Inside the Westin Kierland
Resort and Spa
The Westin Kierland Resort and Spa is one of the Arizona resorts that caters to a certain type of traveler. For guests with a more romantic purpose, I generally recommend
a different 5 star Scottsdale resort.
Yet if you fall into
one of these categories,
than this North Scottsdale luxury resort may be just the right fit for you. 
The Westin Kierland Resort and Spa is a huge property.
I remember watching it as it was being built. I would pass it almost daily
on my way to Kierland Commons (or should I say Starbucks),
and marvel as each floor was added.
There aren't many "big" buildings in North Scottsdale, so this one stood out. When it was all said and done, the Westin Kierland boasted 732 rooms, a 27-hole golf course, massive meeting rooms (making it popular for business travelers and conventions), a fitness center, a full-service spa... Even a water park with a lazy river.
Still, I didn't have much reason to visit, even when completed.
That is until, curiosity got the better of me.
Instead of whizzing by as usual, I put my coffee on hold, and made a quick left into the Westin parking lot. Okay...time to see what this place is all about.
The Lobby, Library and Luxury
I marched up that palm-tree lined drive like I was on a mission... Past a row of shiny SUV's and clean-as-a-whistle golf carts... I was ready for the Westin Kierland to blow my hair back (after all, it was claiming a 4 Diamond rating).
Friendly valet swung the front door open, welcoming me into an expansive lobby, lively with activity.
First to catch my eye were floor to ceiling windows lining the back wall... Exposing stunning views of the Kierland Golf Course located just behind the resort.
Hmm... Great spot to watch a sunset.
Noted.
The lobby was spacious and airy, with a bustling front desk and plenty of hotel guests breezing by in golf gear... Or vacation-wear quite possibly purchased at the shop I spotted next to the concierge desk.
If you know me, you know I'm big on overall vibe, and I noticed a theme almost immediately.
Of course the traditional Arizona style was evident in the palette of beige, browns and coppers. Yet modern accents made it pop here and there.
On one end, I noticed a waterfall illuminated with bold fiber optics. On the other, tables of petrified wood staged around the muted Rim Bar.
The lower-level of the lobby at the Westin Kierland Resort and Spa.
The Rim-Bar, a Grand Canyon themed watering hole.
I didn't quite understand the vibe, or should I say culture clash. So I decided to get to the bottom of it.
Off to the front desk I went, and was promptly redirected to the Mining Company - apparently this is the place to learn about stuff, like the unbelievable kids activities at the Westin Kierland Resort - just down the hall.
It was here where I was handed a brochure called "Treasuring the Essence of Arizona".
Read and follow, is what I was politely told.
I read, and the message was clear.
The Westin Keirland Resort and Spa is passionate about Arizona history, so everything in the hotel is symbolic of some form of Arizona history (which is fascinating, by the way), with a bit of a modern twist.
I grabbed a quick cup o' joe at the Coffee Flats across the way, and found a cushy leather chair in the library... which was chalk-full of books on Arizona history. The perfect spot to finish my read.
Remarkable, I thought. This mix of historical and modern captured so elegantly in the hotel, very much
mimics the essence of Scottsdale itself.
My intrigue... profound. My advice... grab the brochure upon your arrival. It transforms the Westin Kierland Resort and Spa from good, to museum-like quality. It gives life to the art pieces hung on the walls, and explains the nightly ritual of Bagpipes at Sunset on the back patio... and so much more.
A peek inside the Walt & Weiser Saloon.
 Grab a drink at the Waltz & Weiser Saloon while you're at it - a watering hole named after the Lost Dutchman Mine legend of the Superstition Mountains - and enjoy the adventure.
Activities, Big and Small
My hair was officially blown back when I learned about the activities offered at the Westin Kierland Resort and Spa.
They truly are darn near endless. Head back to the Mining Center to learn about them.
And if you run out of fun things to do at the resort, there are plenty more located at Kierland Commons, or Scottsdale Quarter located just across the way.
My dad - big golfer guy - gawked as the 27-hole golf course at the Westin Kierland was nearing completion.
He wasted no time testing out the full practice facility and driving range once it opened.
Tennis courts, groomed paths for strolling and a knock-out fitness center make getting your outdoor fitness pretty darn easy.
Although, I know people who could spend a whole day at the Westin Kierland Spa, and be happy as clams.
Family-Friendly Fun
It's the kids however, that will think they've found Mecca. Not many hotels I know offer a 900-foot lazy river and a 110-foot long water slide. I have only one thing to say about the Adventure Water Park at the Westin Kierland Resort and Spa... Can you say, cannon ball?  As if that weren't enough, the Westin Kierland offers the activity-packed Kids Club. I'd be surprised if your kids even remember your name once they see it.
The FUN Team at the Westin Kierland Resort and Spa, makes sure kiddos are supervised. They will even lead them in friendly competition with other kids, if they're up for it.
Games, hula hoop contests and relay races are just some of the things they do.
At the OK Corral, kids can shoot hoops, work the game tables, or squeeze in a heat at the RC Car racetracks. This gives kids the freedom they crave while leaving parents worry-free. And while they're busy getting their wiggles out doing this... That leaves you to more relaxing activities.
In fact, I think there is a refreshing poolside cocktail at the adult-only pool with your name on it.
This relaxation pool is open 24-hours, which I love. It also has lap lanes in case you decide to hone your inner Michael Thorp. The pool is heated in the winter, so you can count on year-round perfect water temperatures.
Just another added bonus.
Restaurants at the Westin Kierland Resort
According to the concierge at the Westin Kierland Resort and Spa, "all dining is excellent".
Okay cool, but I wanted more info. Which I found, and learned that the casual dining at the Westin Kierland earns the best reviews.
The Arizona Wrap at Brittlebush and the fish tacos at LA Cashman's are the favorites among staff.
There is an upscale restaurant at the Westin Kierland Hotel, called Deseo. I've heard it's great for dates, but not as appealing to kids.
If you're looking for fantastic fine dining... or regular dining... There is a bevy of options located in walking distance. Including Mastro's Ocean Club - hands down my favorite Scottsdale Restaurant - and True Food - my second favorite Scottsdale restaurant.
Guestrooms and Suites
Guestrooms and suites at the Westin Kierland Resort and Spa are on par for a 4-star resort.
The rooms are immaculately clean. They all come with the popular Heavenly beds, so they're known for being extremely comfortable.
A view of the Standard Double Bed Guest Room at the Westin Kierland.
  I really appreciate that all rooms at the Westin Kierland have a balcony.
For the best view, I'd recommend requesting a room facing the golf course, on Level 5 or higher.
Anything lower and palm trees or buildings may be in the way.
Try to catch the sunset if you can. It's stunning... especially the golf course, when cast in the orange and magenta glow of the setting sun.
Discounts Delivered
I try to share discounts whenever I discover them.
I learned the Westin Kierland Resort and Spa is usually running some kind of special... Especially in the off-season
(aka the summer).
So before you book, make sure to check with the hotel if there are any deals. I recently found a special rate during "Guest Appreciation Week" for an Agave Master Massage, at the price of $50. This massage normally goes for $149.
 Firepit on the back patio of the Westin Kierland Resort and Spa. |
