Downtown Anchorage during the Iditarod
If you’re visiting Alaska this year, there’s a pretty good chance you’ll be at least passing through Anchorage. Or maybe this will be your “base” for exploring the surrounding area over the course of a week or two. Either way, Anchorage is an awesome city to have on your Alaska itinerary, even if it’s just for a short period of time on your way in and out of the international airport!
I’ll admit, deciphering the right area to stay in Anchorage can be a little bit confusing. As someone who moved to the Anchorage area from the lower 48 with essentially zero information beforehand (whoops), I learned through trial and error where the very best spots are. And I learned quickly what the worst spots are, so this guide will help you avoid those.
So if you’re looking for not only the best areas to stay, but also the best hotels in Anchorage, I’ve got you covered! These are the top 9 hotels I would recommend to everyone, with a good variety in price point, vibes, and even location within the city. Let’s get into it!
Table of Contents:
Introduction
Best Areas to Stay in Anchorage
Where to Stay: 9 Best Hotels in Anchorage
FAQ
Short on time? Here are my top hotel picks in Anchorage:
Salted Roots Basecamp (apartments)
Best Areas to Stay in Anchorage, Alaska
#1 Area: Downtown
This is going to be the best area for the majority of people visiting Alaska, because there is a lot to do within a small, walkable area. Staying right downtown means you can pop outside of your hotel and stroll over to handfuls of restaurants, shops, and highlights like the Anchorage Museum or Tony Knowles Coastal Trail within just a few minutes. Outside of downtown, a car is absolutely necessary to get around, so downtown is particularly great if you don’t want to drive everywhere during your time in Anchorage.
#2 Area: Airport Area / Lake Hood
This is the best for easy airport access, and as a bonus, Lake Hood is actually the busiest float plane base in the world, so you get an incredible view. If you have an early morning flight or you get into Anchorage pretty late at night, this will be the closest area to Ted Stevens International Airport, which I think is a highly underrated bonus. The lake sits between a couple different neighborhoods, including “Spenard” and “Turnagain,” so I just refer to it as the Lake Hood area for simplicity.
Other Recommended Areas:
Midtown is going to have plenty of hotel options available, and it’s not a bad choice if you don’t mind using your rental car to get around the city. There are so many restaurants, shops, businesses and more available in the midtown area, but none of it is “walkable” like downtown is. If you’re okay with that, I would recommend Staybridge Suites as your midtown top pick.
The Hillside neighborhood is a quiet and unbelievably scenic area, tucked up in a residential hillside area (hence the name) of the Chugach Mountains, but still within the Anchorage city limits on the southeast side. I particularly love this area because it feels very calm and local, plus you’re more within nature while still staying in Anchorage proper. You will 100% need a rental car to get around from here. There are limited options up in Hillside outside of the beautiful Highland Glen Lodge, but some Airbnbs or private rentals also pop up sometimes.
Where to Stay: 9 Best Hotels in Anchorage
1. The Wildbirch Hotel (Best Boutique Hotel in Downtown)
📍Downtown Anchorage
The Wildbirch Hotel is the most design-forward hotel in downtown Anchorage, and it’s quite new (opened in summer 2025)! Right off the bat, I can tell you that this would be my own personal top choice for a place to stay in Anchorage. The property leans into Alaska's wilderness aesthetic but also holds onto a modern vibe. Rooms are both amenity-filled and artistic, with custom-carved wooden headboards and contemporary design elements. Let’s just say it’s very Instagrammable, which I consider a big plus.
They have an on-site restaurant, cafe, retail store, and plenty of nearby parking (which costs $15/day). This hotel is a perfect pick for anyone who wants an aesthetic and comfy stay right in the city, since you’ll be within easy walking distance of anything in downtown Anchorage. It has received numerous accolades since opening, including the #6 best hotel in the Pacific Northwest according to Condé Nast Traveler!
(images via Booking.com)
2. Salted Roots Basecamp
📍Downtown Anchorage
Another new addition to the Anchorage accommodation selection! If you’ve heard of their sister property in Seward (one of the best stays in all of Alaska, in my opinion), then this downtown Anchorage apart-hotel will likely be at the top of your list.
