Big Bear Bed & Breakfast

Big Bear is a great place to stay in Anchorage, and close to downtown.

Carol was extremely knowledgeable about the area, the people and the history of Alaska and Anchorage. She generously spent time answering our questions, filling in the blanks on history and natives to Alaska and the area and never once made us feel that she had something else to do ... VERY welcoming! The food was marvelous and she made a concerted effort to meet the dietary needs for my mother. The only reason i gave 3 stars for rooms, value and cleanliness is it is exactly as she advertised and my expectations were met. Well priced, no surprises except for for the warm friendly family feeling and service you receive from Carol and her family!

Me and my wife stayed two nights here before a 7-nights cruise to Vancouver. The location near the Heritage center and the rail station are the reasons we choose it. The breakfast we had are worth every pennies we paid for, especially the last day we had to leave before 6:00 am to catch the train, Carol got up early around 5:00 am to prepare two to-die-for breakfast boxes with the fresh cooked and baked food and fruits. On the train, we can say, everyone were looking at us enjoying mom-made breakfast. We felt loved staying here. Hope to visit Carol and her museum-like home again and again.

Carol was very courteous. Breakfast was very good. Rooms were clean.

We stayed at Big Bear for several nights. It was our first experience staying at a B & B and it was wonderful. The staff were all very pleasant. Carol was especially helpful with advice on things to see and places to eat. The breakfast was super. Something different every day. Overall a wonderful experience.

If you want to stay with real Alaska folks in Anchorage, this is the place for you. Carol has a house full of Alaska artifacts. The rooms are decorated in old Alaskan style. There is also a wealth of Alaska information and a variety of publications available in the upstairs guest parlor. Another great thing about this place is the quality of the breakfasts. Carol is a fabulous cook. She provides several different menus based on Alaska specialties. They are all great. Big Bear is also quite a bargain compared to other accomodations in Alaska. It is also very convenient to Anchorage attractions. All of this being said there are a few things to be aware of. This is a converted house, not a hotel. There are steep stairs to be climbed, and a no shoes rule to be obeyed. The upstairs bathrooms are a bit quirky and require some getting used to. These are minor inconveniences that are more than compensated for by staying in a clean, quiet, convenient place in real Alaskan style.

It was a good choice, we love the hostess, the house was very interesting, the garden absolutely fabulous, the breakfast was very very good. It could be perfect if the improvized shower/toilet spaces would be really isolated with real doors. The idea might be good, but it was not finalized properly.

One of the highlights of our adventure in Alaska was the Big Bear Bed & Breakfast. Carol Ross was a great hostess, delighting us with culinary foods from her gardens. Carol's knowledge of Alaska was interesting and fit right in with our plans each day. Jack & Shirley Morgan

Carol and her family are superb hosts and the house is full of memorbilia and antiques. Comfortable and clean room with a large private bath downstairs and even has a sitting area with TV. Parking is easy too. The waffles with native berries will get you off to a great start in the morning. Location is convenient to airport and highway.

A lot of area information from the owner, who was raised in Alaska. A good scource of info. This was our second time to stay at this bed & breakfast, and will stay again.

My husband and I stayed in the Grizzly room for two nights. Comfortable room. Carol is an outstanding host. Breakfast was delicious. Also, she is very helpful with information in the area. We stayed at another B&B in Seward that made us appreciate Carol even more. They said hello. In the morning handed us our breakfast and had no other conversation. Keep up the good work Big Bear.

Charming host, great stories about her life in Alaska. Delicious breakfast. Could spend hours looking over many antiques and hunting momentous". Everything very clean.

We got up at 1:30 am to travel to the airport and it took over 18 hrs (with delays, a missed connection, and rerouting through Dallas from Chicago) to get from Vermont to Anchorage and the Big Bear B&B was a welcome sight. A huge king-sized bed for us to stretch out in, a day-bed for our 5 yr old grandson, and a hearty breakfast the next morning were just what we needed to rejunvinate us.

