Hidden Capital-Juneau Accommodation Guide

Mount Roberts Tram 1

Alaska's isolated gem, Juneau, is the state's scenic capital surrounded by natural beauty and offering outdoor adventure, history, art and culture. Juneau is located in southeast Alaska, surrounded by the Tongass National Forest and bordered by the Gastineau Channel along with Mount Juneau and Mount Roberts. A trip up the Mount Roberts Tram will offer a panoramic view of the city cast against the mountains, glaciers and seaway. The capital is often referred to as "Little San Francisco," due to its hills, narrow streets and network of staircases. Named after prospector Joe Juneau, the city was founded when gold was discovered in the area in the late 1800s. Along with the miners, other early settlers included Russian fur traders and the Tlingit and Haida First Nations groups. Visit the city's museums, historic buildings and its many old mining sites to learn about Juneau's rich past.

Juneau is Alaska's third largest city with a population of approximately 30,000. During the summer months the city welcomes an influx of cruise ships, which fill the lively Marine Park on the waterfront and offer views of fishing boats and sea kayakers. Juneau also serves as the political headquarters of the state, home to the State Capitol building where Alaska Legislature meets and the Governor's offices are located. Visitors can take a stroll on the historical South Franklin Street in the downtown district and view the many original buildings that have been converted into shops and restaurants. While there, souvenir hunters can pick up gifts and authentic First Nations artwork at the many tourist-oriented spots found in the area.

Juneau is the gateway to Alaskan adventure and beauty such as the mighty Mendenhall Glacier that is located 13 mi (21 km) from the city center by car. Many use the city as a jumping off point to explore Glacier Bay National Park, accessible by ferry or air via the small community of Gustavus. Flightseeing trips and helicopter tours, which take people soaring above the Juneau Icefields, are available. Some even offer glacier landings and treks. Juneau also provides great hiking opportunities for trekkers of all levels, with several trail networks found in the surrounding mountains and forest. Across the channel on Douglas Island, winter enthusiasts can enjoy downhill and cross-country skiing at the Eaglecrest Ski Resort.

Travelers will find a good range of accommodations in the city, from bustling hotels and motels to intimate bed and breakfasts. The WorldWeb.com Travel Guide provides information about various lodging choices when staying in Juneau, and can assist travelers by providing the following services:

• Accommodation Directory—This is a complete Juneau accommodation directory containing detailed information about hotels, B&Bs, campgrounds and more. With links to accommodation websites and interactive maps, this directory is designed to help visitors find the right place to stay based on their personal preferences.

• Maps—The Juneau map can assist visitors in choosing where to stay by not only indicating where accommodations are located, but also where they are in relation to attractions, restaurants, shops, tours and transportation.

	Governor's Mansion 2

ACCESS/TRANSPORTATION

Due to its remote geographic location, Juneau can only be reached via air or sea.

Air
Located 10 mi (16 km) from downtown, the Juneau International Airport serves the city, with Alaska Airlines and its partners offering connecting flights from Seattle, Washington and Anchorage, Alaska. Air taxi services are also available and provide access to neighboring communities.

Sea
Juneau is a major port of call for cruise ships as well as the Alaska Marine Highway System, a state-run ferry system. Ferries arrive and depart from the Auke Bay Ferry Terminal, located 14 mi (23 km) from downtown. Cruise ships dock at the Marine Park/waterfront area and are welcomed by Patsy Ann, a statue of a bull terrier that was known for greeting passengers in the 1930s.

Within the City
From the Airport and Ferry Terminal
From the airport, travelers can make their way into town by taxi, with cars stationed at the airport, or via a local shuttle service that offers hotel transfers. Some hotels also provide free airport pick-up service. Capital Transit, the city's public transportation system, provides bus service from the airport, and most major rental car companies are situated at the airport with some offering pick-up service at various locations including the ferry terminal. A shuttle service is also available from the ferry terminal during summer months (May to September).

Ground Transportation
The main highway in Juneau runs north to south along the coastline and stretches for approximately 40-to-45 mi (64-to-72 km). It is referred to as Egan Drive between downtown and the Mendenhall Valley, and from the valley to Auke Bay, located further north, it is known as Glacier Highway or Veterans Memorial Highway (Route 7).

Centennial Hall 3

WHEN TO VISIT

Located in the temperate Tongass National Forest, Juneau experiences a mild climate year-round with highs reaching the mid 30s (30°F/-1°C) in the winter and the 60s (60°F/16°C) or higher in the summertime. July is the warmest month, with an average temperature of 64°F (18°C). The city gets its fair share of rain, averaging about 92 in (234 cm) of precipitation in the downtown core in a year. The wettest months occur in August, September and October. May through July are fairly dry and April experiences the least amount of moisture. Tourists can make the most of sightseeing during the summer months, which average 18 hours of sunlight a day but often include drizzly and overcast conditions along with sunny forecasts.

During the spring, summer and fall, travelers will find it useful to dress in layers with a waterproof jacket. Comfortable walking shoes are also a must, especially when hiking and exploring the outdoors. Peak cruise season occurs from June to August, so expect the downtown area and other popular attractions to be very busy and crowded. It is also advisable to book accommodations for the summer well in advance, as rooms fill up quickly.

ORIENTATION

Juneau consists of three main tourist areas: Downtown, Mendenhall Valley and Douglas Island.

Downtown
Visitors wanting to be close to shopping, dining and arts and culture venues will find downtown accommodations suitable to their needs. The area can have a an overly touristy-atmosphere with many souvenir shops and tourist-trap attractions catering to cruise ship passengers during the summer season. Streets also get overwhelmed with people during this time.

Attractions
On the plus side, downtown Juneau has a varied mix of quality attractions and a vibrant nightlife complete with museums, shops, coffee houses, theaters, bars and restaurants. The historical portion of downtown features a late-Victorian architectural style as well as late-19th-and early-20th century American movements. Buildings include the 100-year-old St. Nicholas Russian Orthodox Church, noted for its onion-shaped domes, and the Governor's Mansion, built in 1912. A trip to the Alaska State Museum and the Juneau-Douglas City Museum offers insight into the city's gold mining past and its earliest settlers.

In addition, visitors can hang out with locals at the Alaskan Hotel and Bar, housed in an authentic gold rush hotel. Other attractions include several shops and galleries, which sell a variety of true Alaskan souvenirs such as genuine First Nations art work and crafts.

Orientation
Downtown is found west of the Mendenhall Glacier and is situated across from Douglas Island. The historical sector consists of an L-shaped area starting from South Franklin Street and continuing up to Second Street. Franklin Street extends south of the city leading to the hamlet of Thane.

	Mendenhall Glacier 4

Accommodations
There are approximately a dozen hotels located in downtown Juneau, with several B&Bs scattered throughout the city. Hotels fill up quickly during the summer so book well in advance. B&Bs often offer an affordable stay but some, especially those housed in historic buildings, can be costly.

A standard choice, complete with modern services and amenities including king-and queen-size beds and cherry wood furnishings, is the Prospector Hotel located adjacent to the Juneau Convention Center and near the Alaska State Museum. Luxury rooms are available that feature views of the Gastineau Channel.

Several inns and B&Bs are also located in the downtown area such as Alaska's Capital Inn and Silverbow Inn, both housed in restored heritage buildings. The Capital Inn is a luxury B&B furnished with Alaskan decor and crafts, as well as claw-foot soaker tubs. The Silverbow offers a more casual atmosphere and is reminiscent of a European-style pension. Guests can sample fresh baked goods such as bagels at the bakery onsite or catch a flick in the small movie theater in the back.

Mendenhall Valley
Known as "the Valley" by locals, the Mendenhall Valley is mostly a residential area with schools, churches and parks.

Attractions
One of the most popular attractions in Juneau, the Mendenhall Glacier is found at the head of the Valley on Glacier Spur Road. This impressive sight extends from the Juneau Icefields, measuring 12 mi (19 km) in length. Stop in at the onsite visitor center for information and great views of the glacier. Take in the beautiful surroundings by playing a round of golf at the Mendenhall Golf Course, offering views of the mountains and glacier.

Other sights in the area include the Nugget Mall and Mendenhall Malls, two main shopping centers in the city.

Orientation
Mendenhall Valley is located 10 mi (16 km) from downtown and encompasses an area that includes the airport, the glacier and Mendenhall Lake and River. The district ends 10 mi (16 km) further west at Auke Bay.

Accommodations
Both business travelers and vacationers will find suitable accommodations in the Medenhall Valley. Lodging options in this area are located near the airport, ferry terminal and glacier. Two hotel choices include the Best Western Country Lane Inn and Travelodge Hotel Juneau Airport, both located minutes from the airport. The Country Lane Inn is a 100 per cent non-smoking hotel and features a business center and courtesy van. The Travelodge offers 24 hour airport/ferry shuttle service, as well as a scheduled downtown shuttle. B&Bs are also found in the area and include A Bear's Den Inn, featuring a continental breakfast with homemade jams and jellies, and A Cozy Log Bed and Breakfast, housed in a rustic log home.

Gastineau Channel 5

Douglas Island
Part of the City and Borough of Juneau, Douglas Island has a land area of 76.9 sq mi (199.2 sq km) and a population just over 5,000. Adventure seekers and those looking to get away from the big crowds will find refuge here.

Attractions
Major attractions on the island include the Eaglecrest Ski Resort, located 18 mi (29 km) from the Juneau International Airport. The resort is open from December to mid-April and has an abundant terrain without huge crowds. Visitors can enjoy downhill skiing, cross-country trails and tubing. Other attractions on the island include beach-combing on Sandy Beach, where remnants of old gold mines can still be found. As for arts and culture, Douglas Island offers the Perseverance Theatre, Alaska's leading professional theater company showcasing a number of stage productions, events and educational programs. The theater aims to produce plays that celebrate Alaska's culture and identity, as well as promote local artists.

Orientation
Douglas Island is accessible via the Juneau-Douglas Bridge, across the Gastineau Channel from downtown Juneau. The bedroom community of Douglas is located at the south end of the Douglas Highway, and the area known as North Douglas is found at north of the access bridge.

Accommodations
There are a few B&Bs and inns on the island that offer an alternative to the hectic and touristy pace of downtown. The Beachside Villa Bed and Breakfast is a luxury inn offering beds with 600 thread-count sheets and down comforters. Another B&B on the island is the Fireweed House, which spoils guests with gourmet breakfasts and offers winter Eaglecrest Ski Resort packages. Both are conveniently located minutes from downtown, giving visitors the chance to enjoy the major sights and attractions before heading back to rest comfortably in their rooms, away from the crowds.

1. c/o Juneau CVB; Mount Roberts Tram; Juneau, AK, USA
2. c/o Juneau CVB; Governor's Mansion; Juneau, AK, USA
3. c/o Juneau CVB; Centennial Hall; Juneau, AK, USA
4. c/o Juneau CVB; Mendenhall Glacier; Juneau, AK, USA
5. c/o Juneau CVB; Gastineau Channel; Juneau, AK, USA