This is not my first time to the Westin Kierland Resort, but I will say that it was my favorite. I'm not sure what the difference was this time from two years ago but I think they added a ton more family activities to the agenda.
The property itself is beautiful and the location is perfect for being able to get around town, as the Scottsdale Quarter and Kierland Mall are right next door. The room we had was on their Club Lounge level. The lounge had plenty of food to snack on, areas to hang out, drinks, TV and so much more. The room had a nice view of the pond and mountains. We didn't spend much time in our room but it met all our needs and I slept quite well, thank you very much.
First thing I did when I arrived was head down to the pool and sign in for my flowrider appointment. The Flowrider is like a surfing machine, if you haven't seen one before, it's so much fun for the kids but I enjoy it myself. You can lie down, stand up, do tricks (I flipped over for my trick) and more. I think it's worth taking the family on it. I also had to check out the waterslide, which at first sight doesn't seem like it will go that fast but it does! The pool also features a lazy river, there is an adults only pool and the pool I was at, which was quite large in size and had shallow areas perfect for the little kids and deeper areas at the other end. Kids were able to do plunge games at that end and more. Cabanas are along the back of the pool area, at the pool I was at, it's almost easier to pull up a chair closer to the pools and hang out there vs. walking back and forth.
On the weekends they had all kinds of activities for the kids from an igloo blown up with otter pops and a penguin inside, smoke machine and bubbles, activities all around the pool, they basically have the entire day filled with fun for the kids. I enjoyed the s'mores at the pool after dinner.
Speaking of dinner or the food in general. I spent both meals at Nellie Cashman's and I was impressed with the food both times! I like that this restaurant is more casual and you can sit outside and enjoy the bagpipes and live entertainment during the evening, if you're brave. On their dinner menu, you'll find all those great comfort foods and then amazing cuts of meat. You must start with the corn chowder, it's so delicious. Highly recommend you get the NY Strip hamburger and the chicken pot pie. You can't go wrong with either one. For breakfast, the buffet is a great decision and you can get everything you want from it. You know how sometimes a place has a buffet but really you can't get the items you might want, unless you order a la carte? Not the case here. I was able to get some smoked salmon and bagels and OMG those popover pancakes are a must!!!
The last thing I'll mention is that they do a dessert spread in the main lobby during the afternoon time and you can go down there and pick out cake slices, cookies, I mean the most decadent and delicious looking treats. They sell them there for a couple hours but some of that stuff goes fast, so don't wait to head down there.
That leaves me to who I recommend should stay here and I'll say golfers for sure because you're right on a great golf course but also, this is calling for families. I've been recommending this spot to all the people with kids that have been asking where to go. On top of that they have these amazing deals going on:
Enjoy the resort’s Big Chill Package with rates starting from $159, based upon availability, with a $50 per room, per night dining credit*, joined by a summerlong chill series led by the resort’s dedicated FUN team.
On summer Saturdays chill-seekers may cool off with a bevy of frosty offerings to include the all-new Polar Plunge, a larger-than-life, 300-pound ice cube drop into the resort’s Adventure Pool, choreographed FlowRider shows and wintery igloo-inspired cabanas. In addition, a spirited sequence of tented chill stations offer cooling spa and beauty treatments, arts and crafts activities for the kid in everyone, icy sweet treats, live entertainers and more. Indulge in an award-winning, eclectic mix of the area’s finest culinary flavors, renew at Agave, The Arizona Spa, enjoy 27 holes of golf at The Westin Kierland Golf Club and more.
Round out the fun with Lazy River floating, rides down the 110-foot waterslide, poolside tunes, games, activities, unlimited s’mores and savory Smokin’ Jack’s BBQ.
The Big Chill Package is available to book for stays May 29 – September 4, 2018. BOOK NOW, or call 800-354-5892 and ask for rate code BIGDINE.