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Downtown | Midtown | East Anchorage | South Anchorage
While other cities see new hotels pop up seemingly out of nowhere, the Anchorage hotel scene tends to stay rather consistent. Most of the major chains have a place in town, and there are some strong independents as well. Anchorage is also home to many B&Bs. If you’re traveling without a car, consider staying Downtown, where the hotels are just steps away from shops and restaurants. For a listing of hotels, contact the Anchorage Convention & Visitors Bureau. Reservations are a must for the major hotels, especially during the summer months.
Prices in the reviews are the lowest cost of a standard double room in high season.
Downtown
FAMILY | Comfort Inn Ship Creek.
HOTEL | Try catching salmon in the namesake Ship Creek gurgling past this popular family hotel, which is a short walk northeast of the Alaska Railroad Historic Depot and practically on top of the Tony Knowles Coastal Trail. Rooms exceed typical Comfort Inn standards (dreamy beds with plush linens, vaulted ceilings, etc.) and come in a variety of configurations, including some with kitchenettes and two-room suites. A substantial continental breakfast is served each morning. In the lobby you’re greeted by an enormous stuffed brown bear and freshly baked chocolate chip cookies. The hotel stocks a limited number of fishing rods. Pros: free parking; free Wi-Fi; some pet-friendly rooms. Cons: walk into Downtown is an uphill climb; train noise | Rooms from: $189 | 111 Ship Creek Ave., Downtown | 907/277–6887, 800/424–6423 | www.comfortinnanchorage.com | 88 rooms, 12 suites | Multiple meal plans.
Copper Whale Inn.
B&B/INN | This location offers the best of both worlds: it’s walkable to everything worth seeing in Downtown, but it’s on the quiet end of Fifth Avenue, right next to a small park and the 11-mile Coastal Trail. The unobstructed view across Cook Inlet to Sleeping Lady (Mt. Susitna) is a bonus at this small inn, built as a private residence in 1939. The rooms offer a simple yet elegant ambience and feature original art. A hearty continental breakfast is served in the comfortable living room, and a dozen good restaurants, including several of Alaska’s finest, are within a 10-minute walk. Profuse gardens grace the property. Need a bike? Lifetime Adventures bicycle rentals sets up on the property throughout the summer. Pros: excellent breakfast; convenient Downtown location; responsive and attentive staff; beautiful private gardens. Cons: some rooms are small; historic home is not wheelchair friendly | Rooms from: $189 | 440 L St., Downtown | 907/258–7999, 866/258–7999 | www.copperwhale.com | 14 rooms (12 with private bath), 1 suite | Breakfast.
Extended Stay Deluxe Anchorage—Downtown.
HOTEL | Large rooms furnished with one king or two queen beds, a writing table, 27-inch TV, DVD player, minirefrigerator, microwave, and free Wi-Fi came out of a recent complete overhaul at this hotel. Two-room suites include a larger refrigerator, stovetop, and pullout sofa; some also have hot tubs. The hotel is a block from the Anchorage Museum and has a tiny pool, hot tub, and a few pieces of exercise equipment downstairs. Because it caters to long-term guests, the hotel doesn’t offer toiletries in the rooms, and cleaning is done weekly, but you can request daily cleaning service and toiletries at check-in. Nightly, weekly, and monthly rates are available. One pet per room is welcome for an additional fee. There is also an Extended Stay in Midtown. Pros: very good rates available online; airport shuttle available. Cons: fee for laundry use; parking can be a hassle. | Rooms from: $169 | 108 E. 8th Ave., Downtown | 907/868–1605, 800/804–3724 | www.extendedstay.com | 75 rooms, 14 suites | Multiple meal plans.
Historic Anchorage Hotel.
HOTEL | The little building has been around since 1916, and experienced travelers call it the most charming hotel in town. The original sinks and tubs have been restored, and upstairs hallways are lined with archival Anchorage photos. The rooms are nicely updated with dark cherry furnishings and HD flat-screen TVs. The small lobby, its fireplace crackling in chilly weather, has a quaint European feel. The friendly staffers offer concierge services comparable to the city’s big hotels. Guests start each morning in the hotel’s former saloon with a complimentary continental breakfast that features fruit, cereal, Belgian waffles, and more. Request a corner room if possible; rooms facing the street may have traffic noise. The junior suites include sitting areas. Famous past guests include Walt Disney and Will Rogers. Pros: excellent staff; on the National Register of Historic Places; free Wi-Fi; convenient downtown location. Cons: old plumbing can be fussy; some rooms are small; no airport shuttle. | Rooms from: $219 | 330 E St., Downtown | 907/272–4553, 800/544–0988 | www.historicanchoragehotel.com | 16 rooms, 10 junior suites | Breakfast.