The apartments at Salted Roots Basecamp have fully equipped kitchens, tons of natural light, modern design elements, and on-site amenities like a coffee shop and yoga studio. How cool is that? This is a great base for anyone planning to spend their days adventuring, and who wants a cozy place to stay that captures the same vibe.
>> Book Salted Roots Basecamp:
- 2 bed 2 bath loft
- 2 bed 1 bath loft
- 1 bed 1 bath apartment
(And there are others!)
(images via VRBO)
3. The Hotel Captain Cook
📍Downtown Anchorage
The Hotel Captain Cook is sort of an anchor of the downtown Anchorage area, and it’s been open since 1965, so they’ve earned a great reputation. The hotel is full-service with multiple restaurants and bars, a fitness center, wellness facilities, a heated indoor swimming pool, its own retail stores, on-site parking (that one is huge!) and a location that’s hard to beat.
Basically, if you need it, they likely have it right there in the building! And since you’ll be located in the heart of downtown, you’re within walking distance to everything else, too.
(images via Tripadvisor)
4. The Lakefront Anchorage (Best For Quick Airport Access)
📍Airport Area / Lake Hood
Located right on Lake Hood (which is actually the world's busiest floatplane base) The Lakefront Anchorage has one of the most uniquely Alaskan settings of any hotel in the city. You can watch floatplanes take off and land from the property! This is an ideal hotel choice for early-morning flights or late arrivals into Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport, since it’s located only a few minutes away by car.
If you’re not renting a car, they offer a free 24-hour shuttle service to and from the airport, which is a highly useful amenity. They also have an on-site restaurant, bar and gym. This hotel doesn’t have the highlight of easy downtown walkability, but I would recommend it if proximity to the airport matters to you, or if you want something located in a slightly calmer area than downtown (with really unique views!).
(images via Tripadvisor)
5. SunStar Alaska Bed and Breakfast
📍Muldoon (northeast Anchorage)
This is a small, incredibly well-reviewed B&B in the residential Anchorage area of Muldoon. SunStar Alaska Bed and Breakfast has modern and bright beautifully decorated guest rooms, plus amenities for guests like a garden with an outdoor fireplace and picnic area, free WiFi, cozy indoor lounge area, tea and coffee maker, and more.
Since this is a proper bed and breakfast, obviously a full daily breakfast is included! When the weather allows, this can be served outside at private tables, which is a feature I really love. This is a particularly great option for solo travelers or couples who like a more personal experience and at-home vibe over a large hotel property. Bonus points for being dog friendly!
(images via Booking.com)
6. Copper Whale Inn
📍Downtown Anchorage
This is another one that if you like an accommodation with homey charm, it’s the perfect stay for you. The Copper Whale Inn is a small, high-rated downtown Anchorage boutique inn perched on the bluff above the Tony Knowles Coastal Trail, with views of Cook Inlet that are very hard to beat.
The original building was constructed in 1939, and now it holds just 15 rooms and suites across 2 buildings right next to each other in downtown Anchorage. Breakfast is included, which is a major plus in my book! Be aware that there is no on-site parking, so plan ahead for your parking situation if you're planning to rent a car for the surrounding wilderness (which you totally should be).
(images via Tripadvisor)
7. Highland Glen Lodge Bed & Breakfast
📍Hillside (southeast Anchorage)
One of the more unique stays in the Anchorage area - the Highland Glen Lodge is a Scottish-inspired boutique B&B located up in the Hillside neighborhood (one of the most peaceful, scenic areas of the city).
The aesthetic is warm, luxe and obviously Scottish-inspired in the design. And just as you might expect, they offer a high tea service, as well as a full English or Irish breakfast every morning. This is a really beautiful option if you’re looking for something elevated and highly out of the ordinary, at least by Alaska standards!
(images via Booking.com)
8. Marriott Anchorage Downtown
📍Downtown Anchorage
I’ll admit two things to you with this last downtown hotel: I don’t typically seek out a chain hotel stay, but I do love the convenience of a chain stay - especially when it’s a Marriott. With Marriott properties, you pretty much always know that you’re going to have a good experience.
