Westin Kierland Resort and Spa (Part I)

Arizona is home to many beautiful resorts and Arizonans are blessed to have seemingly endless possibilities when choosing a stay-cation destination. This week East Valley Mom Guide is introducing you to a few of these resorts and we hope your family finds its stay-cation destination.

My family and I recently stayed at the Westin Kierland Resort and Spa, a AAA Four Diamond Resort in Scottsdale. It was a weekend escape that we hope to repeat soon.  The staff at the Westin Kierland made us feel welcome from the moment we arrived. Check-in was easy and we received a ride to our casita. We were a late check-in so we were almost ready for bed when we arrived and we were instantly comfortable in our luxurious casita. Our casita included a gas fireplace, living room, two bedrooms, two bathrooms, three flat screen TVs, and a small kitchen with a sink and fridge.

Even though the casita was very nice, we spent most of our time away from it because the Westin Kierland has so many activities for its guests. It is a very family friendly resort and I detail many of their family friendly amenities and activities over at Celebrating Family. There are many activities and programs that are perfect for children such as a scavenger hunt, a pool with a lazy river and slide, poolside games, a giant chess game, marshmallow roasting, and a fun Kids Clubs. The two Kids Club programs are Pajama Party and Digital Kids Club and these programs entertain your children while you get some adult time.

The pool was a big hit with my family and my son really enjoyed the 900-foot long lazy river. We had a reservation for a pool cabana which included four bottles of water, frozen grapes, and chips and salsa. The cool, shady cabana was quite enjoyable and provided us with a much needed break from the Arizona sun. I wish I could have sent more time there but my children kept dragging me back to the lazy river and pool for more swimming. If swimming with rowdy kiddos is not your idea of relaxing, there is also an adult only pool that is much quieter. Check out these beautiful pools.

After a day of swimming adventures on the lazy river and water slide, my husband and I had dinner at deseo while the kids went off to the Kids Club. My daughter went to the pajama party at Kids Club where she ate dinner, roasted marshmallows, played games, made a craft, watched a movie, and more. My son went to the Digital Kids Club and made a movie trailer before joining in the fun with his sister in Kids Club. While the kiddos were playing, hubby and I were at deseo enjoying the best food I have eaten in a long time.

When we arrived at deseo we saw Cuban artist Nelson Garcia-Miranda painting beautiful paintings and were greeted by a heavenly aroma. The food was amazing but sitting at the Rail in deseo and seeing the culinary artists at work was quite an experience. I ate more than I should have and each and every bite of my meal was exhilarating. Even though it is quite a drive for me, I plan to return soon. A great perk of eating at deseo is that while parents enjoy dinner at deseo, kids ages 4-12 can come to Kids Club for dinner, games, movies and more for FREE! This is currently offered nightly, from 5:30 – 9:00 pm, based on availability and is valid only with proof of dining at deseo (up to two kids, additional children are $50 each). This is a great deal!  Mom and dad can take their time at deseo and enjoy amazing food while the kids are having fun at Kids Club.

If you are looking for a superior resort experience make your next stay-cation destination the Westin Kierland Resort and Spa. Plan your family’s summer vacation memories with The Westin Kierland Resort & Spa. Book your family adventure and receive:

• $100 Daily Resort Credit to use toward Resort Dining, Spa, Golf and Kid’s Club
• Rates from $299 per night (April 1st – May 23rd, 2012)
• Rates from $169 per night (May 24th – September 9th, 2012)
• Rates from $299 per night (September 10th – December 31st, 2012)

Please check out the Westin Kierland on their site, facebook, and twitter.

Disclaimer: Westin Kierland provided my family with a wonderful staycation, including food. All opinions are my own.  Thank you for a wonderful stay!  Some of the photos used in this post were provided by the resort.