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Tags: Alaska Hotel Guide / Sitka Hotels / Alaska Hotels / Wilderness Hotels / → All Tags

For A Stay in Sitka, Try The Shee Atika Totem Square Inn

Where: 330 Seward Street [map], Sitka, Alaska, United States, 99835

Mention Sitka in surrounding Southeast Alaska island towns, and locals invariably perk up: “Oh Sitka? It’s really (drag it out for three syllables) nice there.” All starry eyed, you have a feeling they’re conjuring up mental images of rainbows and unicorns.

Although we rolled into town at an ungodly hour after a 13-hour schlep on the Alaskan Marine Highway Ferry, the chipper (caffeinated?) concierge Shee Atika Totem Square Inn made us feel right at home. After cracking open the windows for some cool night air (Alaska hoteliers tend to overheat rooms), our head hit the pillow for one of the most restful slumbers on the nine-day Alaskan adventure.

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Tags: 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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Tags: Alaska Hotels / Ski Hotels / Exotic Hotels / → All Tags

Stuffed Polar Bears Still Guaranteed at The Hotel Alyeksa

Where: 1000 Arlberg Avenue [map], Girdwood, AK, United States, 99587

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.

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Tags: Alaska Hotels / → All Tags

It's a Motel, It's a Hostel, It's...Alaska

Where: Mile 249.5 Parks Highway [map], Healy, AK, United States, 99743

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]