Fodor’s Choice | Hotel Captain Cook.
HOTEL | Recalling Captain Cook’s voyages to Alaska and the South Pacific, dark teak paneling lines the hotel’s interior, and a nautical theme continues into the guest rooms. All rooms have air-conditioning, and guests can use the separate men’s and women’s athletic clubs with shared indoor heated pool, business center. The hotel occupies an entire city block with three towers, the tallest of which is capped by the Crow’s Nest Restaurant, one of four eateries on-site. lFor an additional $30 per night, you can request rooms on the 16th and 17th “concierge floors” and receive complimentary parking, as well as a hot breakfast and evening hors d’oeuvres served in a private lounge with a phenomenal view of Cook Inlet and Mt. Susitna. The most luxurious accommodation is found on the 19th floor of Tower III—a sprawling, 1,600-square-foot two-bedroom suite, which costs a mere $1,000 per night and come with perks galore. Pros: staff is very well trained and accommodating, particularly at the concierge desk; excellent lobby bar. Cons: 24-hour parking passes cost $15. | Rooms from: $295 | 939 W. 5th Ave., Downtown | 907/276–6000, 800/843–1950 | www.captaincook.com | 546 rooms, 96 suites | No meals.
Oscar Gill House.
B&B/INN | Originally built by Gill in the settlement of Knik (north of Anchorage) in 1913, this historic home has been transformed into a comfortable B&B in a quiet neighborhood along Delaney Park Strip, with Downtown attractions a short walk away. How did the house get to Anchorage? By boat; three years after Gill built it in Knik, he floated it to Anchorage, where he later served as mayor for three terms and then speaker of the Territorial House. Two rooms share a bath with a classic claw-foot tub, and the third contains a private bath and whirlpool bath. Little touches include down comforters, free use of bicycles, and a delicious breakfast. Pros: great breakfast; very hospitable owners in a bit of Old Anchorage history. Cons: shared bath in two of the rooms; no king-size beds. | Rooms from: $115 | 1344 W. 10th Ave., Downtown | 907/279–1344 | www.oscargill.com | 3 rooms (1 with bath) | Breakfast.
Sheraton Anchorage Hotel & Spa.
HOTEL | The 16-story Sheraton is one of city’s best hotels, with rooms that are sleek (but not sterile) and accented with comfy beds and postcard views. Upper-level rooms overlook Cook Inlet and Mt. Susitna, the city, or the Chugach Range. From rooms on the north and east sides, watch Air Force jets fly in formation and small planes take off from Merrill Field. Jade Steak and Seafood serves Alaska-inspired cuisine. In the bar, enjoy an Alaska brew on tap from a leather club chair in front of the rock fireplace. The on-site, modern Ice Spa is a perfect place to pamper yourself after a hike on the local trails. The property also features a clean, bright, 24-hour fitness center with mountain views. lThis hotel typically charges for Wi-Fi, but if you sign up for its preferred guest program, Wi-Fi is free. Pros: tasteful, modern renovation; great views from the upper floors. Cons: fees for parking | Rooms from: $229 | 401 E. 6th Ave., Downtown | 907/276–8700, 800/325–3535 | www.sheraton.com | 359 rooms, 11 suites | No meals.
Westmark Anchorage Hotel.
HOTEL | Each room in this 13-story hotel undergoing renovation has a small private balcony: reserve a room or suite on the higher floors for the best mountain views. The downstairs restaurant, Solstice Bar & Grill, serves three meals a day, and several notable eateries are nearby, including Orso and Glacier BrewHouse. Westmark offers complimentary Wi-Fi in the lobby and guest rooms. lThe Westmark is slowly pecking away at room renovations, so when making reservations ask if one of the updated rooms is available. Pros: central Downtown location; private balconies in every room; generous discounts available online. Cons: noise, both from other rooms and outside; few frills; no airport shuttle. | Rooms from: $229 | 720 W. 5th Ave., Downtown | 907/276–7676, 800/544–0970 | www.westmarkhotels.com | 188 rooms, 12 suites | No meals.
Midtown
Courtyard by Marriott Anchorage Airport.
HOTEL | Business travelers pack this modern hotel near the airport, which recently redesigned its lobby to include comfortable media pods with phone chargers, TVs and more. Some rooms have a whirlpool bath and king-size bed, and all have a coffeemaker, two phones, microwave, refrigerator, and hair dryer. The restaurant serves breakfast and dinner. Pros: close to airport; free Wi-Fi; complimentary airport shuttle, pool. Cons: breakfast not included; location is noisy; not convenient for restaurants and sights. | Rooms from: $229 | 4901 Spenard Rd., Midtown | 907/245–0322 | www.marriott.com/anccy | 148 rooms, 6 suites | No meals.
Embassy Suites Anchorage.
