West - Scottsdale -- which resort?

Thinking about going to Scottsdale in December (it's dark and rainy and wet up here in the Pacific Northwest).

Trying to choose between 3 resorts -- the Westin Kierland, the W Scottsdale, and the Sheraton Wild Horse. There's also a fourth possibility, the Kimpton FireSky. Essentially, these choices are based on price -- they are all about the same per night (in the low to mid $100s based on some specials I have available to me). I don't have any elite status at any of these hotels.

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I've looked at TripAdvisor and also the FT forums to try and get an idea of each place. Here's what I've gathered...

+ W Scottsdale is a very nice W hotel -- geared more towards the beautiful people in their 20s. I hear a lot about bachelor parties and girls weekends. Sounds to be right in the middle of things.

+ Westin Kierland -- kind of a Westin type resort in a suburban area. Somewhat geared towards families with the lazy river and stuff. Also has the Kierland Villas. There's an upscale mall nearby.

+ Sheraton Wild Horse -- highlights Native American history, on the outskirts of town. Looks to be an older resort by the pictures.

+ Kimpton FireSky -- know very little about this place, I assume it looks like most Kimptons and it seems to be in the middle of things.

* * * * *

So what I'm looking for. Kind of a romantic 3 day getaway. I really love the desert scenery and I'd like the resort to have access to beautiful views and nice walks/easy hikes. Don't care too much about the pool as it will be December and not warm enough. We'll rent a car and eat in Scottsdale, so not too worried about food at the resort or even proximity to food.

The room is really important to me though. I love a really nice room -- nicely designed, a beautiful bathroom, a great bed, etc. I'm willing to stay in an "adequate" room if the grounds are really lovely, though.

So I guess that's the real question. What's the balance at these resorts between fantastic room and fantastic grounds/view?

I get the feeling that the W has the nicest rooms. But it seems like it's a city hotel. I'm going for romantic... so not sure the W is the right place. One of us is in our mid-30s and the other is in her early 40s and we're kind of introverts.

I've only been to Scottsdale one other time, stayed at the Four Seasons and loved it there. Would go again, but the pricing between the FS and these other resorts is significant enough that I'm not considering it.

What do you guys think? Thanks in advance for any insights you can share.

sanctuary is $230 with 3 nts 30% off. book through virtuoso to get breakfast, upgrade, spa credit. great for romance.
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/luxury-hotels/989029-trip-report-sanctuary-resort-scottsdale.html (includes dining reports for noca & t cook's and tour report for desert wolf)

FS would be $197 with 3rd nt free. book through FS preferred partner to get breakfast, upgrade, lunch.

might be able to negotiate even lower as well.

Unfortunately, can't go 3 nights. Limited to 2... unless you tell me that it's soooo much better at either FS or the Sanctuary that I'd be crazy for considering the W, Westin or Sheraton.

Whaddaya think?

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Neither the Westin Kierland nor the Sheraton Wild Horse Pass are in Scottsdale.



The Westin is in Phoenix, but spitting distance of Scottsdale. Resort is about 10 years old. I worked across the street as it was getting built. I've been to a few work functions there, meeting rooms and grounds are excellent. The Kierland shops are across a street, more shopping and restaurants not far, and old town about a 15 min drive.



The Sheraton Wild Horse Pass is on the Gila River reservation, near the current casino, although a new casino is under construction and it may move by Dec. It is a few miles to the I-10, and once on I-10, 2 miles to Chandler Blvd, the nearest shops and restaurants. I've rented cars here a few times, the grounds and main building are very nice looking. It looks like many rooms have balconies. This is newer than Kierland, I'd guess 7-8 years old. The main restaurant, Kai, is supposed to be the best in the state (I think the only 5 star restaurant).



Either way, I'd recommend a car. If you go with the Wild Horse option, let me

Drivable from PHX is really more the issue, which all these resorts are. Aztimm, for outdoor romantic scenery, what do you think about the Westin v. the Sheraton? Prefer one over the other? Thanks!

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For outdoor scenery from property, definitely the Sheraton Wild Horse Pass. You're far enough from town you should have great star gazing.

