Guest Author - Kimi Ross
Hawthorne Suites is located on the western edge of downtown Anchorage, within walking distance of the Tony Knowles Coastal Trail. Tucked, as it is, off the main thoroughfare, it is a quiet retreat in a convenient location.
The hotel has a large parking lot for those traveling with their own vehicles. It also provides free 24 hr shuttle service to both the airport and the Alaska Railroad Depot. It is within walking distance (less than a mile) of a number of downtown shops and restaurants as well as the Anchorage Museum of History and Art.
True to its name, the rooms are mini suites, with a working or living area than can be closed off from the bed and bath area. While neither area is what I would consider spacious, the layout does provide adequate room for a party of two or three adults or a family with a couple of children. In room amenities also include microwave, small refrigerator, in room safe (extra charges apply), two televisions (one in the living area and one in the bedroom – no arguing with the kids about what to watch!), coffee maker, hair dryer, and ironing board/iron. I was pleasantly surprised by the firm mattresses; the in room thermostat kept the room at a comfortable temperature without the loud roar of a fan I often find in hotels. The room was clean and comfortable. I enjoyed the extra hot shower and thick bath towels, as well as the real coffee mugs and glasses (not paper or plastic) provided.
The free continental breakfast was wonderful, offering hot choices as well as more traditional continental fare. Scrambled eggs, potatoes, link sausages, and do-it-yourself waffles with strawberries and/or maple syrup were among the choices. Also included was fresh fruit, juice, instant oatmeal, cold cereal and an assortment of muffins and pastries. Real plates and silverware are used and the breakfast room attendants will remove then from the table when one is finished eating. The deluxe hot breakfast is available from 6-9 am, while the cold items can be obtained as early as 5:30 am. For those who miss the normal breakfast hours, an espresso bar is available throughout the day and has a variety of snack items as well as coffee and tea beverages.
Additional hotel amenities include free wireless internet throughout the hotel, in room data ports, a fitness center and an indoor heated pool. Laundry and dry cleaning service are available, as are fax and copy services. The entire hotel is a non-smoking facility.
Room rates vary with the season. In the off season, which runs approximately from Labor Day to Memorial Day, one can get a room for about $120 plus tax which is on the high average side for Anchorage in the off season. During the tourist season, however, rates are nearly double that, at $230 plus tax. There are, however, no extra fees for parties with more than two adults, so it can still be a reasonable rate for those willing to double up in the rooms. Room options include two queens (6 people max) or a king (5 people max).
Overall, I was pleased with my stay at the Hawthorn. The quiet location, clean and comfortable room, and full breakfast were definitely worth the cost of the overnight stay.