The location of Marriott Anchorage Downtown is perfect, putting you just steps from all of the great restaurants and shops. There is of course a restaurant/bar on-site, as well as an indoor pool and a gym. Since parking downtown is always a factor to consider, they offer valet parking for a flat daily rate, or you can simply use the parking garage across the street.
(images via Booking.com)
9. Staybridge Suites Anchorage
📍Midtown
I’m including this hotel because of one very big reason: it has some of the best reviews of any hotel in all of Anchorage, which is high praise. Yes it’s a bit of a curveball location, being in midtown, but that’s not actually a con! As long as you have access to a car.
Staybridge Suites is technically an extended-stay property (short stays are of course allowed too) with full kitchens, large suites, breakfast buffet included, free on-site parking, an airport shuttle, a fitness center, swimming pool, and private outdoor terrace spaces for guests. Since it was built recently in 2018, everything is quite new and fresh.
(images via Booking.com)
FAQ
Q: What is the best area to stay in Anchorage?
A: For a first trip, my top pick is downtown. You can walk to restaurants, shops and highlights like the Anchorage Museum and the Tony Knowles Coastal Trail, which means you’re not doing the “wait, where can I park” search every time you drive into downtown. But if walkability isn’t at the very top of your priority list, or you prefer a slightly less busy area for your stay, any of of the other spots on the list will be great!
Q: Are there any pet-friendly Anchorage hotels?
A: Luckily yes, many are! Including some of my personal top picks like The Wildbirch Hotel, The Hotel Captain Cook, SunStar Alaska Bed and Breakfast, etc. But policies and fees will vary a lot from property to property, so just be sure to double check before you book.
Q: Do I need a rental car if I stay in Anchorage?
A: If you’re only staying downtown and doing mostly guided tours or train transport around the state, you can get away without one.
But I’ll be totally honest, it’s limiting. Public transportation in Alaska doesn’t really exist, so if you want to see places like Hatcher Pass, Eklutna Lake (#4 on this list), Matanuska Glacier (#2 in this guide), towns like Homer, or basically anything outside of the city that isn’t connected by train, you’ll want your own rental car. I like to use DiscoverCars or Trip.com to search for the lowest rental car rates (with good reviews!) across all providers.
Q: How far is Anchorage from the airport?
A: So the airport, Ted Stevens International (ANC), is located right inside of Anchorage - which now that I think about it is kind of rare for a major city. But to get to downtown Anchorage, it’s about a 10 to 15 minute drive without traffic. If you want to stay closer to the airport, I included The Lakefront Anchorage on this list for that exact reason! It’s located only 2 minutes away from the airport.
Q: When is the best time to visit Anchorage?
A: This is a tough one, and really depends on your activity or weather preferences. Summer (June through August) gives you the super long daylight hours, fully open and accessible roads, and the best hiking weather. This is the best option for most people visiting Alaska, to be honest.
However, winter in Anchorage is pretty incredible with the northern lights and tons of snowy adventure opportunities, and prices are typically lower across the board. If you’re planning to visit Alaska in the winter,check out my winter packing guide next.
Winter is fantastic for anyone who enjoys the cold and snow, but otherwise, I would highly recommend the peak months of summer. Or look at September for a fall trip! Yes, autumn starts really early here in Alaska, but it’s pretty breathtaking.
Q: How far in advance should I book a hotel in Anchorage?
A: For summer, book as early as you can, ideally 6 to 9 months out or even sooner. Anchorage fills up wildly fast for the summer months with cruise passengers and road trippers. Actually, all of the hotspot towns fill up at that rapid rate, so I’d recommend booking for your entire Alaska route as soon as possible. Bonus points for hotels with a free cancellation policy, so you can always pivot if needed.
Q: Should I expect to see wildlife in Anchorage?
A: Yes, and it’s so cool every time this happens! Moose wander through neighborhoods and along the coastal trail all the time. You’ll even see them crossing busy roads. Definitely stay alert whether you’re walking or driving, and give them plenty of space - as cute as they are, they’re known to be even moodier than bears.
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