Planning to take a 4 - 5 day break from a mid-west winter the first week of April. Looking to stay at the Westin Kerland.. Here it is a great property. I presume the weather will be nice enough for swimming / sunning..

My wife and 15 year old son will be along. Other than hanging at the resort, we like to take casual walks during the day or to/from dinner. My son and I will probably golf once or twice, but looking for something with unique environment but reasonable costs (we define a mid priced course in MI at about $40 - 50 per round with cart and expensive at 75 - 100).. Probably travel to Sedona and maybe to one of those aircraft graveyards or the air museum down in Tucson..

Any ideas and/or suggestions??

As I am not a golfer, I cannot comment on that aspect of your plans. I would also say that I do not consider the Westin Kierland a great property. It is a very nice hotel with convenient golfing and shopping in the area, though its setting is amidst several large shopping centers.

In contrast, I would say the Phoenician is a great property. I would also rate the Hyatt in Scottsdale a little higher than the Westin Kierland.

The two outings you describe are relatively long drives for a day trip. They are both close to 2 hours each way. I think Sedona is well worth it, as it is a unique place. I'm not sure on a 4-5 day trip which includes several days of golfing that Tucson is unique enough to warrant 4 hours of driving.

Thank you... The hotel choice is points driven.. Best that I can afford with my points at this time.. Based on your input, I agree that Tucson will be dropped..

Westin Kierland is a good choice, but not in the same league as the Phoenician. Based on what you've described you should enjoy it - close to high end shopping and many restaurants. It is nestled between residential properties (homes and apts), and the shopping area in one of the nicest parts of town. While technically located in Phoenix, most people refer to the area as Scottsdale.

Both Tucson and Sedona can be done as day trips. You can get to the Pima Air and Space Museum in Tucson in about 2 hours each way from the Westin. If you're into aviation and military, then by all means go. A very unique experience. Sedona is also great and should be able to get there 2 hours from the hotel as well.

Let me know if you've got any questions (I'm about 2 miles from that hotel).

Weather in April may be starting to get a little on the warm side, though...

Have fun!

Agree to drop Tuscon for a 4-5 day trip, but you can do Sedona. In Phoenix if you like to walk, try a hike. Both Camelback and Squaw Peak (Piestiewa Peak) are very doable without much trouble, a couple hours at most to get to the top for good views of Phoenix. People run up and down the mountains, so if you walk 18, you can do this. Did both with several teens and pre-teens over the last couple years. Start early, like 8 am, not necessary to go at 6 am and bring plenty of water. You can horseback ride too. try to head way up past Carefree.

As for Sedona, we played (3 adults and 3 teens) Canyon Mesa GC an Executive course in Oak Creek Village for pretty cheap with the Red Rocks in the background as the sun went down. $20 and the starter said play as many holes as you like. http://www.krazykyote.net/canyon_mesa.cfm The Hilton Sedona has a nice Robert Trent Jones course but it is pretty pricey, but check them out on the links. Also highly recommend you drive up Schnebly Hill Road and the Airport Mesa while in Sedona.