We just returned from AK today!

Stayed at Captain Cook Hotel in Anchorage, Alyeska Prince Hotel, and others on the Kenai Peninsula.

Would definitely recommend the Alyeska Prince Hotel and DEFINITELY recommend dinner or at least drinks at 7 Glaciers (still dreaming about the King Crab I had for dinner there...). The Hotel was beautiful, with tons of flowers and incredible views. We took the tram, as well as hiked to the top of the mt. (couldn't get enought of the views). Our room was perfectly fine. Our friends' rooms were a bit smaller, but they had a spectacular view. The only reco I would make is to ask to not room in the front over the entrance... unfortunately, the cruise ship buses park there at 5:30 a.m. and we had enough of the beep, beep, beep and grumble of the engines, even though my body clock had me up at 3:30 a.m.!!

Wonderful lobby and stores for shopping. Also, if you like to hike, there are several trails just outside the door.

Thanks wagsdvm. Feeling more reassured now. We're staying at the Capt. Cook for 2 days too, was your stay there satisfactory? Did you feel safe walking around downtown? I keep hearing it can be rough. Leaving next week. Staying at the Harborview in Seward and McKinley Chalet in Denali. Will report upon our return.

You won't have ANY problem walking around downtown during the daylight. It is very safe and pedestrian-friendly. It is only rough if you get more than 2 blocks off 5th, or get past the Sheraton. There are SO many neat galleries that sell Made In Alaska souveniers! Captain Cook is definitely the classiest hotel in downtown. Be sure and eat at the Glacier Bay Brewhouse!

The Captain Cook was also surprisingly great. Sometimes I think the reviews for this forum can be harsh! Our room was extremely clean, quiet, with great view. I was impressed with the lobby service and artwork throughout the hotel. Very Alaska feel to the place. We spent a lot of time wandering around downtown. The only think weird or unusual about it was how deserted it felt. Lots of good stores and we went to the Quivit (sp?) shop and bought some of the warm headbands/hats. Ended up using them on our trip to Kenai as it was very cold at times -- especially on our hike up to the Harding Icefield and for boat excursions.

The Glacier Brewhouse was fun as was the restaurant at the Millenium hotel near the airport. We watched all the floatplanes take off from there.

Saw the hotel you're staying in in Seward and it looked nice from the outside. We were very pleased with our hotel -- Seward Windsong Lodge. Don't miss out on the Kenai Fjords Cruise -- go for the 6 hour one and bring lots of film. Saw Orcas, Dahl Porpoise (entertaining), Eagles, sea lions, seals on icebergs near the glacier, and lots of calving on the glacier.

It was hot and sunny for our first 3 days there and cool, rainy, misty for the remaining 10 days. As everyone suggests, plan to layer and bring good raingear. And as they say there -- don't let the rain stop you!

Thanks wagsdvm, for your additional comments on your Capt. Cook and Seward experiences, we are taking the 6 hr. Kenai cruise. Also,I'm glad to hear you had a good time despite the rain, as our forecast for the trip next week so far is rain, rain, showers etc. Can't do anything about the weather, but we can come with our minds made up to make the best of it.