Trip Report with Photos by The Travel Scholar (Page 2 of 2)
RESORT AMENITIES
Admittedly, I didn't have nearly as much time as I would have liked to experience all that the resort had to offer. However, I will try to provide you with some basic details.
Golf
The hotel features the Kierland Golf Club, a 27-hole Troon-managed public golf course. Tee times must be reserved in advance, which may be accomplished through the hotel concierge. During my stay, 18-hole green fees were $110 per person, or $70 after 1:00pm. Golf club rentals were available for $55 per person. To check availability, I asked on Saturday morning if tee times and golf club rentals would be available for two persons on Sunday afternoon at 1:00pm. The response--no problem! The course looked very nice, and feedback from other golf-playing guests was nothing but positive. Here are some photos taken from the balcony in my room:
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Pools
The resort had two pools, a lazy river, and a water slide. One pool was a typical rectangular pool open 24-hous and was designated "adults only" when the other was also open. There were several tanning chairs around the pool, as well as some tents. I was informed that one could arrange for pool-side spa treatments here as well. The other pool was more family-oriented, featuring a sand beach and easy access to the water slide. and lazy river. Volleyball and tennis courts are also located nearby. Here are some photographs of the outdoor pool areas.
 The "adults only" pool was surrounded by lines of palm trees, tanning chairs, and shady tents. |
 Here's a view from inside the pool gates. |
 This is the children's pool. J. Swilling's poolside bar and grill is within the pool's gates for some refreshments! |
 The 900-ft lazy river is a great way to relax. The water slide. is located on the central island created by the river. |
Spa & Fitness
The resort has a full service spa on the premises. Agave the Spa features full service treatments, including saunas, skin therapy, massage therapy, and a salon. Appointments may be arranged through the concierge.
A fitness centre is also available. However, because the Travel Scholar spends more time eating than exercising, I can't really comment on these facilities.
RESORT GROUNDS
The Westin Kierland Resort and Spa's grounds featured excellent presentation and were very well maintained. The landscaping was elegant and blended well with the resort buildings and surrounding golf course. In addition, the resort entrance is directly across the street from the Kierland Commons shopping area, in which the food-loving Travel Scholar was pleased to find Morton's of Chicago, P.F. Chang's China Bistro, The Cheesecake Factory, Cold Stone (ice cream), and Starbucks Coffee--all within a five to fifteen minute walk.
 This was the view of the garden courtyard from my room. |
 The palm-lined garden sat adjacent to the outdoor seating area for the restaurant and in front of the rear lobby entrance. |
 The rear lobby entrance staircase was flanked by waterfalls and two seasonal Christmas trees. |
 This shaded pathway led the way from the resort's front entrance to the pools and spa. |
 This view to the northwest from my balcony shows night falling over the Kierland Golf Club, and two planes cued to land at Sky Harbor. |
 This view to the east from my balcony shows the lights of the nearby Kierland Commons shopping area and the Arizona mountains in the background against the night sky. |
 This wood-burning fire pit served as a social point for bathrobe-sporting resort guests and bar patrons in the cool evenings. |
 This lighted pathway leads from the garden courtyard, behind the Kierland ballroom, and towards the Kierland Commons shopping area. |
CHECKING OUT & SUMMARY
| We checked out of the hotel at an early 5:00am on Monday, 02 December 2002 to catch a 6:30 flight out of Sky Harbor International Airport. Even at that early hour, checking out was smooth, friendly, and efficient. The door staff and valet parking attendants made sure our vehicle was loaded with our luggage and that our departure was a sad experience, if only because we had to leave. Despite the problems we encountered at check-in, the remainder of our stay was nothing less than enjoyable, largely due to Lyle the bellman taking a personal interest in making sure that was the case. (He also recommended arranged an off-road Arizona desert tour for my family, which was greatly enjoyed by all.) I would have no problem referring friends, and especially friends with families, to the Westin Kierland Resort and Spa, and I'm already looking forward to giving the hotel another chance at a perfect stay. |
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I hope you've enjoyed this trip report with photos. Please feel free to contact me if you have any other questions or additions, and I'd appreciate any feedback you have as well.
May all your sleeping be heavenly and your travelling never lack enjoyment!
- The Travel Scholar (FlyerTalk.com)
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