Which resort for kids - Westin Kierland or Sheraton Desert Oasis?

[dvcforus Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close dvcforus]

DH and I would prefer the Westin, but I wondered which would be better with 2 kids, ages 2 and 6? Both options are available when we want to go, and mostly we want a fun pool but if they had some activities for our 6 year old that would be fun too. Any thoughts? Also, do you think generally in Scottsdale there is enough to do for our family? We enjoy almost anything.

[katiemack Super Moderator Find all posts View Profile Close katiemack]

The SDO has a fun pool and organized activities. Lots of families seem to really enjoy the pool.

The WKV does have a pool and activities, but when we were there last year the atmosphere wasn't quite as lively as the SDO, and I couldn't quite figure out why. I will check it out again next week, and will try to add to this thread.


As for the area....there are water parks, golf, the Phoenix Zoo, museums, mini golf, horseback riding, hot air balloons, botanical gardens, discovery centers....Sedona is about a 2 hour drive from either resort, and the GC is about 4 to 5. Plenty of diverse restaurants to choose from, all price ranges, and movies and theater as well.

"The Cookie Company" at the Phoenix Theater offers some great opportunities to bring young ones to a play. They have schedules thruout the year, but I don't see a posting yet for the summer of 07. You can call to see if they have a schedule.

Nearby the theater is the Phoenix Art Museum they have Family Fun Days.

The Arizona Science Center is also full of interactive exhibits geared for the young or young at heart and they also have Family Fun

The Heard Museum is about Native American Culture and can be a great introduction to the history of Arizona and its earlier inhabitants. For a quick look at their Click here for Exhibits and Events

Oh, almost forgot to add, Phoenix Zoo was voted in the top 5 for zoos for children.

[dvcforus Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close dvcforus]

Wow! Thanks for all of the great information! It sounds wonderful! DH loves Westins as that is where he always stays for business, but the pool at SDO looked shadier to me which would be nice...both sound like nice options.

[katiemack Super Moderator Find all posts View Profile Close katiemack]

There is no doubt, the Westin is impressive in some ways, but also, almost too impressive to have that family feeling that the SDO has.

I was really struck by how many familes really enjoyed that big pool at the SDO.

There is a neat waterfall feature and there is a design to the pool which seems to encourage a lot of activity there.

The Westin is more open, and definitely less protected, this is near the timeshare buildings.

If you wish to go down to the hotel area, the pool there is a bit more exotic, but again, I just get that family feeling from it. But as I say, I will check it out next week and get back to you.