Dimond Center Hotel

This modern hotel owned and operated by the Seldovia Native Association opened in 2002. The lobby, refreshed in 2016, is a bright and inviting space with light cascading from a two-story, curved wall of glass windows. Mountain peaks can be seen from the comfortable seating flanked by thriving tropical plants. Tables tucked under the open staircase provide work stations, and an impressive wood-and-granite front desk is graced by colorful Native American art. There's also a cozy courtyard that makes for a quiet spot to relax among the greenery. Despite the bustling Diamond Center mall next door, this is a quiet and peaceful place. Travelers tend to gather at the smallish breakfast room, which can get quite crowded in the summer tourist season. Expect to see plenty of cruise tourists and groups on shopping getaways.

The hotel shares a parking lot with Dimond Center, which features dozens of shops, department stores, and restaurants. A Walmart Super Center is across the street from the hotel, and lots of full-service and fast-food restaurants are a short drive away. The Alaska Zoo is a nine-minute drive, and downtown Anchorage is a 15-minute drive north on the nearby Old Seward Highway. The campuses of the University of Alaska Anchorage and Alaska Pacific University are 11- and 15-minute drives, respectively. Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport is 15 minutes by car, and Elmendorf Air Force Base is roughly a 26-minute drive. 

Contemporary style and rustic details give guest rooms a homey look. Drapes and upholstery are done in soft teal and mint green, accenting the handsome, blond-finish Mission-style wood furniture. While furniture shows some wear and tear on legs and corners, the overall look of rooms is pleasant and well-maintained. Striking line drawings of Native Americans are a classy touch. The subdued colors and soft lighting make the rooms a tad dark, but high ceilings and plenty of space prevent them from being gloomy. All units contain headboards, armoires, and roomy corner desks with chairs, and the King we saw had an oversize blue armchair. But perhaps the best feature is the soaking tubs separated from sleeping areas by windows with shutters that open. Some of the tubs are also jetted. Standard amenities include flat-screen TVs, Keurig coffeemakers, mini-fridges, microwaves, and free Wi-Fi. Bathrooms have small shower stalls and tan granite vanities directly outside bathrooms. Inside, there are small granite dressing tables with hairdryers, toiletries, and padded ottomans to sit on. In terms of views, guests may wish to request units that overlook Mount McKinley 

For many guest who stay here, the hotel's top feature is that it's next to the largest mall in the state. But the hotel offers a nice selection of other amenities for a comfortable stay, and the full-service restaurant is a highlight. Old Cannery Bar offers a free breakfast with eggs, bacon, sausage, waffles, and a range of cold items, though the breakfast area can get crowded in high season. There's also a menu filled with classic comfort food, including pizza, burgers, and wings, plus Alaskan craft beer. Hotel guests can order takeout for in-room dining. The hotel lacks a pool and it doesn't have a fitness center, but when we visited in in late 2017, plans were in the works to add a gym. There is meeting space for up to 100 people, and the business center has a guest computer. Other amenities include valet dry cleaning and laundry service, a guest laundry room with two washer/dryers, and an on-site convenience store that sells souvenirs, soft drinks, and snacks. The hotel offers a free 24-hour airport shuttle, and parking and Wi-Fi are also free.