Land tour dropped for more freedom

[beachnative]

We arrive in Whittier on the Coral Princess. We had booked a tour but...

thanks to the great advice on this board we have decided to rent a car in Anchorage and strike out on our own. On our first leg we will drive to Denali, stay two nights and take the shuttle Fish Creek (thanks, Budget Queen). Our next leg will be to depart early and drive to Seward for two more nights with a copy of "Milepost" to help with stops. Yes, it is a loooong drive, but we love driving; the views of Alaska and extended hours of daylight will help. While in Seward we plan to take the the excursion to Kenai Fjords and (if we have been rained out in Juneau) the helicopter/dog sled trip the next day. Finally, we will drive to Anchorage, stay our last night at the Millenium (thanks, Yukon), and fly home at 8am.

 

We are struggling with identifying lodging that fits our travel style. We desire something different from the typical OR something that will enhance our memories of the Alaska vista.

 

A question about the "Holiday Inn Express" in Seward: should we book a mountain view or water view room? The extra cost would not deter us if the view is worth it.

 

A question about the "Grizzly Bear" in Denali area: is it as remote as the ad shows? We would like to be away from the crowds and in a natural setting.

 

Again, thank you Yukon and Budget Queen for helping us make the decision to abondon our train/land tour and rent a car. Any additional input will be deeply appreciated.

[Budget Queen]

At the Holiday Inn your water side will be the marina, cruise ship, industrial area and land side a hill, some houses, a pond. :)

 

I haven't stayed there but the Grizzly Bear cabins/lodge is right on the Parks Highway. Not remote in that sense but wooded as I recall and kept up.