HotelChatter

The 68-room property recently underwent a $1 million "beautification" effort and it shows. Although there’s nothing particularly stylish about the property, it’s clean, comfortable and functional. Most rooms sit pretty with water, mountain or town views. Bathrooms are well-lit and boast plenty of vanity space (a nice change after one too many, too small facilities).

A desk with harbor views proved to be a pleasant place to work for a few hours. Families may consider booking the Waterfront Kitchen Suite – a super-sized two-room waterfront suite with full kitchen facilities, two sofa beds and a queen bed.

Although the Shee Atika Totem Square Inn is definitely geared towards ocean kayaking and fishing tourists (king salmon is available in nearby waters during summer months, while halibut are present year round), it offers a bunch of practical – and free! – amenities for the business traveler.

Since we were multi-tasking work and play during our stay, we extra appreciated the free WiFi throughout the property (ask for the access code), computer terminals with printers in the lobby and faxing services within the U.S. Airport shuttle service and daily continental breakfast are also free. Score.

After getting our cultural fix of totem poles, kayaking and national historical park, we loved cutting loose at the nearby Pioneer Bar – home of the coldest beer, best jukebox and most hopping pool tables in town.

If you’re thinking about visiting the fine town of Sitka, Shee Atika Totem Square Inn is offering stellar deals this fall during Sitka Whalefest (November 6 – 8, 2009) with rooms starting at $59 a night. (Rate does not include entrance fees to Whalefest.) Otherwise, rooms are still a steal starting at $109.

Full Disclosure: The writer’s stay was hosted by Shee Atika Totem Square Inn while on another assignment.