The Westin Kierland Resort and Spa is truly an oasis in the desert. This category 5 hotel in the SPG portfolio is just a 20 minute Uber ride away from Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport. Within minutes from landing, you can be in sipping drinks in style and watching the sunset at this spectacular resort.
Driving up to the property was a sight to see. The long driveway was lined with palm trees and beautifully manicured lawns. Soon as we pulled up to the valet, we were greeted and given ice cold bottles of water. Like many other desert resorts, the Westin had their outdoor cooling system running at full speed and the mist was just what we needed when we stepped out of the car. Check-in was uneventful yet efficient. The front desk clerk recognized that we were SPG Gold members and gave us a room upgrade on the spot.
It's always a joy to return to the Westin and sleep in their Heavenly beds. In case you have not experienced the Heavenly Bed for yourself, it has a uniquely designed plush pillowtop that makes your slumber simply "Heavenly". Our room was spacious and had a work station as well as a pull out twin sleeper. There were plenty of extra outlets for all of our tech gadgets on both night stands as well as on the work station.
The spacious bathroom had lovely speckled granite counter tops and classic subway tiles in the shower and the tub. I like that the shower and bathtub are separate. Here at the Westin Kierland they provide their guests with White Tea Aloe bath and body products in the rooms. If you love these products as much as I do, you can stop by the Agave Spa on your way out and purchase some to take home.
Westin Kierland offers a wide variety of fresh, organic super foods and juices to nourish your body. Room service was prompt and very cheerful when they delivered my breakfast. The House Cured Cilantro Salmon ($19) with bagels, cream cheese, capers and hard boiled eggs was the perfect way to start our day. The Malted Waffles ($17) came with maple syrup and fresh berries and we washed it all down with a glass of fresh pressed carrot juice ($7) mixed with orange, ginger, turmeric and mango juice. I was really impressed with the number of gluten free options they offered. Next time I'm going to try the gluten free cinnamon doughnuts!
Besides world class golf, the Westin Kierland has activities for the entire family. Kids ages 4-13 are welcome in the Westin Family Kids Club with a 24 hour notice and resort charge. If mom and dad want to enjoy a quiet dinner in the Deseo restaurant, they can drop their kids off for pajama party ($50) where they will do arts, crafts, dinner and a movie of their own. To sweeten the deal, SPG members don't have to pay for the pajama party for up to two children if they present their Deseo restaurant receipt that includes an entree when they pick up their kids.
No resort would be complete without an amazing pool. The Westin Kierland has a pool for the general public and a separate one for adults only. For the more adventurous guests they offer the Flow Rider which is a boardsport simulator that you can catch a wave and surf on. Then there's the Lazy River…… The name says it all. Grab a tube and relax as you go around the bend at a leisurely pace.
Relaxing spa treatments are just steps away from your room. Agave The Arizona Spa is on the premises and offers a vast array of spa services. Whether you are looking for a new hair do, makeup application, or a couples massage, they have you covered. They recommend making a reservation for spa services 24 hours in advance, but I always make mine before I arrive at the resort so that I can get the time that I want with no problem.
Room service at the Westin Kierland is phenomenal! Did you know that you can order up a set of work out clothes? That's right! Simply call Service Express from your room, give them your size and 15 minutes later they will arrive at your door with a full set of workout clothes including shoes for only $5. This is an awesome service, especially for folks like me that just travel with a carryon. Our room also had aluminum water bottles ($15) that you could purchase and fill at one of the many hydration stations around the resort. You can never drink too much water when you are in the hot Arizona climate doing all of the fun activities that the Westin Kierland has to offer. Since we travel with water bottles, we opted for the free bottle of water for SPG members.
If you are a Scotch aficionado, boy are you in for a treat! Head on down to the Scotch Library where you will find over 200 selections of Scotch to choose from. Sign up in advance for An Evening of Scotch ($50) which features 3 selections of Scotch whiskey or for a more in depth experience you can try the Master Tasting ($65) which includes light food pairings. Either way you will meet other Scotch lovers and walk away with a deeper appreciation for a fine Scotch whiskey.
Sunset is a magical time at the resort. Find your way to Dreamweaver's Canyon where the fire pit is and be serenaded by Scottish bagpipes. While the music plays you can order food to be delivered outside and you can watch a breathtaking sunset over the golf course. Time literally stood still for us as the sun went down and the sky put on a show of its own.
If you are looking for a weekend getaway with your significant other, planning a family vacation or perhaps a business meeting, I recommend experiencing the world class service at the Westin Kierland Resort & Spa. I came here a little tired and fatigued but three days later when I left my mind was clear, I was well rested and my soul had been rejuvenated. Being a mom of 5 teenagers, it's important to get that type of clarity for my husband and I. Knowing that I can bring my children and STILL experience this type of rejuvenation is just icing on the cake.