That said, have you looked into The Boulders? It is in way far north Scottsdale or Carefree, with some great natural scenery right there.

If you want to see the desert, you could always arrange a jeep or hummer tour...or drive out on the Apache trail.

I live in Chandler, so if you pick the Wild Horse Pass property, let me know, and I can give you more suggestions of things to do.

The area around the Westin Kierland may look natural, but having seen it before, I know it isn't. But you may get some mountain views (the McDowell Mountains) from there.

The area around the Westin Kierland may look natural, but having seen it before, I know it isn't. But you may get some mountain views (the McDowell Mountains) from there.

Ha! That's funny. Thanks for that piece of info... it's pretty significant to my choice. :eek:

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If you're looking in the Chandler area, you may want to also consider the San Marcos resort. It used to be a Sheridan, but now a Crown Plaza. Historic property in downtown Chandler with other shops and restaurants nearby.

I'm assuming you've already ruled out the usual picks, Phoenician, Biltmore, etc?

Trying to stay with Starwood properties, but the Phoenician was a little too expensive. Still considering Four Seasons but probably not. Trying to balance a nice place with a nice price.

Almost went down the Hotwire/Priceline route, but then decided I wanted a little more control over where we ended up.

Waiting for Kage to say that I'm crazy for not picking the FS or the Sanctuary. ;)

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Have you already booked your air to PHX?

You may want to consider the Westin la Paloma in Tucson. Great resort!!!! My brother was there for a conference some time ago, he had a fantastic room, the grounds were fantastic, and he loved the food. I think the desert in Tucson looks nicer than the Phoenix area.

If you go that route, it is far easier to fly to TUS, or it's a 2-hr drive from PHX.

You may want to consider the Westin la Paloma in Tucson. Great resort!!!!

Oh... this is possibly brilliant. Haven't booked airfare yet. Let me check this out! ^

We've been to the Sheraton Wild Horse Pass at least 3 times and really like it. However, you should know that there is really very little else nearby except the casino. On the other hand, we never found it a hassle to drive north back into the main part of Phoenix and Scottsdale even just for dinner. I have not really found an excellent restaurant in the Chandler area comparable to some of the best in Phoenix, such as T Cook's, except for the two restaurants in the Sheraton, which are quite good.

I have not stayed at the San Marcos Resort but my one site visit there suggests it is a bit misnamed. It does not really feel like a resort - more like a nice, historic hotel.

Sorry to contradict aztimm but the Westin Kierland is definitely in Scottsdale -

The Westin Kierland Resort & Spa
6902 East Greenway Parkway · Scottsdale, Arizona 85254 · United States

It is definitely a quality property, but my personal pick is the Sheraton. You really feel you are in the desert, the resort has a strong Native American flavor, the pool is excellent, and the employees are among the nicest and most helpful I have encountered. Staying at the Sheraton is a unique feel and really makes you feel as if you have "gotten away". Based on how Starwood ranks hotels, I'm surprised this isn't a Westin - it is as nice or nicer than most Westins I have stayed at.

JerryFF, I think I just read a post where you had stayed at the Westin La Paloma before. Can you give some thoughts on La Paloma vs. the SWHP?

We only stayed at La Paloma once. I really like Tucson itself a lot better than Phoenix, so I was really looking forward to the Westin. I should say we were there at a rather inopportune time. There was a big flurry of activity of protecting the Mexican border, and the Westin was being used as a main staging hotel for many of the military and police.

We ran into several problems. 1) There were constant long lines at every meal for the restaurant. The hotel obviously did not anticipate the significant increase in the number of people eating in the hotel. 2) About every afternoon around 5 pm, a hoard of insects emerged and surrounded the pool area, essentially making it impossible to sit by the pool for the next two hours. This happened three days in a row. We were told it was typical for that time of the year. 3) The floors are quite thin. We were on the first floor, and every time someone above us walked across the room, it sounded as if the ceiling was about to collapse. We complained, but they had no rooms on the top floor. 4) When we realized that we needed to eat our meals out of the hotel, we talked with the concierge who was less than helpful. When we talked with the manager about these issues, he acknowledged that our stay was less than ideal and gave us 20,000 points as compensation.

