Captain Cook Hotel, Anchorage
Mar 9th, 2009, 01:36 PM
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Captain Cook Hotel, Anchorage
Would love to get feedback on this hotel-- or recommendations for any other "upscale" hotel in Anchorage. This is for a several day stay in early August and I've been amazed at the high prices. Don't mind that if the accommodations are great, but have read some off-putting reviews of Anchorage hotels. Thanks for help.
Mar 14th, 2009, 12:43 PM
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Amazed by high prices? Alaska hotels have a very short window for a tourist season.
Good location DT. I think some reviews are tainted by 1) those who book there and happen into one of Anchorage's very, very rare days when AC is needed or 2) don't understand the demand for room and the prices hotels can get in the summer.
When we lived in AK, acquaintances who used it thought it was fine. On the odd chance you get a room you don't like, they will accommodate changes. Probably the best of the DT options for full-services hotels.
Good location DT. I think some reviews are tainted by 1) those who book there and happen into one of Anchorage's very, very rare days when AC is needed or 2) don't understand the demand for room and the prices hotels can get in the summer.
When we lived in AK, acquaintances who used it thought it was fine. On the odd chance you get a room you don't like, they will accommodate changes. Probably the best of the DT options for full-services hotels.
Mar 14th, 2009, 01:48 PM
#3
I would definitely compare prices with the much newer, and IMO more modern and comfortable Marriott, just a block away.
I have stayed in rooms at the Cook where the lack of A/C was noticeable, given that rooms on the west side can have sun hitting them for 10 or more hours per day.
I'm also not too crazy about the owners, but I guess that's a topic for the Fodorite Lounge.
I have stayed in rooms at the Cook where the lack of A/C was noticeable, given that rooms on the west side can have sun hitting them for 10 or more hours per day.
I'm also not too crazy about the owners, but I guess that's a topic for the Fodorite Lounge.
Mar 16th, 2009, 12:22 PM
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Gardyloo. Who are the owners you dislike and why. I love the Cook and would always stay there. The Marriott IMO is another soul less chain hotel where when you wake up you can't tell if your in Vegas or Anchorage,
Mar 18th, 2009, 10:56 AM
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I'm appreciating the replies and not surprised that there's some difference of opinion. Hoping for more input. Neither of those hotels gets especially great notice on Trip Advisor. Will try to compare and contrast feedback from various sources and make best choice. Really appreciate the help.
Mar 18th, 2009, 11:32 AM
#7
Who are the owners you dislike and why.
My beef is political and really not the subject for this forum.
IMO, the hotel scene in Anchorage is pretty miserable, truth be told. The big downtown hotels - Cook, Marriott, Hilton, Sheraton, would not be given especially high marks anywhere in terms of comfort or value for money. But like many things in Alaska, the very short tourist season leads to very high prices (rental cars case in point) so you live with what you have to live with.
IMO the "midtown" options are much less desirable unless you have a car. Outside of downtown, Anchorage is spread out and very strip-mally, so moving around becomes an issue. If you have a car, then everything changes, and you can save money in "midtown" or at places like the Comfort Inn at Ship Creek.
We usually go in off-season, so the picture is different then; however for peak periods I like to recommend the Hawthorn Suites, as they're located on the Park Strip, one can walk (10 min.) to the Cook or some of the closer downtown places, and it's native-owned, which appeals to me.
However we always rent a car (IMO Anchorage on foot is a nuisance) and I would encourage anyone who's going to be around town for more than a day or two to do likewise. It may be a net cost increase (cheaper non-central hotel offset by the car costs) but one's options for visiting increase dramatically.
The Hilton is quite okay, and is the best located of the major downtown hotels in terms of access to tourist haunts. The HoJo across the street (formerly a Holiday Inn) has the well-deserved reputation of dump from years past; perhaps its re-branding has improved things, but they had a long way to come.
My beef is political and really not the subject for this forum.
IMO, the hotel scene in Anchorage is pretty miserable, truth be told. The big downtown hotels - Cook, Marriott, Hilton, Sheraton, would not be given especially high marks anywhere in terms of comfort or value for money. But like many things in Alaska, the very short tourist season leads to very high prices (rental cars case in point) so you live with what you have to live with.
IMO the "midtown" options are much less desirable unless you have a car. Outside of downtown, Anchorage is spread out and very strip-mally, so moving around becomes an issue. If you have a car, then everything changes, and you can save money in "midtown" or at places like the Comfort Inn at Ship Creek.
We usually go in off-season, so the picture is different then; however for peak periods I like to recommend the Hawthorn Suites, as they're located on the Park Strip, one can walk (10 min.) to the Cook or some of the closer downtown places, and it's native-owned, which appeals to me.
However we always rent a car (IMO Anchorage on foot is a nuisance) and I would encourage anyone who's going to be around town for more than a day or two to do likewise. It may be a net cost increase (cheaper non-central hotel offset by the car costs) but one's options for visiting increase dramatically.
