Extended Stay America Suites - Anchorage - Downtown

After booking weeks ahead, driving down from Fairbanks, and calling to confirm everything was set, I paid for the room and signed the paperwork. Then the front desk woman suddenly texted her manager and said she wouldn't give a room to me and my family. She gave no reason, was extremely rude, and wouldn't explain what might be flagged on my account. We felt discriminated against, possibly because we're a military family or have children. This was very unprofessional.

The kitchenette room had a clean microwave and mid-sized fridge, plus a flat-screen TV, table, iron, and ironing board. The room was clean, with fresh towels in the bathroom, and the morning showers were long and hot. Everyone on staff was helpful and nice. I was greeted warmly when I came in, and there are quarters at the front desk for the washers and dryers. I'll come back when I need a place to relax and unwind.

We’re four and a half months into a six-month stay. Scarlet is phenomenal: she greets us with a smile, takes her job seriously, and works to get problems addressed promptly. My service dog loves her. Rose Marie is very sweet and hardworking, especially compared with the other housekeeper, who sits in the dining area on her tablet. Jake, the maintenance man, also goes above and beyond. Winter has brought real drawbacks, though. The main driveway and back parking lots aren't maintained, homeless people in the area are a constant nuisance, and the indoor pool is closed.

I first rated this place four stars, but have dropped it to two, and that feels generous. My biggest issue was being told the room had a kitchen and stove when it didn't, which seems like something they should be sued over. I also paid $80 in parking fees after the clerk told me there were two lots and that the sidewalk meters didn't work. Neither claim was true. The lot was slippery with nobody managing the ice, and the sidewalk had pee stains and smelled awful. Staff reminded me with ten minutes left before the 11 o'clock checkout. I accept responsibility for that, but they threatened a full day's charge if I was an hour late, even though I'd still have to leave, and I couldn't extend my stay. That defeats the point of an extended stay hotel, especially for a weekly renter with a company account. I booked another room after losing the first, but they cancelled that reservation after I left, despite multiple rooms being available. The other large dogs were a problem because their owners couldn't control them. There was constant barking and lunging at guests. Breakfast was also garbage: cheap coffee, packaged muffins, granola bars, and nothing else. I was initially willing to let things go, but not anymore.