The name 'Alaska' is derived from the Aleut, one of the native tribes inhabiting this region and means 'the mainland' or 'place to which the sea is directed'. With its rugged and wild glaciers, rivers and lakes, majestic mountains including America's highest peak, Mt. Mckinley, active volcanoes and kilometers of tidal shoreline, Alaska has become a sort after destination for thrill seekers, nature lovers and those with a sense of adventure.
Alaska was originally settled by people who crossed the Bering Land Bridge, a natural land bridge that existed between America and Russia during the Ice Age. It has since been eroded due to strong currents and winds. Later it was populated by the Inupiaq, Inuit and Yupik Eskimos, Aleuts and various other Native American groups. The discovery of gold at the end of the 19th century saw a huge influx of people into the area but it was the discovery of oil and natural gas that has become the trademark and mainstay of Alaska's economy. Seafood is Alaska's other main export.
Visitors to Alaska must be aware that there are very few roads built across the state and long distances between cities resulting in the main transport methods being by water and air. The state capital of Juneau is the only US capital without road access. Luckily, though, there are many luxury hotels Alaska both in the capital city as well as in the other four major cities of Anchorage, Fairbanks, Sitka and Wasilla. Hotels can be found near the airports and harbors as well as within the cities. Alaska's 17 National Parks are also well equipped with luxury hotels ranging from simple inns, lodges and self-catering chalets to plush 3 and 4-star hotels. The cabins at Denali National Park combine the charm of Alaskan cabins with the comfort of a hotel room while deep within the Park, the Denali Backcountry Lodge offers comfortably appointed cedar heated cabins each with its own private bathroom.
The best time to visit Alaska is during the long summer days between May and early September. Around the summer solace in June, when days are at their longest, up to 24 hours of daylight can be expected in the extreme north of the State which lessens gradually the further south one travels. The long freezing winter nights brings 24-hours of darkness to areas above the Arctic Circle. However the rest of the state gets some hours of daylight, albeit pale. Alaska experiences extremes of temperature with 100 degree F being recorded in summer and -80 degrees F in winter. Visitors are reminded to bring rain apparel particularly in late summer, early fall as this is the rainy season.
Many luxury hotels Alaska are perfectly situated to enable guests to take part in some of the many adventure activities. Nothing is more inviting than a warm Alaskan hotel after a day of kayaking, rafting or wildlife cruise. Anchorage is the perfect place to board a small plane and set off for a remote stream or river to fly fish for king and silver salmon, trout or grayling. These day trip include transfers from major Anchorage hotels. Hotels in Seaward on the Kenai Peninsula are ideally situated to provide easy access to fishing charters that offer some of the finest Halibut and Salmon fishing in the world. Some luxury hotels Alaska are only accessible by boat such as the Kenai Fjords Wilderness Lodge, an adventure in itself.
While there is great variation in the types of luxury hotels Alaska, the friendliness, warmth and hospitality to be found is common to all. Some hotels offer spectacular views over the Bering Sea, wooded parklands teaming with wildlife or majestic snow covered mountains. Some hotels have fabulous spas where guests can relax and unwind after a busy day exploring or sightseeing. In-room amenities include iron and ironing board, voicemail, refrigerator, microwave, coffee maker, cable TV and wireless high speed internet access while hotel facilities include indoor swimming pool, hot tub, whirlpool spa, steam room and sauna and a fitness center to mention but a few.
Dining at luxury hotels Alaska is a grand affair with great food prepared by well trained chefs. Many hotels serve a hot breakfast, buffet style with hot soup and sandwiches for lunch. Often guests choose to take a packed lunch with them on their day's exploration. At the end of the day gourmet appetizers are served followed by a wide range of evening dinners. Food is fresh, hearty and wholesome with Alaskan steak and seafood being extremely popular choices.
Business guests to luxury hotels Alaska will find modern conference centers with state-of-the-art equipment at many of the city hotels. Catering for small or large groups, with well qualified catering, planning and implementation staff, all events are guaranteed to be a success.
Alaska is like no other place on earth and nowhere is this more evident that in the variety of luxury hotels Alaska. From small lodges and cabins with only air or water access to grand city multi-storey hotels, all visitors to Alaska will find the perfect hotel to suit their requirements. Luxury Hotels Alaska provide a platform for the most exhilarating and unforgettable adventure.
