Mahogany Manor
Anchorage, Alaska

Right in the heart of Anchorage is a B&B surrounded by trees and a 6-ft. high fence. It is quiet enough to be a retreat. It is a very special place we called home for the evening. Our hosts, Mary & Russ, took care of us to perfection.

Mary was arriving as we crossed the street and entered through the driveway. She greeted us with a smile and took us into her home. Once inside, we were told of the Alaskan custom of removing your shoes and then we were offered slippers. This house, once considered a mansion in Anchorage and one of the largest private residences, was built to host political fund raisers and entertain guests. It is perfect for a B&B.

The home has large common areas ideal for conferences and meetings, bedrooms with all the amenities and some surprises, one being window blinds that open from top to bottom and wall heaters near the ceiling. The blinds allow one to have privacy in the room and still enjoy the trees just outside. Another unique and rare aspect of this home gives it it's name. It has the original mahogany siding still in intact. It has 2 fireplaces and a translucent ceiling to floor water fall. This home boasts the largest hot tub I've ever seen, called a pool spa and the kitchen was made for entertaining large groups. The entire home is decorated with Alaskan art and memorabilia which you could spend hours viewing.

Our room had a private bath, ironing board, iron, robes & slippers, TV/VCR, king bed, high speed cable modem, telephone, dresser and night stands. There was also a guest kitchen with refrigerator, microwave, snacks and drinks. While taking pictures of the Inn, I heard the Blue Angels preparing for their weekend show at Elmendorf AFB and hurried out into the gardens to get a shot.

Mary suggested we walk 3 blocks to a Mongolian restaurant and we did. The meal was delicious. Upon on our return, we met Russ. He told us of plans to bring more business travelers to the inn by offering digital cameras, printers and laptops for their use during their stay. This, coupled with the high speed modems in each room, would make the Inn a business traveler's delight. He also offered an after-dinner treat, but we were stuffed and went to our room to answer the email and watch a little TV. Soon we drifted off. It was nice having the blinds so that we could allow the starlight into the room and still have our privacy.

The next morning, we started our day off with cantaloupe, watermelon, coffee, tea, juice, cold cereals and muffins. Mary offered us hot oatmeal, but we had an appointment for some RV maintenance and were then headed to Seward for the weekend. We declined the oatmeal and prepared to head out.

Mahogany Manor is a wonderful place for a romantic weekend, a business retreat or conference for a group, or the perfect alternative to a hotel for the business traveler. These are technology-savvy folks who are open all year round. Be sure to visit their website, make your reservations and tell them that Mike & Cindy said HI!