ksanders

Would love some help planning a trip to Arizona. We plan on visiting in May. We are a family of 4, myself, hubby, and 2 kids, ages 8 and 4. We have never been to Arizona so I am completely at a loss. Have always wanted to visit but not sure what section of the state would suit us better. We typically stay at timeshare resorts/villas. Looking for the same type accommodations, condo/villa but with nice pool with slides etc for the kids and other amenities on site, restaurants, kids programs etc. We like to do some sight seeing during the day and then hang by the pool a lot. Like an area with good restaurant options as well.

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks.

mollmatt

The Westin Kierland Resort fits your needs. I know that they have villas/timeshares adjacent to the main resort as well. It is within walking distance to the Kierland Commons with lots of nice shops and restaurants. The resort has a great pool/recreation area. It is conveniently located to freeways for your sightseeing trips.

ksanders

mollmatt,
Thanks for the info. Where is the Westin Kierland located? I will check this out.

Do you know if there are nice views, mountains, red rock. Was looking at some places in Sedona and the views were amazing. Living in the midwest we don't have views like that!

Any other suggestions would be great!

desertduds

Kierland is very nice, not sure about the pool area.....I believe most Pointe resorts are known to have great kid-friendly pools and programs for the kids....Close to us is Pointe Tapatio, Pointe Squaw Peak and in south Phoenix is Pointe South Mountain....check out their websites...

GBbabe

Which part of May are you thinking of?

If you will be around Phoenix/Valley of the Sun: The beginning of May is around 90 degrees during the day, end of May starts hitting 100 during the day but goes down into the 70s/80s at night and is still rather pleasant ;^)

The closer you will be to Memorial Day, the more I would suggest Flagstaff instead of Phoenix.

mamadadapaige

We are also a family of four, me, hubby, 5 year old, and 15 month old. We will be staying at the Villas at the Westin Kierland in April.

After tons of research I ended up with this choice as it seems the most family friendly, with great swimming pools, and a great space in which to stay. We will be staying in the larger size one bedroom. 800+ sq. feet. -- bedroom with a king bed and living area with a queen pull out couch.

We could not afford this directly through the Westin so are renting directly from a timeshare owner that I found on the internet (I have not done this before so cannot comment on the feasibility of this until after our vacation -- clearly I'm taking more of a risk, but the difference in price per night is $738 vs. $325)

hope this helps.

mollmatt

jsanders,
The Westin is located in North Scottsdale. The views are nice, but not as spectacular as lets say, the Boulders Resort. They also have 1-3 bedroom villas. Don't know how pricey they are in May, but in March they go for over $1000/night. The Pointe at Tapatio Cliffs and The Pointe at Squaw Peak have nice views, both are nestled up to mountainsides. The pool at Squaw Peak is great for kids. I forgot about these two resorts. Both are located in North Phoenix.

A day trip to Sedona is doable. Probably no more than a 2 hour drive from north Phoenix or Scottsdale. If you have the time, I'd recommend going for a nice day.

amwosu

I agree that the Pointe Squaw Peak is a good bet for the pools and not as good as the Boulders for views. However, I don't think the Boulders is as kid friendly.

Drive up to Pinnacle Peak and hike at least part of the way up for great views. The trail is wide and suitable even for the four year old. The entire trail is 1 3/4 miles one way but even at the 1/2 mile point there is a great lookout area. Just google Pinnacle Peak Fitness Trail to get info and directions.

You might divide your time between Scottsdale and Sedona for different topography and views. Check out Slide Rock in Oak Creek Canyon for a natural rock slide and great scenery.

rizzo0904

Sedona is absolutely gorgeous. And while you're in Arizona, you should visit the Grand Canyon.

ksanders

Thanks for all the suggestions!

mamadadapaige, just wondering where you found your rental for Westin Villas.

Are there any nice family resort/timeshare places in Sedona that people would recommend.

trippinkpj

Check www.sunterra.com. A friend of mine stayed at Sedona Summit Resort and was very pleased. I think Sunterra has 3 or 4 other properties in Sedona.

mamadadapaige

HI ksanders,
i think i found it on www.tug2.net (this is a pretty well regarded site for timeshare owners to sell and rent their properties). I had also googled westin kierland villas timeshare rental and found a bunch of listings of websites where the villas were for rent... I went with the lowest priced one that could accomodate for our timeframe.

best of luck. I did confirm with the westin kierland villas that they had our reservation and in our name before paying the timeshare owner. it was a significant savings: $1300 all in for 4 nights, vs. about $2900 going direct through the westin.

ksanders

Mamadadapaige,
Thanks for the info. I forgot about that website!
Over the years we too have rented from timeshare/condo owners and lukily all has turned out well. We have never had any problems! Have a great time, maybe we will see you there!

Thanks again to everyone for some great info.