oleg

I will spend 2-3 days in Anchorage in June before heading to Katmai Nat'l Park (Hallo Bay Camp). I know there're activities to fill 3 weeks easily. But I would like your opinions on 'must do' in 3 days. Does it make sense to take a glacier cruise from Whittier for a person who had already visited Kenai Fiord NP from Seward a few times ?
Also, what hotel(s) in Anchorage I should consider? Is Sheraton OK? My hotel budget is approx. $70-80/night.
How is transportation situation to the activities in the town? Are buses/mini-buses available? I am not inclined to rent a car, but if taxis are very expensive I may not have a choice.
I am not a newcomer to Alaska. I used Anchorage airport to get to/from the state. However, I have never stayed in Anchorage a single night - always flew out immediatelly either to Homer, or Kodiak.

repete

The Sheraton (and its jade staircase) are fine, but you won't come close on your budget. A B&B might be a better option.

The Whittier glacier trips are generally much more glaciers and less wildlife than the KF trips.

Postal

If you're there on a Saturday, you might want to check out the Farmers/Flea Market in front of the Hilton. Very good beer battered fried halibut and chips for sale there. I also highly recommend eating at the Glacier Brewhouse. The downtown area is pretty small but you'll probably find a better hotel rate between downtown and the airport. I remember a brand new Spring Hill Suites in 2000 when I was there. It seems to me even the B&B's were in the $100 range.

jetset1

Anchorage hotel rates in summer are horrible, all geared for tourist season, as most good destinations are, and no real deals. One possiblility within resaon might be closer to the airport, Barrett Inn, Puffin Inn, Executive Suites. Any midtown or downtown hotel is well over your budget. You can try Priceline or some of those sites, maybe you'l be lucky with a bid. Enjoy your trip.

dfrostnh

I haven't used public transportation in Anchorage but here is a link to the downtown bus schedule
http://www.anchorage.net/668.cfm
We also enjoyed the farmers market on Sat. I think it expanded to Sundays last summer. I like the trolley ride for a quick overview of Anchorage esp Lake Hood. The Title Wave bookstore is large and has a great selection of books about Alaska if you need reading material.
BTW I noticed on the transportation page that there is storage available for luggage and fish. Someone else asked this question.

BudgetQueen

My opinion only, but you need a car, Anchorage is a very spead out city with only so so public transportation. With 3 days- I also would be looking outside the city. You are not going to come even close to your hotel budget- and likely will have to double it. Even B&B's will run you at least $100 and you will definately need a car for most of those. You might want to try Days Inn and the Ramadas- because they offer airport transportation and are walkable downtown. Would be OK if that is your only touring interest??

oleg

Thanks, BudgetQueen. Yes, I reconsidered my budget and adjusted my Anchorage plans. I want to stay 2 nights: one night upon arrival and the other to let me do Whittier cruise. I eliminate the third day in Anchorage. My question now is: Am I better off with a hotel close to the airport or in the downtown? Or it doesn't make a difference? I do not plan to rent a car for 1 day, but I want to have an easy access to Girdwood for a glacier trip.
Also, if a hotel is near the airport, do you hear planes engines roaring all the time? This would be a MAJOR inconvenience to me. I'd rather have to travel longer to take a cruise than hear the planes!
Thanks.

bigtyke

We stayed at the Microtel at the airport for a resonable rate a coupe of years ago, but it you would need a car to ger around.

Stayed during the Ididarod start last year at the Days Inn in douwntown Anchorage. It was very resonable then, but the posted rate (I assume the peak summer rate) was about $150. The downtown is quite small and we walked all around with no trouble - even my wife with a bum knee. There are frequent buses. We took a ride on one just because my son likes to ride buses and it was clean and was no problem.

oleg

Message: Thanks, BudgetQueen. Yes, I reconsidered my budget and adjusted my Anchorage plans. I want to stay 2 nights: one night upon arrival and the other to let me do Whittier cruise. I eliminate the third day in Anchorage. My question now is: Am I better off with a hotel close to the airport or in the downtown? Or it doesn't make a difference? I do not plan to rent a car for 1 day, but I want to have an easy access to Girdwood for a glacier trip.
Also, if a hotel is near the airport, do you hear planes engines roaring all the time? This would be a MAJOR inconvenience to me. I'd rather have to travel longer to take a cruise than hear the planes!
Thanks.

