Alaska - Day 1: Getting to Anchorage

Arriving to Anchorage at 6pm...

Alaska

At the airport, I rented a car.  Something to note is that rental car companies have to charge high taxes at the airport. I've heard that it is cheaper to take  a cab to the hotel (about $20), and rent a car in Anchorage city where taxes are lower. But I couldn't find a rental car agency that was open on Saturday evening.


The first night, we'll stay at the Sheraton Anchorage Hotel & Spa. Alaska hotels are more expensive than in the rest of the US, and they get even more expensive the farther we get from Anchorage and Fairbanks.

Sheraton Anchorage

The hotel is very nice, but it does neither  include free parking nor free Internet WiFi. However, some Starwood membership levels (SPG) include WiFi for free and complimentary lounge access. The lounge is small, but it has very nice views of the mountains and is open between 6am and 9pm, serving breakfast, finger foods, and drinks. The hotel parking is $10 per day, but during the weekend, the car can be parked on the street for free. During weekdays, on street parking is free between 6pm and 9am (just in case, read the notes on the meter!)
This Sheraton is very nice and comfortable, with ample room and good views. The downtown is an easy walk of 3 blocks.

Sheraton Anchorage room

Sheraton Anchorage room

Here's a sky view of Alaska at 9pm.

Alaska - sunlight after 9pm

At the time of this writing, it 12:30am and it is just starting to look as sunset, but not dark yet...