Just finished a 3-night stay at the Sheraton Anchorage for the 4th of July weekend.

My 2nd time in ANC, though my family's first. I haven't stayed at the Hilton/Marriot/Captain Cook, so I can't compare, though I was very pleased with the Sheraton Anchorage given the choices that were available.

As an SPG Gold, we were upgraded to the last junior suite available (had to ask), even though we checked-in close to 1am. We booked club level to start with, but breakfast vouchers for the restaurant were given for all three of us. Nice touch! We were given breakfast vouchers for each night of our stay. Very, very nice of them. YMMV, as always.

The buffet breakfast is nothing really to write home about, though I believe you can use the vouchers to order off the menu, which we didn't realize until we were checking out.

The buffet breakfast has pastries, toast, reindeer sausage/link sausage, an omelette bar (fantastic veggie egg white omelette!), made-to-order waffles, bacon (inconsistent, crispy one day and way too soggy the next), fruit (cantaloupe, watermelon, honeydew, pineapple), hard-boiled eggs, scrambled eggs, biscuits & gravy, milk & cereal breakfast potatoes.

Food quality is not amazing (I would not pay $20 for this breakfast buffet), though does the job and I appreciated all the fresh fruit and omelette bar options. Coffee and orange juice are automatically provided to buffet guests.

Our junior suite was on a higher floor, facing the sound (not the side of the cemetery). I found the hotel itself to be actually nicely furnished and on-par with most mid-level Sheratons I've stayed at. Not in the best location, as it's further from downtown, but at most it would add 5 minutes to your walk. The view from higher floors is SPECTACULAR. You can see everything. Loved the views over the mountains and over the ocean, as well as the amazing, drawn out Anchorage sunsets.

The suite wasn't really a suite--the bathroom is the same normal size bathroom (with a straight-edged tub and a curved shower rod, water spills everywhere!), though the room is just bigger. It was perfect for the three of us though, and we enjoyed the extra space immensely. I should say, though, the sofa was dirty and there were a few brown spots on the cushions, though we removed them and just used the sofabed with new linens. The in-room fridge was nice as well.

I saw the cemetery on one side and didn't really find it a big deal, though I guess that's a personal thing.

Club lounge was horribly crowded during happy hour and breakfast. We didn't take breakfast in the lounge since we ate in the restaurant. Lounge breakfast was scrambled eggs, sausage, bacon, oatmeal, and then your standard cold items (pastries, toast, cereal, fruit). The espresso machine in there, unfortunately doesn't actually produce espresso, just coffee. I feel like if we didn't eat in the restaurant the lounge would still get the job done.

The lounge seems big, though fills up quickly and the food-service area gets very crowded very quickly as well. This was a busy, busy weekend for them evidently.

Evening appetizers consisted of reindeer sausage puff pastries (horribly greasy), and some crackers/cheese and crudite. No alcoholic drinks, though my dad did like the rarer Diet Dr. Pepper. It seems like the snacks are only restocked after each service and run out pretty quickly since it was a busy weekend. Snacks were granola bars and Frito Lay chip products, and were handy for us since we were out all day and it was nice to grab a few to stave off hunger.

We parked on the sidewalk right next to the paid parking lot, and we could see the car from our room, which was nice. Paid parking is $12/night for hotel guests I believe (or maybe $10?). It was a weekend so street parking was free.

Fitness room is small as well, but also gets the job done. On the 4th of July, the hotel opened the Summit Room (15th floor event space) and allowed guests to watch fireworks from there. Nothing was provided but it was midnight so all of us were pretty tired.

We did not find a fault in the service; I thought everyone was friendly and very warm and welcoming, save for two front desk employees late our second night, when I went down to exchange my $5 Green voucher for Starpoints instead. Very complacent employees there, though I only saw them one night. Otherwise all our requests (extra linens, toiletries, etc.) were fulfilled quickly and in a friendly way. Can't ask for much else.

We didn't try the spa, so no comment on that.

As a travel-industry employee, I received a good rate, though it seemed like going rates were pretty high ($300+/night).

I would definitely return to the Sheraton if I were to visit Anchorage again. My parents enjoyed the stay as well.

The latest is that hotel management have been found in violation of the National Labor Relations Act and an active boycott continues:

http://www.unitehere878.org/tag/sheraton-anchorage/

I suggest reconsidering your plans to stay at this property.

