
The Westin Kierland Resort and Spa
Best for families and active groups who want multiple pools, an on-site golf club and lots of on-site dining and activities.
Prices in other currencies are estimates. You’re charged in USD.
The Westin Kierland Resort and Spa is a large, activity-driven Scottsdale resort with an on-site golf club and an Adventure Water Park—good for families and groups who want pools, sports and shopping nearby. Sanctuary Camelback Mountain Resort and Spa is an upscale mountain-view spa resort in Paradise Valley for travelers focused on spa treatments, mountain views and a quieter, romantic stay.
Updated

Best for families and active groups who want multiple pools, an on-site golf club and lots of on-site dining and activities.

Best for couples or spa-focused travelers who want a smaller, mountain-view resort with a strong spa emphasis and more tranquil grounds.
When The Westin Kierland Resort and Spa wins: pick the Westin if you want an activity-packed resort with on-site golf, a large water-park complex (lazy river, waterslide, FlowRider), lots of dining options, a kids club and big event spaces.
When Sanctuary Camelback Mountain Resort and Spa wins: pick Sanctuary if you prefer a quieter, smaller luxury property with mountain views, three outdoor pools and a full-service spa in Paradise Valley for a more intimate, romantic stay.
Bottom line: Westin Kierland is the better choice for families, groups and golf/pool-focused vacations; Sanctuary is the better choice for couples and spa-first travelers seeking a small, scenic retreat.
| Category | The Westin Kierland Resort and Spa | Sanctuary Camelback Mountain Resort and Spa |
|---|---|---|
| Overall vibe | Large resort, activity-focused, family-friendly | Upscale mountain-view spa resort, quieter and romantic |
| Location | North Scottsdale, adjacent to Kierland Commons shopping/dining | Paradise Valley near Camelback Mountain and Biltmore area |
| Size (rooms) | 735 guestrooms and suites across multiple floors | 110 guestrooms |
| Ages / policy | All ages; facilities for children and a Kids Club; some adult-only areas | All ages (not adults-only); adult-friendly spa and serene atmosphere |
| Pools | Multiple pools including Adventure Water Park (lazy river, 110-ft waterslide, FlowRider) and an adults-only pool | 3 outdoor pools and 1 hot tub |
| Restaurants & bars | Multiple venues (Faro & Brag, Indigo Poolside, Brittlebush, Ritual Market, Luma Lounge, Antidote, plus specialty bars) | 1 on-site restaurant (name not published) |
| Spa | Agave, The Arizona Spa — ~15,000 sq ft, 20 treatment rooms and salon services | Full-service spa (treatments, facials, massages); number of treatment rooms Not published |
| Known for | Water park, golf club, family and group event space | Camelback Mountain setting and focused spa experience |
| On-site golf | Westin Kierland Golf Club (on-site, public-ranking course access) | Golfing available nearby (golf lessons/nearby courses noted) |
| Meeting & event space | Extensive: many ballrooms and meeting rooms (largest ballroom ~24,395 sq ft; large overall capacity) | Conference space ~3,204 sq ft and 3 meeting rooms |
The Westin Kierland sits in North Scottsdale next to Kierland Commons, minutes from shopping and dining.
Pick Westin Kierland if you want immediate access to shops, restaurants and North Scottsdale activities.
Sanctuary is set on the slopes near Camelback Mountain in Paradise Valley, offering mountain views and a quieter setting.
Choose Sanctuary for mountain views and a more secluded, spa-oriented location.
The Westin Kierland offers a wide range of room and suite types across 735 rooms.
Westin Kierland has variety and capacity—good for groups and families needing different room types.
Sanctuary's 110 guestrooms are smaller in number and geared toward an intimate, restful stay.
Sanctuary is better if you want a smaller property with casita-style rooms and a quieter layout.
Westin Kierland has multiple dining and bar venues covering casual poolside food to polished American dining and specialty bars.
Westin Kierland offers variety for families and groups who don’t want to leave the property for meals.
Sanctuary lists one on-site restaurant and room service during limited hours.
Sanctuary is quieter on the dining front—expect fewer on-site restaurant choices and a focus on in-house meals and room service.
Westin Kierland’s signature amenities are its Adventure Water Park and on-site golf club.
If pools, a water park and golf are central to your trip, Westin Kierland is the obvious pick.
Sanctuary’s signature draw is its mountain setting and a spa-oriented pool experience.
Sanctuary emphasizes serene poolside time with scenic mountain views rather than a theme water park.
Westin Kierland combines a sizable spa and 24-hour workout access with active-program offerings.
Westin Kierland is the choice for fitness classes, a large spa facility and activity-driven wellness programs.
Sanctuary focuses on spa services and relaxation with fewer on-site nightlife options.
Choose Sanctuary for a spa-first stay and tranquil evenings rather than lively on-site nightlife.

The Westin Kierland — Adventure Water Park, Kids Club and many kid-friendly dining and activity options.

Sanctuary Camelback Mountain — smaller property, mountain views and a full-service spa geared toward couples.

The Westin Kierland — on-site Westin Kierland Golf Club with 27 holes and easy tee-time access.

Sanctuary Camelback Mountain — Paradise Valley setting near Camelback Mountain with more intimate grounds and pools.
The Westin Kierland is better for families — it has an Adventure Water Park, a Kids Club and many family-friendly dining and activity options.
Sanctuary Camelback Mountain is designed for spa-minded and romantic stays, with mountain views and a full-service spa; Westin Kierland also has a large spa but a busier, family-focused atmosphere.
Yes — The Westin Kierland has the Westin Kierland Golf Club on-site. Sanctuary lists golfing nearby and golf lessons available nearby.
Yes. Neither property is adults-only; Westin Kierland has children’s facilities and Sanctuary is family-friendly though quieter and more adult-focused in tone.
Explore how The Westin Kierland Resort and Spa stacks up against other hotels nearby:
vs. sites like Expedia, Hotels.com and other OTAs ·