Guest Author - Kimi Ross

The Ramada Inn in downtown Anchorage has been around a long time. According to historical information provided in the guest rooms, the original hotel was having its grand opening ribbon cutting ceremony just as the 1964 Good Friday earthquake hit Anchorage. As with the rest of Anchorage, the damage to the then new hotel was extensive. However, it managed to survive as a business and in 2002 was remodeled and refurbished to become the Ramada Inn Anchorage Downtown.

The historical aspect of the hotel is noted in sepia toned photos from the early 1900’s displayed in the rooms. Halls are lined with wood carvings of salmon, puffins, halibut and bears created by local artists. While the room I stayed in was small (it is fine for a single or couple, but too small for a family with children), it was clean and comfortable. The hotel does have larger suites available. Though it is obvious that the hotel is an older structure, the management has done a nice job updating the fixtures and furnishings for a more modern feel. I was pleasantly surprised at how quiet the room was. Despite the full parking lot, and the rough-looking characters I noted entering the hotel with several cases of beer, I felt insulated from the rest of Anchorage. Morning rush hour traffic was audible, but tolerable.

In room amenities include a small refrigerator (adequate for holding drinks, but not much else), microwave, coffee maker, hair dryer, and iron/ironing board. Free wireless internet is available in all the rooms. Despite being on the third floor at the end of the building during my recent stay, the signal strength was excellent and I had no difficulty connecting. For those traveling without computers, but who may want to check email, a small business center with two computers and a printer is located on the first floor. A fitness center is also available.

While the Ramada Inn’s location on the north end of 3rd Ave is not in the heart of downtown, it is within easy walking distance of shops and restaurants. Information provided in the hotel binder includes menus for several local restaurants, including Japanese, Mexican, a deli/café, and several “fine dining” venues (Sullivan’s Steakhouse, Glacier Brewhouse and ORSO). There are also menus for local restaurants that provide free delivery with a minimum order. While there is plenty of free parking at the hotel, downtown parking is often difficult to find during the tourist season, so providing information on local restaurants, many within walking distance, is helpful. In addition, complimentary shuttle service to the airport, Egan Convention Center and the Alaska Railroad Depot are available.

A complimentary continental breakfast is available from 6-10 a.m. A do-it-yourself waffle bar includes strawberries and whipped cream in addition to the more standard maple syrup. Biscuits and gravy (good flavor, but repulsively lukewarm to cool), hard-boiled eggs, and assortment of cereals (including granola), yogurt, fresh fruit (apples and oranges), bagels, toast and muffins round out the selection. Hot coffee, both regular and decaf, as well as hot water for tea (a half a dozen Tazo tea selections are available) or cocoa, milk and an assortment of juices provide plenty of beverage choice to wash down your breakfast.

The one negative aspect was that the television had no closed captioning available – or rather, that option was not accessible to guests. Though I asked about it at the front desk, the individual on duty didn’t appear to know anything about it. I would therefore caution travelers with special needs to call ahead if interested in staying here; despite ADA regulations, some accommodations are staffed with more knowledgeable people than others and are therefore more user friendly.

During the off season (roughly Labor Day to Memorial Day), the Ramada Inn is a reasonably priced hotel in downtown Anchorage with rates ranging from $90-200 (I stayed in one of the low priced rooms). In the summer, however, those same rooms range from $200-$250 – average for downtown Anchorage, but not necessarily a bargain. While in a convenient location if you want to explore downtown Anchorage, there are less expensive accommodations for those just needing to overnight on their way to someplace else.

Overall, I had a good stay. The staff were genuinely friendly and seemed to enjoy their jobs. The accommodations were clean and comfortable. The continental breakfast provided a variety of options. Though it probably wouldn’t be my first choice of accommodations in Anchorage, it is definitely a good alternative if the price is right.