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Alyeska Resort
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
33 reviews for Alyeska Resort
33 reviews in English
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Review from Dave K.
3/19/2012 3 Check-ins Here
I stayed in Girdwood at our family vacation home, but had a most excellent 4 days on the mountain and wandering about the facility!
Skiing here is varied, be prepared to suit up and see the conditions change by the minute. Fog might roll in or burn off, snow may soften or ice over, wind may calm or whip into a frenzy - you need to be ready for extreme skiing!
The massive runs and wide open construct helps you experience the mountain freely at your own pace. Friendly folks are scattered throughout the terrain park and on the North Face.
The staff at the resort are fun, encouraging, and knowledgeable. Find a place to sit and read by a roaring fire or relax at one of the many restaurants around the resort. -
Review from Greg B.
Menlo Park, CA
3/25/2012
Beautiful setting at one of the most expansive ski resorts in Alaska. The rooms are nicely appointed and relatively roomy. The staff is friendly and they offer a variety of services, including a wake-up call in the case that Northern Lights are spotted.
Computer access is limited in the rooms to only modem connections. If you have an iPad, you need to use the wireless connections on the first or second floor public areas. There's not much of a business center - just one computer in the lobby for which you pay $8 for 15 minutes. Printing an airline boarding pass (extra for printing) ends up costing $9!
The Restaurant at the top of the mountain (Seven Glaciers) is really beautiful and has a great lunch and dinner menu. The views from the restaurant are spectacular!
The selection of restaurants in the hotel itself is limited, especially if you are staying at the hotel during the week when the Sakura Japanese Restaurant is closed.
Overall a bit pricey for the accommodations, amenities and service. You're paying for the access to the skiing and snowboarding facilities. -
Review from Martha V.
Boston, MA
3/25/2012 1 photo
Went here for our annual skiing trip in search of snow - and did they deliver!!! 15+ feet - apparently when there is no snow in the lower 48 there is plenty here and visa versa.
First the resort - clean, pleasant staff, great salt water hot tub with a amazing view of the north face. The package included breakfast (reviewed separately) and lift tickets.
The mountain is on the small side if you are used to skiing out west but it is wide open and seems to have either medium blue and then (hard) black. No in between. Also, in the morning (especially with fog) visibility is very tough. Make sure you bring appropriate goggles!!! Did have 6" over night one night and the powder was wonderful! Note - if you want to book CAT skiing, do so far in advance - or even book standby far in advance. Stand by is used when the heli skiing is a go. The help skiers are booked on the CAT initially but if the birds fly, the heli skiers are moved off the CAT and12 lucky stand byers get to ride(at a $70 discount off the regular prices). Unfortunately we learned this too late to go CAT skiing but enjoyed the mountain nonetheless.
Can't wait to come back in the summer to try some fishing! -
Review from Kylie B.
Wasilla, AK
5/23/2012
the security was over the top too to the point of harassment! The security staff let the bit of control they have go to their heads and forget we are paying customers. When we talked to the front desk to take care of the $700 fee for smoking in the room, that was supposed to only be $200 ish, they said they fixed the problem. Later we checked the credit report there was still no changes made, we had to call hotel multiple times till the problem was fixed.... Oh and it ended up being a $400 dollar charge! When using the pool the staff in charge accused us of poaching the pool when we had a room! Being a customer my entire life this was very disappointing
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Review from Dustin W.
Los Angeles, CA
5/6/2012 1 Check-in Here
Upon booking the hotel, I was not expecting much given the price I paid. I was quite taken back at how nice the hotel and the guest rooms were. Literally at the base of of the mountain with a tram right out back. I would also like to mention that the staff are extremely friendly and accomodating.
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Review from Joe C.
New Haven, CT
8/20/2011
I stayed at this hotel for a few nights and skied the mountain in early May.
During the off-season prices for a room are very fair when compared to any lodging in Anchorage. So if you're a tourist, I recommend staying here rather than staying in Anchorage. Yes there isn't much to do in Girdwood and the drive to Anchorage is 40 minutes away, but the drive along Turnagain Arm and the scenery of the mountains makes the drive worth it. Plus, Girdwood a good starting point if you plan to drive to Whittier, Portage or Seward. One day I drove to Whittier to take a 26-glacier cruise.
