hotels in anchorage

[tylersmom]

We are flying into Anchorage on July 2 and boarding the Island Princess in Whittier on July 3. I have a few questions: Do we stay in Anchorage or Whittier? Any hotel recommendations? What is the best mode of transportation to the port in Whittier? How long does it take to get from Anchorage to Whittier? Thanks to all who respond!!!

[Budget Queen]

Stay in Anchorage, and don't be in a rush to the ship- if this is your first trip there, see some of the city with your short time perhaps? If you don't plan anything- then just book a hotel in your price range. There is the regular run of the Alaska RR leaving at 10am, the cruise contracted rail and bus, independent bus/limo. It's about an hour and a half with tunnel waits, Anchorage/Whittier.

[tadjr]

Just did this route about a month ago. I would book something in Anchorage. We stayed at Hawthorn Suites and enjoyed it. They also provided transportation from the airport and to the train station. Book something that you are comfortable with. The hotel was close to downtown so we spent time looking around Anchorage and resting up after the flights. We took the Alaska Railroad down to Whittier ($49). The van let us out at the baggage check for the train and the train/Princess took care of getting the bags to our room from there since they were tagged so we didnt have to mess with them in Whittier. The train ride was relaxing and roomy and got us to Whittier in time to be onboard by 1245pm. The train stops about a 5 min walk from the ship in Whittier, but with them taking care of the bags, it wasnt a problem.

[garycarla]

You WILL be staying in Anchorage. Whittier is a town of 175 people. Most of the cruise ships have checkins in Anchorage and will transfer you to the pier.

 

Alaska via Spirit 6/2/04

[calliecat]

Last July we stayed at the Aspen Hotel in Anchorage. They have a shuttle that will pick you up from the airport and it will take you to the train station. We had to call when we got into Anchorage from the airport. The shuttle bus wasn't running because the driver had called in so they paid for a taxi to take us to the hotel.

It is a couple blocks from downtown but well within walking distance. There is also a downtown shuttle you could catch that is a block away from the hotel. If you get off at designated stops along the way (ie Ulu Knife store) it is free.

The Aspen is a new hotel. It had a nice continental breakfast (with Belgian waffles that my 11yr old loved) and the rooms are nice.

We had a family suite which had a sitting room, bedroom, and a small room with bunkbeds and a tv (with a door) for our son.

We will stay here again when we return to Anchorage.

[tiggy]

We stayed at the Westmark Anchorage and really liked it. The hotel is located downtown and about a $15 cab ride from the airport. Our room was large, nicely appointed, and had a little balcony that we could stand out on in the morning. Also, it's only about three blocks from the Coastal Trail. We had a lovely walk along the trail first thing in the morning.

 

Also, we booked directly on the Westmark's Web site. It was much less expensive that using Orbitz or Travelocity.