I was in Anchorage to attend the marathon on June 23, 2012. I found the Big Bear B&B to be exactly what I needed for my first trip to Alaska. I was there several days. It provided: 1, A quiet place to stay 2. A chance to talk to someone (Carol) about life in Alaska and the best things to see and do on a visit of any length. 3. Ideas from other guests at breakfast about things they've just done that they would recommend. 4. Terrific breakfasts, homemade, and ready when you are. Just talk to Carol the day before about when breakfast would best suit your plans. 5. Since I didn't have a car while in Anchorage, I found the People Mover bus stop convenient, even for a two-car owner from California.Those with cars visiting Big Bear appreciated the free parking. 6. My room, the Grizzly Room, was spacious, quiet, dark enough for those days of 20-hours functional daylight the summer brings. 7. For some, most importantly, the price was right. While I was in Anchorage, I visited friends who had a room for two at the Captain Cook hotel. They paid twice as much for the room, and paid plenty for breakfasts at the hotel cafe. Each day they walked through the lobby and into the world of downtown with only vague "brochure knowledge" (marketing) of the city and state they were visiting. I would recommend this B&B for the visitor who really wants to make the most of their Alaskan adventure. It seems ideal for those with rental cars who need a base for day trips out of Anchorage or to start their excursion inland to Denali and beyond.

Lovely homey atmosphere. Enjoyed meeting and talking with other guests. Delicious breakfasts, something different every day. Even had "Box Breakfast" for our early morning fishing trip. Highly recommend this B&B!

We stayed our last night in Alaska here. Carol's home was filled with brochures and she had a sitting room upstairs outside our room equipped with microwave, cups and assorted hot cocoa mixes and teas as well as Alaskan videos and DVDs. Nice breakfast visiting with another couple and sampling her homemade fruit sauces over sourdough waffle quarters. Glad we had time to enjoy the meal as we didn't have to hurry off that day.

Big Bear B & B is an inviting, very interesting, and reasonable place to lodge while in the Anchorage area. Lovely flowers grace the front entrance and the interior is an antique lovers paradise! Breakfast was superb! The Glacier Room in which we stayed, located on the front of the B & B, was a bit too warm, as there is no AC and the sun shone on that room all afternoon and evening. Outside of that, it was very comfortable!

My wife and I stayed there the night before our Cruisetour started and it was one of the highlights of our trip. Carol and her family were extremely friendly, the beds were comfortable, and the breakfast was delicious. We enjoyed the stories of the sourdough starters. If we go to Anchorage again, we will definitely try to stay there.

convenient location, 10mins to shopping areas which have Olive Garden etc resterants, and 10-15 mins to downtown. host is very nice, and very good breakfast, next time in Anchorage will stay here again.

I've stayed here three times and it's always a good experience. The breakfasts are hot, unique and always tasty. I'm usually on business travel, but this time I brought my family. My husband is gluten free and Carol did a fantastic job accommodating his diet. In fact the gluten free banana bread was the best banana bread I've ever eaten. The rooms are what I expected, because I've been there before. As a family, we stayed in the Grizzly room one night, which is a great room for a couple or a single because the bathroom setup is unique. It's a room that was retrofitted to have a private bath. So when our daughter needed to take a shower, we just left the room and went went into the guest family room, which was actually a very nice setup. After the first night we moved to the Denali room. It was spacious, had a divider between beds and a large bathroom. We were very comfortable. Overall, this B&B is great, the food is excellent, fresh (often from the garden), and much has been done to make the accommodations it comfortable and convenient for the guests. I'll stay there again.

great gourmet breakfast. Carol is extremely knowledgeable about Alaska. enjoyed our stay and Carol's descriptions

We felt very at home at Big Bear Bed and Breakfast and it was, by far, the best breakfast we have ever had at a bed and breakfast! YUM!

Carol does an outstanding job at making travelers feel at home. She has a wealth of knowledge about early Alaska and is eager to share it. The room was spacious, the bed comfortable, and the separate living room much appreciated. Her breakfasts are outstanding! I stayed in the winter, but would love to come back and see the garden in full bloom.

