February 25, 2025
Featured Resort Review: The Westin Kierland Villas, Scottsdale Arizona
Scottsdale Arizona is known for its famous desert landscape, MLB Spring Training, and nearby attractions. This is a destination that is sure to be on your short list sometime in the future. Located north east of downtown Phoenix, Scottsdale has that old town charm with upscale shopping and world renowned golf and dining. Of all the resort options in Scottsdale, there is perhaps none better than The Westin Kierland Villas.
This article provides detailed information to help you plan your stay at The Westin Kierland Villas!
Coveted due to it’s luxurious villas, wonderful Recreation Pool or even the 24 hour Relaxation Pool, this resort has it all to unwind and enjoy the days pool side. Rooms consist of two-bedroom, premium one bedroom, or deluxe one bedroom units. The property is co-located with the Westin Kierland Resort & Spa hotel property.
Most visitors to The Westin Kierland Villas will likely fly into the Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX). The drive from the airport to the resort is about 30 minutes. Serviced by all the major US airlines, you’re sure to find a flight from your gateway city. All the major rental car companies have desks at the airport, however, renting a car at PHX isn’t easy. You will need to take the PHX Sky Train from the airport terminal to the offsite car rental center. Plan for additional commute time when returning the car for your return flight as the PHX Sky Train can add up to 20 additional minutes to your commute back to the airport.
PHX is also known for adding considerable fees and taxes to car rentals. Some people book cars “off airport” and take ride share to save money. Compare off airport and airport car rental rates to see what works best for you. It is always recommended that you reserve a car rental in advance, and keep checking rates, to get the best price.
Some may prefer to fly into Flagstaff Pulliam Airport serviced by American Airlines through its American Eagle brand. The drive is considerably longer at two hours, but Flagstaff may be a better option if you plan to visit Grand Canyon National Park or Sedona Arizona before or after your stay at The Westin Kierland Villas.
Do You Need a Rental Car?
The Westin Kierland Villas only has a couple of onsite food and beverage options, and several other outlets at the Westin Kierland Resort & Spa. The Westin Kierland Villas also provides a shuttle to the nearby Safeway and Ralph’s grocery store, and Kierland Commons. Kierland Commons large outdoor upscale shopping and dining venue. A short walk from Kierland Commons is Scottsdale Quarter with many more shopping and restaurant options. You can easily make it through a week at The Westin Kierland Villas without a car. However, if you want to see any of the nearby attractions we’ll talk about later, having a car gives you much more freedom. A taxi from the airport to the resort is likely to cost between $50 and $65.
Resort Shuttle Service
As mentioned previously, The Westin Kierland Villas offers a shuttle between the resort and Westin Kierland Resort & Spa hotel as well as between the resort, grocery, and Kierland Commons. It is also possible to walk between the The Westin Kierland Villas and Westin Kierland Resort & Spa. While further, it is also possible to walk to Kierland Commons by way of walking through the hotel property.
The Westin Kierland Villas
The resort only offers a couple of onsite food and beverage options.
McDowell Market & Grill
A place for that morning coffee or gab and go items. It is also where you will find a small selection of gift items. Open 6:30 am to 5:00 pm
The Westin Kierland Resort & Spa
For additional dining options, you will find The Westin Kierland Resort & Spa, which is only a short walk or shuttle ride away. Best of all, you can have restaurant charges put on your Westin Kierland Villas room folio to earn those Marriott Bonvoy points.
Here is a list of food and beverage options available at The Westin Kierland Resort & Spa. Dress code is casual unless otherwise noted.
Grocery
About a mile away you will find Ralph’s, part of the Kroger grocery conglomerate along with a nearby Safeway grocery store. Both offer a wide selections of fresh produce, deli, bakery, salad bar, and other grocery items. As previously noted, the resort does provide shuttle service to these grocery stores.
Restaurants
Scottsdale Arizona is filled with so many culinary options. Here are just a few ways to tempt your taste buds near the resort:
- Kierland Commons – This upscale outdoor shopping district has it all. You’ll find such favorites as Tommy Bahama Restaurant & Bar, Shake Shack, P.F. Chang’s, The Cheesecake Factory, Bar NoRTH, and so many more!
- Scottsdale Quarter – Select from top shopping brands or delight in a mix of flavors at over 15 dine-in restaurants and a number of other quick service eateries.
- Butterfield’s Pancake House – Located on East Shea Boulevard this is perhaps our favorite breakfast spot in the country! Choose from their wonderful breakfast and lunch menu. We personally recommend their specialty pancakes or omelets. There is just something special about it. You can also visit their sister breakfast concept with a similar menu called Butters Pancakes & Café. Best of all, they are both just a short drive away. These are very busy on weekends, so plan to wait or get in line early through Yelp!
- Blanco Cocina + Cantina – Another popular local favorite part of Fox Restaurant Concepts. A restaurant group with several establishments in the Phoenix area. Grab yourself some chips and salsa, tacos, burritos, chimichangas, and so much more.
The Westin Kierland Villas consists of all two-bedroom, two-bathroom villas. These two-bedroom villas are also known as “lock-off” units. This means the villas can be reserved as two smaller and separate one bedroom units. Each two-bedroom can be booked as a premium one-bedroom, standard one-bedroom or a two-bedroom unit.
No OVEN. An important thing to note if you plan to do significant cooking in your villa. None of the rooms have an oven in the kitchen. There is a four burner cooktop in the Premium One-Bedroom as well as a two burner cooktop in the Standard One-Bedroom. Gas grills are available on site.
