- Cape Fox Lodge (Ketchikan; tel. 800/325-4000): Clinging to cliffs above the downtown, amid the tops of huge spruce trees, the hotel feels like a peaceful treehouse. The elegance and proportions of the understated building perfectly enhance the setting, all framed in rich cedar. The Alaska Native owners complete the experience by filling the hotel with masterpieces of their culture's art.
- Hotel Captain Cook (Anchorage; tel. 800/843-1950): This is the grand old hotel of downtown Anchorage, with a heavy nautical theme, teak paneling, several terrific restaurants, and every possible amenity. It remains the state's standard of service and luxury.
- Hotel Alyeska (Girdwood; tel. 800/880-3880): The first sight of this ski resort hotel -- designed in a château style and standing in an undeveloped mountain valley -- will make you catch your breath. Wait until you get inside and see the starscape and polar bear diorama in the lobby atrium, or the saltwater swimming pool, with its high-beamed ceiling and windows, looking out on the mountain. A tram carries skiers and diners to the mountaintop, and you can also ski from the back door.
- Land's End Resort (Homer; tel. 800/478-0400): It's the location: right on the end of Homer Spit, 5 miles out in the middle of Kachemak Bay, where you can fish for salmon from the beach right in front of your room, or watch otters drifting by. The hotel itself is excellent, too, with a tremendous variety of rooms, some extraordinarily luxurious, and a complete spa.
- Westmark Fairbanks Hotel & Conference Center (Fairbanks; tel. 800/544-0970): A tower rises over the flat river city of Fairbanks, a stylish and charming wing of the city's oldest modern hotel, owned by the Holland America Line, which is a center of activity downtown.
Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.
