The Exterior of the Westin Kierland

The Westin Kierland Resort and Spa, one of the most kid-friendly luxury resorts in the Phoenix, Arizona area, is offering a fabulous package for families who are fans of the new Muppets movie.  The package, which starts at $299 per night (through December 31, 2011) and $349 per night (January 1 – March 31, 2012), includes the following:

• $100 Daily Resort Credit to use toward Resort Dining, Spa, Golf and Kid’s Club (make sure you check out deseo, one of the best restaurants in the Greater Phoenix area).
• Guaranteed connecting Rooms or suite, based on availability at time of booking
• A collectible Muppet’s Book (one per child)

A four-night minimum stay is required, and the package is valid for stays through March 31, 2012.

The Westin Kierland Resort and Spa offers some wonderful luxurious in-room amenities, including the Heavenly Bath, the Heavenly Bed, the Heavenly Robe, a complimentary newspaper, high-speed internet access, and in-room coffee maker.  The resort boasts numerous on-site restaurants, a spa, a kids’ club, a golf club, an adventure water park, and a quiet pool for adults.

The Westin Kierland Resort and Spa
6902 East Greenway Parkway
Scottsdale, Arizona 85254
(480) 624-1000

Disclosure: In March, I was a guest of the Westin Kierland Resort and Spa for two nights.

Photo credit: Jodi Grundig

For the Labor Day Weekend, you can always go to Las Vegas, which pops up in just about every list as one of the most popular destinations for Labor Day travelers. Saying Aloha to Hawaii doesn’t seem too shabby either. Or…

The Fairmont Scottsdale Princess

You could land up at The Fairmont Scottsdale Princess in Scottsdale, AZ and get a taste of both Vegas and Hawaii. That’s because the resort is planning to bring both Las Vegas and Hawaii to its guests on September 3 and 4.

On Sept 4, guests staying at the resort will be able to experience “Viva Las Vegas” with a high-roller buffet and a Zowie Bowie concert.

Vacationers can renew their vows with the resort’s in-house ordained minister and be whisked away in a golf cart trailing with tins cans chauffeured by Elvis. If it walks like Vegas and quacks like Vegas…

On Sept 3, The Fairmont Scottsdale Princess will look like home to a Kamaaina, with a Hawaiian buffet, an authentic Polynesian show of fire and hula dancing on the Lagoon Lawn, with poolside limbo, lei making and dive-in movies.

At the famed and award-winning Willow Stream spa, guests can enjoy a Lomi Lomi Massage along with hula dance classes and mai tais served on the rooftop pool.

One of the resort restaurants will be serving an island dinner with a smoked pull pork Hawaiian burger, pineapple and jalapeno on a house-made Hawaiian bun, and a breezy “Day at the Beach” cocktail. The dessert is Mainland Haupia, made of mango panna cotta, coconut cake and sorbet.

On both nights, there will be a fireworks show and guests will get a chance to win real vacation stays in Hawaii and Las Vegas – at The Fairmont Orchid on the Big Island, The Fairmont Kea Lani, Maui and the Aria Resort & Casino in Vegas. The package includes a late 4 pm check-out on Monday, Sept 5.

Sonoran splash slides

Apart from the aforementioned Willow Stream Spa, the AAA-five diamond resort offers 4 restaurants, two 18-hole championship golf courses, and three parking lots (hybrid owners get complimentary overnight valet and self parking). Not to mention the Sonoran splash slides.

The guest rooms come with a balcony or terrace with table and chairs, and guests can expect an in-room safe, in-room coffee makers, high-speed internet, soak tubs and showers, flat-screens with in-room pay movies and video games.

Photos – Fairmont Hotels & Resorts

More info: The Fairmont Scottsdale Princess – 7575 East Princess Drive Scottsdale AZ 85255; (866) 540-4495

Related posts:
Food, Luxury, and Relaxation at the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess
Things to do during Labor Day weekend

Testing the Fourth of July Fireworks at the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess

The Greater Phoenix area is a popular March vacation destination for families on spring break who are looking to get away from the cold winter weather.  With perfect temperatures and plenty of activities (including spring training for the Cactus League), Phoenix is a great destination.

On a recent media trip to Phoenix, I had the opportunity to stay at two hotels and tour two others.  The first hotel we stayed at was the gorgeous Fairmont Scottsdale Princess, located in North Scottsdale.  The AAA Five-Diamond Fairmont offers five separate pools (including an adult-only pool at the spa), four restaurants and bars, and an award-winning spa.

I had a king deluxe room which offered beautiful views in a quiet setting.  The room was much larger than king rooms at other hotels I’ve stayed at, with a huge walk-in closet and large bathroom.  But honestly, there was no reason to spend much time in the room, given the beautiful surroundings.

The Snakebite Flight at La Hacienda

On our first night, we stopped in at the on-site Bourbon Steak for cocktails and appetizers (try the french fries cooked in duck fat), before heading to La Hacienda for our evening dinner.  Once we arrived, their resident “Tequila Goddess” guided us through a snakebite flight of tequila, complete with rattlesnake head right on the plate.  The complementing food was absolutely delicious, especially the ceviche, which I could have eaten all night.

Service at the hotel was excellent.  I had no issues with check-in or check-out, and room service was delivered quickly.  I do wish that high-speed internet access was included, but you can sign up for the (free) President’s Club for complimentary access.

Fairmont Scottsdale Princess
7575 East Princess Drive
Scottsdale, Arizonav85255
(866) 540-4495

Photo credit: Jodi Grundig

Disclosure: As part of my greater Phoenix media trip, my stay at the Fairmont, as well as food/drinks at Bourbon Steak and La Hacienda was complimentary.