 | Alaska Reviews | Tips 1 - 10 of 127 |  |
 making breakfast in beer cans;-) by PA2AKgirl There are millions of places to camp in Alaska. From state parks to RV parks and the backcountry/bush, this is probably the easiest accommodation to come by. Many sites are seasonal, of course but although it was colder and rainy at Denali we can across a group getting a backcountry camping permit in late September. Risks come with camping in Alaska so at the more established sites or places that issue permits, bear canisters are available for a deposit. If you’re planning on just going out on your own, bring one along. Don’t put your food anywhere else and dispose of everything property (common sense, but obviously enough people don’t do this that there are warnings everywhere). It’s not just the bears who can pose a threat—other large animals roam Alaska too. And weather is always a factor, so bring waterproof gear and expect the conditions to change quickly.
I’ve camped in this state before and there’s nothing like it. You can easily be alone, not crowded into developed sites if you don’t want to be. On a clear night, you can see forever and may even see the northern lights (aurora). You do have a better chance to view wildlife and best of all, you’re camping in Alaska! Theme: CampgroundPrice: less than US$20 » Currency ConverterComparison: least expensiveAddress: everywhere in AlaskaDirections: National Park Service, Forest Service, State Park, private campgrounds, bush, an uninhabited island, etc.
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Would be exaggeration to assert that this will be an accommodation tip. Actually this campground was not a campground:) There are several formed spots along the fore part of the trail where you can camp for free. These are "official" campgrounds and you can stay at the same place maximum 3 days as far as i know but i'm not sure. Anyway this forest was a perfect place to stay, fires are allowed just pay attention. I've seen 2 black bears about 30 metres from my tent...keep the rules and you will be okay.
Camping in the wilderness meanwhile close to town. Do you need more in Alaska?!:) Theme: Campground
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 JumpingNorman in Alaska by jumpingnorman Well, we did prefer the hotels in Alaska - but if you really want to rough it, there are public rental cabins at Alaska's state parks. Fees range from on ly $20 to $75 per night, depending on night and season. They are rustic and do not have much - just bunks with no mattresses, benches, kitchen counter, table chairs and a wood stove for heat. There might be a fireplace and grill, and a possible latrine. It's up to you to look for a cooking stove - and there's also no firewood and no drinking water. Reservations may be made on-line at www.alaskastateparks.org or visit the DNR Public Information Center. I'll put satisfaction for this at 5 though, because it truly must be a great experience!
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 A welcoming bottle of champagne & fruit by TheTravelSlut, 4 more photos It would take weeks & lots of money to see & do Alaska's Inside Passage on land or air instead of a cruiseship so having a floating, mobile accommodation is best for this type of journey IMHO. The Travel Slut Tips for the Seven Seas Mariner 1) Although embarkation was not scheduled until 2:30 PM, I was able to board just after 12 PM & although my cabin was not ready, I was able to walk the ship, check out the library & DVD library & enjoy the La Verandah restaurant until 1:30 PM when my room was ready. 2) Be sure to take several of the free "Alaska Destination" booklets in port before boarding the ship as they contain both worthwhile coupons, freebies, and information on each of the ports & their stores, tours. 3) Make reservations for either Signatures (French cuisine) or Latitudes (Indo-chine & Asian fusion) restaurants as soon as possible after boarding as they fill-up fairly quick. 4) Be sure to experience room service at least once whether it is a full meal or a snack-appetizer. You will be pleased. 5) Complete your in-room liquor request form as soon as you are allowed into your cabin. 6) Spend at least some day-at-sea time in the Observation Lounge taking in the wonderful views 7) If you get the urge for popcorn, check into the movie theater and you might get lucky like I did and get a bag of fresh-popped popcorn. 8) Be sure to tell any of the maitre'd's how you wish to dine---with company or not and they will do their best to accomodate you. I prefer larger tables for socializing and then learning about new experiences that are available. 9) On many mornings, the tour groups were directed to the Constellation Theater prior to disembarking and I noted that the ship had set up continental breakfast items in the room for those people waiting. That was a nice touch for late sleepers and late arrivals. 10) Disembarkation was painless and EXTREMELY fast as we started @ 7 AM and by 8 AM the ship was emptied. Request an early room service breakfast on your final night onboard.