The Hilton is quite okay, and is the best located of the major downtown hotels in terms of access to tourist haunts. The HoJo across the street (formerly a Holiday Inn) has the well-deserved reputation of dump from years past; perhaps its re-branding has improved things, but they had a long way to come.
Mar 18th, 2009, 02:00 PM
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It's now been nearly 8 years since we stayed at the Captain Cook, but I must agree that it remains one of the most "overpriced" hotels we ever stayed at. There was nothing really wrong with it, but there was nothingat all special about it either. For the price we paid (in mid July) we would have expected a whole lot more than we got if we had been anywhere but in Alaska -- except we accepted the fact that things are way overpriced in season in Anchorage -- and most of Alaska.
Mar 18th, 2009, 02:15 PM
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When we went to Alaska a few years ago, we found the hotel rates so high that we explored B&B's. We found a GREAT B&B in Anchorage, the Big Bear B&B, and our large room with a spa tub and a delicious breakfast (cooked by a former home ec teacher, so you know it's good) was less than half the cost of what we would have paid for just a room at the Captain Cook. It's located within a few miles of downtown, but as others have mentioned, you'll want a car anyway.
Mar 18th, 2009, 03:42 PM
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Continuing to appreciate the different suggestions and points of view.
Have never enjoyed B&B's-- like much more privacy than they usually provide. And like more simplicity in rooms than is usually found in B&B's.
Main thing we're hoping to find is someplace very quiet and relaxing. We'll be jet-lagging badly (always do) and probably spending a considerable amount of time in the hotel itself. Hope to get out and about for some/most of the afternoon following a long flight from the east coast. Will hope to have good night's sleep second night as well-- so we'll be raring to go and up for the many excursions we've signed up for on our cruise out of Seward.
I truly do understand the "need" for the prices to be so high in season in Alaska. Just hoping to find quite pleasant accommodations. Doesn't need to be in any way luxurious, but definitely want real comfort and relaxing atmosphere.
Thanks for responses!
Have never enjoyed B&B's-- like much more privacy than they usually provide. And like more simplicity in rooms than is usually found in B&B's.
Main thing we're hoping to find is someplace very quiet and relaxing. We'll be jet-lagging badly (always do) and probably spending a considerable amount of time in the hotel itself. Hope to get out and about for some/most of the afternoon following a long flight from the east coast. Will hope to have good night's sleep second night as well-- so we'll be raring to go and up for the many excursions we've signed up for on our cruise out of Seward.
I truly do understand the "need" for the prices to be so high in season in Alaska. Just hoping to find quite pleasant accommodations. Doesn't need to be in any way luxurious, but definitely want real comfort and relaxing atmosphere.
Thanks for responses!
Mar 19th, 2009, 04:44 PM
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I had no idea of the politics swirling behind the scenes as I took Muffin for walk in downtown Anchorage. While bear viewing was more exciting, I have fond memories of our little stroll.
The entrance to the hotel was renovated in July of 2002 and I had the privilege of being the first person to walk through the new entrance, sans Muffin.
Mike, I bet you know about all the politics and inside scoops swirling around the whole state, not just a hotel.
The entrance to the hotel was renovated in July of 2002 and I had the privilege of being the first person to walk through the new entrance, sans Muffin.
Mike, I bet you know about all the politics and inside scoops swirling around the whole state, not just a hotel.
Mar 19th, 2009, 05:15 PM
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I had no knowledge of the "politics" of the place and I have no hidden agenda. My only point was that for $300 a night, it was in no way what I would call a luxurious hotel. I have stayed in hotels in New York, San Francisco, Rome, Hong Kong, and Paris far nicer for less. Yes, once again, I realize that much of the price is because it is Anchorage and it is a short season. My only point was -- and again, this is not really a complaint -- but it is a very "overpriced" hotel compared to what one would normally expect for the same price in major cities of the world (and I tend NOT to think of Anchorage as a major city of the world).
Mar 19th, 2009, 06:39 PM
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I never paid anything near $300 a night! No matter how lovely the dog or the walk, that's out of my range for a hotel. Maybe I got a break because the person that helped me put together a lengthy itinerary that included Captain Cook knew the owners and got me some discounts or something.
On the other hand, I've stayed at the airport Bestwestern for not much over $100/nt.
On the other hand, I've stayed at the airport Bestwestern for not much over $100/nt.
Mar 20th, 2009, 07:32 AM
#14
I really have nothing against the Cook as a hotel, I just think it's dated and overpriced. I first stayed there, I think, in 1969 when the first tower was pretty new, and I watched the third tower getting built from my home. Walking to the Cook on a Sunday morning was a ritual - to get the papers and (more truth be told) to observe the flocks of European and Asian airline FAs coming and going 
(Sorry honey but it was before your time.)
However in the late '70s and early '80s the Cook was overtaken by the Sheraton in terms of hotel comfort, if not location, and subsequent rehabs of the Hilton, and the construction of the Marriott, and a few "midtown" chain properties have narrowed the quality gap significantly. Just my opinion, but claiming to be the best hotel in the state is (a) debatable, and (b) not an especially high bar to clear.
