Anchorage's Diamond in the Rough: Unbelievable Hotel Deals!
Diamond in the Rough? Or Just Rough? An Honest Review of Anchorage's "Unbelievable" Hotel Deals!
Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because I'm fresh off the plane (well, the virtual plane, after booking a stay through the "Unbelievable Hotel Deals" in Anchorage) and ready to dish the dirt, the good, the bad, and the truly questionable regarding this mystery hotel. Honestly? The "Unbelievable" part had me skeptical from the get-go. But hey, gotta chase those bargains, right? Let's dive in.
(SEO & Metadata Alert! Here's the start of the keyword sprinkling - buckle up for more! Keywords: Anchorage Hotel, Hotel Deals, Wheelchair Accessible, Restaurant, Spa, Fitness Center, Free Wi-Fi, Airport Transfer, Non-Smoking Rooms, Family Friendly, Cleanliness, Diamond in the Rough Review)
Getting There & The Initial Impression (Messy, Just Like Life):
Landing in Anchorage, the promise of a sweet deal had me buzzing. The airport transfer (a key perk, right?) was…well, it happened. No complaints, but nothing sparkling. Just a slightly grumpy-looking driver and a van that smelled faintly of stale coffee and… let’s just say, “previous passengers.” First impressions, people! And this one was a solid "meh".
Accessibility: The Good… and the Sketchy:
Now, before I get too carried away, let's talk accessibility. This is crucial. The website vaguely mentioned "Facilities for disabled guests," which, in my experience, can mean anything from a ramp to a prayer. I'm happy to report (and this is a genuine plus) that the main entrance was definitely wheelchair accessible. Hallelujah! Plus, the elevator worked. (Another win!) There was decent CCTV in Common Areas and CCTV outside the property, which felt reassuring. However, the details on room accessibility became a bit of a scavenger hunt. They did offer Facilities for disabled guests, but more specific information was thin on the ground. Room sizes? Bathrooms? I'd recommend calling and getting the nitty-gritty details.
(SEO Keyword Bomb: Wheelchair Accessible Hotel Anchorage, Accessible Rooms, Disabled Guests Anchorage)
Cleanliness and Safety: The Sanitizer is Your Friend:
Look, in the current climate, Cleanliness and safety is paramount. I'm a total germaphobe (especially after that airport transfer), so I was all ears. The hotel claimed to use Anti-viral cleaning products, which is reassuring. They had Hand sanitizer everywhere, which is a definite thumbs up. And they said they have Breakfast in room! (Didn’t get to try that, sadly). They also had Daily disinfection in common areas and Rooms sanitized between stays, and Professional-grade sanitizing services, But did it feel clean? That’s the real question. The lobby was okay. But that little corner by the elevator? I'm pretty sure I saw a rogue dust bunny plotting world domination. My room… well, I brought my own wipes. (Pro tip: always bring wipes.) On a positive note, there was a First aid kit in the room and Fire extinguisher and Smoke alarms in the hallway, which is always a good thing. They also had Safety/security feature in the rooms.
(SEO Keywords: Clean Anchorage Hotel, Safety, Anti-viral Cleaning, Sanitized Rooms.)
Rooms: More "Rough" Than "Diamond," Initially.
Alright, let’s be frank. My room…it felt like it hadn’t been updated since the late 90s. The carpeting was that beige that absorbs every stain known to humankind. The furniture had seen better days. The TV was tiny. But…let’s look at the positives. (I’m trying to be optimistic here!). They did have Air conditioning (crucial in the Alaskan summer, right? RIGHT?!), a desk to work at, and a refrigerator. There was also a Free Wi-Fi!! And no, I'm not kidding! It was Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! And, blessedly, there was a Window that opens! The most surprising thing? A Sofa that didn’t look too ancient. Honestly, without this experience, I wouldn’t have a story to tell, so I guess it's not that bad.
(SEO Keywords: Anchorage Hotel Room, Non-Smoking Rooms, Room Amenities, Wi-Fi Free)
The Wi-Fi Saga: From Free to Frustrating (and Back Again!)
Let’s talk Internet. Specifically, the Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! Hallelujah! And it was… intermittent. Like a grumpy polar bear on a bad day. Sometimes blazing fast. Sometimes… dial-up slow. I needed to work. I rely on the Internet. Eventually, I gave up on the Wi-Fi entirely and just used my hotspot. Good job me, they should’ve paid me for this review.
