While away an evening at Bear Tooth Theatrepub. Go on a historic ride on the Anchorage Trolley Tours. What Matters When Choosing an Anchorage Hotel? - ALASKA.ORG Comfort Inn Ship Creek. Portage Glacier is just a 30 minute drive from Girdwood with lots of activities and scenery to explore. Not the best time for Northern Lights, then, but pretty cool nonetheless! It is just 9 miles from the hotel to the airport. Youll have the whole of your second day in Alaska to explore Seward. You can also enjoy a fenced backyard, a fully equipped kitchen and an idoor fireplace! It is more economical with a family or group of friends traveling together. Once youre finished, you can drive an hour and 44 minutes over to Girdwoods Alyeska Resort, where youll be able to enjoy a luxurious meal and snowy ski slopes. Choose your hotel location carefully bunking in downtown Anchorage means there are plenty of restaurants, breweries and cafs within walking distance. Anchorage has a lot of fun street art. Its the easiest area to access for travelers and also sits on the main north-south highway ready to take you whichever way you choose. United States. They gave me the off season rate for the whole trip. You can enjoy the private garden and make a BBQ for a perfect sunny afternoon. Alternatively, you may use, https://www.alaskarailroad.com/travel-planning/destinations/spencer-glacier-whistle-stop. One of the biggest decisions youll face planning for your Alaska Itinerary is how youre going to get around. ContentsIf you are in a hurry1. Take a scenic train day trip from Glacier Discovery to Spencer Whistle Stop. Edit.careless should be carless! I always use Midnight Sun car rental in Anchorage. If you are into outdoor adventures you will have so much fun here. The bus stops nearby for easy commuting. You might want to rent a car while youre here, as the city is small but the great outdoors arewell great! Most likely the least expensive car rental offices of Downtown as well so it will be easy to pick up your car on the fifth. In this blog post on where to stay in Anchorage, Alaska I will talk about the 5 best areas to stay in the city and give you the top hotels for all budgets. The host is known to be incredibly attentive and helpful, so youll be in good hands. East Anchorage & University of Alaska 3. Copyright 2014-2023 MissTourist | All Rights Reserved |, 1. This excursion takes about 12 hours, so that will take the whole day, but its well worth it! This is the perfect place to catch a ride with a local tour company. Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport is 10 km away. The second option is to drive to Portage Lake and take a boat tour to Portage Glacier. There are a range of amenities on offer to guests of My Place Hotel-Anchorage AK, including a wake-up service, a lift and laundry facilities. You really cant miss the colorful murals spread across 4th and 5th Avenue. With the super quite and safe location, this will feel like a real home away from home! 2,951 Reviews . But Downtown is also the best place to stay in Anchorage for nightlife. Due to proximity to the main attractions, shops, and restaurants Anchorage Downtown is thebest area to stay without a car in Anchorage. Many Anchorage hotels offer shuttle service to and from Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport. There is something here for all tastes! This easy and short 5-minute hike will take you to Alaskas most scenic moss-blanketed waterfall. Anchorage, Alaskas largest city with a population of about 290,000, sits on the Cook Inlet in the south-central part of the state. If youre looking for a budget place to stay, youll find many affordable motels in Anchorage in the downtown area. They allow their cars on most Alaskan gravel roads. My main recommendation is to not leave Girdwood without visiting Virgin Creek Falls! ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-83539381', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');car or a good deal. What can I do on an April visit to Anchorage? Theres a lot to see if you continue heading southeast and loop back around to Anchorage via Routes 2 & 4. See whats on at Alaska Center for the Performing Arts. Go on a historic ride on the Anchorage Trolley Tours. You wont go hungry either, as most establishments double as food joints. But in a city known for being the final frontier to a land of ice and snow, working out where to stay can be tough. Join the Coastal Trail walk at Elderberry Park. Or how about Scenic Foothills, where theyre giving away their drawcard in their title? The location is amazing too you can get anywhere in town from here in 10 to 20 minutes and youll be close to Highway 1. Yes, you have a chance to see the northern lights if you stay in Anchorage between late September and April. From here, youll be able to look out over the Pacific Ocean and whale watch. Massive Family Home is one of our favourites in Anchorage but theyre not taking guests right now. You can certainly get around without a car in the city proper. Nestled in beautiful nature, this hotel offers a free airport shuttle, comfortable rooms, and an indoor swimming pool, Located near