The hype
Travelers obsess over the scenery and the spa, but consistently grumble about the dated rooms and high price tag for what feels like a 90s hotel.
Alyeska Resort
$250-550/ night
Book this if You want the quintessential Alaskan basecamp with ski-in access and a world-class Nordic spa, and you don't mind sacrificing some modern polish for location.
Why People Love It
- The Nordic Spa is a bucket-list hydrotherapy playground (even if it costs extra)
- Direct access to Mt. Alyeska's steep-and-deep terrain
- The aerial tram ride to Seven Glaciers restaurant for dinner
Quick Take: A legendary mountain lodge that rests heavily on its location and spa while the rooms slowly age into nostalgia.
Reviewed by @EkaterinaGrebenkina3958556: I brought my skates to Alaska hoping for this exact moment. Gliding on that frozen mirror with the glacier looming above was the most humbling experience of my life. Alyeska was the perfect cozy spot to thaw out afterwards.
Guest Who Stayed Here Said
Reality check
You are paying for the mountain, not the mattress.
- You are here to ski, hike, or spa and just need a bed
- You love the 'grand lodge' aesthetic even if it's a bit worn
- You plan to eat your way through Girdwood's excellent local dining scene
Cleanliness & Maintenance
7
- Housekeeping: Generally decent, though reviews mention occasional missed spots (e.g., dust, items left under beds).
- Bathroom hygiene: Functional but dated. Grout and fixtures show age, though usually sanitized.
- Maintenance: The biggest weak point. peeling paint, worn carpets, and broken ice machines are common complaints.
- Linens & towels: Standard hotel quality. Some reports of worn or thin sheets.
- Odors & scents: Usually fresh, but old carpets can hold musty smells in some wings.
Sleepability™
6MODERATE
0-4LOUD
4-7.5MODERATE
7.5-10SILENT
- Hallway conversations and doors slamming
- Loud in-room mini-fridges
- Neighboring rooms due to poor soundproofing
Before you book
Good to know
- The 'Sweet Roll' at The Bake Shop is NOT a cinnamon roll; it's a yeasty raisin bun with lemon glaze.
- You can ride the tram for free if you have a dinner reservation at Seven Glaciers.
- Free self-parking is available but competitive; valet is ~$27/night.
What to pack
- Swimsuit (for the pool or Nordic Spa)
- Eye mask (summer sun stays up late)
- Hiking boots (trails start right at the door)
Room Genie
Best picks
- Signature Rooms on the top floor for slightly updated decor
- Mountain-facing rooms to watch the tram and avoid the parking lot view
Rooms to avoid
- Rooms near the elevator (high traffic noise)
- Parking lot view rooms (less immersive)
Room Request Genie – copy & paste
“I would appreciate a quiet room on a high floor facing the mountain/tram. If visiting in summer, please ensure a box fan is available in the room upon arrival.”
FAQ & Hidden tips
Everything you actually want to know before you book.
Is the Nordic Spa free for hotel guests?
No. Guests get priority booking, but access is a separate fee (approx. $100+ per person) and it is adults-only (18+).
Does the hotel have air conditioning?
No. Most rooms do not have AC. Windows open slightly, but it can get stuffy in July and August.
Is the hotel pet-friendly?
No. The hotel has a strict no-pet policy. Only ADA service animals are permitted.
How much is parking?
Self-parking is free but spots are limited. Valet parking is approximately $27 per night.
Is there a resort fee?
Yes, expect a resort fee of around $25 per night, which covers wifi, ski storage, and pool access.
Can I see the Northern Lights from the hotel?
Yes, in winter. The front desk offers a 'Northern Lights Wake-up Call' service so you don't miss them.
Insider Tips
- ✨
If you hike UP the North Face trail in summer, you can ride the tram DOWN for free.
- ✨
The 'Glacier Valley Transit' shuttle is free and takes you to all the best local restaurants in Girdwood.
- ✨
Ski storage is free overnight, even for non-guests, at the base.
5 things to know before you go
💡The 'Sweet Rolls' at the famous Bake Shop are controversial—locals love them, tourists expecting Cinnabon are often disappointed.
💡The hotel fire alarms have a reputation for going off in the early morning hours (false alarms are oddly common in reviews).
💡You can get an 'Aurora Wake-up Call'—ask the front desk to ring you if the Northern Lights appear.
💡The 'resort fee' covers the saltwater pool, but the pool is often crowded with kids; the serene Nordic Spa is a totally separate paid facility.
💡Dining at the hotel is significantly more expensive than the excellent options just a mile away in town.
Local Playbook
Map
See where Alyeska Resort is located and what's nearby.