(SEO Keywords: Free Wi-Fi Hotel, Internet Anchorage)
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: A Foodie’s Nightmare (Probably):
The Dining scene at this place? Well, let's just say, it wasn't the highlight. The hotel boasted Restaurants and a Bar, but I’m not entirely sure they delivered on the promise. They had a Coffee/tea in restaurant which I did see, the menu made me consider the Coffee shop as a viable option. They have Asian breakfast and Asian cuisine in restaurant also. The Breakfast [buffet was passable, but seemed suspiciously like it had been sitting out since the Clinton administration. The Poolside bar looked inviting in the brochures, which is good because I didn't get to go there. They did have a Snack bar.
(SEO Keywords: Anchorage Restaurant, Hotel Bar, Breakfast Buffet, Dining)
Amenities: The Spa, Fitness, and Pool, OH MY! (Or Not…)
This is where things get… interesting. The website promised a whole host of amenities: a Fitness center, Spa, Swimming pool, Sauna, Steamroom, and even a Pool with view. Did I get to experience all this gloriousness? Well…let’s just say, I had to check in a few times. Turns out, the Spa was “under renovation.” The Swimming pool looked suspiciously cloudy and closed. And the Fitness center? More like a sad little closet with a treadmill that looked like it might start smoking at any moment. It sounded nice, though, on paper.
(SEO Keywords: Anchorage Hotel Spa, Fitness Center, Pool, Sauna)
Ways to Relax… Ha!
They did have a Sauna! And a Steamroom! (Did I mention that they were closed?) I did not get to try the Body scrub, or the Body wrap, or the Hydro therapy! I should’ve asked them to pay me in time travel. It's fine! I'm fine!
(SEO Keywords: Relax Anchorage, Spa, Sauna, Steamroom)
Services and Conveniences: The Savior of the Stay?
Okay, here's some good news. Despite the…ahem…quirks, the hotel offered a decent array of Services and conveniences. There was Daily housekeeping, and the staff were friendly enough. I didn't use them, but they offered Laundry service and Dry cleaning. They had Concierge service, which, thankfully, knew more than the Wi-Fi. They also had Luggage storage; always a plus. The Elevator worked. So… small wins!
(SEO Keywords: Anchorage Hotel Services, Dry Cleaning, Luggage Storage)
For the Kids… and the Rest of Us:
Didn't travel with kids, but I did see a few families. The hotel claimed to be Family/child friendly. They said something about Kids facilities and a Babysitting service, but the details were… vague.
(SEO Keywords: Family Friendly Hotel Anchorage)
Getting Around: Airport Transfers & Beyond
As mentioned, the Airport transfer happened. Beyond that, they had Car park [free of charge], which is always a bonus. They did not have bicycle parking. There was also a Taxi service, and Valet parking.
(SEO Keywords: Anchorage Airport Transfer, Free Parking Hotel)
Overall Impression: Diamond in the Rough… or Just the Rough?
So, the million-dollar question: Would I stay here again? If the price was truly "unbelievable," and I really needed a cheap place to crash for a night, maybe. But be warned – manage your expectations. This hotel has potential, but it’s definitely a work in progress. It’s more "rough" than "diamond," and
Escape to Houston's Hidden Gem: La Quinta Inn & Suites Humble
Alright, buckle up buttercups, 'cause we're about to embark on a whirlwind tour of the Diamond Center Hotel in Anchorage, Alaska. Let me just say: I'm ridiculously excited, and also, secretly, terrified of bears. Okay, here we go:
Day 1: Arrival & Mild Panic
- 1:00 PM: Arrive at Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport (ANC). Okay, first hurdle: the airport is HUGE. Seriously, the baggage claim felt like a marathon just to get to. And the baggage carousel… circling… circling… where's my damn suitcase?! Deep breaths. Found it. Phew.
- 1:30 PM: Uber to the Diamond Center Hotel. The driver, this grizzled guy named Earl, kept telling me about the "good old days" of Anchorage. Apparently, it involved a lot more gold panning and a whole lot fewer high-rise buildings. I love a good local yarn, but honestly, was half-listening, half-panicking about the sheer vastness of everything.
- 2:00 PM: Check-in. The front desk lady, bless her heart, was so Alaska-friendly and helpful. Gave me a room on the 7th floor. The room… well, it's a room. Clean? Yes. Breathtaking panoramic views of the Chugach Mountains? Not so much. More like a view of the parking lot. But, hey, I'm here to experience Alaska, not the hotel room. (Famous last words, right?)
