A minor but very important correction should be noted - Alyeska is a Prince Hotel (as in Japan/Hawaii) and not a Princess Hotel (as in the cruise line). In fact, Alyeska Prince is very much a competitor of Kenai Princess Lodge which is just a few hours south. Alyeska is the only 4 diamond hotel in the entire state of Alaska and is quite majestic - along the lines of the Fairmont at Lake Louise in Canada. Alyeska is in Girdwood - a very fun hippie-type ski-type town about 40 miles south of Anchorage - well worth the stop for hiking up the trails on the ski mountain and to Winner Creek behind the hotel. Many people will take the tram up and hike down, but I recommend saving the $16 for the tram and hiking up (it's a very steep 2,500 vertical in 2 miles and hiking up is actually easier on the knees). Then you can enjoy the spectacular view from the top, have drinks and apps at Seven Glaciers, watch the paragliders, and ride down on the tram for free! If you go in
late August, early Sept, bring a big empty baggie and pick wild berries along the way - they're yummy! Also recommend The Bake Shop for breakfast/giant sweet rolls/soup/homemade sourdough bread and Chair Five restaurant for pizza and beer. Have fun!