The grand old lady and other Juneau, AK Hotel/Accommodation Reviews

Have stayed many times at the Baranof the past 13 years. The common areas are it's best feature. In the bar, you catch a bite to eat until 10 PM. During the legislative session (Jan-May), you very likely to be sitting next to a either a legislator or a lobbyist. The Gold Room restaurant has great food, a well stocked wine list and nice atmosphere.

Where the Baranof falls short is in their rooms. Attempts have been made to modernize the ammenities over the years, but the rooms are small, the bathrooms tiny, and the walls are paper thin. Every snore, throat clearing, and phone conversation sounds as if they are in your room! The last time I stayed here (April 05) some remodeling was starting. If they can fix up their rooms better, I would make them my first choice.

If you are on a lower floor, ask for the mountain facing side to avoid the street noise, especially when the bars close.

UPDATE: Found out from a lobbyist friend that if you ask for the 9th floor and pay the extra $30 you can get a junior suite, which is really more like a large room, but completely remodeled and sound proofed and with a great view. I just called to make a reservation for next February and sure enough - it worked. But seeing is believing.

Another Tip: None of the downtown hotels have shuttle service to/from the airport. If you aren't renting a car ask the folks around you on the flight or wait until you are at baggage claim and share a cab. Runs about $20 one way. I don't rent when on business because everything I need is within walking distance.

Unique Qualities: If you're planning a stay at the Baranof, try and get a room on the 7th thru 9th floor with a water view. Anything above the 4th floor works, really. Fantastic views of the Gastineau Channel and Douglas Island.

The Gold Room is perhaps the only formal restaurant in Juneau. It is spendy, but if you stay at the hotel ask the front desk for a coupon. Don't be proud now - 20% off is worth a little humility!

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Theme: Hotel
Comparison: about average
Prices: US$80-120  » Currency Converter
Phone: 907-586-2660
Address: 127 North Franklin Street
Directions: On Franklin, two blocks down the hill from the capitol. If you are coming up Franklion, then about halfway up the hill.

The Goldbelt has the best rooms in downtown Juneau. Well appointed, with good heating and air conditioning, their large rooms are so much better than the Baranof. The public areas are rather plain, but clean, with some nice Tlingit work on the walls.

Rather than eating in their restaurant - walk across the street to the Hanger or Doc Waters. Both restaurants are over the water and with much better food and atmosphere than the Gold Belt. Same goes for the bar - so many more to choose from within walking distance.

I just had a cousin call that wasn't impressed with her stay here after I recommended it. She called it similar to a low end Holiday Inn. Keep in mind - this ain't Hong Kong or Bangkok. Hotels are much more functional here. The attraction to Alaska is outdoors! (I didn't tell her that!)

Unique Qualities: The view from the water side is great from all floors - the higher the better.

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Theme: Hotel
Comparison: about average
Prices: US$80-120  » Currency Converter
Address: 51 Egan Dr, Juneau, AK 99801
Directions: Located downtown on Egan, the main sreet of Juneau.

I've stayed at the Prospector twice in the past 14 years, once ten years ago and once in 2005. The first stay was not pleasant as the place was old and run down and dirty. It was a whole new hotel in 2005 when we went down to Juneau for Thanksgiving with our daughter. The outside still doesn't look like much, but the interior decor has been completely renovated.

We had a one bedroom suite on the 3rd floor overlooking Gastineau Channel. Well equipped kitchen, comfortable furnishings, a great view, and HS wireless internet connection (one of the first in Juneau). The location is just far enough from the Capitol that it makes for a chilly walk in the winter, but that also means it is away from the cruise crowds in the summer - a major plus.

The attached restaurant/bar, TK Maguire's, serves solid food similar to TGI Fridays. Next door is the Alaska Museum and Centenial Hall - the convention center.

So for downtown Juneau, my first choice is still the Goldbelt. The Prospector and the Baranof are tied for second in my mind. Prospector has nicer rooms, the Baranof has great public areas.


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Theme: Hotel
Comparison: about average
Prices: US$120-180  » Currency Converter
Phone: 907-586-3737
Address: 375 Whittier St, Juneau, AK 99801