We stayed at the Alyeska Resort for 4 nights last June before our cruise. We were with a company group. Its location is gorgeous, surrounded by ice capped mountains. Our room was on a lower floor and we didn't have a mountain view, but I would think it would be very nice.

We didn't spend too much time there since we were on excursions everyday. It has a modern Asian motif. To me, the lobby is kind of dark - all the wood is very dark red. It is a very nice hotel, but it doesnt' have that typical "Lodge" feel, that you are so used to seeing.

It is about 30 minutes south of Anchorage and not too far from Whittier ? - I really can't remember. There is not much to the town itself. It is very small with maybe a cafe?? A couple of artsy shops and that is all.

It is not located "close" to a lot of sights per se. But you could hang out there for a couple days. We had dinner one night at the restaurant up on the top of the hill. It was very good! Can't remember what we had, but we enjoyed the views from up there and we liked the food and service.

I have read that Talkeetna Lodge is nice. Perhaps you could stay there one night on the way to or from Denali. Just a thought. We didn't got to Denali. Maybe next time.

The Kenai Peninsula wildlife cruises are highly recommended - the ones out of Seward. Again, that didn't fit into our schedule last time - darn.