AK Travel Guide
Tags: Alaska Hotels / Fishing Hotels / Luxury Hotels / Adventure Hotels / → All Tags
Alaska's Newhalen Lodge :: Fishing for Big Tunas
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.
Tags: Alaska Hotels / Ski Hotels / Exotic Hotels / → All Tags
Stuffed Polar Bears Still Guaranteed at The Hotel Alyeksa
Ever considered Alaska for a far-flung vacation? Then we say hit up the town of Girdwood, Alaska located about 45 minutes outside downtown Anchorage and home to the state's biggest ski resort, Alyeska Resort.
The resort has seen numerous changes in ownership over the last few years and the newest owners have recently made a dedicated effort to improve the rooms inside the The Hotel Alyeska, the resort's "base camp" hotel.
Not to fear though, you'll still find stuffed polar bears in the lobby and massive views of Alyeska Ski Resort out of the huge panoramic windows, provided there is sun.
Tags: Anchorage Hotels / Odd Hotels / → All Tags
The Teddy Bear House: A Plushophile's Dream Lodging
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]
Tags: Bed Bugs / Hotel Hell / → All Tags
Hot Springs Are Just Right for Bed Bugs
UPDATE: Click here for management response
A tipster lets us know that during her stay at the Park Hotel of Hot Springs in Hot Springs, Ark., during June 16 to 18, she was allegedly bitten multiple times but didn't think the bites were from bed bugs until a doctor told her so.
I left the hotel Sunday with red swollen bumps all over my legs and back. I assumed these were mosquito bites but they worsened by the end of the week. I researched pictures of bites online; mine looked to be caused by bed bugs. On Friday June 23rd, I called the hotel and was told they could be flea bites since they do allow pets.
I retrieved their e-mail address and sent photos. The manager promised to look into it and get back to me. The following Friday, June 30th, the sores had not improved, so I went to my doctor. She confirmed the bites as bed bugs and prescribed antibiotics 4x a day for 10 days. I faxed all this information to the 'JBurlon' at the front desk on July 3rd. On Friday, July 7th, I was told she would gather all info and turn it into the owner.
It is now July 13th and I was told this morning I would receive an 'extermination report' in the mail. I still have scars on my legs and it has been almost a month since my hotel stay. I have included photos.
At your own risk, there are photos after the jump.
Tags: Alaska Hotels / → All Tags
It's a Motel, It's a Hostel, It's...Alaska
If you are looking to add a few more hours to your day, you can always do it by going to Alaska. Not only will you get almost 24 hours of daylight, but there is not much to distract you from what it is you need to focus on; whether that be relaxing or working harder.
The word motel can be a scary one, but apparently it should not be rendered that way when referring to the Motel Nord Haven in Healy. Now, it has the looks of a motel, cheap outside panel, floral duvets inside, but even so, it offers a great escape and past guests claim its sense of community ix-nays the word motel with the friendlier sounding "Inn" as more appropriate. Others describe it as a hostel...but in a good way:
The motel has the feeling of a fine scandinavian hostel, but with private rooms. The breakfast room w/ fireplace is huge and inviting, as is the deck looking out into the Taiga forest. The staff is friendly and helpful. Highly recommemded by a very picky traveler(but a budget traveler too!) Great for couples and families, as long as kids don't expect video games or a pool.
The one thing is does have amazingly is internet, so you will be able to get work done if that is your purpose for the sunlight. If not, escape into the forest, the Denali National Park, or just sip coffee all day long like the locals and get juiced up to do nothing, Northern Exposure style.
(Note The picture above taken from one of the room decks was shot at 10pm during the summer.)
Related Stories:
· Motel Nord Haven Reviews [TripAdvisor]
Tags: Hotels / → All Tags
Captain Cook's "Lair"
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]
Tags: Hotel Deals / → All Tags
Alaskan M Hotel For Iditarod XXXIV
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]
Tags: 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]
Tags: Hotels / → All Tags
Alaska Lodge: Only Six Weeks 'Til Winter
If you are thinking of jaunting to Alaska, you probably want to get up there before the end of September, for obvious reasons.
Located in Bartlett Cove, the Glacier Bay Lodge serves as a perfect jumping off point for many cruises and hikes into the bay and surrounding areas.
Rooms are simple, and because lodging and dining options are few and far between, the prices are jacked up. However, it is important to be comfortable, and get a good nights sleep, before journeying into the Alaska wild, and this lodge should meet those requirements.
Related Stories:
· Glacier Bay Lodge Reviews [TripAdvisor]
Tags: Hotel News / → All Tags
Alaskan Ice Hotel 's Year Round Dreams Melt Away
Looks like the plans to keep the Aurora Ice Hotel open turned out to be all wet. Last week workers removed the foam panels from the hotels ice wall, which were designed to protect the ice, and capitulated to the relentless Alaskan sun. The Aurora has been puddled, at least until next winter.
When the hotel opened in December of 2003 ownership promised the Aurora would become the first year round ice hotel, but after chandeliers, martini glasses, and even the walls started melting away Aurora ownership was left with no choice but to shut down the hotel for the summer. "With any luck, we'll be able to start over again next year, we learned a lot" said spokeswoman Brenda Hewitt, according to SFGate.
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