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Accommodation Guide

Accommodation Guide

Alaska, USA

Full Spectrum of Lodging Options

Benefits

  • Cruise Ships:

    All-inclusive travel, many destinations, onboard amenities.

  • Hotels:

    Standard comforts, privacy, near downtown in larger towns.

  • Bed & Breakfasts (B&Bs):

    Personalized service, local insights, unique charm, often includes breakfast.

  • Vacation Rentals/Apartments:

    Space, kitchen facilities, local feel, good for groups and families.

Considerations

  • Cruise Ship (Cabin):

    Less local immersion, fixed itinerary, can be crowded.

  • Hotels:

    Can be expensive, limited availability in peak season.

  • Bed & Breakfasts:

    Limited rooms, less privacy than a hotel, variable amenities.

  • Vacation Rentals:

    Less service, self-catering needed, cleaning fees may apply.

Unique Local Accommodation Types

The region also features lodging specific to its waterways and wilderness.

Floatels

Advantages
  • Water access
  • Fishing opportunities
  • Unique experience
  • Remote locations
Disadvantages
  • Costly
  • Limited availability
  • Isolated
  • Needs specialized transport

Wilderness Cabins

Advantages
  • Immersive nature experience
  • Basic, rustic lodging
  • Peaceful solitude
  • Access to trails
Disadvantages
  • Advance booking necessary
  • Basic amenities
  • Bring your own gear
  • Remote access

Remote Eco-Lodges

Advantages
  • Sustainable travel
  • Nature immersion
  • Guided activities
  • Exclusive access
Disadvantages
  • High cost
  • Limited availability
  • Specific locations
  • Advance planning

Considerations for Local Lodging

Advantages

local connections. Access to unique regional experiences not found on cruises.

Considerations

May need independent travel between towns and arranging own meals. Book early, especially for smaller, unique stays.

Neighborhood Guide for port towns

A breakdown of areas and their character within port towns.

Juneau

  • Downtown: Walkable to dock, capitol, museums, restaurants. Lively on ship days.
  • Mendenhall Valley: Near glacier, quieter, suburban. Needs transport to downtown.
  • Douglas Island: Residential, views. A short drive from Juneau.
  • Auke Bay: Boating hub, quieter. North of downtown.

Ketchikan

  • Downtown/Creek Street: Near dock, historic sites, shops. Busy on ship days.
  • Newtown/Saxman: Residential, quieter. Needs transport to downtown.
  • West End: Historic residential area, good views. Walkable to some attractions.
  • North End: More suburban, near state park. A car helps here.

Considerations

Safety
  • All main tourist areas are generally safe.
  • Standard precautions against petty theft are always a good idea.
  • Crime rates remain very low.
  • Be aware of surroundings in crowded areas.
Ambiance
  • Downtown areas may be lively and noisy with cruise ship arrivals.
  • Quieter options are available away from main tourist zones.
  • Residential neighborhoods offer a peaceful stay.
  • Consider accommodation location for preferred noise level.

Proximity & Transport

Accessibility

Lodging near cruise docks makes getting to attractions easy. Downtown centers also have ready access to transport.

Travel Tips

Local transportation options include buses, taxis, or ride-shares.

Exploration

A car rental works for exploring beyond town centers. Walking is the best way to see many downtown areas.

Booking Strategies

Planning ahead for your reservations can secure availability and better pricing.

Advance Booking

Cruises

Book 6-12 months ahead for best prices and cabin choice.

  • Popular itineraries and cabins often sell out quickly.
  • Peak summer travel benefits from early booking.
  • Better selection comes with early planning.
Land Accommodation

Book 3-6 months ahead for hotels and B&Bs in port towns.

  • This is especially true during peak cruise season.
  • Remote lodges have limited availability; book early.
  • For popular spots, early booking is strongly recommended.

Trusted Platforms

Cruises

Book directly through cruise line websites or through reputable online travel agencies specializing in cruises.

  • Review cruise line specific terms.
  • Consider travel insurance.
  • Compare itineraries across various lines.
Land Accommodation

Use these reliable sites for your reservations.

Policies & Customs

  • Walk-in Rates:

    Negotiating walk-in rates is uncommon, especially in peak season. Prices are generally fixed; pre-booking is the best value.

  • Deposit Policies:

    Cruises often have non-refundable deposits and strict cancellation rules that tighten closer to departure.

  • Cancellation Flexibility:

    Land accommodations may have more flexible policies, with 24-48 hour free cancellation periods.

  • Review Terms:

    Always check individual property rules before booking.

Seasonal Price Fluctuations

  • Peak Season (June-August):

    Prices are highest during these months.

  • Shoulder Seasons (May & September):

    Expect slightly lower prices and fewer crowds.

  • Winter (October-April):

    This period brings the lowest rates but also limited options.

  • Off-Season Closures:

    Many tourism businesses close for the off-season.

Additional Advice

Booking Tips

Review individual property rules before booking to understand deposit and cancellation policies.

  • Check for package deals that bundle flights or activities.
  • Read reviews from other travelers for insights.
  • Consider travel insurance, especially for cruises.
  • Confirm check-in and check-out times in advance.
Best Value

Pre-booking often secures the best value and preferred options.

  • Mid-week stays might be less expensive.
  • Look for special promotions or discounts.
  • Consider shoulder seasons for fewer crowds and better prices.

Accommodation Types & Best For

Hotels

Standard comforts, privacy, walkable to downtown in larger towns. Price Range: $150 - $700+ per night. Best For: Convenience, standard comfort.

Bed & Breakfasts

Personalized service, local insights, unique charm, often includes breakfast. Price Range: $180 - $450+ per night. Best For: Local experience, couples, quiet travelers.

Vacation Rentals

Space, kitchen facilities, local feel, good for groups and families. Price Range: $200 - $800+ per night. Best For: Families, longer stays, budget-conscious groups.