- 3:00 PM: Snack attack! Hit the hotel's little convenience store. Grabbed a pre-packaged sandwich that looked suspiciously like it had been there since last season. Ate it anyway. Survival of the fittest, baby.
- 3:30 PM: Stroll around the Diamond Mall, which is practically connected to the hotel. Ok, honestly, I was expecting a bit more "Alaskan charm" and a little bit less "generic mall." But I managed to find a decent coffee shop and a bookstore. SCORE!!!
- 5:00 PM: Dinner at the hotel's restaurant. I tried the halibut, because when in Alaska, right? It was… fine. Not mind-blowing, but filled my belly. The ambiance of the restaurant was a bit… bland, like a corporate meeting room. But the service was friendly, which always makes a difference.
- 7:00 PM: Unpack, make my bed, and then proceed to spend an hour organizing my suitcase. My life.
- 8:00 PM: Decide to stay in for the night. Watched a cheesy movie on TV and ended up falling asleep at 10 PM. Yes, I'm already in bed.
- 11:00 PM: Woke up because I heard a noise. Someone was knocking on my door and I thought, it's a bear!!! I peeked through the peephole. No bear. Just some maintenance guy. I went back to sleep.
Day 2: Anchorage & the Grand Illusion
- 7:00 AM: Wake up and drink the free hotel coffee. I am sure that this coffee is from last season, I like it.
- 8:00 AM: Breakfast at the hotel's buffet. Oh god, a buffet. I may or may not have eaten three plates of scrambled eggs. Don't judge me.
- 9:00 AM: Walk downtown Anchorage. This is where things get more interesting. I loved it! I went to the Anchorage Museum and then went to see the Ship Creek.
- 12:00 PM: Lunch at a local diner (recommendation from Earl!). Had a burger. Was good.
- 1:30 PM: Driving the scenic route to see the mountains.
- 4:00 PM: Back at the hotel. Relaxed.
- 6:00 PM: I went to the bar I ordered a beer. The bartender was a super friendly dude.
- 7:00 PM: Had dinner at the buffet (yes, again).
- 8:00 PM: Watched some TV.
- 9:00 PM: I wanted to watch the TV
- 10:00 PM: I slept. The next day was great.
Day 3: Reflection & Ready to Leave
- 7:00 AM: Wake up, had some coffee.
- 8:00 AM: Breakfast at the hotel.
- 9:00 AM: I went to the library and read for some hours.
- 12:00 PM: Lunch at a local restaurant.
- 1:00 PM: I had a massage, that was awesome.
- 3:00 PM: I decided to walk around for some hours, walking on the mall.
- 5:00 PM: I was ready to leave.
- 6:00 PM: Last dinner at the buffet.
- 7:00 PM: Packing for the flight.
- 8:00 PM: Checking out.
- 9:00 PM: Headed to the airport.
And that, my friends, is basically my Alaska. Am I transformed? Maybe. Am I a rugged outdoorswoman? Absolutely not. Did I eat a lot of food? Yes. Did I see some cool things? Definitely. Would I come back? Absolutely.
Final Thoughts:
The Diamond Center Hotel: It's a solid basecamp. Not fancy, not glamorous, but it gets the job done. Remember, the real magic of Alaska isn't locked in the hotel room. It's out there, waiting to be discovered. And I'm glad I saw it.
Now, to head home and start planning the next one!
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Anchorage's Diamond in the Rough: Unbelievable Hotel Deals! - Or Is It...? Let's Rumble!
Okay, so... what *is* this "Diamond in the Rough" thing even all about? Sounds fishy.
Alright, alright, I get it. "Diamond in the Rough" screams late-night infomercial, right? And honestly, sometimes it kinda feels like that. Basically, it's this website – I stumbled on it, desperate for a cheap place to crash in Anchorage last summer – that claims to have INSANE hotel deals. Like, "luxury hotels for the price of a Motel 6" kind of deals. They're talking HUGE discounts.
The catch, and there's always a catch, is that you often don't know *exactly* which hotel you're getting until, like, the day before. It could be one of a few properties. You provide your star rating preference and the geographic area you want, and they give you a list of potential hotels. The *promise* is that it's a really, REALLY good deal. And for some people, it is.
