If seeing the Northern Lights (or Aurora Borealis to give them their proper name) is on your bucket list, it’s time to head up to Anchorage for your next vacation and book yourself the best hotels in Anchorage Alaska. Anchorage is located in the shadow of the magnificent Chugach Mountain Range at the end of the Cook Inlet. Despite being the largest city in Alaska, it’s still something of an isolated place with a permanent population of less than 750,000.
And as one of the coldest cities in the U.S, the best time to visit is probably April when there is less chance of snow and rain. So, whatever kind of vacation you’re after, Anchorage has lots to offer. The city center is an eclectic mix of distractions and attractions, from museums, musical events, and high-class restaurants to parks, zoos, and winter recreation centers. A great choice for families.
Getting around the city is super easy thanks to the public bus system known as the ‘People Mover’, with the main bus terminal is located right in the center of the city. You can easily access glaciers (keep in mind that one of the 8 Most Stunning Glaciers In The World is in Alaska), lakes, and forest on the outskirts of the city, or enjoy a trip to the city’s surrounding areas onboard the old Alaska Railroad, including Denali Park, Fairbanks, Seward, and Talkeetna. The city has a very-well organized neighborhood structure and offers various hotels in Anchorage Alaska for you to stay.
Where to Stay in Anchorage
There are many things to do in Anchorage, some of them are the top things to do in Alaska. And knowing where to stay and choosing the best Anchorage Alaska hotels is important. Staying in Downtown Anchorage, also known as the business district, is the best option and certainly recommended. Most of the best hotels in Anchorage Alaska are located in the Downtown area. And this area is also home to a great selection of restaurants, pubs, bars, shopping centers, and theatres. Plus, it’s very well served by public transport with the main bus and rail stations being in Downtown. You can visit the Anchorage Museum or stroll around the Anchorage Market and Festival during weekends.
If you visit with your family, Midtown can be a great place to stay. This neighborhood offers lots of coffee shops, restaurants, museums, and parks. You can take a picnic and make a day out of just wandering the parks around the neighborhood. Or you can visit Alaska Zoo and experience the scenic Turnagain Arm Drive. There are some great hotels located in Midtown for you to choose from.
Staying near Ted Stevens International Airport in Spenard is also a great choice. It’s only about 2 miles (3.2 km) to the airport and 4 miles (6.4 km) to Downtown, which makes it an ideal place for those who make a stopover or are traveling for business. Watching the floatplanes and enjoying the view in Lake Hood are some of the activities you can do in this area. Whatever your preference or travel style, we’ve put together a list of the best hotels in Anchorage Alaska, to make the most of your stay. After all, Alaska is one of the places you must visit before they disappear!
Clarion Suites Downtown Anchorage
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Located in Downtown Anchorage, Clarion Suites Downtown Anchorage is only a 10-minute drive from Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport. It’s a couple of minutes on foot to some of the city’s major attractions, including Anchorage Museum, Alaska Center for the Performing Arts, and the Anchorage 5th Avenue Mall.
Enjoy hotel amenities during your stay, including complimentary hot breakfast. Now you can start your day with a happy tummy! ATM machine, free Wi-Fi, and free parking are also provided for your convenience.
A heated swimming pool and fitness center are available if you want to maintain your workout routine. Besides, the hotel also welcomes your fur-family members, upon request. There’s a laundry service with additional charges, perfect for those who plan to pack light.
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Inlet Tower Hotel & Suites
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Amongst Anchorage Alaska hotels, Inlet Tower Hotel & Suites is a pet-friendly hotel that provides a complimentary airport shuttle service. It features spacious and comfortable rooms, free Wi-Fi internet access, gym, and laundry facilities. It’s everything you need for a comfortable short stay.
PubHouse, the on-site restaurant, serves national and international cuisine for an enjoyable dining experience. And it’s also a great place to relax and unwind after a full day of activities.
You can explore the city and visit some key places, including Alaska Center for the Performing Arts, Sulivan Arena, and Anchorage Museum, which are all located within walking distance. Then, shop or stroll around the Anchorage 5th Avenue Mall or Anchorage Saturday Market.
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Dimond Center Hotel
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If you’re looking for hotels in Anchorage Alaskanear Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport, you can choose Dimond Center Hotel. It’s only a 15-minute drive from the airport. No more leaving too early just to catch your next flight!
