This hotel is certainly historic, but it is also quite rundown. The public areas aren't too bad, but our room can only be described as shabby. It had cracked and worn paint on the walls and woodwork, beat-up motel-style furniture, cheesy polyester bedspreads, curtains that wouldn't close completely (no shades or blinds), a tiny bath with a broken soap dish and missing towel rack, inadequate lighting, and a musty smell. Worst of all, the housekeeping was lackadaisical. One day we had no hand towels, the next no bath mat, and the third day our room wasn't done at all! The maid had already left for the day, so the front desk clerk gave us clean towels and made a pass at the bed, but the apology we got from management was distinctly half-hearted. It's a shame because, spruced up, furnished in period style, and managed more attentively, this could be a truly charming place to stay. We were also unpleasantly surprised that they don't serve breakfast, not even a continental buffet. This is after all supposed to be a hotel, not a motel. The closest place we found was Mountain Market, a ten minute walk away with great food and coffee. All that said, the hotel restaurant is superb for dinner, with excellent food and attentive service. Fort Seward is also a fascinating place to stay, the view across to the mountains is lovely, and Haines is a cool little town in an incomparable natural setting. Rent a car (from the Captain's Choice motel--$10/day cheaper) and do the drives up the Haines Highway and out to Chilkoot Lake. Hike in Chikat State Park and out to Battery Point. Try the halibut fish and chips at the Bamboo Room and the gourmet organic pizza at Fireweed.

The hotel has ambiance, and a unique location. Some rooms have views. The owner was very nice, and helpful. The rooms, and whole facility, is over twenty years past when they should have been renovated. Surface clean, but with mildew odor, and mildewed showers. Look at the room before you register, is the best thing to do. And remember that it is a short season in Haines, making it difificult to earn a profit. The problem is all but one other hotel - motel appear to be just as bad, or worse. if you want a better faciity, Captain's Choice is likely the only hotel-motel that is at least average, or better. There was a nice looking, from the outside, B&B, south of town.

I rated this hotel 4 stars comparatively speaking since it had to be the best hotel I saw/stayed in while in Haines. I was originally at the Fort Seward Bed and Breakfast which was inhospitable/overpriced with small rooms and a non-existent host. The Hotel Halsingland is an older style luxury hotel that hasn't been the best maintained over the years but is now in good hands. Don't be taken aback by the outside of the hotel; the rooms have been redone and are sparkling clean. My only advice is to ask for a good sized bathroom as they vary considerably and the shower stalls can be quite small. They have a courtsey van to and from the State Ferry. The Fireweed Restaurant is within walking distance of the hotel in case the menu prices at the hotel's restaurant are a little too steep for your budget.

The Hotel Halsingland is located in two large houses that were officers quarters at Fort Seward in Haines. The fort was built about 100 years ago and does not resemble a fort at all. A number of attractive buildings surround the former parade ground. These two buildings were converted to a hotel and linked together some years ago. The present owners took over in 2002 and have worked hard to bring the property up to date. If you don't like old buildings and expect a Best Western type lodging, this is not the place for you. In Haines you won't find that. We've stayed at the Captain's Choice several years ago in Haines and didn't like it at all and thought it overpriced. Other lodging in Haines was worse in 2002 and the Halsingland had just been purchased. The Halsingland is comfortable. We had a large room and it even had a separate access to the street, although it may have been the only one like that. It was homey and appropriate for Alaska's Inside Passage. There was a very attractive restaurant with nice views, but it had just closed for the season. The owners have a lifetime job ahead of them because old buildings are a big commitment, but we enjoyed our stay there.

What a wonderful town - Haines! Hotel Halsingland is a little quirky but I liked it - its an older building, the former Officers' quarters on Fort William Steward. Might want to call the Hotel for more specific directions - but still easy to find. We used the map from a Visitors guide we picked up along the way. We stayed for 2 nights Saturday, June 10-Monday, June 12, 2006 - 2 adults/2 children (ages 4&6). Our room was on the second floor. Two seperate bed areas. Bathroom is a laugh - quite small with only a tiny shower. I had a bigger bathroom on the state ferry! Rooms great size - we were all able to spread out and not be on top of each other. Since its an older building you will hear people passing down the hallway. Kind of feels like being at someone's house. Staff quite nice. Huge grass area across the street (former parade grounds I'm guessing) great for the kids to run! Laundry facilities down the street. Hotel is up on a hill so there's a wonderful view of the Bay everytime you step outside. The local library has free internet access which you have to sign up for - its a real busy library with a closed off childrens reading area. Had a great breakfast and dinners at The Lighthouse Restaurant. Loved our stay in Haines!