After I spent all morning researching the Aleyska resort that Masaki suggested, Mark came in and I had him read the part of this message about the train ride. He said "how cool!" which was the last thing I expected him to say.
So now I have no idea if I want to stay at Denali or Alyeska.
Here is some of the research for the Alyeska resort.
Description of Location:
Anchorage 37m southeast. Resort in mountains.
Overview:
Alyeska prince hotel and resort are alaskas only aaa four diamond accommodations.
60 person aerial tram departs directly from skiers concourse which is attached to property and travels 2300 feet to glacier express facility atop mount alyeska.
Interior of hotel is warm and inviting boasting over one million board feet of cherry wood panelling throughout. There are immense stone fireplaces leather couches and woolen carpets. Floor to ceiling windows of fireside lobby and grand staircase offer unobstructed views of north face of mount alyeska. Open beams and cathedral ceilings accent our swimming pool and fitness center. Relax and enjoy!
Here are just few of amenities guests are invited to enjoy at only 4 diamond property in alaska: activities include midnight sun golfing 60 person aerial tram hiking gold panning fishing bicycling kayaking canoeing rafting horse drawn carriage rides flightseeing alpine skiing snowboarding snowshoeing nordic skiing dog sledding snow mobiling rentals taking train to denali national park year round glacier and wildlife cruises and complete fitness center with an indoor lap pool weight room sauna and 16 person whirlpool.
Every guestroom has view. There are seven glaciers that hang above hotel including one tucked into alyeskas own glacial bowl. Guests can view ocean waterway known as turnagain arm and kenai range of mountains opposite girdwood valley. Travelers coming from cruise ship port town of seward will find alyeska resort an easy solution to pre or post night stay. Though 35 miles south of anchorage alyeska resort is an easy drive with unlimited picture stops along scenic seward highway which has an all american highway designation. National geographic magazine calls it one of top ten drives in north america .
Numerous hiking and biking trails
River rafting and fishing
Mountain hiking, climbing and berry picking
Ocean glacier and wildlife cruises
A nearby 18 hole golf course
with tee times as late as 10 pm
View from resort:
![[Linked Image]](http://www.alaskaunusual.com/Lodges/Alyeska/lobby.jpg)