The hotel provides a 24-hour complimentary shuttle to and from the airport, which makes it perfect if you have a long layover. On top of that, it’s only a minute or so by foot to the Diamond Center, an Alaskan–family owned mall, and a range of nearby restaurants.
The hotel features large and comfortable rooms, catering to every traveler’s needs. A fitness center is available for those who like to stay active. While the on-site bar welcomes those who prefer to lay low.
You can also enjoy other amenities, including free Wi-Fi and complimentary breakfast. If you some spare time Downtown Anchorage is just over 6 miles (or 10km) away.
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Aspen Suites Hotel Anchorage
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Aspen Suites Hotel Anchorage can be the perfect place to stay for sports enthusiasts. The hotel is close to Ben Boeke Ice Arena, Sullivan Arena. It’s the home of the professional ice hockey team, the Alaska Aces of the ECHL. Mulcahy Stadium is also nearby, a great place to watch a baseball match. You can go ice-skating or play ice-hockey at Ben Boeke Ice Arena. On top of that, a wide range of shops and restaurants is only a short walk from the property.
During your stay, enjoy any of the comfortable rooms with a fully equipped kitchen. No more junk food on a holiday as you can whip up your own meal. A laundry service and business center are also available on-site. What’s better, free Wi-Fi and coffee are provided for 24-hour. Traveling by car? Use the hotel’s free parking! A
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Anchorage Grand Hotel
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If you’re looking for a hotel in Downtown Anchorage, Anchorage Grand Hotel can be a great choice. The Alaska Railroad Depot, shops, and restaurants are only minutes away. It’s also close to many attractions, including Imaginarium Discovery Museum, Anchorage Museum, and Anchorage 5th Avenue Mall.
The hotel’s rooms feature a full kitchenette and living area for your comfort, making this hotel a great alternative to the conventional standard rooms. You can use other amenities, such as free Wi-Fi, dry-cleaning services, and an on-site business center. The reception is available for 24-hour. Right next to it, you can find vending machines for snacks and drinks in case you crave them in the middle of the night.
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The Lakefront Anchorage
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Another hotel near Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport is The Lakefront Anchorage. It’s located on the shores of Lake Hood. The hotel offers free 24-hour shuttle services to Downtown Anchorage and Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport. Or, you can make use of the private floatplane dock!
Enjoy the view of the seaplane airbase from the dining area, outdoor green space, and meeting rooms. That’s a sight you cannot just simply see anywhere!
This hotel features guest rooms with dark hardwood furniture, which makes for a cozy and warm atmosphere. The interior of the hotel is a taste of real Alaska, where you’ll see hunting themes all-around. On that note, we don’t recommend this hotel to animal lovers.
Complimentary Wi-Fi and parking are available. While the on-site restaurants serve breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
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La Quinta by Wyndham Anchorage Airport
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One of our top picks in Anchorage, La Quinta by Wyndham Anchorage Airport is only a minutes’ drive from Downtown and Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport. Enjoy the free shuttle service to and from the airport and Downtown provided by the hotel, perfect for a quick transit. But if you’re here for more, do explore the city. Visit Springer Park and Lake Spenard, which are only minutes away from the hotel.
The hotel features comfortable and spacious rooms and a fitness center. Plus, pets are allowed with no additional charge! Now, your furry babies can tag along with you on your winter adventure.
The hotel provides complimentary breakfast, parking, and Wi-Fi, something you’ll always find handy. There’s also complimentary water, coffee, and snacks in the foyer. If that’s not enough, on-site snacks and drinks vending machines are at your disposal.
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Home2 Suites by Hilton Anchorage/Midtown
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If you’re planning a family trip to Anchorage, you’ll need accommodation that suits everyone, including your fur-babies. Home2 Suites by Hilton Anchorage/Midtown welcomes them. But please note that an additional fee may apply.
While you’re spending the nights here, you can take your family to have a picnic at some of the parks nearby. These include Cuddy Family Midtown Park, Springer Park, and Arctic/Benson Park.
Enjoy the heated pool and hot tub after a full day of activities. Or you can have a BBQ and relax by the outdoor fireplace. The hotel features free Wi-Fi so you’ll stay connected even when you’re far away from home. Complimentary 24-hour shuttle service to the train station and airport is available when it’s time to come home.
The comfortable rooms are equipped with kitchenette, and certain rooms feature mountain or city views. Plus, the free continental breakfast offers lots of choices.
