Alaska is a beautiful but complicated place to visit. To help our readers make sense of their stay, here are the 5 best hotels in Anchorage, Alaska.
SpringHill Suites by Marriott Anchorage Midtown
Alaska is expensive. It’s a considerable distance from the continental United States (it famously borders Russia with just 50 miles separating the two countries at the Aleutian Islands), harsh conditions and limited affordable transportation make it difficult to reach. Coupled with that, its strategic location for transport flights flying the polar routes, rich natural resources such as Gold and Oil and tourism for Denali mountain and beautiful cruises mean that stays in the great white north can be very expensive.
A welcome affordable challenger to the status quo expensive hotel regime is the SpringHill Suites by Marriott Anchorage Midtown. The Springhill allows guests expanded space in its all-suite design, an indoor pool, and free parking. It’s also an ideal hotel for extended stays in Anchorage given its apartment-like accommodations, affordability, and proximity to area attractions. Marriott Bonvoy members will find that in addition to earning points and status for their stays at Springhill Midtown, they can also find a great value in redeeming points at the hotel. To learn more about Bonvoy check out Suites and Lobbies detailed breakdown.
SpringHill Suites by Marriott Anchorage Midtown
Copper Whale Inn
There are high rise business hotels, lodges (as you’ll find later in this post) and extended stay hotels. None of them hold quite the charm of the Copper Whale Inn. As the single most unique hotel in downtown Anchorage, the cottage-style property is all style with a total of 15 rooms built in a designer home inn downtown.
The property is one of the oldest structures in Anchorage (the city was only established in 1915) with primary construction completed in 1939. The hotel features modern amenities like wifi and flat screen TVs but guests don’t choose the Copper Whale to watch cable. The history, original courtyard, and eclectic design is the draw.
The Copper Whale provides bed & breakfast service or for those in a rush, the hotel offers free to-go bags in the morning. The proprietor owns a successful tour company just a few blocks away for visitors looking branch out. Guests interested in staying closer to home will appreciate that the Whale is conveniently located within walking distance to the Anchorage Museum, and railroad depot as well as downtown area attractions.
SpringHill Suites Anchorage University Lake
The SpringHill Suites Anchorage University Lake is one of the newest and most modern properties in the city. The all-suite property is uniquely located slightly outside the city near the university with a perfect view of downtown Anchorage and Lake Hood as well as the mountains that surround.
As cited elsewhere in this post, affordability can be a problem throughout the entire state of Alaska, and especially in Anchorage depending on the season and location of the property. The Springhill expertly balances the need for modern design, connection to nature, and accessibility.
The hotel offers free breakfast to guests as well as free airport shuttles to Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport. Guests participating in the Marriott Bonvoy loyalty program can accrue status and points for their stay, or burn those points to offset the costs – at a tremendous value. To learn more about Bonvoy check out Suites and Lobbies detailed breakdown.
SpringHill Suites Anchorage University Lake
The Lakefront Anchorage
The Lakefront Anchorage makes our list of Best Business hotels due to its generous hours of operation and break from the norm, but it also makes our list of best hotels in Anchorage because regardless of the purpose of your visit, the Lakefront delivers.
Located on Lake Hood, the Lakefront offers guests a 24 hour stay period (beginning whenever the guest arrives), stunning views of the lake and Fire Island, and a luxurious lodge feel with the convenience of Anchorage.
Large stone and wood features, mounted wildlife, and vaulted ceilings with glass views are just some of the design elements that make guests feel at home away from home. It’s really this sense of western mountain resort with the luxuries of a modern property that make Lakefront among the very best in Alaska, and reason enough for any visitor to Anchorage to book a stay.
Hotel Captain Cook
A true local luxury option in Anchorage is the Hotel Captain Cook. Originally built by the governor of Alaska (Hickel), the 546-room property is a massive structure that offers some of the best Anchorage has to offer.
True luxury hotels in Anchorage are a rare find, making the unique and well-appointed Hotel Captain Cook a novel approach. In addition to deluxe rooms, the hotel offers a number of junior and executive suites as well as one and two bedroom “Crow’s Nest” suites with stunning mountain views of the Chugach range. Guests on club level rooms can enjoy the two floor lounge with daily amenities including a hot breakfast buffet.
There’s even more to love about Hotel Captain Cook like its full service on-site restaurants, a dozen gift shops and art stores, and a fitness centre so elaborate that they sell memberships to local residents.
The on-site restaurant, Crow’s Nest, boasts an impressive AAA four-diamond award meaning you are guaranteed to have an amazing experience. Check out their menu and learn more here.
Cook is a Historic Hotel of America and a member of the Preferred Hotels Group, an amalgamation of signature independent properties and unified loyalty program.