I don't know if this was a typical experience, but we were disappointed and would be reluctant to go back. I know other people have liked the place, and you should probably not base your final decision on our less than outstanding experience.

We have always had an excellent stay at the Sheraton. If you go, be sure to ask for a room on the 2nd or 3rd floor with a view of the desert. There are some first floor rooms that have no view at all and that would be a waste. The rooms at the ends of the wings are the best, but they have a long walk from the elevator and the lobby, but in my opinion, they are worth it. The more expensive restaurant has an outstanding rating but is really expensive. We ate at the less expensive restaurant and it was really very good. Sorry I don't remember their names.

Sorry to contradict aztimm but the Westin Kierland is definitely in Scottsdale -

The Westin Kierland Resort & Spa
6902 East Greenway Parkway · Scottsdale, Arizona 85254 · United States

.

You have to look at a map of the area; that part of Phoenix is served by a Scottsdale post office. When my office was across the street, we had the same deal. You'll notice as you drive further down Greenway Rd, there's a, "Welcome to Scottsdale," sign just prior to Scottsdale Rd, where you change cities. You'll also notice the, "Welcome to Phoenix," sign the other direction.

I defer to a local. Sorry. The address fit my personal experience when I visited. We were staying at the Phoenician and headed northeast where everything seemed to indicate we were in Scottsdale. I didn't see a sign saying we were across the border back in Phoenix, but to tell you the truth, everything around the Westin seemed as if it was Scottsdale, so I just assumed it was.

I would have to say that even if it is technically not in Scottsdale, it is a lot closer to Scottsdale "attractions" than to typical Phoenix "attractions", so from a tourist's point of view, it might just as well be in Scottsdale.

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I think of Scottsdale as when I first saw it when I came to the area in 1995, and associate more of an old west feel, like the old town area. Back then, there really wasn't much north of Shea.

The Kierland area to me seems no different than the Desert Ridge area of Phoenix, or Ocotillo in Chandler. Just high end strip malls.

To the OP, for 2 nights, if you can get a deal at Wildhorse Pass, I'd run with that. I'd figure you'll eat at the resort one night, then you'd have the other to venture out if you want. There's a couple of good restaurants in Ahwatukee (the part of Phoenix closest), as well as Chandler and Tempe. You could always drive to Scottsdale if you want, but it certainly isn't necessary.

To the OP, for 2 nights, if you can get a deal at Wildhorse Pass, I'd run with that.

Alright. Let's say $129 per night for SWHP, $99 per night for Kierland Villas, $139 per night for Kierland resort, $139 per night for W Scottsdale. And $129 per night for La Paloma (though airfare comes in about $100 more).

What do you guys think? Still SWHP?

I don't know your personal tastes, but I would personally choose SWHP. But do try to get a room with a view on an upper floor. Some of the 1st floor rooms I've seen can be pretty dark.

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Ok I chatted with a co-worker, mentioned the properties and the rates, she immediately said the Kierland. The pictures on their website match very well what you'll see when you get there.

Then I told her of the desire to go more natural and the native American influence. She then changed her tune to Wild Horse Pass. There is natural desert nearby, but it really isn't pretty...mostly scrub, some grasses, twisted Mesquites, etc. On their video it shows South Mountain nearby, but we both think that's a stretch. She said you may be able to see her house, she lives in Ahwatukee.

She doesn't know about the La Paloma, and my experiences there are about 10 years old. Is the $100 extra each or total? The Lowes Ventana Canyon comes to mind for the best resort in Tucson.

So I'm wavering now. Would you and your wife rather be out in the desert, or more in town, closer to shops?

I'd be happy to answer any more questions. And my coworker is driving out to Wild Horse Pass tonight; she's never been and is interested, and she lives close. If I happen to be in town when you're here, I'd be happy to play tourguide, or give any tips, for any location.