As for Wally's politics, meh. If I let the politics of hotel owners control where I stayed when I travel around the country and the world, I'd be one sleepless dude. But when I travel to Anchorage now I prefer to stay elsewhere.
(Sorry honey but it was before your time.) However in the late '70s and early '80s the Cook was overtaken by the Sheraton in terms of hotel comfort, if not location, and subsequent rehabs of the Hilton, and the construction of the Marriott, and a few "midtown" chain properties have narrowed the quality gap significantly. Just my opinion, but claiming to be the best hotel in the state is (a) debatable, and (b) not an especially high bar to clear.
As for Wally's politics, meh. If I let the politics of hotel owners control where I stayed when I travel around the country and the world, I'd be one sleepless dude. But when I travel to Anchorage now I prefer to stay elsewhere.
Mar 20th, 2009, 07:46 AM
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We stayed at the Hilton last summer. I thought it was very nice-typical Hilton. Used points so can't comment on price, but points-wise, it was a bargain (have used more points for lesser properties).
On the visit before that, stayed at the Comfort Inn on Ship Creek. Love that location, especially if you are taking the train to Seward. Of course, last year, we just walked down the hill to the train.
On the visit before that, stayed at the Comfort Inn on Ship Creek. Love that location, especially if you are taking the train to Seward. Of course, last year, we just walked down the hill to the train.
Mar 20th, 2009, 09:13 AM
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Interesting dialogue. Still hoping that I can figure out which accommodations would be best for our purpose, viz., a very quiet restful place where we can unjet-lag in peace and quiet, if not luxury (don't need luxury, do need quiet and very comfortable beds).
Mar 20th, 2009, 01:11 PM
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Here is a link to pictures of the rooms at the Anchorage Hilton:
www1.hilton.com/en_US/hi/hotel/ANCAHHF-Hilton-Anchorage-Alaska/photoGallery.do
Here is a link to a picture of a room at the Captain Cook from their own website (surely if they are on top of things, it's a current picture):
www1.hilton.com/en_US/hi/hotel/ANCAHHF-Hilton-Anchorage-Alaska/photoGallery.do
Mikehadler, insult others all you want -- but anyone in commercial design will tell you that those quilted bedspreads at the Captain Cook are DATED! The new trend for hotels is no bedspread, but a simple unquilted throw -- as shown on the beds in the Hilton pictures. Maybe you like old fashioned and dated -- that's your privilege -- but don't insult those who know what's fashionable by saying we have low IQ's. That's beyond just being rude!
www1.hilton.com/en_US/hi/hotel/ANCAHHF-Hilton-Anchorage-Alaska/photoGallery.do
Here is a link to a picture of a room at the Captain Cook from their own website (surely if they are on top of things, it's a current picture):
www1.hilton.com/en_US/hi/hotel/ANCAHHF-Hilton-Anchorage-Alaska/photoGallery.do
Mikehadler, insult others all you want -- but anyone in commercial design will tell you that those quilted bedspreads at the Captain Cook are DATED! The new trend for hotels is no bedspread, but a simple unquilted throw -- as shown on the beds in the Hilton pictures. Maybe you like old fashioned and dated -- that's your privilege -- but don't insult those who know what's fashionable by saying we have low IQ's. That's beyond just being rude!
Mar 20th, 2009, 01:17 PM
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Sorry, copied the Hilton link twice. Here's the link to the Captain Cook rooms:
http://www.captaincook.com/rooms.php
And speaking of "more up to date" are you saying that all the rooms at the Captain Cook DO come with alarm clock radio with MP3 Player plug-in and the Cuisinart single serve/ dual cup coffee maker as well as full multi-function work stations? If they do, it would smart of them to mention those types of things on their website.
http://www.captaincook.com/rooms.php
And speaking of "more up to date" are you saying that all the rooms at the Captain Cook DO come with alarm clock radio with MP3 Player plug-in and the Cuisinart single serve/ dual cup coffee maker as well as full multi-function work stations? If they do, it would smart of them to mention those types of things on their website.
Mar 20th, 2009, 02:30 PM
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Mike---I see you have posted on a totla of 2 threads on Fodors. Both to promote the Captain Cook.
I haven't seen it in years so I can't speak to the "dated" aspects. I do know that when I lived in Alaska in the 70's we thought it "pretentious". And not reflective of the true Alaska, even if it is "locally owned".
I love Gardyloo's comment about the bar being "not especially high".
I haven't seen it in years so I can't speak to the "dated" aspects. I do know that when I lived in Alaska in the 70's we thought it "pretentious". And not reflective of the true Alaska, even if it is "locally owned".
I love Gardyloo's comment about the bar being "not especially high".
Mar 20th, 2009, 02:52 PM
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Last year on our trip to Alaska I finally settled on the Alaska Grand. I was not impressed by reviews or prices for the Captain Cook, the Marriott, the Sheraton or the Hilton. We were very happy with our choice of the Grand. I would not hesitate in recommending it.
www.anchoragegrandhotel.com
www.anchoragegrandhotel.com