The owner has lived in Alaska all her life and has many interesting stories to tell. The food was outstanding and I had no complaints.

Our visit was great at Big Bear B&B. It was a special trip to Alaska and get to see our first two grandsons. We were treated like one of the family and would recommend Big Bear B&B to anyone who enjoys a family atmosphere.

Carol is a wonderful host and she is a wealth of alaska history. Her breakfast are fantastic, and almost all her waffle toppings are from her yard. She is a great cook and a pleasant lady to be around. I doubt I will ever stay in a hotel again. I can't wait for spring so I can see her beautiful yard in bloom!

Carol’s flowers and garden frame Big Bear. Her master gardener skills and knowledge come into the kitchen to blend with her master culinary arts. Carol is a superb baker as well as a cook. Her presentation of her food captures the visual beauty of Alaska. Big Bear is a living tribute to the state of Alaska. Her many display’s of Alaskan art, native crafts, big bear skin and various ivory pieces blend with her antiques to show her creativity. Carol is truly a steward for the state of Alaska. I encourage everyone visiting the state to treat themselves to Big Bear hospitality.

Everything was amazing! Right down to every detail. We needed to leave early -6 am, on our last day, and Carol was up before us, making a "box breakfast" for our train ride. Her garden, used for our meals, was very tasty. This may sound corny, but it reminded me of the days when I went to "grandma's house". Attention was given to whatever she could do to help you, and she went "all out" in preparation of her meals. Even dessert after breakfast!!! I highly reccommend staying here. It beats a name brand hotel anyday.

My husband and I were impressed by Carol's knowledge about Alaska and her extensive collection of native art. The house itself is very comfortable and we were warmly welcomed. Carol herself cooked our delicious breakfast. It was my husband's first B&B experience and I couldn't have chosen a better place for it.

This B&B is not just a house but a home away from home. A warm welcome, great breakfasts and a lot to see and to discuss.

"Museum", True Alaskan Cuisine and more, engaging commentary, wonderfull location, friendly and informative hosts - what more can one ask for?

I live in Seward, Alaska and stayed in this B&B while visiting Anchorage with my friends from Texas. The Big Bear B&B is run by a long time Alaskan family - ready to share stories with their guests! Breakfasts are cooked with goodies from their luscious garden and the family sourdough (with a story, of course). From now on, whenever we have guests from the Lower 48 coming to visit us in Seward, I am going to highly recommend the Big Bear B&B so that they can experience real Alaskans in an interesting and very deluxe lodging.

This was our 5th time staying at Big Bear. Carol & her family are very nice & eager to share Alaska with visitors. The rooms are clean & nice & the beds are comfortable. The best part, though, are the breakfasts! Carol is a fantastic cook & we look forward to her fabulous meals every time we are in Anchorage!

Carol was extremely hospitable. The house was a bit of living history, and both it and her knowledge of the area serve as a great introduction to Alaska.

Best breakfast in Alaska...especially the sour dough waffles and fresh fruit.

Enjoyed lovely living room, snacks, extra bathroom, antiques, privacy, history behind the owner's Alaskan life and delicious breakfast.

It was totally amazing and unexpected. From the quality of the rooms to hospitality to delicious breakfast everything was purrfect. Antique furnitures, modern bathroom fixtures, beautiful garden and native artifacts made it all worth the money. Carol is very sweet.

We enjoyed our stay at Big Bear B & B. Carol and Shelley made us feel at home. We had an early morning departure to go to Katmai National Park, and Carol got up early so we had a box breakfast to take with us. The breakfast was wonderful, and the other people on our trip were jealous of our tasty feast. We will definitely stay here again if we are in Anchorage.

Staying at Big Bear Bed & Breakfast is like visiting someone you don't know, while they are still living there - which is really weird. The people are nice, but their living space intersects with your room. People are nice, the food is good, but the our stay was weird.

