Which Arizona resort for Spring Break with Kids?

[jwalk03]

Thinking of planning a trip to Arizona with my kids for Spring Break next year and trying to decide which resorts to include in my II ongoing search? Any real plus/minus between them? Which offers the best pools?

- Marriott Canyon Villas
- Westin Kierland Villas
- Shearaton Desert Oasis

 

[vacationtime1]

Westin Kierland timeshare guests used to have access to the pool and lazy river at the Westin Kierland Hotel; there was even a shuttle. I understand this was curtailed during the pandemic, but assuming it switches back in the next year, it is a factor which should definitely be considered.

 

[MotherNaturesSon]

Thinking of planning a trip to Arizona with my kids for Spring Break next year and trying to decide which resorts to include in my II ongoing search? Any real plus/minus between them? Which offers the best pools?

- Marriott Canyon Villas
- Westin Kierland Villas
- Shearaton Desert Oasis

I'd look at Cibola Vista in Peoria, AZ. Stayed here several times and the accommodations and main pool is spectacular. There is even an "adults only" pool with snack bar and alcoholic beverages.

 

[n777lt]

We love Marriott's Canyon Villas in Phoenix and own there. In the absence of COVID issues, It usually includes access to the great lazy river at the JW across the road, but during most years, that's NOT available during Spring Break weeks (and other high occupancy weeks at the JW which can include big conferences as well as holidays). Staff can give you an idea of the usual blackout dates. Still, it's a great time of year to be in Phoenix and there are lots of activities for kids of all ages.
I don't know whether it has improved, but a stay at Sheraton Desert Oasis underwhelmed us many years ago...we actually bought our Canyon Villas week during that Sheraton stay!

 

[buzglyd]

Kierland has access to the pool at the hotel with the lazy river and what Tugger doesn’t love those?

 

[seagila]

If Spring Break 2022 for your family happens in March, it would be wise to have a backup plan for accommodations as catching an II trade into WKV, MCV or SDO would be a bit of longshot due to Cactus League Spring Training and even if you're lucky, you might only get a one bedroom or studio. Also worth noting that WKV and SDO has not deposited two-bedroom units since ILG acquired SVN in 2016. So if you need a two-bedroom you would need to get lucky with MCV or try to catch two one-bedroom units at either WKV or SDO.

Good luck!

 

[jwalk03]

If Spring Break 2022 for your family happens in March, it would be wise to have a backup plan for accommodations as catching an II trade into WKV, MCV or SDO would be a bit of longshot due to Cactus League Spring Training and even if you're lucky, you might only get a one bedroom or studio. Also worth noting that WKV and SDO has not deposited two-bedroom units since ILG acquired SVN in 2016. So if you need a two-bedroom you would need to get lucky with MCV or try to catch two one-bedroom units at either WKV or SDO.

Good luck!

I wondered how tough of a trade it would be, thanks! That’s why I wanted to get it in now to improve my odds.

 

[NboroGirl]

I was never able to finagle a trade to Canyon Villas during spring. My sister, who leaves nearby, suggested Cibola Vista in Peoria. We rented a 2BR week, pretty inexpensive, for April vacation week a couple of years ago. It was post-spring break and the pools seemed deserted. They had a nice pool slide that I never saw anyone go down (except me ). I asked the lifeguard at the top of the slide where were all the people? And he said they all come for spring training (which was over). It's weird, because we had perfect weather (sunny and mid to upper 70s every day). You'd think more people would opt to visit that time of year. Anyway, the 2BR villa at Cibola Vista was huge. The 2nd bedroom was really a 1BR villa.

 

[nycjimster]

Phoenix is very spread out. I stayed at Canyon Villa twice. It is a beautiful resort, but I find it a bit away from most places I went to. The resort is north of Phoenix. It is a good location to travel to Grand Canyon and Sedona. I stayed at the Westin Kierland Hotel in the past and I am planning to stay at the Westin Kierland Villa this summer. This location is also a bit far away from the highway, which is means you have to go local to get to the hotel. I have not stayed at the Desert Oasis, but it is more convenient (location) than the other two. The Westin is the nicest of the three. The pools at Canyon Villa and Westin Kierland are both very nice, and you usually have access to the hotel pool (not sure about spring break week.

 

[suzannesimon]

Kierland has access to the pool at the hotel with the lazy river and what Tugger doesn’t love those?

I just read last week that they were shutting down access by the Villas to the Kierland hotel pool from 3/15 - 4/15, but could be relaxed if occupancy is low.