Nestled in the heart of Scottsdale, Arizona, The Westin Kierland Resort & Spa is a luxurious desert oasis that offers an exceptional blend of comfort, relaxation, and adventure. Whether you’re looking for a tranquil retreat, a family-friendly vacation, or a memorable venue for business or special events, this resort delivers on all fronts. With its breathtaking views of the Sonoran Desert, world-class amenities, and a prime location near the bustling Kierland Commons, this resort has something to offer everyone.
We’ll dive deep into everything that makes The Westin Kierland Resort & Spa one of the most popular destinations in Scottsdale. From its award-winning golf courses and rejuvenating spa treatments to its kid-friendly activities and dining options, this post will cover it all. If you’re considering a visit or just want to know more about this iconic Arizona getaway, read on to discover why it stands out among the best resorts in the area.
A Desert Oasis: Location and Surroundings
The Westin Kierland Resort & Spa is ideally located in the picturesque landscape of Scottsdale, known for its warm, sunny weather and beautiful desert scenery. The resort is situated just 20 minutes from downtown Scottsdale, offering a perfect blend of seclusion and accessibility. Nearby, you’ll find the Kierland Commons and Scottsdale Quarter, two high-end shopping and dining destinations that make for excellent daytime excursions.
Scenic Beauty and Desert Landscape
One of the standout features of The Westin Kierland is its striking setting. Surrounded by the natural beauty of the Sonoran Desert, the resort seamlessly blends the luxury of a world-class property with the unique charm of the desert environment. From the resort, guests can enjoy sweeping views of the McDowell Mountains and the rolling desert plains, with cacti, wildflowers, and towering palm trees dotting the landscape.
The resort’s desert-inspired architecture enhances its natural surroundings. Earth tones, desert stones, and elegant landscaping make for a visually stunning atmosphere that reflects the beauty of Arizona.
Luxurious Accommodations
Accommodations at The Westin Kierland Resort & Spa are designed with both comfort and luxury in mind. Whether you’re visiting for a romantic getaway, family vacation, or business trip, the resort offers a variety of rooms and suites that cater to your specific needs.
Room Types
The resort features over 700 well-appointed guest rooms, each designed to provide a restful and luxurious experience. The decor draws inspiration from the local desert landscape, with warm hues and textures that create a relaxing, yet sophisticated ambiance.
- Traditional Guest Rooms: These rooms feature Westin’s signature Heavenly® Bed, offering unparalleled comfort. With either a king-size bed or two double beds, these rooms are perfect for couples, small families, or business travelers.
- Deluxe Rooms: These rooms offer upgraded amenities and stunning views of either the golf course, pool area, or desert. Some deluxe rooms also feature private balconies where guests can enjoy Arizona’s beautiful sunsets.
- Suites: For those looking for additional space and luxury, the resort offers a variety of suites, including one-bedroom and presidential suites. These suites provide separate living and sleeping areas, as well as large balconies or patios for outdoor relaxation.
In-Room Amenities
The Westin Kierland Resort & Spa ensures that every guest’s stay is as comfortable as possible with a wide range of in-room amenities, including:
- Heavenly® Bed and Heavenly® Shower for a spa-like experience
- Flat-screen TVs with premium channels
- High-speed internet access
- 24-hour room service
- Coffee makers with Starbucks coffee
- Spacious work desks for business travelers
- Private balconies or patios with breathtaking views in select rooms
The combination of modern conveniences and desert-inspired luxury makes staying at The Westin Kierland a true delight for any traveler.
Dining at The Westin Kierland Resort & Spa
Dining is an integral part of any resort experience, and The Westin Kierland Resort & Spa does not disappoint. With a variety of restaurants and bars offering everything from fine dining to casual bites, the resort caters to every taste and occasion.
Deseo
For a unique and upscale dining experience, Deseo is a must-visit restaurant at The Westin Kierland. Known for its contemporary Latin cuisine, Deseo features a menu crafted by world-renowned chefs. The restaurant’s signature dishes blend bold flavors and fresh ingredients inspired by South American cooking.
