Hotels in Anchorage
 

I am looking for recommendations on hotels in Anchorage and the best one-day excursion available. I have read that Anchorage is not a must see but we are making a connecting flight and only have 2 nights and 1.5 days in the city. Therefore, I'd like a scenic hotel, perhaps outside the city and nearish to the airport, a GREAT place for brunch, and a one-day tour. Thanks!

Hey, Kristyn, can I sneak in on your post? While people are commenting on Anchorage hotels, we will be driving in from Denali on 4th of July for 2 nights. Any ideas? Maybe we'd prefer a downtown hotel or motel, nice.

Kristyn, most of the big chains (Hilton, Sheraton, etc.) have hotels in the downtown area, and most have views of the Chugach mountains or Cook Inlet from the upper floors. The Captain Cook and Sheraton are probably the nicest - use any web booking service, or Fodor's, for rates and features. Downtown is about 15 minutes from the airport. <BR> <BR>You might consider the Regal Alaskan, which is located right on Lake Spenard/Hood near the Anchorage Airport. Lake Hood is the largest seaplane base in the world, and from the hotel you could arrange a flightseeing tour on a floatplane which is a fabulous way to see parts of the state most folks just can't. It would certainly be my choice for a one day excursion. Combine with a rental car for a visit to Girdwood/Alyeska and Portage Glacier (1 hr) for some ground-based sights. <BR> <BR>For brunch (well, breakfast, really), Gwennie's Old Alaska restaurant will offer all the kitsch and calories you'd ever want. Very near to the Regal. Also nearby is Mr. Whitekey's Fly by Night club, a music/comedy landmark where you may or may not get the Alaska satire. <BR> <BR>There are more beautiful cities than Anchorage, but few with a more scenic setting. As people say, the best thing about Anchorage is that it's 20 minutes from Alaska.

Depending on what time of year you are traveling, downtown hotels can be quite reasonable. The Hilton and the Captain Cook have nice rooms with great views. In summer, however, the rates are very high. I agree about the Regal. It has a beautiful view of the lake and the lobby seems more "Alaskan". As far as best one-day excursion. I would suggest , weather depending, a drive north to Talkeetna to view McKinley, or a drive south along the Turnagain Arm is always beautiful, watching for beluga whales, dall sheep, moose, etc. PS - Great buffet brunches at all 3 hotels mentioned.

Hi Kristyn--Here are my recommendations after living here for 22 years: <BR>1. Hilton <BR>2. Holiday Inn (right across the street!) <BR>3. Inlet Tower Suites (right across from City Market--great cafe!) <BR> <BR>All three have 2-for-1 coupons valid during the summer. Find 'em in the Great Alaskan TourSaver (www.toursaver.com). The book also has about $15,000 in free or 2-for-1 tours, activites and accommodations. <BR>While in Anchorage, don't miss the Alaska Native Heritage Center, the Alaska Experience Theater and the Alaska Museum of History and Art. In the TourSaver book there are FREE admission couons to each of these attractions. <BR>Happy Trails!

I would recommend you stay at a downtown bed & breakfast rather than the very expensive hotels, since you will probably be out and about most of the time anyway. The Oscar GIll House has a superb downtown location and is listed on the National Historic Register. The website at oscargill.com can give you information lots of information. Bikes are FREE for the Coastal Trail one block away.

I agree with Susan, the Oscar Gill House is one of the best places in Anchorage that can be found. It's hostess is GREAT, the food is wonderful and she's so friendly! You can't beat the value. My favorite room is the one with the jacuzzi tub and the wonderful soaps. Easy to get around from there, located at the Park Strip downtown. Try Simon and Seaforts for dinner. Also: Seward is only 2 hours south of Anchorage on a National Scenic Byway. The road is wonderful to drive. So much to see that it COULD take you a day to drive it just because you'll want to stop at Alyeska Resort and take the tram to the top of the mountain; go to Portage Glacier; Big Game Alaska right across the road from Portage then stop at Summit Lake Lodge for coffee. Don't pass up "Exit Glacier" in Seward!! It's only 11.5 miles from downtown Seward; you park your car and walk 1/2 mile and you're at the face of the glacier!; then into Seward, have dinner at "RAY's" on the harbor then stay with Harborview Inn! :)

And, I agree with everyone! Except that much of what is being said is really seasonally dictated. For instance, you probably aren't going to see the beluga whales in Turnagain Arm in June. <BR> <BR>If you are intending your "excursion" to be an independent affair, you might even consider staying out at the Ramada Ltd. on Muldoon. It is the furthest from the airport, but it is backdropped by the Chugach Mountains. They also have room/car packages available with a couple of local agencies, so getting back to the airport won't be any travesty. <BR> <BR>Their property is exceedingly close to the Native Heritage Center, as well as the North bound access to the Glenn Hwy. This, in your rental car, can get you up to thev Matnuska Glacier in a day. And, you might stop by the Musk Ox Farm in Palmer... and, still be back to your hotel in time for dinner. <BR> <BR>The restaurant in the hotel features, American, Asian, and Alaskan specialties. There is also a small bar for your evening nightcap. <BR> <BR>You can reach the Ramada toll free at 1-866-480-7000 <BR> <BR>PS... where did you read that Anchorage is not a "must see?" In spite of the cliche's like "Los Anchorage," and "20 minutes from Alaska," the truth is, Anchorage is quite Alaskan, and quite beautiful. And, because of it's situation, it is a great place from which to stage trips to the North, South, and West.