BudgetQueen

How are you getting to Girdwood?? If by rail then a downtown location is necessary and again, I guess I would recommend either the Days Inn or Ramadas- as they both offer shuttles to the airport and rail depot. A lot of flying goes on until 1am at the Anchorage airport and they also start flying early am. So if at all bothered by the noise I would avoid the airport area, this area also is very limited on resturants and activities. You are way better off staying downtown without a car.

zoom907

MUST DO IN ANCHORAGE: Alaska Native Heritage Center. As a 26-year resident, I still take the kids on their field trips to this place each year. Native artisans. native dances. Recreated villages from each of the native areas of the state. Budget three hours. Great stuff.

Also, see the Anchorage Museum of History and Art.

I like the Coastal Trail. FABULOUS way to spend an afternoon by the water.

As far as hotel, you might consider the 2-for-1 coupon book to help reduce your per-night charge. Alaska Tour Saver? There are several nice hotels available including Ramada Inn, Clarion Suites, etc.

Forget Whittier. Go to Seward and take the Kenai Fjords Tour. This is what we do when our friends and relatives visit.

Then we suggest they take us to the Glacier Brew House downtown!! HAHAHAA!

oleg

zoom907,
I have been to Seward and have done Kenai Fiord Northwest (longest) tour a few times. My previous travel to Alaska began with looong flight to Anchorage and immediate flight to Homer by ERA (last flight of the day). Activities would start the very next day. I realized I need just a few days to take it easy in the after day-long flying + 4 hours time difference. I will arrive about 6pm and stay 2 nights in Anchorage rather than immediately going to Kenai. I would still like to have something to do in Anchorage since I will have a full day there. Now, are you saying that I'm better off spending time in Anchorage (Heritage Museum,Coastal Trail, etc) than going to Whittier? This is a possibility. After all will 'Philip 26' glacier trip be interesting enough for a person who've already seen Kenai Fiord NP and more? What's BudgetQueen's opinion?
Thanks.

repete

26 Glaciers vs. Kenai Fjords: The big difference is that 26 Glaciers focuses more on its namesake.

You'll see more glaciers in stunning College Arm and get very close. Kenai Fjords' tours are more diverse and IMO hold better chances for a range of wildflife, including whales.

For full disclosure, I have to say I haven't been on the actually 26 Glaciers tour but I have sailed along the route.

The downside is Whittier is -- true to its roots as a secret military port -- quite depressing.

That said, one of the best trips I've taken anywhere was to charter a sailboat out of Whittier to a remote US Forest Service cabin ($15/night back then) and stay a few days. On the way back into port, the skipper pulled a shrimp pot and we had dinner on route.

If anybody wants more info on how to do this, post a question.

oleg

Want I basically try to figure out is the best way to spend one full day in Anchorage. My options are:
1. Philip 26 glacier tour from Whittier.
2. Stay in Anc and include all or some of these activities:
- Alaska Heritage Museum
- Coastal Trail
- Portage Glacier
- Flattop Mtn. trail

Your opinions are welcome.

repete

Since you've done KF, I'd opt for the day trip around town.

Start the day inside at the Heritage Center or Museum of History and Art.

The Coastal Trail is pretty but very tame. If the weather's nice and you're a competent hiker, Flattop can be magnificent. A lot depends on what part of June and how much snowpack is left, because on some early hikes we used ice axes -- and then glissaded down the snowfield. It can be dangerous unless you know what you're doing.

If you aren't comfortable with this, there are other hikes in the area.

Spend late afternoon and evening poking around down the Seward Highway and take the tram at Alyeska. Splurge at the Double Musky.

BudgetQueen

Are you still without a car??? Then Portage and Girdwood would be out? Basic- the Anchorage visitor guide has a walking tour map? The downtown area does have plenty to keep you busy if of interest. But as mentioned it is a big spread out city. A car makes it much more manageable. If you aren't going to have any glacier viewing options and of interest, the glacier cruises out of Whittier are just excellent, extended and close views. There are tours for these that provide transportation to Whittier. So determine if a car is an option?? Look closely at the people mover routes and see if there are areas of interest? One day isn't a lot of time and you don't want to spend it waiting for buses.

iris

ZOOM 907 Is Clarion centrally located. How far from ANchorage Museum of History and Art. Any other tips for sights in Anchorage for just one day.

BayouGal

Is anyone familiar with the Ramada Inn Limited in Anchorage? My dh's business can get a discount for us there, but we don't know anything about it.
Thanks!

BudgetQueen

I've stayed at both Ramada's. Basic hotel and completely satisified.