We thoroughly enjoyed our stay at Big Bear Bed and Breakfast. The owner was very generous with her time in sharing the unique history of Anchorage and early Alaskan life. And her waffle breakfast with all the local condiments (jams, syrups, and jellies) was outstanding and a wonderful "taste" of real Alaska.

Carol's home is like an Alaskan museum of natural history. Her breakfast is unsurpassed. Her monolog of Alaskan and local history, while serving sourdough waffles, topped with a variety of backyard grown fruit highlighted with spiced reindeer sausage created a memory that cannot be matched in a commercial hotel or restaurant. Highly recommend this Bed and Breakfast!!

We spent three nights here at the end of our Alaskan trip and thoroughly enjoyed our stay. In addition to serving us three fabulous breakfasts (with completely different menu selections), Carol entertained us with stories of her life in Alaska. She has great suggestions for things to do and places to eat. The two restaurants she recommended (Glacier Brewhouse and Orso) were excellent. Big Bear B&B is almost like a museum with Carol's impressive collection of native Alaska art and vintage knick-knacks. This is something to keep in mind if you have small children, because there are so many interesting objects that little fingers will want to touch! Complimentary soft drinks and hot cocoa are available all day in the common area, which has a TV, VCR and large collection of videos.

We stayed one night at Big Bear B&B on our last night as we traveled through Alaska. The host Carol Ross was wonderful- she showed us around, gave us information about local restaurants and hikes, and driving directions. The breakfast she made was delectable with homemade jams and waffles, and authentic reindeer sausage. I would highly recommend this. We had the Grizzly room ,where the closet was converted to a bathroom so we had a private bath. Very nice! The whole house is decorated with Alaskan goods, for me it was interesting, for others it may seem cluttered...

Carol Ross provides a delicious home-cooked breakfast for her guests in a warm-family friendly B&B. We felt pampered and enjoyed our stay!

I stayed only one night at Big Bear and found the accommodations to be commendable. Carol is a very welcoming hostess, and is very knowledgeable and proud of Alaska. Since I arrived late and did not have my rental car yet, I was reluctant to go out to find a bite to eat. I was very surprised and gladly accepted Carol’s offer of home- made rhubarb pie (with whipped topping) and she even included a small snack! The breakfast was truly delicious, and I enjoyed Carol’s stories of the history of her sourdough starter, and stories of previous generations of her Alaskan family – It was my best breakfast in Alaska! I wish I could have stayed there more than one night, and if I visit Anchorage again, I will definitely try to stay here again! Karin B. - California

There is so much history in this house.The Innkeeper was very knowledgeable about the are area and most any questions we asked. It was an excellent find.

We spent three nights in the Big Bear B&B and had a wonderful time. The home is full of Alaskian artifacts and breakfasts were outstanding.

Very clean and comfortable, and great hospitality and extemely helpful.

Our host, Carol, was very accomodating. She let us use her washer and dryer and let me store my 37 pounds of Halibut, box and all, in her freezer for the night. Her breakfast quality was world class and she makes it a point not to serve the same dish to you everyday. Her sour dough waffles are great. She offers a 7, 8, or 9 am breakfast and will even provide a box breakfast for those early flights.

We stayed three nights & were totally pleased. Breakfast was outstanding. Our room was immaculate. We recommend Big Bear B & B.

This was our first stay in a Bed & Breakfast and we thoroughly enjoyed it. Carol, our hostess, was the best. We arrived late and she and her daughter, Shelley, were there to great us and make us feel at home. The breakfast was delicious and the background information and interesting stories were an added plus. We liked it so much we went back for another night and enjoyed relaxing in the beautiful garden area. Had to leave very early the next morning, but Carol got up early and prepared another delicious breakfast to take with us. We would highly recommend this B&B.

At breakfast, we kinda felt uncomfortable because the host would only bring a quarter of a waffle (four times) so we could try the different sauces. Also felt the host was more interested in telling her own stories rather than giving us any insight on our vacation in Alaska since this was our first night in alaska and wanted some information about areas to visit. The food and stay was very good otherwise.

