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Celebrity Scoop / Kristen Bell / Movie Hotels / Alaska Hotels / Anchorage Hotels / Justin Bieber / Ted Danson / → All Tags

What's Kristen Bell's Hotel Alias? Ask Ted Danson

Kristen Bell all dolled up in '80s Anchorage garb for her new film.

TV show character names must be the go-to aliases for celebs. We told you about Justin Bieber's hotel handle—Chandler Bing—and now we find out about another star's make-believe check-in name. Kristen Bell recently checked into an undisclosed Alaska hotel under the moniker Holly Frobisher.

It sounds like an innocent-sounding name. The Couples Retreat star stole it from the show Damages; it's the name of Ted Danson's character's wife. Again, no big deal. But it turns out that Danson was in the hotel lobby after she checked in.

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Alaska Hotels / Fishing Hotels / Luxury Hotels / Adventure Hotels / → All Tags

Alaska's Newhalen Lodge :: Fishing for Big Tunas

Where: 3851 Chiniak Bay Drive [map], Anchorage, AK, United States, 99515

For some people fishing requires a cooler of canned beer, a couple bros, and a local lake or river. Then there are those "Big Tunas"-- heads of mega-corporations, sultans, magnates, and independently wealthy gadabouts-- that won't settle for mediocrity in any corner of their lives.

For those special souls there is a private fishing lodge 185 miles southeast of Anchorage Alaska only accessible by private plane called The Newhalen Lodge.

Ironically, the accommodations themselves are not particularly special. Bedrooms are shared, with wood-paneled walls, shaggy tan carpet and dorm-room linens on the beds. In their defense however, the people that are going there are not ones to sweat decor.

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Anchorage Hotels / Odd Hotels / → All Tags

The Teddy Bear House: A Plushophile's Dream Lodging

Where: 500 Dailey [map], Anchorage, AK, United States, 99519

If you September plans include a trip to Alaska to catch the Northern Lights, you may want to call ahead and book a room at The Teddy Bear House in Anchorage. This cozy cottage in the center of the "city" is conveniently located to the Seward Highway and downtown. Plus, it's unlike any other bed and breakfast we've seen. We'll give you one guess as to why. (Need a hint? It's all in the name.)

The Teddy Bear House has more than 500 of these plush animals displayed around the warm country inn's single and double occupancy rooms. Consider this a plushophile's ultimate paradise.

Their wandering eyes are weird at first, but owner Marge Quick makes her guests feel right at home. From car rides to the local grocery, to an at-home Alaska library, to homemade (and, if you're up early--made to order) breakfast, this place is southern hospitality in the heart of America's northwest.

And chances are good, when the group of hunters and fishers gather around the morning table, they'll share some bear stories of their own, from the woods of Alaska, rather than Marge's country kitchen. And trust us, even the most manly of mountain men enjoy the Teddy Bear House's girlish accommodations.

Related Stories:
· Alaska Hotel Reviews [HotelChatter]
· Alaska Travel Stories [Jaunted]

Hotels / → All Tags

Captain Cook's "Lair"

Where: 939 W. 5th Ave [map], Anchorage, AK, United States, 99501

How could we not write about a hotel called Captain Cook in Anchorage, Alaska?

Named for the for the famous Captain James Cook, the hotel (Alaska's only member of the Preferred Hotels and Resorts Worldwide) is located in downtown, just six miles from the airport.

We do hope that if you make a long trek to Alaska that you go and see some of the nature life there as well. But if you do stay downtown, the Captain Cook has free WiFi which excited one guest so much he signed onto TripAdvisor to write a review:

I'm writing this review in my room at the Captain Cook, on the Free wireless they provide. I have never stayed here because honestly the name seems a little hooky, but believe me the Hilton and Marriott that I have stayed at don't even come close to this place. Maybe its what they offer, Free High-Speed Wireless, 24 hour room service, a huge workout/spa, downtown location, fast accomodating staff , 4 restaurants, 10,000 bottle wine celler. What sold me the most on this hotel was the fact that it was built and still run by the same family over 40 years ago which really came through on how the entire hotel is operated.

Room rates are also reasonable with several guests scoring rooms under $200. The downside is the Captain Cook doesn't have any A/C in the summer.

Related Stories:
· Captain Cook Hotel reviews [TripAdvisor]

Hotel Deals / → All Tags

Alaskan M Hotel For Iditarod XXXIV

Where: 4800 Spenard Road [map], Anchorage, AK, United States, 99517

Pack up the sled and say "mush," it's only a month till Iditarod XXXIV, which is 34 if you don't do Roman.  If racing isn't in the cards, you can still check out the race by checking in with the official sponsor.  

Millennium Alaskan Hotel is one official sponsor of the dog race, and with sponsorship comes special deals.  The Iditarod Package offers 15 percent savings and includes:

two-night stay in a Millennium Club King Room with evening turndown service; two tickets to the five-course fund-raising dinner and auction at the hotel on March 3, 2006; transportation to and from the Iditarod Race start in Anchorage on March 4, 2006; access to the Iditarod Race activities at the hotel including the Musher's Champagne Toast; and complimentary breakfast for two via room service or in the hotel's Flying Machine Restaurant.

Guest reviews are mixed-- with feelings ranging from loving the lobby to having problems with cigarette smells in the hallways. While this might not be the perfect Alaskan location for summer adventure seekers, it's pretty convenient for the Great Race.

Related Stories:
· Millennium Anchorage Guest Reviews [Trip Advisor]

Hotel Ghosts / Courtyard By Marriott Hotels / → All Tags

Haunted Hotels: Ghosts at Last Frontier Courtyard Marriott?

A couple Anchor Town Hotels to add to the haunted hotels list:

Historic Anchorage Hotel
Several guests have reported seeing a young girl walk the second floor hall. Also rooms 215 and 217 the TV's will turn on and off at will also the water in the tub and sink will run by itself. Employees have reported to hear people coming down the stairs when the hotel is empty, and few have seen a man walk past stairs.

Courtyard by Marriott
Room 201 is haunted by a man who died there, and his body was not found for several days according to the staff. Plus there is a ghost by the name of Ken who wanders the parking lot, and courtyard, in and around the gazebo. There is also what appears at times to be a cat walking around the hotel. It's very evident in rooms 103 and 107.

We get girl ghosts walking around Anchorage's oldest hotel, but a Courtyard by Marriott in Anchorage is haunted? Who knew

Related Stories:
·   Haunted Places in Alaska [juiceenewsdaily.com via Fark]
·   Historic Anchorage Hotel Reviews [TripAdvisor]
·   Courtyard Anchorage Airport Hotel Reviews [TripAdvisor]
·   Haunted Hotels Coverage [HotelChatter]