Pearsons Pond Inn And Spa, Juneau

We stayed at Pearson's Pond for a week to celebrate our anniversary. Maryann, Rachael and Rick went way beyond our expectations on all fronts. Their hospitality and overall service was phenomenal throughout our visit. Our room was beautiful, the bed was the best we ever slept on, and the gardens were truly spectacular. The advice we were given on activities and restaurants were perfect. We felt right at home from the moment we entered the inn and never wanted to leave. We had a wonderful time - this was our best anniversary getaway ever! We have already recommended Pearson's Pond to several of our friends and are planning to return ourselves next summer!

I stayed at Pearson's Pond as a result of a special trip I made to Alaska (including Juneau) a few years ago, and I must say I am disappointed (and surprised) by any unfavorable comments. Diane Pearson (and staff) were the most accommodating, helpful, thoughtful, and nice. She arranged several special trips for me -- includeing Glacier Trek and salmon fishing -- and saw that I was treated very well by all. I loved the atmosphere at Pearson's Pond. My room was extremely comfortable and well-appointed, including the fireplace, huge plush bed, mood music, and "rain" shower, and I had a wonderful massage there, too. Food choices were also outstanding.

The owners were too competitive with other local businesses for tourist dollars. We were paying $400 a night to stay with them. We flew into Juneau, arriving after 7 p.m. at night, following an 18 hour travel day from the East Coast, and involving 7 airports! Given the possibility of canceled or delayed flights and arriving after dark, we did not want to wait in line at an auto rental desk (which might be closed if our flight was delayed) and then drive on unfamiliar roads in the dark. We therefore reserved a room at the Airport Travelodge for our first night. Our plan was to collapse at the Travelodge, sleep late, pick up the rental car and head out to Pearson's. Why risk losing a non-refundable $400 night with them? Well, Diane wrote me a snippy email, stating we'd be better off sleeping in a van than staying at the Travelodge, but with no specifics as to why. She told me we should come directly to Pearson's because they had a room available for that additional night. It was not the same room, so the next morning we'd have to pack all of our stuff and move to another room.She then pointedly stated that if we did stay at the Travelodge our first night, we should "not expect to check in before the 3:00 p.m.check in time, even if you are already in town." I had not even requested an early check in! This was not exactly the warm and gracious attitude I expect from a quality operation. She made me feel like I had no taste, to stay at the Travelodge, and was trying to rip her off in some way. The Travelodge, by the way, was just fine, and I appreciated the fact that it had an indoor pool where I could swim after being cooped up in a plane the entire day. We looked forward to having some wine and cheese, etc., in the late afternoon at Pearson's after we got back from our various adventures. However, you have to go through the main gathering area to get to the stairs to go to your room, and Diane made it clear we were expected to sit down and recite our activities for the entertainment of anyone else there. Everyone sat in a big circle, so you could not have private conversations without appearing rude. This wasn't conducive to romance and privacy, or just being tired and wanting a nap before dinner. It would have been a definite drag to honeymooners! We felt like teenagers trying to sneak by Mom and Dad. During our week's stay, we came across a relatively new restaurant where we had the best meal of our stay. When we gave "the group" an enthusiastic review of the restaurant, Diane allowed she didn't like the people running the restaurant and although she had never set foot in the place, she put it down the way she had the Travelodge. We went to a restaurant she recommended, and it wasn't nearly as nice. Juneau's a small community - everyone knows everyone. I don't think it's good business practise to denigrate your competition. I don't expect the standards of smooth hospitality in Alaska which I've found in Berlin, Dublin, London, Istanbul, etc., but her attitude added significant stress to what should have been a totally relaxing holiday. Of course I appreciate hotel staff recommending good places to eat, and warning me off not-so-good ones, but that should be done with tactful suggestions, and based on actual knowledge of the restaurants.

this stay was awesome! i have been to Alaska many times, but never at this inn. When i got here it was amazing! i felt like i was roalty and it always felt homey