I suggest you go to the Starwood forum. There are lots of reviews of the Westin Kierland, Sheraton Wild Horse Pass, and LaPaloma. Just do a search there.

There is natural desert nearby, but it really isn't pretty...mostly scrub, some grasses, twisted Mesquites, etc.

That's funny. That's exactly what my gf said. Said it's pretty from a distance, and she likes pink skies and big rocks, but that the real desert isn't that great to look at. Ha.

She doesn't know about the La Paloma, and my experiences there are about 10 years old. Is the $100 extra each or total?

The flight pricing right now is an extra $100 each. Plus, there's one flight a day to TUS and many flights to PHX. So... kinda leaning towards PHX for the price and flexibility.

So I'm wavering now. Would you and your wife rather be out in the desert, or more in town, closer to shops?

Don't care about shops, but restaurants are important. But I think we thought we'd just drive into Old Town Scottsdale each night to find a place to eat. I'm not a huge fan of eating at the resort unless we're super tired and don't want to leave.

I appreciate you two (aztimm and jerryff) offering your opinions, it helps me to better form my own. I think at the end of the day, we want somewhere where we can take some easy walks just from the resort, and the scenery is beautiful. Stars at night, seeing the desert sunset, that sort of thing.

And my coworker is driving out to Wild Horse Pass tonight; she's never been and is interested, and she lives close.

I would love to hear her analysis. I think we're pretty much down to either the SWHP or the Westin Villas (villas over the resort based on price).

If I happen to be in town when you're here, I'd be happy to play tourguide, or give any tips, for any location.

Nice, I will keep that in mind. :)

Don't care about shops, but restaurants are important. But I think we thought we'd just drive into Old Town Scottsdale each night to find a place to eat. I'm not a huge fan of eating at the resort unless we're super tired and don't want to leave.

I appreciate you two (aztimm and jerryff) offering your opinions, it helps me to better form my own. I think at the end of the day, we want somewhere where we can take some easy walks just from the resort, and the scenery is beautiful. Stars at night, seeing the desert sunset, that sort of thing.



As I see it, and I have a lot less experience than a local - the restaurant issue definitely puts you at the Westin. We have not found a good restaurant outside the Sheraton anywhere within a 10 minute drive. There used to be a place on the outskirts of Chandler we liked called Barcelona (it has another branch in Scottsdale) but it closed. So if nearby restaurants outside the hotel are important, forget the Sheraton. I don't think the walks and the scenery right around the Westin are that great, but there is no perfect place. Relax, pick a place, and don't worry about it. You'll have a good time either way.

As I see it, and I have a lot less experience than a local - the restaurant issue definitely puts you at the Westin. We have not found a good restaurant outside the Sheraton anywhere within a 10 minute drive.

I agree with the restaurant thing. It could take you almost 10 min just to get to the freeway from Wild Horse Pass (during rush hour people use some of the roads around there to try to avoid freeway traffic, there's newer housing out in Maricopa). Your offerings along the I-10 at Chandler/Ray are mostly chain things (although there's a Cafe Boa at I-10/Warner). There's a few local places in downtown Chandler (a great Thai restaurant I've been to, some Mexican, a brewpub, and Italian), but you'd probably end up driving to downtown Tempe (maybe 20 min, a great restaurant called House of Tricks, plus loads more) or Scottsdale (depending where and traffic 30 to 45 min).

From Kierland, you're talking about 15-20 min max (unless there's serious traffic) to Old Town Scottsdale. There's the shops with some restaurants right across the street. There's a few local places nearby (a great Cuban rest. about 10 min and local Japanese about 15 min).

So if nearby restaurants outside the hotel are important, forget the Sheraton. I don't think the walks and the scenery right around the Westin are that great, but there is no perfect place. Relax, pick a place, and don't worry about it. You'll have a good time either way.

You're right. Thanks. Will reserve the Westin and see how it goes. ^

Go north to Sedona. Book Enchantment Resort. One of the most amazing places I have been. Desert, gorgeous scenery, good restaurants, great spa. Easy drive from PHX. Pricier than what you have posted, but truly an incredible place.