Thoughts

This was my first stay at a Westin of any kind. I've heard legend of their registered trademark Heavenly Beds, but had never experienced one before. Having now spent three nights in one, I can begin to understand how they have earned the reputation in line with their name.

My room was not enormous, but was of a decent size. I was on the main floor of the hotel which may bother some people, but not me. I had a table and two chairs right outside the room for my use.

The bathroom was not huge, but was elegantly set up. Some hotels at which I have stayed recently have had cramped little bathrooms with no style. Kierland had a pretty nice setup; a nice big shower that I did not have to squeeze into next to a separate bathtub.

I did not have much chance to walk the grounds at the resort. My free time during the day was limited and I did not think I would get the full experience from touring at night. What I did see was enough to make me feel at home even though I was there to work. Stepping out back you are greeted with beauty. There is a large patio landscaped with palm trees and colorful flowers. There are many tables that have an individual outdoor fireplace and one large fire pit surrounded by many chairs. Raising your view you see a pond with a beautiful sculpture. Just beyond the water is a par 5 on the left and a par 4 on the right from the Kierland golf course. Beyond the holes you see the mountains.

We were spoiled in Arizona this week to see the incredible amount of green. The ground, the hillsides, the mountains were all green. The color was beautiful. One thirty year resident told us this is the most green Arizona has been in her time there.

The resort itself is expensive during the winder months. Another local told me, however, that if you can brave the desert summers the rooms are very affordable. He said that the rooms become an attraction to the residents of the area who just want a night or two away from home since the rates are so inexpensive.

No offense to the other resort in the greater Phoenix area at which I have stayed, but the Kierland gets my vote as the place to stay.