Anchorage- HIE or Crowne Plaza?

[edvanp]

I can get a free night at either the Holiday Inn Express or the Crowne Plaza in Anchorage. Has anyone stayed at both and can recommend one over the other? Reviews on most travel sites have them ranked fairly equal. We'll be there in September for a one night stay. Considering renting a car and taking in some sights since we arrive at 1pm on a Friday and the Ship doesn't depart until 8:30pm on Saturday from Whittier. Thanks

[frugaltravel]

Crowne Plaza is an upscale Holiday Inn. Holiday Inn Express is a downscale Holiday Inn. One usually comes with free breakfast, the other not. Depends partly on the experience you want. Locations are different too, though that is not a big issue since Anchorage is not that big.

[AKman2495]

Both are chain hotels. HIE is close to the airport. Crowne Plaza is in midtown.

 

If you have a car neither location will be a problem, but I would prefer not to be too close to the airport. You, otoh might like watching the float planes taking off on lake hood. HIE is near the lake.

[edvanp]

Any good places to eat or have a beer within walking distance of the Crowne Plaza?

[AKStafford]

Any good places to eat or have a beer within walking distance of the Crowne Plaza?

Lonestar Steakhouse, TGI Fridays, Cattle Company, Applebees and Golden Corral are all within walking distance of the Crowne Plaza. And Sea Galley, Pepper Mill and Gilligan's is just a little further down.

[AkSusan]

Any good places to eat or have a beer within walking distance of the Crowne Plaza?

Just down International - Guido's Pizza and Dish (sushi - got great tempura and saki martinis)

 

Susan in Anchorage :)