Hotel & travel blogs written by our editors

The Westin Kierland Resort and Spa received a Real Traveler rating of 4.6 out of 5 based on 107 reviews from across the web. Highly recommended by Real Travel, this hotel is a great fit for business and leisure travelers.

A newer Resort to the Phoenix area, the Westin Kierland is designed to have an older feel with modern amenities. Filled with the history and culture of Arizona, guests can embark on a full walking tour around the hotel. With the help of official state historian, Marshal Trimble, guests can familiarize themselves with Arizona’s rich past. Stephanie Dowling, Director of Public Relations at the Resort, explains that Scottish immigrants were responsible for helping to develop Arizona’s railroad system. To honor these immigrants, a bag pipe is played at the Resort, for one hour at sunset every day. In addition, adults can enjoy scotch tasting on saturday nights, and kids can have fun with “Scotty” the mascot.

In the heart of new Scottsdale, next door to two high end shopping malls, the Westing Kierland boasts of an award-winning golf course and a fabulous spa. The designated “Chief of Fun Officer” is there to make sure kids enjoy their stay too! This year round, award-winning program offers entertainment for kids of all age levels. Some popular activities include: Animal Yoga, Digital Kid’s Zone, and Kids in the Kitchen. The “Chief of Fun officer” also helps to decorate hotel rooms for those traveling with children. These decorations include bathtub art for the kids, as well as towel design animals. One guest comments, “It appeared that resort staff did an excellent job keeping the families busy, which in turn created a lot of peace and quiet for adults.” Staff members at the hotel are empowered to do whatever it takes to ensure that guests are satisfied with their stay.

With a variety of unique guest packages, there is something for everyone at the Westin Kierland. The most popular package is the “Babymoon” package, in which couples take a second honeymoon before their baby arrives. This package partners with the local shopping centers, includes in-room ice cream sundaes, and a couple’s massage.

Enjoy excellent customer service and endless amenities at the Westin Kierland, where Arizona’s past is pleasantly portrayed in the present.

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With a Real Traveler rating of 4 out of 5 based on 894 reviews, the Hyatt Regency Washington on Capitol Hill is a highly recommended hotel on Real Travel. After interviewing Tammy Hagin, Director of Public Relations at the hotel, I can’t help but be amazed by the hotel’s commitment, not only to its customers, but to the environment as well.

Only two and a half blocks away from Capital Hill and the National Mall, the Hyatt Regency is an ideal hotel for business and leisure travelers alike. Upon entering the hotel, visitors will be amazed by the beauty of its atrium, and those with time to spare enjoy sitting in the lounge and people watching–as this hotel has a “high buzz atmosphere” with plenty of political activity taking place. For those who want to feel as though they are part of the action, the lobby is a great place to sight Congressmen.

Guests will also love the 37 inch flat screen television in their room. For those looking to venture out of their rooms, the hotel’s 8,000 square foot fitness center is the place to be! One of the largest hotel fitness centers in the area, guests can relax in the sauna, or taking a dip in the pool.

Going above and beyond, the Hyatt Regency is one of two Green Seal Certified hotels in Washington D.C. After renovating the hotel in 2008, designers took extra steps to make the hotel environmentally friendly. From low flush toilets, water-saving shower heads, an advanced chiller system, to kitchen composting –this hotel goes the extra mile to when it comes to caring for the environment.

Customer service at the hotel received 4.2 out of 5 stars. If guests have a problem at the hotel, they are encourage to express their dissatisfaction, as hotel staff has been given the authority to make decisions on a higher level. In one instance, a guest at the hotel had asthma problems and had requested that his room be free from feather products and deodorizing sprays. When hotel staff found out that this guest was going to be visiting another Hyatt hotel in another location, they called the other Hyatt to inform them of the guest’s needs ahead of time. By giving guests a more personalized service, visitors “feel as though they are the only guest at the hotel.” One guest comments, “Very friendly staff willing to answer any questions you have and help make your stay plesant.”

For those looking for a “high-energy hotel environment, in one of the most powerful cities”–the Hyatt Regency Washington on Capitol Hill is the place for you!

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