I thoroughly enjoyed my stay at the hotel. The hotel has a couple restaurants, a Starbucks, and a sports store. The tram loading dock for the mountain is at the base of the lobby so you don't have to walk very far to hop on board the tram. My rental equipment from the sports shop went smoothly and I was quickly skiIng the mountain in a matter of 20 minutes.
I later was bummed to learn of the hotel pool at the end of my stay. It's somewhat hard to find and is accessed by the 2nd floor lobby. The water in the pool is salt water and it's surrounded by lots of wood and windows. Oh well, I'll have to try it during my next stay.
Just a couple words about the mountain. I've skied all over the USA and Canada, and Alyeska Mountain sort of spanked my ass. But in a good way. It's a challenging mountain and its trailing rating system is slightly skewed harder than the rating systems in the lower 48 states. It's layout and terrain reminded me very much of Snowbird mountain in Utah. After talking with some locals, I was surprised to learn the mountain traditionally doesn't receive a lot of snow. Some years it receives lots of snow and some years it gets little snow. So check snow conditions ahead of time if you plan to ski/board the mountain. -
Review from suzanne s.
McLean, VA
3/1/2012
Ditto! And...ditto! Enough said...oh, and so spotlessly maintained:)
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Review from James V.
7/9/2011 8 Check-ins Here
You're thinking "I want to go to Alaska, but I don't want to go on a cruise". This is the place for you!! The Alyeska Resort is like being on a cruise, but you're not stuck on the ship! There are great restaurants and tons of stuff to do right at the resort! And since you're not stuck out at sea, you can do your own day trips as you see fit. The activities desk will be happy to help.
Be sure to sign up for one of the packages they offer. We got "stay 3 nights get the 4th free" deal, which included the all-you-can eat FAB breakfast buffet, which includes stuff like fish, etc. along with the out of this world "I'll make your eggs" station. YUMMO! So instead of staying for just 6 days we stayed for 8, same price!
Yelpers, if you've ever wanted to go to Alaska, but didn't know what you'd do when you got there, this is the place for you! Just 45 miles East of Anchorage. A friend told me about this place and we've been two years in a row. Check it out! -
Review from Jared W.
8/16/2011 2 photos
For $30 you can get the Tram+Lunch Combo.
Up on the top (2300 ft) is just an awesome view!
The crab sub sandwich from the Glacier Express Restaurant was delicious! -
Review from Amanda C.
2/21/2011
It's hard to believe how beautiful this Alaskan Oasis truly is. But once you are on top of Mt. Alyeska, breathing in the clear air and admiring the phenomenal view, it becomes obvious. The charm of this resort is due to the setting and its seamless position within it.
I know there are resorts that are much more plush, fancy, and downright luxurious. However, I don't think Alyeska is trying to compete. Girdwood is not Aspen- you will find a different kind of charm here. It's peaceful, low-key, and offers a slew of outdoor activities in its backyard.
I've stayed here in Summer and Winter and the result is always the same. If you want a great getaway from Anchorage or want to try a new venue for your skiing vacation, Alyeska offers the best hotel accommodations in town. -
Review from Bryan E.
Girdwood, AK
1/9/2012
In the interest of full disclosure, I have ski patrolled at Alyeska Resort since '97. I do, however, free ski at the Resort 25 - 30 times a year. In both capacities, I have seen major improvements in my time - particularly in the last 4 - 5 years. Keep it up!
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Review from Dougie H.
Boston, MA
1/3/2012
I like it! Girdwood gets three times more snow per year than the Utah resorts, but it is kind of small. However, there are plenty of runs to make for an exciting weekend, and much fewer people than the jumbo resorts means more time spent skiiiiiiiing!!
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Review from Dan D.