We stayed at the Big Bear & Breakfast in May and really enjoyed it very much. Innkeeper Carol was very friendly & accomodating to our needs. The breakfast were outstanding and she even graciously gave me some recipies and showed me step by step how to make one of them. You will not be disappointed in your stay at this bed & breakfast & if we are ever in Anchorage again we will definitely stay there. The Aleman's & Simon's

Our stay at the Big Bear was like a living history experience. The home is filled with historical artifacts and tales of homesteading and adventure. The hostess has lived in Alaska all her life and works her tales into all aspects of your stay. The breakfast, pure Alaska, was really good and consisted of "the tastes of Alaska". I did find the room a bit crowded for my personal taste. If you want to experience Alaska then this is a great stay and you will definitely know more about life in Alaska then when you arrived.

We both began and ended our Alaskan adventure at Big Bear Bed & Breakfast. We highly recommend the personal attention of the co-owners Carol and Shelley. Breakfast was a feast and our request for vegetarian slections were accomodated wonderfully. While all rooms have bathrooms some bathroms could be described as 'pullman' type so be sure to ask the set-up if this is important to you. We would certainly visit again.

This is a nice place to stay, and very clean. You have to remove your shoes before entering, but it's worth it to keep the place clean! The breakfast was excellent too. Perhaps I could have rated the value higher, but I don't have anything to compare with it. There are a lot of knickknacks so be careful if you have small children. Also, there are a few furs which may offend some animal rights activists. Our room was lovely and clean though. The people were friendly, knowledgeable, and helpful. My only disappointment was that the Internet wasn't working. (But she did offer to let me use her own computer with phone card.) That was a little inconvenient which also caused me to rate the value as I did. The garden in back is a sweet spot to relax and enjoy. Overall, it was great, and I would definitely stay there again. I definitle recommend it.

My husband and I had a wonderful stay at Big Bear. The breakfast were different each and every day and just so delightful and simply yummy. Her cooking was incredible and was satisying and sooooo filling. We literally barely had room for dinner ( we'd have to skip lunch most days) ! We stayed for 7 whole nights and absolutley enjoyed the accomodations and we highly recommend this bed and breakfast as it was so friendly, clean and worth every penny. You can't buy hospitality like this for sure. Carol was alaos so knowledgable and gave awesome insights and recommedations on things to see and do. We booked September to come back again!!!!! We can't begin to say enough, except to say that if your considering any bed and breakfast, be sure to stay here....you won't regret it! Till we meet again Alaska....The West's

We went to the Big Bear Bed and Breakfast as a get away from every day life in Anchorage. For the price it was the best experience. For as much as we would have payed at a hotel we were more comfortable and got the most amazing breakfasts'. Carol is so much fun to talk with. And the stories and knowledge she has of Anchorage is incredible. I would highly recommend anyone here.

We stayed at the Big Bear B&B for a week last Sept. Couldn't have chosen better! The Denali Room was very comfortable and perfect for the two of us and our adult daughter. The accomodations were outstanding. Their living room contained bear skins, a mammoth head and tusks, and many other Alaska artifacts. Our friendly hostesses, Carol, Ross & Shelly Houston, totallly spoiled us with hearty breakfasts of freshly picked blue berries, frittatas, reindeer sausages, waffles, and much, much more. As life-long residents of Anchorage they described the wild life, and local and distant points of interest, and entertained us with stories of their experiences in beautiful Alaska. We highly recommend Big Bear Bed & Breakfast. Roy & Lesey Van Riper, Whidbey Island, Wa.

Carol and Shelley, Thanks for a wonderful stay. We enjoyed the 3 nights we spent in your Glacier Room. The breakfasts were outstanding (especially all the fresh produce from your own garden and salmon caught by your own family). The gardens were extraordinarily beautiful and peaceful. I loved all the Alaskan art and history that you shared during our stay. Thanks to the resident artist for the lovely ivory gift he fashioned for my mother. Thanks for making our stay something that we will remember forever.