Old Town Scottsdale or Kierland: Where Should You Stay?

Choose Old Town Scottsdale if galleries, local shops, restaurants and evenings out are high on your list. Start with Kierland if your plans revolve around Kierland Commons, Scottsdale Quarter and golf. For a family vacation, either can work well; the home’s layout and exact setting may matter more than the area name.

The useful question is what you want to do most days. A neighborhood name helps narrow your search, but walking access needs to be checked for the individual home.

Old Town and Kierland at a glance

Old Town for art, shopping and evenings out

Old Town brings several different experiences together. Historic Old Town has Western shops and historic character, the Arts District has galleries, and the Waterfront and Southbridge add restaurants and boutiques. Scottsdale Fashion Square is another reason to consider this side of town if shopping is a priority.

For a day beyond shopping, consider Western Spirit: Scottsdale’s Museum of the West. The Thursday ArtWalk offers another way to explore the galleries; check the calendar for your travel dates. For dinner, FnB and The Mission’s Old Town location are two options to investigate as you plan your evenings.

Old Town is our stronger recommendation when going out is a major part of the trip. Its Entertainment District has a concentration of bars and nightclubs. That also makes the exact setting of your rental worth checking if early bedtimes matter. The Entertainment District’s atmosphere should not be treated as a description of every Old Town home.

Kierland for shopping, dining and golf plans

The Kierland area’s appeal starts with Kierland Commons and Scottsdale Quarter. Both combine shops and restaurants, making them useful destinations when some people want to browse and others would rather settle in for lunch. Kierland Commons lists restaurants including Zinc Bistro and Postino; Scottsdale Quarter adds options such as Culinary Dropout.

There is more to do than shop. Scottsdale Quarter has Puttshack mini golf, and its central Quad includes a splash fountain. Check current hours and any age restrictions when planning activities with children.

For golfers, Westin Kierland Golf Club accepts public tee time reservations. Kierland is a sensible area to investigate when that course is central to your itinerary. If you plan to play several courses, compare each candidate home with the actual courses before choosing a base. A Kierland label alone does not make a rental the best location for every golf trip.

For friends who picture dinners out and time together at the house, Kierland deserves a look. For a trip centered on bars and clubs, we would start with Old Town.

Match the area to your trip

Family vacation: Put bedrooms, bathrooms, gathering space and your children’s routines first. Choose the area that fits your planned outings, then compare the individual homes. Ask about pool barriers and heating arrangements if those details affect your stay.

Golf trip: Map out your courses before choosing a home, then consider how your group wants to spend its evenings.

Shopping getaway: Start with Kierland for Kierland Commons and Scottsdale Quarter. Start with Old Town for galleries, Western shops, boutiques and Fashion Square. Your store list should settle the decision.

Trip with friends: Decide whether the priority is nightlife or shared meals and time at the house. For the latter, the right bedroom arrangement and enough bathrooms can matter more than the neighborhood.

Getting around and understanding the location

Being in an area and being within walking distance of its attractions are different things. Old Town’s visitor core offers opportunities to walk between attractions. That does not establish the route from a particular rental. The same distinction applies to staying in the Kierland area and reaching its shopping centers.

Before booking, ask about the route to the places you expect to visit most. Consider sidewalks, crossings, the season and everyone’s comfort with walking. Use the home’s location and your actual destinations when checking a map.

If you drive, Old Town has free public parking options. Kierland Commons offers free self parking, and Scottsdale Quarter offers free garage parking. Check posted restrictions and current access wherever you park.

Veranza homes to compare

These homes provide useful starting points in Veranza’s Old Town and Kierland collections. Compare the layouts, then confirm the location against your plans.

Old Town Scottsdale: Five bedrooms, three bathrooms, a private pool and a hot tub. A candidate for families or friends who want to start their search with Veranza’s Old Town collection.

Kierland: Five bedrooms, four full bathrooms, a private pool, a hot tub and a garage game room with a pool table, foosball, air hockey and ping pong. Worth comparing if time at the house is part of the plan.

Sweetwater Home: Six bedrooms across a four bedroom main house and a separate two bedroom casita. The casita has its own kitchen, living room and bathroom, which may suit grandparents, couples or friends who want separate space.

Frequently asked questions

Is Old Town a good choice with children?

Yes, depending on your plans and the home you choose. Alongside its museums and shops, Scottsdale Civic Center has lawns, public art, Children’s Gardens and a Water and Fog Plaza. Consider those daytime activities when comparing it with Kierland’s shopping and recreation options.

Are Kierland Commons and Scottsdale Quarter the same place?

No. They are separate shopping and dining centers on opposite sides of Scottsdale Road. Check which center has the shops or restaurants you want to visit, and plan your route accordingly.

Do we need a rental car?

For golf bags, grocery runs and outings across Scottsdale, a rental car is a practical choice in either area. A group planning fewer outings may prefer rideshares. If you intend to use public transportation, check the routes and schedules before booking: Scottsdale’s free trolley currently operates Monday through Friday.

Is Kierland always quieter than Old Town?

Quietness needs to be assessed at the property level. Check the home’s street setting and nearby activity rather than using the area name as a guarantee. Old Town has distinct districts, and a home away from its nightlife venues may suit a very different trip from one closer to them.

Find the home that fits your plans

Choose the area that matches how you want to spend your days, then choose the home that works for your group. Explore Veranza homes, compare the spaces and amenities, and check availability for your dates.