Dallas, TX
8/26/2011
I can't say enough about this resort and community! Words can't describe how great it is! The locals are from all over the states and they could care less about material things. As long as they have their skis, hiking gear, fishing gear, or hunting gear they are happy. Just a great community. They actually hire their emplyees and give them an effficiency apartment in an employee lodge for really cheap. Plus as one of the employees said, they pay very well but I'm not sure what the definition of "well" is but every employee at the lodge was extreamley happy and relaxed and friendly so it must be a great place to work. They have an ok fitness center, it has any cardio equipment you could ask for but the resistance training is all machines. The only free weights is the dumbell set which is high quality. Nive indoor pool and hot tub. We took the tram to the top of the mountain and the views were awesome. If you ever get a chance to go here.....GO! YOU'LL LOVE IT!
PS Check out Chair 5 pub downtown. -
Review from Chris O.
9/29/2010
I believe Alyeska is Alaska's only ski resort, and I was fortunate enough to spend the night and hit the slopes (without killing myself).
The hotel was very nice and the room was great. My room's decor was accented with darker hues that gave me a sense of relaxation. I also had access to an indoor swimming pool and jacuzzi, which was soothing on my body after tempting to board down an Alaskan mountain.
Onto the mountain. First off, Alaskans do not mess around. This mountain largely consists of blue, black, and double black diamond trails. But even at that, Alaska blue trails seem equivalent to a black one else where. Second, this was my introduction to flat light. What better way to experience flat light on an unfamiliar mountain with subfreezing temperatures including 20mph winds? Lucky me! Valuing life after a few runs I had to accept the fact that I could not conquer this mountain in these conditions.
Despite getting my butt kicked, Alyeska is a great resort. -
Review from Delia P.
Mont Belvieu, TX
I loved this stay. Was a wonderful experience for us. Everyone was so nice and the hotel and grounds are beautiful.
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Review from LINDA R.
Paradise Valley, AZ
9/30/2010 6 photos
Ahhhhhhhhsome! High-5 !
Amazing hiking.
nice in-room robe
Hand-Tram? Fun! !
Service with a smile? everywhere!
Tram up to the top in summer? WHOA!
great little in-room starbuck coffee set-up too!
Tige @ concierge? above and beyond call of duty!
Private van to local restaurant? (Chris? I think that was you! You Rawk!)
The BEST breakfast buffet - can you say YUM?! WOW. (I really cheated big time here - esp with chocolate croissants !!)
1/2 star minus for (if i could, that is) :
PLEASE put more fire pits in! and an outdoor jacuzzi! Was really bummed that girl scouts con-vined upon the property and took over the entire pool & spa - they even had 2 yr olds in the freaking jacuzzi - ICK ! We had so been looking forward to the bubbles after several hrs of hiking :-( -
Review from Kathleen H.
Beverly, MA
8/6/2009 1 photo
I didn't actually sleep here, but I snuck in to use the wifi.
Is that kind of like, "I'm not a doctor, but I play one on TV." ?
Probably, but I'm giving a prescription anyway.
Stay here. Do stuff. This place is the bomb. Huge. New. Gorgeous grounds. Beautifully appointed, yet warm and inviting, interior: dark wood coziness. Full service spa. Hiking and views in the surrounding area to satisfy every fitness/adventure level in the summer, and I hear, though have not experienced: amazing skiing and winter adventures to be had.
Next time I'm in Girdwood and not otherwise accomodated. . . .I'm there. -
Review from Julie S.
8/3/2011
I really loved it here. July is perfect weather there too. I was informed that it is a ski resort but still pretty popular with tourists in the spring and summer. The staff was very welcoming and very accommodating. The room was standard but the view we had made it spectacular. I saw so many couples in the span of two days taking wedding pictures on the resort, that's how picturesque it is. We ate at several of the restaurants there. My favorite being seven glaciers and the pond cafe for breakfast. Breakfast was amazing! I had whole wheat banana pancakes with a side of eggs. Awesome. Boyfriend said the bacon was also really good. I would love to go back there in a heartbeat. Also their indoor swimming pool and whirlpool are incredible. So clean and well maintained. It also does'nt hurt that there are HUGE windows surrounding them so you can view the mountains. Super romantic.
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Review from Ella L.
Rockland County, NY
10/1/2011
Beautiful views. In the summer time you can hike to the summit and take a complimentary ride back. It takes about an hour. Don't forget your pepper spray, there are many bears.
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Review from Betty C.