Two-Bedroom Villa
Floor plan
Premium One-Bedroom Villa
Floor plan
Standard One-Bedroom Villa
Floor plan
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The resort villas don’t have assigned views, so you can’t book a mountain or golf course view. All rooms are assigned before or on the day of check-in. If you wish to request a specific location within the resort or type of view, contact the resort a few weeks before check-in.
Views at The Westin Kierland Villas are limited to resort/pool views or golf course views. As you can see on the map above, buildings B3, B5, B6 and B7 have golf course views. B3 has close approximately to the pools. B1, B2, and B4 have resort views with B2 and B3 being the closest to the pools. It should also be noted that there are a limited number of villas in B1 as the first two floors contain common areas like the lobby, fitness center, steam rooms, along with food and beverage. The top floor of B1 is the location of the Westin Vacation Club Sales Gallery. If you want a quieter location, B6 and B7 are likely to be the best choice. B4 might be the worst as it is located next to the clack clack clack of the pickleball court.
The main difference between the Premium One-Bedroom and Standard One-Bedroom villas is really just square footage. The Premium being about 50% larger gives you a little more room to spread out. Both villa types contain in room laundry, a fridge with ice-maker and a cooktop. Unfortunately, neither includes an oven. Something we consider to be a big drawback. Especially for the Premium One-Bedroom villa which claims to have a full kitchen and we would be expected to have an oven.
The two-bedroom villa simply combines these two units for the best of both worlds. The two-bedroom is perfect for couples traveling together since you can lock the adjoining door for additional privacy and no need to share laundry facilities as both sides include stacked washer and dryer.
Recreation Pool
Relaxation Pool
Pickleball
Enjoy a game of pickleball with friends or new acquaintances. The resort also schedules special tournaments so you can play against your fellow resort guests.
The resort’s pickleball courts are open daily from 9:00 am – 6:00 pm.
Golf
Considered one of the “Top 10 Public Courses in Phoenix/Scottsdale” by Golf Advisor and ranked by Golf Digest as one of “America’s 9 Most Cheerful Golf Courses,” The Westin Kierland Golf Club is sure to challenge your golf skills.
See the resort concierge for more information.
BBQ Gas Grills
At The Westin Kierland Villas, you will find gas grills located in many areas around the resort property. This gives you plenty of places to grill up that perfect steak or even the simplest of hamburgers and hot dogs. Your options at the grocery store expand greatly with the availability of an on-site gas grill, which is never very far away from your villa.
Fitness Center
The fitness center is located on the ground floor of building one. Locker rooms, along with a steam room and sauna are also provided.
One benefit of staying at The Westin Kierland Villas is its co-location with The Westin Kierland Resort & Spa. This provides guests with additional dining options and amenities.
Westin Kierland Villas guests have access to the pools, lazy river and other facilities at the hotel. Feel free to catch the shuttle or walk over and enjoy the additional amenities that are available.
Don’t forget to also take in a live performance by the bagpiper at sunset.
Situated in the Valley of the Sun of the Sonoran Desert, Scottsdale and the surrounding area offers many things to see and explore during your stay.
Grand Canyon National Park
Bell Rock at Red Rocks Sedona
Desert Botanical Garden
Grand Canyon National Park – Located about four and a half hours north of The Westin Kierland Villas, Grand Canyon National Park isn’t likely to be a day trip. However, you certainly want to make the drive north to take in the beauty of one of the seven natural wonders of the world. Perhaps plan to visit before or after your visit to the The Westin Kierland Villas. We recommend booking a stay at a hotel inside the park. The premium you pay is worth the convenience. Traverse the south rim of the canyon as you take in its splendor and beauty.
Red Rocks of Sedona – Start by heading north on I-17. Then take the exit at State Route 179, otherwise known as the Red Rocks Scenic Byway. As you traverse SR179 you will pass through the red rocks of Sedona. Take in the splendor of Courthouse Butte and Bell Rock. You can even hike through these geologically magnificent formations that took over 350 million years to form. They get their red color from iron oxide within the stone. Literally rust. Then take in the eclectic town of Sedona with its galleries, shops, and restaurants. Be sure to also visit Red Rocks State Park. Sedona is an easy enough day trip with about four hours round trip by car.
Desert Botanical Garden – The desert looks so dead, doesn’t it? After a visit to the Desert Botanical Garden you are sure to realize that the Sonoran Desert is one of the most diverse ecosystems on earth. Take in the beauty of over 50,000 plants, many of which are native to the area Some of which are threatened or even endangered. We recommend going early. Located about 25 minutes south on Old Scottsdale Rd, the drive will take you though Old Town Scottsdale. Feel free to stop on the way back to visit one of the many granaries, boutiques, or grab a bite to eat for lunch or dinner.
Experience The Westin Kierland Villas for Less!
The Westin Kierland Villas presents a fantastic vacation destination for your entire family. Experience this resort’s ideal location in beautiful Scottsdale Arizona. Its extensive amenities, nearby restaurants, activities, and The Westin Kierland Resort & Spa make this resort a perfect place to spend your next vacation. As you plan your next vacation, we hope this review will helps ensure you have a memorable stay at one of Westin Vacation Club’s premier resort properties.
Looking to stay at The Westin Kierland Villas? Check our current listings for rent here:
