Crowne Plaza Anchorage-Midtown

Part of the InterContinental Hotels Group, which caters to business travelers, the Crowne Plaza occupies a six-story building that's one of the tallest hotels in midtown Anchorage. Inside, it feels a bit sedate and features contemporary decor throughout. The lobby has a high, domed ceiling and overhead lighting. It extends to a cozy, usually quiet library room with large wooden bookshelves, a gas fireplace, and a flat-screen TV. Guests can relax here on the sofa, or work at a long table beside the window. Juno restaurant and lounge was updated in 2017 and features a long wooden bar counter and flat-screen TVs. With its location in the business district and proximity to the airport, the hotel is a popular choice for corporate travelers and conference attendees. All three of the meeting rooms were booked during our visit. 

Situated in the business district, at the intersection of two of Anchorage's busiest streets, the Crowne Plaza Anchorage-Midtown is well positioned for business travelers. Nearby there are also a few restaurants, car repair garages, furniture stores, some small (somewhat seedy) shops, and a couple other hotels. The main store and factory of Alaska Wild Berry is just a few minutes' drive from the hotel and offers candy kitchen tours and the world's largest chocolate waterfall, plus candy for sale. The hotel is a straight shot from Ted Stevens International Airport (10- to 15-minute drive) and offers free airport shuttle service every 30 minutes (call to schedule). Driving to downtown Anchorage takes about 10 minutes, and as of September 2017, the hotel is still planning to add a scheduled shuttle service to downtown. 

Guest rooms at the Crowne Plaza Anchorage-Midtown are decorated in a typical modern chain-hotel style, with carpeted floors, long drapes, and painted walls with generic abstract art. The dark-wood furniture and color palette of brown and teal can make rooms feel somewhat dark, but they are clean and comfortable. Beds feature Serta Elite mattresses. All rooms have 37- or 42-inch flat-screen TVs, air-conditioning, and free Wi-Fi. Other standard features are coffee- and tea-making facilities, mini-fridges, and microwaves. Executive rooms add iPod docking stations. Clean, beige-tile bathrooms have walk-in showers or shower/tub combos, Temple Spa toiletries, and single granite vanities. Rooms face either the street, mountains, or parking lot. A quiet floor is available with rules to limit noise. 

The hotel has a solid range of features for a mid-range property. Juno restaurant, renovated in 2017, serves buffet and a la carte breakfast, but it's not included. Lunch and dinner are also served and Juno Lounge serves evening/late night drinks and light fare. Guests typically give the food good reviews, and limited room service is available. Platinum Elite members staying on the Executive Floor get free breakfast vouchers and access to the Club Lounge that offers free snacks and drinks throughout the day, as well as an evening reception with free appetizers and cocktails. The indoor saltwater pool and whirlpool has a quiet atmosphere and surrounding windows allow in sunlight. The gym is somewhat small, but has modern Precor treadmills and elliptical machines. There are three meeting rooms, the largest of which holds 150 people. A 24-hour business center has Wi-Fi, a printer, and personal computers. Coin-operated laundry machines are available. Parking is free.