Anchorage, AK
4/20/2008
Alyeska is our hidden treasure. Steep and deep winter recreation at its finest. For skiers and boarders, beginners to pros, there's no place to be a bunny like here! Plenty of terrain available for all levels of experience, and the new owner promises to keep more coming.
What would make it better? Kama'aina rates and a way to make the sun rise over Max's all winter long. Now we're talking. -
Review from Carol M.
Honolulu, HI
8/17/2011
Nice hotel. Front desk staff needs some lessons on customer service. Most of them have an "I don't care" attitude. Housekeeping is a little slow and didn't always replace essential amenities and always forgot something each day. Not thorough. Wonderful shops with high quality sports - ski, hiking, outdoor wear. Wonderful setting and great hiking paths!! Nice resort and beautiful setting but the employee attitude needs some help. For that reason, I gave it a 3 star rating.
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Review from Michelle C.
Miami, FL
11/15/2008
This is a kick-ass resort.
I think there should be rules about the use of the word resort. The big difference between a hotel and a resort is that resorts have things to do.
You could spend a week here just doing the things the resort offers.
We only had an overnight stop with the Cruise Tour, but we took the tram up to the top of the mountain, and then got outfitted to go hiking on a glacier in the middle of July.
The rooms were very comfy (particularly the beds) and roomy.
The view is amazing.
And there is plenty to do in the surrounding area as well.
I would love to come back, especially for some winter fun, and spend some real time. -
Review from Claire Z.
Saint Louis, MO
6/3/2010
I've been here a couple times as a kid, and its AK's hidden treasures.
The restaurant is fabulous. I will never forget the dinner I had there: potato crusted salmon in a bed of this tomato and pepper blend. Though as a kid, I wasn't so appreciative of the meal (Where the heck is my Mc kids meal?!?!) I know I would now.
The hotels are exquisite and pleasing to all of the senses, and considerably cheap. Great view of Alaska. It's just a beautiful place! -
Review from Jon F.
Denver, CO
2/17/2011 1 Check-in Here
The mountain is awesome. So is the service.
The rest, well, it's a bit out of The Shining. This hotel was probably the shizzle in the 80s, but the interior is becoming seriously dated in a polished, "come play with us, Danny" kind of way. Guest room walls seem paper thin, the beds have the loathed dip in the middle that you inevitably roll into (even when sleeping alone), and there are no individual room thermostats (at least that we could find) to turn down the raging heat in the dead of winter. BUT, there is Starbucks coffee in-suite (albeit made in an ancient coffee brewer) and FACE Stockholm bath products in the washroom. The tubs are very nice, even if the tile patterns show its age. There are buttons for everything from turning on/off room lights to illuminating an exterior "Do Not Disturb" light for the staff -- this had to have been the height of technological decadence in 1986. But, still clean and well-maintained, and great for the (winter) price!
Restaurants were wonderful and not horribly overpriced, as was the bar, the Sitzmark.
The price for double occupancy, including lift tickets, was an absolute steal considering the quality of the resort and mountain.
And then there's the mountain. Wonderful, challenging, accessible and breathtakingly beautiful. I will undoubtedly return to Alaska, if for nothing else other than Alyeska Mountain. Hey, after all, all work and no play makes Jack a dull boy ;) -
Review from Andrew L.
Houston, TX
5/19/2010
Beautiful scenery coupled with fantastic rooms. It is right in the middle between anchorage portage glacier and Seward so is very convenient. Off season we got a great room with free movie for 129 a night. The rooms have an Japanese stamp of quality.
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Review from Angie R.
Phoenix, AZ
7/14/2010 1 Check-in Here
Problems. Mom had to send her food back. My clams were the easiest to cook, and rhey were the last to come to the table. Yes i know that this is a resort.. but the prices were outragious. If in Girdwood... go to Chair 5.. pizza was great.
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Review from T O.
Denver, CO
9/16/2009
I love Alyeska! This is one of the best ski areas in the world. The North Face is where it's at on powder days and the views are amazing. Alyeska gets soooo much snow! Definitely hit Christmas and New Year's Chutes if they're open. I can't wait for winter!
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Review from Robert K.
