Where to Stay in Anchorage – A Guide to the Great City of Alaska
Anchorage is the largest and most populous city in Alaska. It’s located in the south of the state and it’s famous for its nature, hiking trails, wildlife, and glaciers. This city is also considered the main cultural and economic hub in the US’ northernmost state. In this post, we will uncover the best areas to stay in Anchorage.
The main attractions in the city of Anchorage include the Anchorage Museum, the Alaska Native Heritage Center, Tony Knowles Coastal Trail, and the Anchorage Zoo. However, it is the breathtaking natural landscapes in Anchorage’s outskirts that drive thousands of tourists to visit this remote city every year. The top tourist attractions around the city include Portage Glacier, the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center, and the Alyeska ski resort, among many others.
When it comes to climate, Alaska has a subarctic climate, which means the weather is pretty extreme. Summers are very mild, with temperatures ranging from 55 to 78 °F (12.8 to 25.6 °C). Meanwhile, winters are extremely cold, with temperatures around 5 to 30 °F (−15.0 to −1.1 °C). The best time to visit Anchorage is late May through late August.
Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport, south of downtown Anchorage offers direct connections to the US and Canada and some other international destinations.
When it comes to public transportation, Anchorage offers a bus system called People Mover, with its main station in the center of the city. However, the best way to experience Anchorage and reach the incredible natural wonders it has to offer, it is highly advisable to rent a car. You can rent a cheap car in Anchorage here.
The old Alaska Railroad system, exclusively for tourists, complements the transportation system. Tourist trains depart from the Anchorage Train Depot located on 411 W 1st Ave, just north of downtown and leave for Whittier, Seward, Talkeetna, Denali Park, and Fairbanks.
Downtown is the recommended area to stay in Anchorage. See accommodation in Downtown Anchorage due to its proximity to the best nightlife, shopping, and leisure areas in the city.
Here’s a guide with the best areas to stay in Anchorage.
The Best Areas to Stay in Anchorage, Alaska
1. Our favorite area: Downtown Anchorage
Downtown Anchorage, also known as the business district of Anchorage, extends through the central area of the city to the Knik River coast.
Downtown displays a series of offices, highrises, shopping centers, restaurants, and the best nightlife in Alaska.
The architecture in Downtown Anchorage is well represented by the ConocoPhillips and Atwood buildings, known as the largest in Alaska.
Next to Downtown, you’ll find the popular Anchorage Museum, among the most visited attractions in the state.
The Alaska Railroad Depot is the district’s main train station at the north end, from which the Denali Star semi-luxury trains depart, one of the best experiences for tourists to Alaska.
Staying in downtown Anchorage is the best option due to its location, good hotels and public transport connections, among other benefits of the area.
The Downtown district is also among the best areas to stay in Anchorage for business travelers and young travelers looking to discover the nightlife of the city.
Why is this a recommended area to stay in Anchorage:
- Central area
- Good restaurants
- Best area for business travelers
- Luxury hotels
- Best area for nightlife
- Connected by public transport
Accommodation in this area
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Top Choice
Aviator Hotel Anchorage
This Anchorage hotel offers live music on Thursdays and Saturdays and is less than a 1-minute walk from the shops at 5th Avenue Mall.
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Budget
Clarion Suites Downtown Anchorage Hotel
The Clarion Suites Downtown is located in the very center of Anchorage, just a short walk from several attractions, such as the Visit Anchorage tourist office, the Dena’ina civic and convention center.
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Luxury
The Hotel Captain Cook
This luxury hotel is located in downtown Anchorage, 7 blocks from the local Museum. It has 4 restaurants, a conference center, 15 shops and spacious rooms with a flat-screen cable TV.
2. East Anchorage & University of Alaska
East Anchorage and the University of Alaska are located in the U-med district, southeast of the city.
It is an area famous for its educational institutions and research centers, among which the UAA (University of Alaska Anchorage) stand out.
Other attractions of the so-called Anchorage school district are the planetarium, large libraries and parks such as Sitka Street, Woodside Park and Goose Lake Park.
The area is 10 minutes by car from downtown, with most of its bus stops on Providence Avenue.
The U-med district, as well as the East Anchorage and the University of Alaska surroundings, have a large number of 3-star hotels, apartments and student residences.
It is one of the best areas to stay in Anchorage for travelers on a budget, and to enjoy the school district, museums, and galleries.
Why is this a recommended area to stay in Anchorage:
- University of Alaska
- Peaceful area
- Park area
Accommodation in this area
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Top Choice
SpringHill Suites Anchorage University Lake Hotel
Nestled at the base of Chugach Mountain Range, this hotel offers panoramic views of University Lake. It features an indoor swimming pool and a hot tub.
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Budget
Clarion Suites Downtown Anchorage Hotel
Located 9 mi. from Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport, this Anchorage inn offers a continental breakfast.
3. Near Ted Stevens International Airport
Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport is located 4 miles from the city center, just southwest on Cook Inlet Bay.
Not only is it the largest airport in Alaska, but it is also the one with the highest passenger traffic on the Pacific Coast, reaching 5 million visitors per year.
It is a hub for Alaska Airlines, as well as other important airlines to Asia and Europe, among others.
The surroundings of the Ted Stevens are served by the People Mover bus service, which distributes routes on the outskirts of the airport.
Several hotels installed in this area offer complete Wi-Fi services, ATMs, restaurants, shops and luggage storage.
From the Ted Stevens International Airport, you can book airplane and helicopter tours to see the marshy areas or fly over the mountains and glaciers.
The hotels around the airport are ideal for those on a layover or traveling for business, which makes this place one of the best areas to stay in Anchorage.
Why is this a recommended area to stay in Anchorage:
- Ted Stevens International Airport
- Alaska Airlines’ main hub
- Best area for a layover
Accommodation in this area
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Top Choice
Coast International Inn
Overlooking Lake Hood, this Anchorage, Alaska hotel offers warm rooms with free Wi-Fi and cable TV. A transfer service to Ted Stevens International Airport is offered.
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Budget
Long House Alaskan Hotel
Long House Alaskan Hotel is 1.4 miles from Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport. It offers free airport shuttle service, a business center and laundry facilities.
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Luxury
Frenchy’s Adventure Bed and Breakfast
Located in Anchorage, Alaska, Frenchy’s Adventure Bed and Breakfast offers a fully equipped shared kitchen. This B & B offers free Wi-Fi and parking.
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