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PETROLEUM DIRECTORY: Taking the stress out New business center, convention services and guest amenities make the Hilton Hotel Anchorage a convenient spot for business Susan Braund PNA Contributing Writer
Northbound travelers contemplating a harsh and uninviting environment will be pleasantly surprised at the comfort and convenience of the 600-room Hilton Hotel Anchorage. The accommodations and services epitomize the essence of legendary Alaska hospitality — making it easier for visitors to navigate the North.
Quality service begins at the door with valet parking and knowledgeable front desk staff with information on hotel services, tours, outdoor activities, entertainment and restaurants. The invitingly renovated lobby greets guests with a memorable display of Alaska artwork appraised at over $100,000.
Located in the heart of Anchorage’s colorful downtown, Alaska’s largest hotel is at the center of shopping, restaurants, the convention center, museums, the Performing Arts Center and tour companies. Anchorage is a jumping off spot to more remote parts of the state, as capsulized in the hotel’s brochure, “Anchorage — where civilization and nature meet.”
Rooms with a view Guest rooms have magnificent views of the Chugach Mountains, Cook Inlet or the city. Rooms feature coffee makers, hair dryers, alarm clock radios, ironing boards and irons, pay per view movies and free HBO. Business guests appreciate the spacious rooms, large work desks with desk level outlets, high speed Internet connection, voice mail, data ports, the new tech-smart conference center and Kinko’s business center and express checkout services. Frequent and consistent business guests can contact the business travel manager to discuss preferred rates.
For a $25 upgrade, guests get a bundle of bennies: an upgraded room plus access to the new Executive Lounge suite on the 14th floor. The 40 upgrade rooms feature free local phone, bottled water, a bathroom scale, turndown service and triple sheeting. The key-access Executive Lounge offers complimentary Starbucks coffee, continental breakfast, hors d’oeuvres, free sodas, snacks, a cash bar, the Wall Street Journal and USA Today, access to laptop with high-speed internet connection and cushy chairs for afternoon relaxation.
The upgrade is a huge value for a minimal fee,” says hotel General Manager Lee Chipman. "It doesn’t take long to add up to good value when you consider a few local phone calls at 75 cents each add up pretty quickly.”
The Hilton is one place where double-dipping isn’t frowned upon. Guests needn’t choose between hotel points or airline miles. As a value-added benefit for members of both HHonors and one of more than 60 participating HHonors airline partners, hotel guests can basically get paid to stay as they earn both hotel and airline miles for the same eligible rate stay. In addition, events or meeting planners can earn big bonuses just for holding qualifying events at participating HHonors hotels worldwide.
Painless meetings and conventions Take the stress out of your meeting planning by using the hotel’s full-scale convention services. “It’s one-stop convention services,” says Chipman. “You don’t have to go from office to office, from reservation manager to food manager, and on down the line. You go to one person who coordinates it all for you, down to the last detail, from planning to implementation. We’re the only hotel in Anchorage offering these comprehensive meeting and convention services, with a professional meeting and catering staff to support your needs.”
The recent $15 million renovation project added 6,000 square feet of conference space, expanding the hotel’s ability to serve large conventions and meetings to 22,000 square feet. A variety of room configurations are available on the lobby level, the West Tower second floor and the 15th floor Chart Room with its 360-degree view. The lobby-level conference center includes eight state-of-the-art meeting rooms, high-speed Internet connectivity, built-in sound system video-conferencing and complete catering and service support. Available meeting equipment includes portable staging, standing and table top podiums, portable and built in whiteboards, easels, flip charts, audiovisual equipment and services and teleconferencing.
For last-minute meeting materials or just a few copies, the hotel’s new Kinko’s on-site business center is a business traveler’s dream come true — in color or black and white. Kinko’s offers workstations, Internet connection , e-mail, and printing and copying services. To meet your deadlines, this buzzing little office can farm out larger jobs to its local branches. Guests can also e-mail jobs ahead of their arrival. It operates on flexible hours — depending on guest needs — offering that little extra support to help make meetings more successful and less stressful.
For your further convenience, while waiting for copies you can just step down the hall into the lobby for a steaming cup of Starbucks coffee and a muffin or bagel.
Good eats The hotel has three dining venues: elegant gourmet dining at the Top of the World, café-style meals at the Hooper Bay Café, and snacks and appetizers at the Bruins Bar.
Enjoy fine dining and excellent wines at the Top of the World restaurant and bar, Tuesday through Saturday evenings. Indulge in some of Alaska’s seafood delectables, such as sake-seared salmon, stuffed baked halibut or Alaska King Crab. Providing an even more sensory dining experience, the etched glass divider and the soft roses and greens of the decor provide a relaxing backdrop to the breathtaking wraparound view of the inlet and beyond from the 15th floor. An outside veranda beckons summer visitors and a private dining/meeting area that can accommodate 26 people can be rented for special functions or meetings.
The Hooper Bay Café, decorated in tones and textures of Southwest Alaska, offers three-meal dining with an eclectic menu. Visit the extensive buffet, or order fresh Soba noodles or the seafood catch of the day. The Kachemak Baywich, a sandwich of breaded Alaska halibut, or the Primavera Alaska, a melange of Alaska seafood tossed in pesto cream, give diners a chance to sample Alaska’s bounty. Desserts range from sugarless fruit pie to peanut butter chocolate torte.
Bruins, an upscale sports bar on the ground floor, is a lively atmosphere for microbrews, cocktails and news and sports on multiple televisions. Sports enthusiasts can enjoy a Sunday morning sports buffet and take in the game on the satellite reception big screen TV. “Get there early for a good seat!” advises Chipman.
Happy guests Many outdoor activities are accessible nearby, including the 11-mile Tony Knowles Coastal Trail. “After an outdoor adventure, or to de-stress from a business meeting, the health spa, renovated last year, gives visitors a calm environment to relax and recharge,” says Chipman. “The whirlpool, steam room, and on-site massage can bring a soothing end to a busy day.” A heated pool, treadmill, elliptical walkers, bikes, stairmasters, free weights and Nautilus stations offer a respectable workout for any exercise style.
Currently the hotel is renovating its west section, keeping comfort and convenience in mind for your home away from home in Alaska.
Getting there The hotel is seven miles and 10 minutes from Ted Stevens International Airport. Head east on International Airport Road, take the Minnesota Boulevard Northbound Exit. Stay on Minnesota North to downtown. Turn right on Third Avenue; the hotel front door is on the corner of Third Avenue and E Street. (500 West Third Avenue). Reservations can be booked online at www.hilton.com or 1-800-HILTONS or directly at 1-907-2727411.
The staff and management invite you to stop in and enjoy some Alaska warmth and hospitality!
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