HOTEL | California chic meets Alaskana at this upscale Anchorage hotel where you will find a long list of amenities, including a hot cooked-to-order breakfast and an afternoon manager’s reception featuring complimentary hors d’oeuvres and cocktails. Pi Kitchen + Bar, open daily for lunch and dinner, offers an extensive selection of wines and microbrew beers. Every room has at least two flat-panel TVs and a pullout sofa bed for stuffing in extra travelers, and the beds are plush and comfy. Pros: top-of-the-line facilities; freebies at manager’s reception; great breakfast. Cons: neighborhood is a high-traffic area; only some rooms have a (distant) mountain view. | Rooms from: $279 | 600 E. Benson Blvd., Midtown | 907/332–7000, 800/362–2779 | www.embassysuites.hilton.com | 169 suites | Breakfast.
Hampton Inn.
HOTEL | Midway between the airport and Downtown, the Hampton has all the standard features, and a few that are better than average, such as designer furnishings, an indoor swimming pool, and a spa. All rooms have exceptionally comfortable, supportive mattresses. There is a 24-hour airport shuttle and business center. Pros: shuttle will take you into town; great beds; excellent breakfast. Cons: some rooms near the pool can be noisy and smell of chlorine; basic chain-hotel ambience. | Rooms from: $249 | 4301 Credit Union Dr., Midtown | 907/550–7000, 800/426–7866 | hamptoninn.hilton.com | 97 rooms | Breakfast.
Millennium Anchorage Hotel.
HOTEL | Perched on the shore of Lake Spenard, this Anchorage institution is one of the city’s best spots to watch planes come and go; the lobby resembles a hunting lodge with its stone fireplace, trophy heads, and mounted fish on every wall. The luxurious guest rooms continue the inviting Alaskan theme. The Flying Machine Restaurant is known for its enormous Sunday brunch buffet ($35). lNew management is undergoing major renovations to rooms and public spaces, so ask if an updated room is available. Pros: close to the airport; old Alaska hunting-lodge feel; an airport shuttle is available. Cons: common areas getting worn; noise, both from ailing HVAC and airplanes on Lake Hood. | Rooms from: $299 | 4800 Spenard Rd., Midtown | 907/243–2300, 800/544–0553 | www.millenniumhotels.com | 244 rooms, 4 suites | No meals.
SpringHill Suites Anchorage Midtown.
HOTEL | Spacious one-room suites have separate living and sleeping areas with either a king bed or two double beds plus a pullout sofa, microwave, minirefrigerator, and flat-screen TV. With no extra charge, up to five people can stay in these suites and breakfast is included. The city’s main public library and a 16-plex movie theater are near this Midtown Anchorage hotel. Pros: complimentary parking; 24-hour airport shuttle, pool. Cons: small laundry facilities for such a large hotel; most restaurants within easy walking distance are national chains. | Rooms from: $259 | 3401 A St., Midtown | 907/562–3247 | www.marriott.com/ancsh | 102 suites | Breakfast.
East Anchorage
Camai Bed & Breakfast.
B&B/INN | At this elegant B&B, Anchorage’s oldest, two of the suites have private entries and plenty of space for families, and all suites have private baths and in-room satellite TV, DVD, and phones. Moose frequently visit the yard, and the B&B is adjacent to Chester Creek. Breakfast is a high point, with specials like vegetable quiche and French toast stuffed with peaches and cream. A hot tub on the deck overlooks a rose garden. Pros: private entries a real plus; quiet residential neighborhood; very experienced hosts. Cons: a relatively long way from Downtown restaurants; lack of credit-card payment option can be a bother (coming soon). | Rooms from: $139 | 3838 Westminster Way, East Anchorage | 907/333–2219 | www.camaibnb.com | 3 suites | No credit cards | Breakfast.
South Anchorage
FAMILY | Dimond Center Hotel.
HOTEL | For the price, the Dimond Center Hotel offers a shocking number of perks: every room has a 72-inch soaking tub, huge flat-screen TV, microwave, and minirefrigerator—not to mention the generous breakfast buffet, with waffles and biscuits and gravy. This Native corporation–owned hotel in South Anchorage sprinkles indigenous art throughout its contemporary spaces. The lounge is tiny, but it opens onto a peaceful patio with a fire pit. lThere is no gym, but you can use the hotel’s free passes to the full-service Dimond Athletic Club across the parking lot, which includes a pool and basketball court. Pros: free airport shuttle, Wi-Fi, and parking. Cons: location—it’s 5 miles from downtown and surrounded by national chain stores. | Rooms from: $209 | 700 E. Dimond Center Blvd., South Anchorage | 907/770–5000, 866/770–5002 | www.dimondcenterhotel.com | 109 rooms | Some meals.