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Hyatt Place Anchorage-Midtown
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Midtown Anchorage offers various hotels in Anchorage Alaska, including Hyatt Place Anchorage-Midtown. What we mostly love about this hotel is that it features comfortable and spacious rooms. Not to mention the free fast Wi-Fi provided. If you can’t find your favorite channel on TV, you can always stream it!
There’s an on-site restaurant, bar, plus 24/7 fitness center for your convenience. For more fun exercise, you can do a quick lap at the indoor pool. Don’t forget to devour the complimentary breakfast every day during your stay. Other facilities included are a laundry service and a business center, plus pets are welcome.
You can explore the city by strolling around the Pop Carr Memorial Park, Cuddy Family Midtown Park, or watch some movies at Century 16. Finish your day by relaxing and dining at Moose’s Tooth Pub & Pizzeria or some of the other restaurants nearby.
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The Voyager Inn
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The Voyager Inn is located right in the heart of the city. There’s no doubt that it’s one of the best hotels in Anchorage Alaska. One of the reasons why is that it’s very close to some of the city’s parks, including Buttress Park and Delaney Park.
You can also stroll around the city, and visit Anchorage Museum and Oscar Anderson House Museum, plus Alaska Center for the Performing Arts. It’s an easy walk to the coastal path and train station. Relaxing in some of the restaurants nearby is a perfect way to end a full day.
Make the most of the hotel amenities during your stay, including free Wi-Fi. We recommend booking the spacious rooms with a kitchenette, so you can prep a quick meal before you go. Don’t miss the complimentary happy hour drinks every afternoon, a great way to meet other guests! This pet-friendly hotel features parking, spa & wellness, and facilities for disabled people.
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The Hotel Captain Cook
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Downtown Anchorage is the perfect place to find the best hotels in Anchorage Alaska, including The Hotel Captain Cook. It’s only a minute of walk to many city attractions. You can stroll around the city. Don’t miss the Town Square Park that offers flowers and concerts in the summer, plus ice sculptures and an ice rink in the winter. And for some retail therapy, Anchorage 5th Avenue Mall and Anchorage Market are close by.
The hotel offers guests complimentary access to their Athletic Club, which includes an indoor pool, massage service, and fitness center. That’s more than enough to keep you occupied all day.
On top of that, the comfortable rooms are spacious and decorated in rich colors. Each exudes such a classic and antique style. The wooden furniture just adds to the natural nuance perfectly.
Enjoy the complimentary breakfast and make the most of the free Wi-Fi to check how your friends and family doing back home. Have a dining experience at the on-site restaurants, including Crow’s Nest. Experience fine dining at this restaurant while you’re enjoying the spectacular views of the Cook Inlet, Alaska Range, and the Chugach Range. Or you can go to nearby restaurants, including Snow City Café and Glacier Brewhouse.
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Recommended Restaurants / Bars in Anchorage, Alaska:
- Spenard Roadhouse – Enjoy local favorites or all American classic food in this colorful casual dining spot. Be sure you try the bacon jam burger, Alaskan reindeer Polish sausage, and top it off with the best selection of whiskeys and bourbons.
- Glacier BrewHouse – Enjoy the ambiance of the dining room with its timbered rafters and ample seating around the large fireplace. You can try the locals’ favorite, including seafood, wood-grilled meats, and house-brewed beer.
- Kinley’s Restaurant and Bar – Experience fine dining with their specialty, fresh Alaskan seafood. Enjoy your meals in the contemporary rustic décor dining room.
Recommended Activities In Anchorage, Alaska:
- Kenai Fjords National Park 6-Hour Cruise – Explore the abundant wildlife, discover the whales, and visit the tidewater glacier of Kenai Fjords National Park on a 6-hour cruise. Besides, you’ll see spectacular sights and learn about the area’s wildlife, history, and geology, plus enjoy a deli-style lunch while on-board.
- Anchorage Market & Festival – Located in downtown Anchorage, it’s the best place for shopping and relaxing during the weekend. Then, you can shop for clothes, food, and crafts, or snack while enjoying live entertainment.
- Anchorage Small-Group City Highlights Tour – Experience Alaska’s largest city by exploring some of the places, including Lake Hood, Chugach Mountains, and Port of Anchorage and Ship Creek area. You can enjoy stunning views of the Chugach Mountains and watch the busiest seaplane base in the world in Lake Hood.
