exploring Level 2 of the hotel, which features the JW Garden and the outdoor pool. These two spaces quickly became our children's favourite parts of the trip and turned into the heart of our stay. Whether we were relaxing by the water or strolling through colourful gardens, every moment felt special, peaceful and family friendly.

Beautiful rows of succulents in vibrant hues line the garden path at JW Gardens, with delicate glass butterflies perched above the greenery.

Located just outside the lobby level, this stunning garden is a calm and colourful escape. The kids were immediately drawn to the butterfly wall, a beautiful feature made of shimmering blue butterfly sculptures set against wooden slats. They loved spotting as many butterflies as they could and even started naming them. The JW Gardens sign made a perfect backdrop for family photos, and it was clear this was going to be a highlight.

A panoramic view of JW Gardens showcasing a colourful arrangement of plants and walking paths, accented by decorative butterflies along the fence

A close-up of the JW Gardens sign surrounded by perfectly planted succulents, with colourful glass butterflies adding a whimsical touch to the fencing.

The garden is filled with native Californian plants, eye catching succulents and bursts of orange, green and purple shades. Along the pathway, there is an educational sign called "What's in Our Garden" which shows pictures of local wildlife like monarch butterflies, hummingbirds and native flowers. Our kids took their time reading about each one, pointing excitedly whenever they saw something mentioned. It was like a little outdoor classroom that kept them curious and engaged.

There is a peaceful rhythm to the space, with wide paved walkways that are easy for kids to walk along. We sat on the benches while they explored the plants up close, asking questions about bees and butterflies and enjoying the freedom to wander. String lights overhead hinted at how magical the garden must look at night. We appreciated how safe and welcoming it felt for families. Even though it is part of a luxury hotel, nothing about it felt off limits to our children. In fact, they were encouraged to explore and enjoy.

After a relaxed walk through the garden, we made our way to the pool area. As soon as the kids saw the sparkling blue water, they cheered and raced ahead. The pool is located on the same level as the garden and is surrounded by white loungers, shady umbrellas and elegant cabanas. The entire area is thoughtfully designed with comfort in mind. For parents, it's the kind of place you can sit back and truly unwind. For kids, it's a giant splash-filled playground.

The pristine pool at JW Marriott Anaheim, surrounded by white loungers and stylish cabanas — a peaceful oasis just steps from the JW Garden.

Our children jumped straight into the water, which was comfortably heated and just the right depth for family fun. The pool ranges from three to four feet deep, which meant they could stand up confidently while still having room to swim and float. They splashed, swam and even made up games using the steps and the sides of the pool. Meanwhile, we lounged nearby on soft sunbeds, relaxing under umbrellas while watching them have the time of their lives.

The far end of the pool features shaded daybeds and cabanas, offering a perfect retreat for relaxation with views of lush greenery.

One of the features we really liked were the private cabanas lined along the sides. These come with comfortable seating and privacy curtains, and some even have televisions. While we didn't use one this time, we agreed that it would be perfect for a longer day at the pool or if we had grandparents with us. The entire pool deck was clean, stylish and filled with plenty of space so that everyone could enjoy it without feeling crowded.

There were also plenty of pool towels available, and a helpful team member walked by offering warm greetings. The blue matting around the pool made the edge safer for little ones, giving them a non-slip surface to walk on as they moved in and out of the water. It is little details like these that show how well thought out the space is for families.

After swimming, we settled into one of the tables near the cabanas to enjoy a snack. Sitting under a large umbrella, we talked and laughed as the kids dried off and told us their favourite parts of the morning. They both agreed that the pool and the garden tied as their favourite. It made us realise that JW Marriott Anaheim had managed to create two completely different spaces, both equally loved by our children.

A wide view of the inviting pool at JW Marriott Anaheim with the hotel as the backdrop — a serene setting for families to unwind together.

The JW Garden gave them space to explore nature, learn about wildlife and move freely in a quiet, safe setting. The pool gave them the chance to burn energy, laugh and enjoy active fun in the sunshine. As parents, it gave us a perfect balance too — nature and relaxation, discovery and downtime, all just steps from our room.

JW Marriott Anaheim Resort impressed us with how much care had gone into creating these spaces. Level 2 is more than just a floor. It is an experience. And for families, it is a hidden gem. Whether your children are tiny explorers or confident swimmers, they will find something here to love. And as a parent, you will find yourself relaxing too, knowing that every detail is designed to make your stay stress free.

We ended our visit feeling refreshed and happy, with wonderful memories made in both the garden and the pool. JW Marriott Anaheim did more than just give us a place to stay. It gave our family a space to connect, laugh and enjoy the best parts of being together. If you’re planning a visit with children, be sure to make time for Level 2 — it’s where the magic happens.