Hotel Recommendations for Alaska (Denali, Kenai)
 

Hello,
First of all, thanks in advance for your help.

My wife and I (early 30's) are going to Alaska this summer (early July). We are splitting our time between Denali and the Kenai peninsula. We plan to rent a car to drive to these places. I have the following questions, if you have any recommendations:

Denali:
-How long should we spend in the Denali area? Our plan is to stay outside the park. We are basic outdoors people: we like hiking, being outdoors, and different activities, but no activities too rigorous. Based on this, how long is good?
-Where should we stay in Denali? We'd like a decent hotel or B&B. We're staying outside the park. Can be moderately priced? Any place that you've stayed that was really good?
-What other activities are there to do outside the park (if we don't want to trek into the park one day)?

Kenai Peninsula:
-How long should we spend in the Kenai Peninsula area, assuming that we want to get a good feel for the region, relax some and take in some sights/activities? We're flexible on time.
-What towns would be good to stay in on the Kenai peninsula? What hotels or B&B's in these towns would be good to stay at? Again, we're looking for something good at a moderate price?
-What activities would you recommend while on the Kenai Peninsula? Fishing? A boat tour? Kayaking? We like to be outdoors and hike, but we're not hardcore.

Renting a Car:
Our plan right now is to rent a car and drive to Denali and Kenai. I figure this will give us the most flexibility, but I'm open to suggestions. Any thoughts?

Again, thanks for any suggestions you have.

Adam

Yes you definately need a rental car with a round trip Anchorage car offering the best option. Plenty of venders to choose from. I recommend at 2 nights near Denali Park- more if you are into hiking. You will want one full day for the Park Shuttle bus. I have stayed at Touch of Wilderness B&B many times, just consistantly excellent. I would recommend a night in Talkeetna, worthwhile area- don't miss breakfast at the Roadhouse. I always stay at the Roadhouse in the upstairs rooms, but not for everyone. :) Budget a day for Anchorage- great city full of touring options. I would plan on at least 2 days each Homer and Seward. Plenty to do in each with a must do, Northwestern Fjord boat tour out of Seward. Take precautions is prone to seasickness, I see sick passengers EVERY trip. Again plenty of excellent B&B's in both areas with my only bad Alaska experience at the Ocean Front in Seward which I never recommend. Request each city's visitor guide and the Kenai Peninsula visitor guide. A necessary reference is also the MILEPOST, purchase a new copy after 3-05.

Research fully Denali Park= www.nps.gov/dena

www.earthsonglodge.com Take a look at this place in the Denali area. It was mentioned in Lonely Planet and I got some feedback on this site that it was nice. My trip is Sept 2006, so I would appreciate it if you would post a trip report. We are hikers and good food lovers. If you find something special please let me know about it.
Thanks.

We are also an active couple in our early thirties and we did a similar itinerary last summer. If you go back to posts from last July/August you should still find our trip report.

I'll second BudgetQueen's recommendation for Touch of Wilderness in the Denali area. The Chocolate Drop Inn in Homer is also a very nice and reasonably priced B&B with a great view.