Los Angeles, CA
8/22/2010
Lovely hotel. Stay awhile. Wanted to stay longer and will next time.
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Review from All About Town ..
St. Petersburg, FL
12/18/2008
I had a great time here for a day while my boyfriend hit the mountain. I didn't ski but I had a lovely day hanging out in their lobby. They have free wireless internet and lots of couches near electrical outlets so you can plug in. I was surprised that the resort seemed very quite and peaceful. Again, I wasn't skiing but I didn't see any lift lines. My skiing experience has mostly been in Tahoe and So. Calif. where it is much more crowded.
SPA
I did however have a massage at the spa while I waited and it was lovely. It truly fixed my sore shoulder and back. The receptionist was very nice and remembered my name. She seemed to really know customer service. It was a 50 min deep tissue for $90 and was worth the money. One thing I was a little miffed about was that I didn't get the full 50 mins... I arrived at the spa at 1:45 for a 2:00pm massage. I was changed and in the waiting lobby by 1:57 and they masseuse came to get me at about 2:03pm I looked at my watch when she left to let me get undressed and it was 2:07. She took sometime to get back to the room but let's say she was back there at 2:10pm. She started the massage and was very strong. I really enjoyed it. Then at the conclusion of my massage I took my time getting up and looked at my watch again and it was 2:53... I mean 50 mins is short enough already and then I got jipped on time on top of that? I don't think it was enough to make me not go back but I would say something first next time. -
Review from karen d.
Auburn, WA
7/22/2011
I've stayed here twice - both times during the summer when the snow was gone, the weather was beautiful and the sun was up all night! Great all season resort! The rooms are ok, not too fancy, not too bad. The sheets were VERY crisp - ok, a little too crisp but it was comical after a couple drinks in the great bar with the beautiful view! The outdated hair dryer was my ONLY complaint - that is soooo minor! STARBUCKS coffee in the room is a huge plus and the 40 minute drive into Anchorage is well worth it! NO traffic except to slow down and enjoy the views. Take the tram or hike 2+ hours up to the top for views and hiking. Simple beauty all around. ENJOY!
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Review from Ann P.
San Francisco, CA
8/29/2009
Beautiful ski resort. Amazing facilities. Saw a bear right down the road.
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Review from Sara O.
Gig Harbor, WA
6/2/2011
We had a mixed experience at the Alyeska...terrible service at the bar, confusing service at the cafe, super warm rooms with windows that open approximately 4 inches and swing closed unless you jam something in them. Our first room was super small and had 1 tiny window. The resort was accomodating and moved us to a larger room (it was a designated handicapped room though so had a funky layout and toilet situation). At the bar my husband paid $9 for half a shot of whiskey and when he expressed concern to the bartender was told that the bottle was empty and they didn't have any more. The bartender refused to adjust the bill at all and was rude about the whole situation. At brunch at the cafe my friend tried to order a mimosa. The waitress said that they couldn't serve mimosas until 11:00 am when the bar opened. As it was 10:50 am, my friend asked if she could go ahead and put the order in as soon as the bar opened. Then the waitress said that the cafe usually closed at 11:00 am. As we had just sat down we expressed concern and she assured us that they wouldn't kick us out at 11:00 am. The whole encouter was confusing. They also charged me $2.00 to add sour cream and salsa to my omelette and then didn't put them on it. We were there at the end of May and it felt like they were short staffed and it was still the off season. The rooms were decent, but nothing fancy. The scenary is amazing, lots of good hiking trails. My husband saw a moose with two small calves on an evening run.
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Review from Greg H.
Newton, MA
12/25/2009
great hotel. rooms are spacious and comfortable, although not much view to speak of other than the nearby mountains... you can't see turnagain arms from the rooms here.
we only ate at pond cafe, but it was very nice. for dinner, we went for soup & salad bar option, which was cheaper, healthier and all-you-cat-eat. the other restaurants looked nice, but we did not try. i love the lobby and the big old taxidermied polar bear (poor polar bear). the hotel had a very extensive fitness facility, including a very large indoor lap pool with perfect water temperature. perfect place to stay if you're going to be exploring different parts of kenai peninsula.
