I have narrowed it down to 3 hotels in Anchorage which would work for us. The Marriott courtyard, Best Western Barrett Inn, or the Regal. My husband is a smoker and I am not, the Marriott has some rooms with balconies,so my husband can smoke outside.The Best western say they have some rooms with outside entry in there older section. And the Regal just looks so nice on that lake, but the rooms aren't as well set up for my smoker husband to go outside for that smoke. Anyone stayed at any of these places? I would love feedback. Thanks a lot

Before our recent cruise, our group of four couples stayed at the Sleeping Lady B&B. It was walking distance to all the good restaurants and to the park by the lake your are referring to. My sister and my brother both smoke, and they went out on the little balcony just off the upstairs hall, or downstairs by the living room to the big porch. This B&B had four guest rooms on the upper floor, all big, immaculate and wonderfully decorated with cool Alaskan stuff! I think it was about $150 per night *high season*, and room darkening shades (a big plus in Alaska summer), nice toiletries, a wet bar, a fabulous breakfast of frittata and fresh fruit and great coffee made this a great stop. Owners were personable too. All eight of us enjoyed our stay here!

P.S. We walked by some of the downtown hotels, and they looked kind of 50's-dreary to me...just my opinion, though!

I don't know the hotels you mentioned but I've stayed at the Captain Cook in Anchorage and it is fabulous. The service is great. For example, if you call down to housekeeping and request an extra pillow, they ask you whether you want feather or foam, and then they come upstairs with an assortment!

Joan we stayed in Barrett Inn in Anchorage this July. It has no charm and it is more like a motel. We are returning to Alska next year and will not stay there. It is also too expensive deal for only one overnight stay. We will stay somewhere outside Anchorage. Have no idea where at this point. Only one good thing about it that it is a few minutes from the airport which is a mess with a construction which will be going on for a next few years. Just plan accordingly by giving yourself extra time. Have a great time in Alaska.

My husband and I stayed at the Regal Alaskian several years ago and it was one of the highlights of the trip, sitting outside having a drink at 1:00 a.m. watching the sunset as the float planes landed. My husband and I aren't smokers however, so that wasn't an issue.

I just wanted to thank you all for your imput. It sounds like the Best Western is out for sure. Anyone else have any info?
Thanks a lot

Have a look at Fodor's own mini-guide, right on this website, http://www.fodors.com/miniguides/mgr..._section=lodIf it was me I'd opt for the affordable Inlet Tower Suites, in a local landmark, great location (unlike the others, which are in the Spenard district close to the airport but nothing else) and spectacular views, walkable from downtown. I believe they allow smoking in a number of the rooms.

Sounds like you are looking for something near the airport. I did that the first time we went to AK--arriving in evening and got hotel nearby--can't remember which one, but it was on the float plane lake. We had no idea how easy Anchorage was to get around in. The next time we chose a B&B with just 10-15 minute drive from airport with 1-2 turns. It was no problem, cost less than the motels, and provided good place to relax. Smoking could be problem at some B&Bs, though.

As for the floatplane lake--I like to go there to watch the planes, but I'm a relatively light sleeper and didn't sleep well at the motel near the lake on our first visit in May. Planes were taking off and landing all night in the twilight just outside the motel.

I've stayed at the Courtyard you mentioned. It was...well...a Courtyard. You know the drill. It's like all the others. Predictable, dependable, relatively new, easy to get to from the airport. I like predictable when I'm away from familiar surroundings.