The cruiseline touts itself as six star and it is backed up by many other experts and critics in the industry. My adventure began when I boarded the six-star Regent (Radisson) Seven Seas Mariner cruiseship for my northbound Inside Passage trip to Whittier/Anchorage, Alaska via Ketchikan, Juneau, Skagway, Sitka and the Hubbard Glacier Bay. My embarkation was effortless and I was delighted to find champagne and strawberries awaiting me in my verandah suite, #1064. The Mariner has a maximum capacity of 700 guests and all cabins have walk-in closets, marble-tiled bathrooms, a dedicated make-up desk, spacious verandahs and a choice of complimentary liquors for your personal in-room use. The refrigerator is stocked daily with water, beer, soda and ice. Regent surpassed my expectations in every category. The crew were both gracious and helpful, the cabins were very large (356 sq. feet) and appointed lavishly, and the food was no less than magnificent with open seating for dining or in-cabin dining that included table linens and place settings just as if you were seated in a restaurant. The room service menu is 4 pages long and contains more options than I have ever seen on a cruiseship. The ship is easy to navigate and has all the standard amenities of other cruiseship plus some extras including soft background music with no loud public address announcements, complimentary wine poured with meals, no formal nights, and pre-paid gratuities. The four main restaurants--Compass Rose (main dining room) , Latitudes (Asian-Fusion), La Verandah (buffet breakfast and lunch but reservation seating at night), and Signatures (French-European cuisine) were equally wonderful in atmosphere, presentation and taste. My favorite was Signatures. Theme: OtherPrice: US$180 and up » Currency ConverterComparison: most expensiveAddress: N/APhone: 877-505-5395Directions: From Vancouver, BC to Whittier, AK or in reverse.Website: http://www.rssc.com/
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Lovely & well-maintained cabins, with everything except TV's (a plus in my book!), and a good restaurant for the road-weary. See travelogue for pics & details.
The views are classic Alaskan mountain scenery, sweeping vistas & hanging glaciers. There are plenty of enjoyable hikes all around.
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I can recommend this campground for tourist but not for travellers and people who are looking for peace and nature. Actually the Riley Creek Campground is a huge one directly near the Denali Highway. I had a great time thanks to my friends otherwise it could have been a bad choice. I didn't like the garbage trucks at 7am nor the noise of motorhomes at 6am!! Otherwise it's okay you can get a few pieces of firewood for 5 bucks and some basics in the grocery store for more expensive than in general. In 2006 one night costed 12 USD. No showers available.
Describe any outstanding characteristics of this accommodation? Different seasons offer different activities and things to do in the park. Northern lights, snowy summers, bright nights and many more that can be exciting for humans. Theme: CampgroundPrice: less than US$20 » Currency ConverterComparison: more expensive than average
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We spent the night in Seward after a long day of touring. It was on the second level with small rooms, but we were beat and just wanted a shower and bed at this point. The Breeze Inn is located at the heart of Seward's Boating Harbor, just walking distance from all the boat charters and the departure points for all Kenai Fjords National Park tour boats.
Conveniently located, gift shop and expresso bar, lounge and coffee shop. Free HBO/local cable TV, free coffee. 2 jacuzzi sites Theme: InnPrice: US$40-80 » Currency ConverterComparison: more expensive than averageAddress: Downtown Seward Alaska, Main stPhone: 907*224*5237Directions: Most convenient location in town...in fact, you can see the whole town from this point.Website: http://www.AlaskaOne.com/breezeinn
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 dust storm outside, pure fun inside w/ the Clarks by PA2AKgirl We didn’t find many choices for places to stay in Delta Junction. The ad we came across sounded great—we weren’t looking for anything fancy; only a place to sleep. Good thing we didn’t have high expectations when we settled on Kelly’s Alaska Country Inn. First, for the off season, the price was ridiculously high. Bobby asked about a government discount and the lady said something like “I don’t feel a certain big corporation should get a discount when others don’t, so everyone gets the discount” There was no discount. She was very annoyed by Bobby trying to make a reservation and interrupting her vacuuming that she sent her 12 year old daughter to complete the reservation. The hotel is a glorified group of trailers or modular classroom like buildings—complete with the slanted floors and 70s carpeting and high, small windows. The rooms are warm and okay…but definitely need some updating. As it is a trailer-esque structure, the walls with the clapboard are very thin and the door, if not pushed shut tightly, has a tendency to swing inward. They boast satellite TV, but it’s a modified system which doesn’t really get any channel very well.
The best thing about this hotel is that they do give you lots of coffee to make in the morning. But not $90 worth;-) Hotels in Fairbanks, this time of year are around $65 so that tells you something. Theme: MotelPrice: US$80-120 » Currency ConverterComparison: more expensive than averageAddress: Delta JunctionDirections: Richardson Highway, near the end of the Alaska Highway
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This Hotel was newly built upon our trip (hadn't been opened long) so we took advantage of this lovely hotel centrally located. The Front Desk was most gracious and service was above average. Our suite was roomy and tastefully decorated.
New hotel, just built, centrally located to downtown Anchorage, restaurant inside facility. Little did I know years later, I would be working for the *Marriott* brand. Theme: HotelPrice: US$80-120 » Currency ConverterComparison: about averageAddress: Downtown Anchorage, Alaska
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