The Westin Kierland Resort & Spa

HOTEL OVERVIEW

You know what hit me first about The Westin Kierland? It’s actually tucked into this really interesting spot where Scottsdale starts feeling less like strip malls and more like, well, resort territory. I mean, you’re still close enough to hit up the Kierland Commons for dinner (honestly, some great restaurants over there), but once you’re on the property, it feels like you’ve stepped into this desert oasis thing they do so well out here.

The whole place has this low-slung, sprawling vibe that works with the landscape instead of fighting it – which you’ll appreciate if you’ve seen some of the more, uh, aggressive architecture around Phoenix. The pools are where this place really shines, and I’m not just talking about the obvious main pool area. There’s this adult-only section that’s actually quiet (rare these days), and the lazy river is surprisingly long – like, you can actually float for a decent amount of time without feeling silly. The spa’s legit too, though honestly, it’s pricey even by Scottsdale standards. But if you’re doing the whole desert wellness retreat thing, the treatments using local ingredients are pretty memorable.

What I really appreciated was how they handle the summer heat situation. The walkways have these covered areas and misters that actually make a difference when it’s 115 degrees outside – small detail, but trust me, you’ll notice. The golf situation is solid (it’s the Kierland Golf Club right there), though honestly, unless you’re a serious golfer, I’d focus on the resort amenities. Oh, and here’s something practical – parking is straightforward, which might sound boring but you’d be surprised how many places around here make it complicated. The rooms lean into that Westin bed situation, which is genuinely comfortable, and most have pretty decent views of either the mountains or the golf course. The whole place gets busy during peak season (January through March), but it’s big enough that it never feels completely overrun. If you’re trying to do the full Scottsdale experience without staying right in Old Town – which can be a bit much – this hits that sweet spot where you’re close to everything but still feel like you’re actually on vacation.