Just on the edge of downtown, this hotel is a popular choice for families and business travelers who like the big rooms, amenities, and affordable prices that Clarion Suites is known for. It’s a great deal, with free parking and shuttles, hot breakfast, and a swimming pool all included. And even though it’s part of a chain, there’s a decidedly Alaskan feel, with photos of Native village life and Alaskan art.
Three-stories tall, the Clarion Suites has 110 two-room suites. With a king and queen bed (or two queens), kitchenette, and work area, you’ll find plenty of room to spread out. Kids can even have their own room. The rooms aren’t fancy, but they are clean and well-kept, and include flat-screen televisions. And they all have a microwave, fridge, wet bar, and coffee maker.
In the morning, head down to the free, hot buffet breakfast, including eggs, breakfast meat, and make-your-own waffles. It’s just one of the many perks of the hotel—others include a fitness center, pool, parking, Wi-Fi, and a business center. The airport and train shuttles are free too, with the drivers doubling as bellmen.
The location makes it easy to explore the city or go for a walk on the Tony Knowles Coastal Trail. Or just relax in the large rooms and comfortable common areas. The lobby is open and airy, with a fireplace and stairs to a second-floor reading nook and library. And the pool of course is a hit with kids.
Make sure to check out the lobby’s photos of the town of Chenega, an Alaska Native village wiped out by the 1964 earthquake and tsunami.
One of the most exciting times to visit the hotel is Iditarod weekend, as the Clarion sponsors one of the mushers, Aliy Zirkle. She bases herself here before the race, with her two dog teams and support crew, and often does a meet and greet on the Friday before the race. You can hear her stories of the trail or snap a photo with one of Alaska’s most famous female mushers.
And when you support a dog musher, the hotel has to be pet-friendly…yet another perk to add to the long list.
Highlights
- Every room is a suite
- Free parking, airport and train shuttles
- Complimentary hot breakfast buffet
- Fitness center and pool
- Free Wi-Fi
- Business Center
- Within walking distance of downtown shopping and restaurants