Personally? I'm a control freak. But, I was also broke. So... let's just say I learned a thing or two.
What kind of hotels are we talking about? Like, are we talking 'haunted Holiday Inn' or actual, like, decent places?
Okay, this is where things get… nuanced. They *say* they have a range. I definitely saw options that ranged from, let's call them "budget-conscious but clean" to ones that were actually pretty swanky. You choose your star rating, so you're *supposed* to get what you pay for. Supposed to. Let's just say that one time, I got a "four-star" hotel... that had a view of a dumpster. A *very* close-up view of a dumpster. And the breakfast buffet? Well, let's just say the word "buffet" felt generous.
But then! (And this is where I have to give them *some* credit) I booked a different time and stayed somewhere actually nice, a place with a legit spa. The price? Practically criminal! So... yeah. It's a gamble. A slightly stressful, but possibly rewarding, gamble.
How do you actually *book* a room through this thing? Sounds complicated.
Nope, not too complicated, actually. You hop onto their website (or app, I think they have one now – never bothered, TBH). You plug in your dates, the number of guests, and your desired star rating. They also, importantly, ask for the general area you'd like to be in. Downtown? Airport? Near the mall? This is *crucial*, by the way. Seriously, think carefully about the area, because that's the only thing that's going to somewhat control your destiny. Then, you pay, and you wait…
And you *wait*... and you *wait*... and you check your email like a crazy person. You get the hotel name a day or two before your stay. The suspense? It's killer. I was refreshing my email *constantly* for a whole week. I think I aged five years during that process.
So, what happens *if* you hate the hotel they give you? Are you just SOL?
This is the biggest, most infuriating, and possibly most important question. And the answer, unfortunately, is... it depends. Their policy *claims* you can contact them, and they'll "try" to help. But in my experience? Your mileage *will* vary.
I've heard horror stories. People stuck in literal dumps. And yes, I did have a less-than-stellar experience once, too! I was pretty bummed. I tried contacting customer service. I spent, like, an hour on hold listing to hold music. Ultimately, it was a wash. They weren't particularly helpful. I wrote a strongly worded review (which, strangely, they *did* put up on their website).
But here's the thing: it's the price you pay (literally!) for the discount. If you're a high-maintenance traveler, or if you have very specific needs? Forget it. This isn't for you. If you're willing to roll the dice (and maybe bring your own pillow) you might get lucky.
Any tips for surviving this "Diamond in the Rough" experience? Because I'm already getting anxiety.
Oh honey, you *should* get anxiety. It's part of the charm! Okay, here is what you NEED to do.
- Read the reviews on *everything*. Not just the site itself; google reviews for the *hotels you're *thinking* you might get*. This will save you.
- Be flexible. If you're super picky about location, this is a no-go. You will get what you're given.
- Pack essentials. Seriously, bring your own soap, shampoo, maybe a Febreeze? You never know.
- Manage your expectations. Remember: it's a *deal*. It's not the Ritz.
- Consider where you really want to be! I got burned once because I wanted "close to downtown." Then the hotel was just off the main highway, and I felt pretty vulnerable.
- Take pictures of everything! If things go sideways, evidence is your friend. Trust me.
And honestly... pray. Seriously. Cross your fingers, say a little prayer to the hotel gods.
You mentioned a "dumpster view." Tell me *everything.*
Okay, fine. Brace yourselves. It was a "four-star" hotel, supposedly. Downtown. Sounded great, right? I envisioned a fancy room, maybe a nice view of the mountains. Nope. We're talking a room overlooking a loading dock and the aforementioned dumpster. I mean, I could practically smell the trash. The view was so bad, it was *impressive* in its awfulness. I think it even had a little colony of seagulls on top.
The room itself was… fine, I guess. Clean(ish). The air conditioning was on full blast, which I couldn't adjust. The bed was *okay*. But every time I looked out the window, my spirit plummeted. The breakfast buffet… let’s just say it involved stale bread and questionable coffee. It was the kind of breakfast that made you question all of your life choices. That experience nearly broke me.
I complained, of course (see above). Nothing. The worst part? I'd paid next to *nothing* for the room! So, you know, I just had to laugh. Eventually. It’s a cautionary tale, a reminder that sometimes, in the quest for a bargain, you end up with a dumpster fire view. I'm still traumatized. I now ask for an upper floor room, when booking anywhere with a hotel. Lesson learned.
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