Staying here now, for 4 nights - well into my 2nd day now, and very dissappointed. What a dump! The whole hotel is in dire need of total renovation - everything: the rooms, the lobby, the doors, the elevators, etc, etc, etc.

The doors are paperthin, can hear EVERYTHING from the hall. Can even hear a baby screaming from a room far down the opposite end of the hall. Awful!

Like others have reported - no platinum recognition, did not ask me about my welcome amenity, no upgrade was offered, etc, etc. I checked SPG in advance and there were no suites available, only traditional rooms, deluxe rooms and club rooms. However, I was assigned to a traditional room, then I asked why, cause there were club rooms available - only then she assigned me to a club room. I suppose club room is only on a higher floor.

The bathroom is so small that you need to close the door in order to sit on the WC. There were no Bliss Sheraton handsoap, only one generic branded soap - small retangular one, like you'll find in Super8.

I thought Sheraton were fullservice hotels, but not Sheraton Anchorage. Every F&B outlet in the hotel close at 11PM sharp! The bar, the restaurant and even the room service close at 11PM. Want food after 11PM? Forget it! There are no minibar in the room either.

The location is just about okey, but Hilton is far better situated, in the middle of the main drag. Sheraton is on the far end of downtown.

Didn't have much interaction with the staff yet, so can not comment on that.

No pool

Not worth 300 USD, which seem to be the normal price here during summer, at all! Never again - next time I am going to try the Hilton (even though that also seem to be a tired hotel).

I've stayed here several times over the years but stopped after my last stay about 2 years ago. The staff, especially the manager on duty, were extremely rude to me. And the property was just NOT up to par. I stayed one night in which I slept very little b/c of the bad AC, and extreme noise from a group down the hall. I was NOT upgraded and I don't even recall them having a club, though it's been awhile.

For anyone going to Anchorage, I don't know much about this boycott but I tend to believe it's for good reason. I gave this property too many chances and the Sheraton NAME is the only thing Starwood about this place.

If you can stay elsewhere, try Captain Cook. I've had excellent stays and the staff CARES. On my 1st stay they actually let me stay for FREE an additional 8 hours! I had an odd-timed flight and I expected to be charged for 2 nights. The gentleman checking me out decided that to charge me for a full night was silly as I was leaving late at night, and just charged me for 1 night, not 2. I'll NEVER forget that.

We all want to stay with Starwood and normally I wouldn't jump ship, but they need to shape up or ship out! There's so much wrong there that I can't even list it all but I did have a friend stay with me who was shocked at the hotel. She had expected a Sheraton to be nice, at least worthy of the name. When we moved to Captain Cook, we were both relieved.

Most importantly- this hotel cost triple what it was worth on my last stay which was in November several years ago. We got a suite at CC for LESS than the amount my traditional room cost at Sheraton. And at CC the staff couldn't do enough for us!

I hate saying anything bad about Starwood hotels. I am a Plat and Lifetime Gold. This time next year I'll be Lifetime Plat. I love Starwood. I just am ashamed that the hotel in Anchorage calls itself Sheraton. Unless you're only there to sleep & someone else is picking up the tab, avoid this hotel. It's not worth the stay, IMO.

glad you had a good stay. i can't help but wonder if your status as a travel industry employee (do you work at a travel agency, perhaps?) rather than your spg gold status gets credit for your upgrade...based on other reports and my own experience at this property.

One good thing about this hotel: the lounge is open 24/7, convenient to visit the lounge after a night out and bring a Coke and a granolabar and some peanuts to the room

The hotel is full, but I havent noticed so many people at the lounge during happy hour. I guess the crackers, cheese, vegetables and some fried stuff dont lure people here.

I will be staying at this property and am a little worried based upon everyone's posts.

For those who have stayed at the Sheraton in Center City Philadelphia - is this property that bad or at least marginally better? The points redemption seemed a little steep to be staying in a total dump when airbnb has many options in the $100-$150/night price range.

I personally think the complaints are a little overblown. It is FT, after all.

As a Plat, I was upgraded to a suite. Perfectly acceptable. No, it wasn't the best suite I ever stayed in but it was fine.

As a Plat, getting a free FULL breakfast at the ground floor resto is a lot better than a ton of other NA SPG props. Over at the Hilton, I was charged $5/day extra for the full breaky. Not a lot of $, but the food wasn't better.

You'll do fine.

