Just returned from the Westin Kierland Resort.

When we arrived the room wasn't ready. When they called us an hour later to say the room was ready; the room wasn't ready. When we returned at 4 pm, the room wasn't ready. Apparrently check in only BEGINS at 4 pm, but can go on indefinately. This despite our request for early checkin.

When we got to the room, it wasn't clean.

When we tried our room key for the club room, it didn't open - apparrently programed wrong.

The pool is okay, but it feels like its in the middle of the parking lot. Actually its between the parking lot and a bunch of time-shares. Not the resort experience its billed to be.

Agree with prior review who says 'no soul - expensive - you can do better elsewhere in Scottsdale.'

The coupon for a 'free gift' that you have to present to the concierge within 24 hours of arrival is a cheap pen and 4 postcards advertising the hotel, in case anyone is likewise tempted to redeem it.

On the positive side, the club breakfast was great.

Attended a conference in May 2005. Stayed May 2004 at Sheraton Wild Horse Pass in Phoenix. Much preferred Wild Horse. Wild Horse has much better service, and is secluded, rather than smack in the middle of suburban Scottsdale. Also, golf courses at Wild Horse superior to Kierland courses, and Troon Golf service at Wild Horse much better than Troon service at Kierland (no marshals at Kierland and pace of play was horrible).
Service at check-in was unsmiling, curt and surly. Got room at 4 PM check-in (after 3 earlier requests) only when I asked to speak to manager.
Concierge desk was seemingly staffed by different people every 2 hours, and their level of service was spotty.
As SPG, I was upgraded to room with large balcony. Only one floor, which was an SPG floor (5?), had the larger balconies.
Recommend Tapino and Pinot Grille (?) for excellent off-site dining. Popular with locals. Unimpressed by Kierland Commons restaurants--touristy.
Fitness facility pretty weak for such a large resort.
Overall unimpressed by Kierland. Impersonal service. Uninteresting location. Great room.

My wife and I stayed at Kierland in June for two nights, three days. We've stayed at many resorts, but this was, by far, the best resort we've EVER stayed at.

The pool area was incredible. The water slide and lazy river were so much fun. We spent the extra money and rented a Cabana near the main pool ($65/day). Well worth the expense. I'd also recommend renting it on Sundays, as they are less busy than Saturdays.

Service was always perfect. We asked for an in room fridge for our drinks, late night room service and several other things and they always came promptly.

Evening s'mores was a blast. And having drinks overlooking their lake next to the golf course was very romantic, too.

Kierland Commons, their shopping and entertainment facility, is just across the street. Very convenient for a night out.

I can't say one negative thing. We're going back again in August.

Keep up the good work, Kierland (go westin!!!).

My wife and I stayed at the Westin June 4 & 5th and had a great time. As previously mentioned the staff were all very friendly and helpful, the rooms very clean and well maintained / updated, great bed and two headed shower. We didn't notice the conference people that much, but it was Sat and Sun we were there, we saw more wedding people than convention. The location was nice to several other restaurants (CA Pizza Kitchen, Morton's and some fast food) and golf courses, Grayhawk is just about 15 minutes away if you don't want to play the resort course. The stores close by were very nice in order to get snacks and a bottle of wine or beer, as they are very expensive at the resort. The Dive in Movie was great, and the pools were fun and relaxing. The Bagpipe gentlemen play every night from 6:30 to 7:30 and are incredible. A neat bit of info we found out, the players are a father and his two sons. They rotate out each night, but it is just a family thing. This was one of the most enjoyable parts of our vacation as we had a bottle of wine, sat by the fireplace and looked out over the golf course. There is nothing like bagpipes to relax and let your mind wonder. The great thing is the hotel blocks the sun so it was very pleasant with the breeze blowing through. Also, the Kierland Commons is just a short walk next door and have many nice stores. On Saturday night they have live music and Tommy Bahama's had a little table set up with cologne samples and even handed out a free appatizer coupon for the TB Cafe'. Fun place to go, then we went to RA Sushi, which was also very good. Just be prepared, things can be expensive if you are not careful. All in all, had a great time and would go back.