Guests can enjoy dishes like ceviche, seafood paella, and perfectly grilled steaks, all while taking in the vibrant ambiance and stunning views. Deseo also boasts an impressive wine list and handcrafted cocktails that perfectly complement its bold flavors.
Nellie Cashman’s Monday Club Café
For those seeking more casual dining, Nellie Cashman’s Monday Club Café offers a welcoming atmosphere and a menu inspired by the rich history of Arizona’s mining days. The restaurant serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner, with a focus on comfort food made with fresh, local ingredients.
From hearty breakfast options to salads, sandwiches, and steaks, Nellie Cashman’s offers something for everyone. Guests can also enjoy dining on the outdoor patio, which offers beautiful views of the resort’s golf course.
Brittlebush Bar & Grill
Golf enthusiasts will love Brittlebush Bar & Grill, a casual dining spot located at the Kierland Golf Club. The restaurant offers a relaxed setting with an array of pub-style food, including burgers, salads, and sandwiches. It’s the perfect spot for a post-round meal or a casual lunch while taking in the scenic golf course views.
The Coffee Flats & Snowbowls
For a quick bite or pick-me-up, The Coffee Flats & Snowbowls is the resort’s grab-and-go café, offering Starbucks coffee, pastries, sandwiches, and light snacks. In the afternoon, guests can treat themselves to a Snowbowl, a refreshing and delicious frozen dessert unique to the resort.
J. Swilling’s Poolside Bar & Grill
For those enjoying a day by the pool, J. Swilling’s Poolside Bar & Grill is the go-to spot for drinks and casual dining. With a menu featuring refreshing cocktails, sandwiches, wraps, and salads, guests don’t have to leave the poolside to enjoy a great meal. This laid-back bar is ideal for family lunches, snacks, or grabbing a drink while soaking up the sun.
Adventure at The Kierland Golf Club
Golf lovers will be thrilled with the world-class golf facilities at The Westin Kierland Resort & Spa. The Kierland Golf Club offers a challenging yet enjoyable experience for golfers of all skill levels, with 27 holes of championship golf designed by Scott Miller.
Course Layout
The Kierland Golf Club is divided into three distinct nine-hole courses: Acacia, Ironwood, and Mesquite. Each course offers unique challenges and scenic views of the surrounding desert landscape. The rolling fairways, strategically placed bunkers, and water features make for a memorable round of golf. Additionally, the course is beautifully maintained year-round, ensuring a top-notch playing experience no matter the season.
Golf Performance Studio
For those looking to improve their game, the Kierland Golf Club offers a Golf Performance Studio, equipped with the latest technology for swing analysis and custom club fitting. Professional instructors are available to provide lessons, whether you’re a beginner or looking to fine-tune your skills.
Unique Offerings
The Kierland Golf Club goes beyond the traditional golfing experience by offering unique amenities and experiences that set it apart from other golf courses. One of the standout features is the option to rent a GolfBoard, an electric surfboard-like vehicle that allows golfers to “surf the earth” as they ride from hole to hole. The club also offers Segway golf carts and golf bikes for a fun and innovative way to navigate the course.
The Westin Kierland’s Water Park and Pool Area
No desert resort would be complete without a pool, and The Westin Kierland Resort & Spa goes above and beyond with its expansive pool area and water park, making it a perfect destination for families and sun-seekers alike.
Adventure Water Park
The resort’s Adventure Water Park offers fun for all ages, with a range of water attractions designed to keep guests entertained and refreshed. Key features include:
- Lazy River: Relax and float along the gentle currents of the lazy river as you soak up the Arizona sun.
- Waterslide: For a bit more excitement, the waterslide offers fast-paced fun for both kids and adults.
- FlowRider® Surf Simulator: This unique attraction lets guests try their hand at surfing without leaving the desert. The FlowRider creates a wave-like experience where guests can bodyboard or surf with the guidance of instructors.
Adult-Only Pool Area
For those seeking a more tranquil experience, The Westin Kierland also offers an adult-only serenity pool. This secluded area features private cabanas, luxurious loungers, and a peaceful atmosphere, perfect for couples or solo travelers looking to unwind.
Cabana Rentals
To enhance your poolside experience, the resort offers private cabana rentals, complete with comfortable seating, shade, and personal service. It’s the perfect way to enjoy a day by the pool in style and comfort.
