Alyeska Prince Resort - An Extraordinary Anchorage Alaska Hotel

If you are looking to make reservations at an Anchorage Alaska Hotel, strongly consider the Alyeska Prince Hotel. It's scenic beauty rivals anything I've ever seen.

While the Alyeska Prince Hotel isn't exactly in Anchorage, it will only take you quick forty-five minute scenic drive to get there. In my opinion it is time well spent out of any busy schedule.

Even if you do not stay at the Alyeska Prince Hotel, it still needs to be on your list of places to visit because it's location is like a huge outdoor playground for outdoor enthusiasts.

Eight Stories High and Loaded for Alaska Adventure

Located 40 miles south of Anchorage and 90 miles north of Seward Alaska, Alyeska's location is prime for nearly any Alaska vacation plans that you may have ... whether they be winter or summer plans.

Situated in a pristine wilderness setting, Alyeska Prince Hotel boasts 304 rooms and is set to host the 2007 U.S. Alpine Championships at the end of March 2007. This chateau-style hotel rises an impressive eight stories high. Opened in 1994 this impressive resort features cherry wood and granite accented rooms and lobby.

When you walk into the lobby, don't forget to stop, turn around and look up. There is a giant stuffed polar bear up there and the background lighting is made to resemble the northern lights. It's quite spectacular!

I missed it the first few times I was in the main lobby. I guess that I just didn't look up.

Up Mount Alyeska We Go!

Alyeska TRAM tickets are available at a ticket sales booth near the back left outside corner of the hotel.

To get there follow a short foot path around the left front of the hotel. It leads to the TRAM ticketing loading area.

The other option would be to inquire at the front desk and they can show you how to get there from inside the hotel via the second floor.

Prices vary, but it will cost you about $16 per person to ride the TRAM unless you are going up there to dine at the Seven Glaciers Restaurant, in which case, the ride up is free.

For $6 additional dollars ($22) a sack lunch will be waiting for you at the top.

The ride takes eight minutes to cover the 2,025 foot (617 Meters) rise. As we made it up the 3,869 foot span of cable, we learned that each of the two Tram cars can hold up to 60 people each. We had only 20 in our car it is hard to imagine 60 in there.

We were looking forward to the view from the top, but as we arrived the peak became shrouded with fog. Oh well! It was still exciting to be up there!

Great Views and a Great Place to Eat

The upper part of the TRAM is housed in there as well as two restaurants.

The first is The Seven Glaciers Restaurant. It is for formal dining and the second is the Glacier Express. It is a cafeteria style restaurant.

Both places obviously have million dollar views!

If you are really adventurous...

One of the many summer activities available is tandem paraglidingfrom the top of the mountain. You must be at least 5 years old and weigh 60 pounds.

They recommend sturdy footwear and an adventuresome attitude. I would also like to add that, in my opinion, you need to be a little crazy. Then again height and I never have gotten along! Don't be expecting to hear any first-hand paragliding accountsfrom me. Don't think it will ever happen. Yes, I am a big chicken.

How about this for a compromise? This next summer, I'll go up and take pictures of those who are brave/crazy enough to do it!

A Great Time Had by All

Once on top, besides chasing rodent-like animals called Marmots, weate at the Glacier Express Restaurant. We had soup in bread bowls.

Even in September it was starting to get a bit cool, so that soup really hit the spot.