The Hotel Alyeska
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2 Reviews for The Hotel Alyeska
59
26
'11, '12
1 family found this helpful
"Family Fun in Any Season"
When Alaskans think of the Alyeska Resort, winter and skiing usually come to mind. Alyeska is in fact a year-round resort, perfect for a family getaway no matter the season. Aside from the world-class skiing and other snowy winter fun, Alyeska Resort offers spectacular hiking and downhill mountain biking in the summer and well into the fall. Late fall, while the resort is busy readying itself for the winter ski season, is a great time to stay a night (or two, or more!) with the family at the Hotel Alyeska for some off-season peace and relaxation.
We knew we were in for a treat before we had even arrived at the Hotel Alyeska. Friends who had been there before raved about the comfy beds and European flair. Our family felt pampered right from the time we pulled up to the chateau-style building. A plush red carpet led the way into a spectacular lobby, complete with native Alaskan artwork and an overhead display of the Aurora Borealis, all watched over by a polar bear. The second floor was open to the lobby and the ceiling, giving guest an even better vantage point of the polar bear and Northern lights display. Our kids insisted on stopping to look for a few minutes each time we passed by during our stay.
Our room was by far the nicest hotel suite we have ever shared as a family. We were in a Junior Suite, located in the tower of the hotel, with floor-to-ceiling bay windows overlooking the snow-capped mountains and Turnagin Arm in the distance. With two queen beds (which were even more plush and luxurious than we had been told!), a sitting area with a sofa and armchair, a separate area with a desk, bench for putting on winter gear, and a nice long hall leading to the door, we had plenty of space for our family of four. The entry hall area doubled as a space for the little ones to race cars, which was nice on a rainy fall day. The bathroom was perfect for families, with a nice-sized tub and adjustable-height showerhead. The room, and entire hotel for that matter, was spectacularly clean and modern. It is the small details, though, that made us feel like we were royalty. Each evening the staff brought around complimentary bottles of water (what hotel gives free bottled water anymore?) and delicious gourmet chocolates. There was Starbucks coffee for the in-room coffee maker, and a towel-warming rack in the bathroom. The staff was attentive and efficient, making us feel very welcome.
The Hotel Alyeska offers plenty of amenities to help fill your time no matter the weather. We visited on a particularly rainy weekend, but it was perfect weather to make use of the very large indoor saltwater pool. There were plenty of other families there enjoying the pool and its mountainside views as well. A spa is located on-site, perfect for mother-daughter pedicures or an adults-only massage. There are several eateries located right inside the hotel’s main building, ranging from quick-service coffee, pastries, and sandwiches to the Aurora Bar & Grill, which serves family-friendly lunch and dinner daily, plus provides room service for hotel guests. We took advantage of room service one evening before heading to the pool, and then ordered dessert to go on our way back to our room. The Baked Alyeska and S’mores Brownie Parfait were a delicious was to end our day! The next morning, we enjoyed an expansive breakfast buffet at the Pond Café. Only open for breakfast on the weekends, the buffet was a nice way to start our day while waiting for the sun to rise (which isn’t until about 9am on an October morning). Kids under 6 eat free, making for an affordable family meal as well.
Beyond the hotel, there are endless options for ways to spend a family day. Despite the rain, we donned our coats and boots to head right out Hotel Alyeska’s back door to the Winner Creek Trail. We were impressed by how well maintained the trail was, completely smoothed with gravel, with nice bridges and boardwalks. It would be a great place to snowshoe in the winter with kids. There are several other multi-use trails nearby, as well as a community playground down the street in Girdwood. About 10 miles south on the Seward Highway is the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center, a great place to spend a morning. The Alyeska Resort is only about a 40-minute drive from Anchorage, which has all of the amenities of a big city. We did some shopping in Anchorage while staying at the Hotel Alyeska, and is was so nice to be able to retreat to the quiet setting of the hotel at the end of a bustling day of traffic and crowds.
After staying once at the Hotel Alyeska, we can see ourselves returning again and again, to experience the away-from-it-all feel of the hotel and the amenities of the resort in every season.
This review is based on a complimentary stay at the Hotel Alyeska. I received no other compensation besides the hotel stay and the hotel did not state any requirements that I express a particular point of view.
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"Hotel Alyeska Rates High Among Alaskans"
Our family enjoys Hotel Alyeska at least once a year, mostly because their European-style grandness appeals to this Alaskan crew who sometimes needs a little penache in its everyday world.
Winter, summer, and every season in between, Hotel Alyeska (and the Resort as a whole) caters to families through innovative package deals and programs to soothe winter blues, excite summertime adventures, and generally amuse everybody, toddler to grandparent. Swimming pool, spa, fitness room, cozy beds and ample running room all make for a worthy spot to get away from it all.
It is expensive, but then, everything in Alaska is, but keeping tabs on web sites like AKontheGO.com or the resort's own web site can help offset some of the cost.
Don't forget to take the Tram up to the top of the mountain and look out over Turnagain Arm!
Location.
This resort is located close to the airport. Attractions in the
neighborhood include Alyeska Resort and Alyeska Ski Resort. Another
area attraction is Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center.
Features.
Dining options at The Hotel Alyeska include a restaurant and a
bar/lounge. Room service is available during limited hours.
Recreational amenities include an indoor pool, a health club, a spa
tub, a sauna, and a fitness facility. This 4.0 star property has a
business center and offers small meeting rooms and audio visual
equipment. Wireless Internet access is available in public areas.
This Girdwood property has event space consisting of banquet
facilities, conference/meeting rooms, a ballroom, and exhibit
space. The property offers an airport shuttle (surcharge).
Additional property amenities include a coffee shop/café, a
concierge desk, and multilingual staff. This is a smoke free
property.
Guestrooms.
Refrigerators and coffee/tea makers are offered. Bathrooms feature
shower/tub combinations with handheld showerheads. They also offer
phones, makeup/shaving mirrors, and bathrobes. Guestrooms offer
voice mail and in room safes. Televisions have pay movies. Rooms
also include desks, blackout drapes/curtains, electronic check out,
and electronic/magnetic keys. Guests may request a turndown service
and wake up calls. Housekeeping is available. Cribs (infant beds)
and rollaway beds are available on request. Guestrooms are all non
smoking.
Check-In: 4 PM
Check-Out: Noon
Number of Rooms: 304
Number of Suites: 26
Recreational Facilities:
Fitness Facility
Services:
In house Restaurant
In house Bar
Room Service
High Speed Internet
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