Agave, The Arizona Spa & Fitness Center
If relaxation is what you’re after, a visit to Agave, The Arizona Spa & Fitness Center is a must. This luxurious spa is inspired by the native agave plant and offers a wide range of treatments that rejuvenate the body, mind, and spirit.
Spa Treatments
The spa’s extensive menu of treatments includes massages, facials, body wraps, and more, all designed to promote relaxation and wellness. Guests can indulge in signature treatments like the Agave Enchantment, a full-body experience that includes a sugar scrub, detoxifying body wrap, and a hydrating massage using agave nectar oil.
The spa also offers couples’ treatments, making it a popular choice for romantic getaways and special occasions.
Fitness Center
For those who want to stay active during their stay, the resort’s fitness center is equipped with state-of-the-art cardio machines, free weights, and strength-training equipment. The fitness center also offers a variety of fitness classes, including yoga, Pilates, and spin classes, so guests can maintain their fitness routines while on vacation.
Kid-Friendly Activities
The Westin Kierland Resort & Spa is a family-friendly destination, with a wide range of activities designed to keep kids entertained.
Kids Club
The Westin Family Kids Club offers supervised activities for children aged 4-12, providing parents with some much-needed relaxation time while the little ones enjoy arts and crafts, games, and outdoor adventures. The Kids Club also hosts movie nights, themed parties, and educational activities, ensuring that children have a fun and engaging vacation.
Kierland Mining Co.
The Kierland Mining Co. is a unique experience that allows kids to “pan for gold” and discover gemstones, giving them a taste of Arizona’s rich mining history. It’s a fun and educational activity that the whole family can enjoy together.
Special Events and Meetings
In addition to being a top destination for leisure travelers, The Westin Kierland Resort & Spa is also a premier location for meetings, conferences, and special events. The resort offers over 200,000 square feet of flexible meeting and event space, making it an ideal venue for everything from corporate retreats to weddings.
Event Spaces
The resort’s event spaces include grand ballrooms, intimate meeting rooms, and beautiful outdoor venues with desert and mountain views. With the help of the resort’s experienced event planners, guests can customize their events to create truly memorable experiences.
Weddings
For couples dreaming of a desert wedding, The Westin Kierland offers several stunning venues, including outdoor terraces with panoramic views and lush gardens that provide a romantic backdrop. The resort’s team of wedding specialists works closely with couples to ensure that every detail is perfect, from the ceremony to the reception.
Exploring Scottsdale: Nearby Attractions
While The Westin Kierland Resort & Spa offers plenty to keep guests entertained on-site, there’s also plenty to explore in the surrounding area. Scottsdale is known for its vibrant arts scene, world-class shopping, and outdoor adventures.
Kierland Commons and Scottsdale Quarter
Just a short walk from the resort, Kierland Commons and Scottsdale Quarter offer an upscale shopping and dining experience. These open-air malls feature a wide variety of luxury retailers, boutique shops, and trendy restaurants, making them the perfect destination for a day of shopping and dining.
Outdoor Adventures
For those who want to explore the great outdoors, Scottsdale offers a variety of hiking and biking trails that allow visitors to experience the beauty of the Sonoran Desert up close. Popular nearby hiking destinations include Camelback Mountain and McDowell Sonoran Preserve, both offering stunning vistas and a chance to connect with nature.
Cultural Attractions
Scottsdale is also home to a number of cultural attractions, including the Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art and Taliesin West, the former home and studio of famed architect Frank Lloyd Wright.
Final Words
The Westin Kierland Resort & Spa in Scottsdale, AZ, is more than just a resort – it’s a destination that offers something for every type of traveler. Whether you’re looking to relax by the pool, enjoy a round of golf, indulge in a spa treatment, or explore the vibrant culture of Scottsdale, this resort delivers an unforgettable experience.
With its luxurious accommodations, top-notch amenities, and stunning desert setting, The Westin Kierland Resort & Spa provides the perfect backdrop for both relaxation and adventure. Whether you’re visiting for a romantic getaway, family vacation, or business event, you’re sure to leave with memories that will last a lifetime.
