Scottsdale, ArizonaKierland
The Westin Kierland Resort & Spa
Desert waterpark playground
Kierland Scottsdale, Arizona
Renovated
2024
Price
$$$
Rated for
Resort Wellness SocialOutside the door
The house
MarriottDesert waterpark playground
Days revolve around all-ages water play, including a 110-foot waterslide and a FlowRider surf simulator under the desert sun.
What it’s good at
Remarkable
A 900-foot lazy river unwinds beside twenty-seven holes of championship desert golf.
Listed
Sonoran botanical spa treatments beside an outdoor adult pool with dedicated lap lanes.
Listed
A Scotch Library pouring three hundred labels and a nightly sunset bagpiper gathering.
What they say
Also in AFAR.
Towering palms and a true Scottsdale vibe greet guests of the Westin Kierland Resort & Spa, located in northern Scottsdale.
Right in the middle
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Kierland Commons and Scottsdale Quarter sit right next door, filled with open-air shops, restaurants, and evening cocktail spots.
1 of 6
The rooms
Guest rooms open onto private balconies or patios, looking out over the golf course toward the northern mountains.
The pools
Bring a swimsuit.
Yellow tubes drift along the lazy river past grassy islands, and shaded loungers ring the main swimming pool.
The spa and gym
Indoor whirlpools sit beneath skylights at Agave Spa, and sheer curtains enclose a candlelit relaxation lounge beside the fitness studio.
At the table
Faro & Brag serves seasonal American fare under woven pendants, and Brittlebush opens onto patios overlooking the golf greens.
How it began
The resort rose in 2002 on land held by the Herberger family since the 1950s, anchoring the master-planned Kierland community.
Scottsdale
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Our shorthand
How we rate hotels.
The medals
Gold
Extremely rare. Sets the global standard.
Silver
Brilliant execution. And we’re picky.
Bronze
They did this well. You’ll notice.
Listed
A defining trait. Makes the hotel what it is.
The eight vibes
Design
Built around a vision. Even the door handles have a designer.
Luxe
Cared for at every turn. The bath is drawn before you ask.
Local
It could only be here. You wake up knowing where you are.
Social
Where the city goes out. The bar is full and the night is young.
Heritage
A building with a story. Once a palace, a monastery, a station.
Wellness
You leave feeling new. Rest, sweat, soak and sleep like a stone.
Classic
The city grew up with it. Same rituals, same regulars, same bar.
Resort
A world of its own. Something to do from breakfast to nightcap.
The scene
Lively
Where things happen: restaurants, shops, people.
Central
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Quiet
Away from the crowds. Getting around takes intention.
Secluded
A place apart: the property is the destination.