It Ain't the Big Apple, But The New York Hotel is a Cozy Bet

Hey, Alaska travelers � especially those not yet eligible for AARP! Guess what? You don�t have to subject yourself to big cruise ships packed with thousands of passengers to experience the islands of Southeast Alaska and the Inside Passage. (Although if en masse modes of transport are your thing, that�s a-okay by us.)

Independent travelers with wanderlust and time to spare hop on the Alaska Marine Highway Ferry in Bellingham, Washington for a scenic 38-hour ride to Ketchikan. Don�t panic � there�s a bar onboard, as well as cabins for your sleeping pleasure. Or you can start your nautical itinerary from a handful of other islands within Southeast Alaska. Alaska Airlines also operates flights between the major destinations.

Ketchikan is typically the first port of call for cruise ships and is still the perfect place to start your Southeast Alaska adventures. Here, there are a handful of overnight options � from the rustic, yet oh-so romantic Salmon Falls Lodge to the dirt cheap Super 8, but for budget-minded travelers who are willing to swap luxury and modern amenities for cozy accommodations and a killer location, The New York Hotel is your best bet.

The historic inn looks out over the fishing and sailing fleets on Thomas Basin, just steps from Creek Street, a stretch of buildings fabled with colorful tales of early century prohibition and prostitution. Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy nearby kayaking, fishing, sightseeing, bicycling hiking, and fjords, while night owls are within stumbling distance of a nightly bar crawl that seems to involve every 20- and 30-something in town.

Although The New York Hotel has been restored (clearly with lots of love), the d�cor is more grandma than globetrotter. Sure, it oozes charm, especially if you factor in the �historic� designation. Expect comfortable beds, free Wi-Fi (bonus), cable TV, sufficiently-sized bathrooms and honest-to-goodness service. Honeymooners or those feeling frisky may want to take note of the paper-thin walls.

Rooms start at $139.

[Photo: Clark James Mishler]

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