The couple running the show were very friendly and made me feel very comfortable and since I'm such a shy person that was a hard task. I thought they gave me an excellent value. They upgraded me to a better room for free and I thought the room was totally awesome. I thought the place was very clean. I didn't see a spot of dust anywhere. The decor was obviously chosen to stimulate a romantic atmosphere. I liked to cook my own breakfast and she had a huge assortment of delicious easy to microwave items for breakfast. That was great. The one thing I did not like is that I told her that I wanted the additional charges for an extra guest to be put on a separate bill, because I did not want my employer to know I brought a friend with me. She did so. But a year later she claimed that my employer did not pay the bill and sent them a copy of an invoice which had the charges I personally paid for my guest on the bill. So now everyone at the office knows I brought a guest to Juneau with me. Additionally, my office had paid the bill but Diane told the clerk at my office that it hadn't been paid. So now I'm waiting for a copy of the check from my company so I can send it to her to prove my company paid the bill. This has turned out to be very embarressing for me so I would not go back.

We were very disappointed with this "luxury inn". The small room had a closet under the stairs but no drawers for clothes. We had to walk up a short flight of stairs to the small dated bath room. The fireplace was fake electric. They did serve a nice afternoon snack of wine cheese and veges. However, we were very disappointed to discover that the "self serve breakfast" meant cook your own. For the $ 400 dollar a night price, I expected more. They have a lovely landscaped property that would have been nice when it isn't raining, but it rains a lot in Junaeau. If I had it to do over I would have picked another bed and breakfast in Juneau and saved half of my money.

Pearson's Pond was about the most warm, comfortable and pleasant place that I have ever stayed (and I've traveled the world). The hosts, Steve and Diane, seemed to bend over backwards to make my vacation the perfect one. My room was clean and inviting and sat right next to this neat little pond where baby ducks waddled up looking for bread. There was this hot tub right out side on a deck with a table where we could lunch while staring out over that breathtaking Alaskan mountain scenery. I'm not sure you could beat a place like this.

When my husband and I decided to have a recommitment ceremony during our tenth year of marriage, we decided to celebrate on Nerw Years Eve at Pearson's Pond. It was the best New Years celebration we've had! Diane arranged and officiated at our recommitment ceremony while Steve took the photos. We then had a delightful dinner, complete with champagne and a "wedding" cake. Our room was filled with amenities..robes and slippers, candles, bread and cheese, chocolates, and more champagne. We relaxed in our private jacuzzi away from the cares of the world. During our sumptuous breakfast, we mingled with other guests, some from Juneau and others from the lower 48. When we checked out , Steve presented us with a personalized dvd of our photos. We have many friends who, like us, enjoy escaping and relaxing with a night at Pearson's Pond.

What a charming and personable place to stay. As a business traveler, I am delighted to find a small inn that will be understanding of a challenging work schedule and still make my visit interesting and fun. The owners cater to personal interests and wants or you can be left alone if that is what you desire. It's a peaceful setting with great views, yet close to the airport and the Mendenhall Glacier. In the summer there are lovely gardens, in the winter snow hangs on the pine trees framing the pond. I actually hate to recommend it because they might not have a room for me next time.

I travelled for the State of Alaska for 11 years, bedding at every concievable establishment: b&b, inn, motel, hotel, trailer, library floors etc. I also travel extensively around the world. Without a doubt Pearson's Pond is one of the finest establishments I have had the pelasure to experience. The service is fast and friendly and staff is always willing to accomodate guests. Their knowledge of the area is excellent and can lead any guest to their desire activity. The accomodations themselve are beautifully appointed, spotless and each room unique. Over the 50 plus stays I noted that there would be something new in the rooms and common area. The owner/innkeeper is perpetually trying to make an already marvelous place more inviting, and succeeds each time. If there is a problem with any aspect of the stay the staff responds quickly to the issue and resolves it in the shortest time possible. For years I have referred friends and colleagues to Pearson's and will continue to do so. Heck, if celebreties want to stay there then that should be a good clue as to the quality of the business. Sincerely, Michael Young