I've stayed at both (albeit a couple of years apart) and would consider the properties themselves pretty similar. They're both perfectly fine, if below average, Sheratons that are showing their age. I agree with Braindrain that some of these posts are a little overblown, and comparing prices to other cities or even Anchorage in November is completely irrelevant - this is Alaska in the summer, after all.

As far as points vs. Airbnb goes, for me it would come down to length of stay. If I were only staying in Anchorage 1-2 nights on my way somewhere else (which was the case when I last stayed there), I'd be choosing a hotel regardless, so the points are pretty good value given how expensive summer hotel rates are. For a longer stay, Airbnb might be the way to go, especially since you could stay somewhere other than downtown.

Based on earlier reviews I had not stayed at this property but this year I thought I would give them a chance and have stayed there several times.

I agree with the last two posts. The hotel is fine.

I am very satisfied with the rooms. perhaps not the most modern but perfectly acceptable. The staff have gone out of their way to make me feel welcomed and be sure I understand the benefits. I never made it to the lounge for happy hour but the breakfast was offered in the main restaurant and was good. No complaints. The location is also good, easily accessible to most places you would go in Anchorage.

ANC is expensive in the summer, this is a good hotel to consider using points or points and cash.

Have a 12 hour turn on MR coming up on Sunday. Curious to see how "awful" this place really is. Im prepared for a pretty average hotel. But honestly, just want the points/stay credit

Consultette, if you are on a mattress run, your decision is a no brainer. That's how I ended up staying at this dump! (I suggest you read the entire thread).

I now know the property (& the Hilton btw) are under an international boycott for locking out their ees:

http://www.unitehere878.org/boycott-...ton-anchorage/

The boycott is ongoing and you should at least be aware of it!

You asked about alternatives? The site above lists 6 - all in downtown Anchorage:
Clarion
Coast Mountain
Captain Cook
Quality
Ramada
Westmark

FYI, the Sheraton Philadelphia City Center is unionized. While I agree its not great, I got a great upgrade & lots of bonus points!

Surprised to see several negative reviews of this property.

Spent a single Sunday night here approximately two months ago after extending a flight. Though by no means luxurious or extraordinary, it was not bad as described on previous posts. I'd say the hotel is in line with your average Sheraton.

Parking out front was complimentary for Plt. Not sure of the cost for non plt users. The lobby is updated. Received a complimentary upgrade to a junior suite with gorgeous mountain/sunset views. The room was clean and comfortable.

Received complimentary coupons for breakfast (something like $20 per person) which could be applied against ordered items or buffet. This is in addition to my 500 plt point bonus and lounge access. I was not able to use my voucher as I had an early flight, but the front desk was kind enough to make a boxed breakfast for my spouse and I.

Lounge is open 24/7. Has your standard snacks, granola bars, drinks. I do suspect that they only refresh the snacks at certain points of the day rather than as they are consumed. I checked out the evening hot plates. Veggies were good. Puff pastry was a little greasy and dissapointing.

Service was overall great. FDAs were very kind and attentive. However two negative experiences - First, I asked a worker if there was a liquor store within short driving distance (we wanted a nice bottle of champagne). She looked at the glass of soda I had in one hand and must have assumed it was booze, and sternly told me that I shouldn't be drinking and driving. I corrected her but still think it was inappropriate. Secondly, the waitstaff at the restaurant were pretty bad (though the food was great). Other than those two circumstances everyone seemed to go out of their way and I saw no evidence of poor relations previously mentioned.

As far as comments of it being overpriced - this is Alaska. EVERYTHING is pricey.

Would I stay again? Absolutely

I've just concluded a multiple-night stay, and my experience was much like dtwdoc's just above.

I was given a corner room on a higher floor with club access, my platinum amenity, and breakfast coupons for the restaurant for each morning, all without asking, and the young woman at the desk even cheerfully pointed out I could have two breakfasts a day if I went both to the lounge and the restaurant (I did not).

Yes, the hotel looks a little dated and tired despite a relatively recent renovation, the room was pretty small, the bathroom was just barely big enough, but for where I was and the price I paid, I was quite happy. It had what I needed: pleasant and helpful staff, a comfortable bed, a hot shower, and a place to dump my stuff while I was out all day looking at Alaska.

It's not the best hotel experience ever, but it was far from the horror show I was dreading after reading this thread.

Can i see northern light from this property? Or somewhere close by during December?