Anchorage University, My Place Hotel Anchorage AK has spacious rooms, a free airport shuttle, and free parking, This Airbnb offers rooms with amazing mountains view, private parking, and a nice terrace making it a great stay in Anchorage. Recommended Reading: Where To Stay In Phi Phi Island. Get ready for outdoor adventures, Alaska native culture, great museums, and nice restaurants! I also gave you some information about the things you can do there so you could pick the perfect one for you! So lets crack on, and soon youll have your Alaskan accommodation sussed, knowing just where to stay in Anchorage! Thus, we'd arrive at midnight on the 3rd and would be carless on the 4th. I would like to remind you again that in order not to miss your favorite place to stay in Anchorage and get better deals on hotels, do not forget to make a reservation in advance! Make sure to stop at the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center to see many beloved Alaska animals such as bear, moose, caribou and more. Staff enjoy exploring the mountains and enjoy sharing advice on scenic hikes and unique places to visit. This is information only and not a recommendation to buy travel insurance. In the afternoon, make your way over to Seward. A small community-driven hostel run by outdoor enthusiasts. The 3.5 star hotel features complimentary Wi-Fi, a gym and an indoor pool, and is within walking distance of the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race. Today, youll board a sightseeing tour in Seward that will take you out into Kenai Fjords National Park. Theres also the famous Tony Knowles Coastal Trail that runs around the edge of Spenard. The Most Dangerous Places for Cyclists - Velotric Learn how your comment data is processed. Most likely the least expensive car rental offices of Downtown as well so it will be easy to pick up your car on the fifth. Deb. If you are renting a car, do not attempt to do a one way road trip, this will cost an additional $800-$1000 for a one way rental in Alaska . Where to Eat, Stay, and Play in Anchorage - Cond Nast Traveler Yes, Downtown is a safe area to walk at night and a great place to stay in Anchorage. If youre staying downtown, youll be within easy walking distance of a designated shuttle service zone on the 500 block of 4th Avenue. I'd love to see moose and have heard that it's possible to see them (from a DISTANCE! Grab a quick dinner at one of many, many food chain outlets. Weve chosen five of Anchorages best areas to stay in, whether youre riding solo or with a family in tow, whether youre here for the first time or for a good time. What can I do in Alaska during a spring visit? You can enjoy a nice dinner in their fine dining restaurant with excellent views and have drinks in their chic bar. Ted Stevens International Airport and downtown Anchorage are a short drive and with its spacious rooms and great amenities, it has amazing value for money making it a great place to stay in Anchorage on a budget. Are you ready to find a place to stay in Anchorage, Alaska? Downtown is just where youd think it would be, right in the middle of the busiest part of the city. But Anchorage is the dream destination for those who are all about once in a life-time adventures. document.getElementById("ak_js_2").setAttribute("value",(new Date()).getTime()); document.getElementById("ak_js_3").setAttribute("value",(new Date()).getTime()); This website uses cookies to improve your experience. But a short distance later, youll be enveloped in a scene out of Rivendell ! The Voyager Inn is one of our favourites in Anchorage but theyre not taking guests right now. The Perfect Alaska Road Trip Itinerary: How to See the State in 7 to 10 In this blog post on where to stay in Anchorage, I talked about the best places to stay from luxury to budget as well as Airbnbs in each area. Along the lines of what AKStafford suggested, also consider the day train trip to Spencer Glacier, where you can either do an easy hike nearer to the glacier, kayak, float, hike on the glacier, etc. I created Miss Tourist travel blog to help you organise the perfect holiday. Some of this stretch will be monotonous. If you're staying downtown, you'll be within easy walking distance of a designated shuttle service zone on the 500 block of 4th Avenue. Continue south on Route 2 for 90 minutes to the town of Delta Junction and take a lunch break. Some of the best hotels here are the Sheraton Anchorage Hotel and the Historic Anchorage Hotel. Make sure to get to the train depot early and not miss your train! This topic has been closed to new posts due to inactivity. Springhill Suites features a nice restaurant, rooms with mountains view, a fitness center, and an indoor swimming pool, This pet-friendly hotel has modern rooms, a free airport shuttle, a good breakfast, and free parking, This beautiful Airbnb has comfortable rooms, a fully furnished kitchen, free parking, and free wifi. Driving time: 20 hours, 14 minutes. This hotel offers a free shuttle to the airport and allows your fur friends to bring it with you. Click here to learn more about some of the top routes around the city. Moose, bears both black and grizzly-, and timber wolves do come right through and around the urban areas. This 4-star hotel provides a beauty centre, facial treatments and body treatments. The Greetings from Alaska mural is located on 5th and Fairbanks. PRO TIP: Because this part of the state is more remote, its great for large animals. Historic Anchorage Hotel and Copper Whale Inn are the best boutique hotels in Anchorage. Maria's Creekside B&B. Anchorage. Yes, Downtown is a safe area to walk at night and a great place to stay in Anchorage. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-83565739', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');car, and it sounds like downtown would be the best place. Embassy Suites Anchorage features spacious rooms with stunning views, an indoor swimming pool, a nice restaurant, and free wifi. But in order to get better deals on hotels and secure your place, do not forget to make a reservation in advance. Most other Alaska road trip itineraries will have you turn around after Fairbanks and head straight back to Anchorage the exact same way you came. We're from Washington and have lots of volcanoes here, so our priority is Alaskan wildlife and tidewater and other relatively easily accessed glaciers, (Portage glacier, Exit Glacier, glacier cruises). This beautiful Airbnb is set in nature surrounded by beautiful trees with 3 bedrooms, a fully furnished kitchen, and private parking. Were not sure if theyre closed for good but we hope theyll come back soon. Weve tested countless packs over the years, and now weve found our absolute favourite: the nomad-approved Nomatic Travel Bag. As an affiliate, we receive a fee when you get a quote from World Nomads usingthis link. No Car? No Problem: Here's How to Visit Anchorage Without a Vehicle The hotel is 500 meters (1,640 feet) away from Dena'ina Convention . An eSIM works just like an app: you buy it, you download it, and BOOM! There is a free shuttle to the Ulu factory and a free shuttle to tha native heritage Center from downtown as well as a one hour trolley tour. Lets go! Ill be glad to leave a reply to them! By ALASKA_99559 "Very clean, first time staying here. At night you can have a drink at the hotel bar and play pool with a friendly atmosphere. One of the best things to do in Alaska is take a glacier and wildlife cruise and you dont want to miss out on this wonderful tour. I love the idea of going to Spencer whistle stop and hiking there. Its known as The City of Lights and Flowers by the romantics of the area, or Los Anchorage by others. Accessibility, Wheelchairs & Reduced Mobility. Family-run, the Arctic Adventure Hostel is a clean, quiet and secure place for travelers. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-83539459', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Anchorage, without a long drive to Denali, on your last day. Weve put together a handy guide on where to stay in Anchorage, just for you. They all have good reviews and great locations! Best affordable accommodation in the center. This is an excellent photography opportunity and a place to learn about Alaskas many animals. This area is a great place to stay in Anchorage on a budget and also for those who want to stay close to the airport. These are the sit-down kind too, not the takeaway strip youll find further south (but pssst, its there if youre after fast food). Downtown Anchorage is just a 10-minute drive away giving it a perfect location for your stay in Anchorage. Might just park the car when we're there and leave it! To help you make the right decision, weve answered the most commonly asked questions on Anchorage and its neighborhoods, so you can plan your trip without any issues. .path-1{fill:#333;}.path-2{fill:#fff;} Boasting a swimming pool and a Jacuzzi, Embassy Suites Anchorage provides comfortable accommodation. Treat yourself at the highly-rated Snow City Cafe. Posted March 11, 2009. calmac. 2,437 Reviews . Where To Stay In Anchorage Alaska - WhereToStayClub.com Check in and check out was . Where To Stay In Anchorage, Alaska - Updated 2023 | Trip101 5 Best Neighborhoods to Stay in Anchorage, #1 Bootleggers Cove Where to Stay in Anchorage your First Time, #2 Spenard Where to Stay in Anchorage on a Budget, #3 Downtown Best Area to Stay in Anchorage for Nightlife, #4 North Star Coolest Place to Stay in Anchorage, #5 Midtown Best Neighborhood in Anchorage for Families, Final Thoughts on Where to Stay in Anchorage, Beautiful and Self-contained Home in Anchorage. The downtown is walkable, but there are many places a bit outside the city center that are worth seeing. Its just that easy. No car? more, You seem to have JavaScript disabled. They also offer bike rentals to help you further explore the citys extensive, paved, bike paths. Depending on where your hotel is, it's not going to be that much. Chat to those in the know at the Alaska Public Lands Information Center. To make matters worse, when I tried to book (online)it was wanting to charge the higher rate for the entire 2 weeks. Catch the train. Spenard is located 4 miles southwest of Anchorage downtown and just 2 miles from Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport. If you want to skip the boat tour, you can also hike to Byron Glacier. Girdwood, Anchorage . Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Doesnt it sound like a cool area to stay in Anchorage? With a car, you can stop anywhere you want for as long as you want, and its easier to carry food with you and get to the grocery store. Then try out the Public Lands Information Center, where the rangers and guides inside are genuinely super-keen to help you plan out your wildest adventures, safely! North Star the coolest area to stay in Anchorage, Frequently asked questions about Anchorage, 3. Recommended Posts. Between trips abroad and trips across his own backyard through the rugged wilds of Canada and the USA, he has spent the better part of the last decade always being somewhere. Arctic Adventure Hostel is one of our favourites in Anchorage but theyre not taking guests right now. Head to the Zoo a wee way south but the closest of our picks. Alaska is a huge place, and the Municipality of Anchorage itself covers an area larger than the entire state of Rhode Island. Have a picnic or a wander in Cuddy Family Midtown Park. Ive never been, but it has rave reviews on TripAdvisor and Ive heard great things from past Alaska travelers in my . Anchorage.net is the official source for Anchorage, Alaska and Southcentral Alaska travel information on everything from outdoor adventures to metropolitan amenities. There are two bedrooms and 2.5 bathrooms, perfect for bigger families. Located in south Anchorage, Potter Marsh Bird Sanctuary is described by visitors as a birders delight. If you stick to the area from Ship Creek to the Delaney Park Strip, but particularly 4-6th Ave., youll be rewarded with a quirky historic aesthetic and hanging flower baskets and gardens. I don't know if it's feasible to try and go there without a car. It is up near Bootleggers Cove, just west of where East 5th Avenue turns into a highway. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. Hot drinks can be brewed with the provided coffee and tea supplies. You may get to see some amazing animals like bears, whales, eagles, seals, and goats up close! Some of Anchorages top landmarks and scenic viewpoints are accessible via the citys vast trail system. The routes vary quite a bit from year to year, generally bus service is available at least between Anchorage and Denali. In Midtown you will have a great selection of restaurants and cafes where you can feast on local and international dishes and easily make day trips to other areas. Were not sure if theyre closed for good but we hope theyll come back soon. Midtown - best area for families Frequently asked questions about Anchorage The train depot is here in Downtown, so its perfectly situated for day trips on the scenic railway. In Downtown Anchorage, you will be able to find nice accommodation options for all budgets. For those who are having difficulty picking among the many hotel options, let me sum up. . Arguably, the Hotel Captain Cook in downtown Anchorage has the nicest fitness center. Visit the Alaska Public Lands Information Center. Historic Anchorage Hotel and Copper Whale Inn are the best boutique hotels in Anchorage. Thank you all! The town square has a lovely flower garden worth stopping by to see. Float-planes, an unusual sight for most people, are commonplace here. Their focus is creating a welcoming atmosphere for those visiting Alaska on a budget. The downtown bike rental also has a shuttle to flattop mountain if you want to do some hiking and get a great view of the valley. The Alaska Railroads downtown depot is a quick walk from downtown hotels, and regularly scheduled trains head south toward Seward and north toward Denali. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-83539035', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');car rental place directly and ask if they will give you the car for the off season rate for the entire trip. Girdwood is only 40 miles away from Anchorage courtesy of AK-1 S, meaning that itll take under an hour to get you to your destination. Streets are lined with public art and dotted with pocket parks, historic attractions, and unique Alaska landmarks; find photo ops with a famous sculpture of Balto the sled dog in the 4th Avenue Mushing District, visit the nearby Anchorage Museum, and take time to smell the garden beds and hanging baskets that helped earn Anchorage the nickname City of Lights and Flowers.. If you stay longer than 7 days, you can also get access to the backyard and patio. Treat yourself at the highly-rated Snow City Cafe. For more Girdwood adventures, there is even a gold panning tour you can take to try your luck at striking it rich. Read about how e-Sims work or click below to see one of the top eSIM providers on the market andditch the plastic. Up on the northern edge of town, where Bootleggers Cove lies, are a number of museums, parks and theatres. Although these Anchorage activities possibly can be done without a (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? The map below, compiled from data provided by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), is the most accurate nuclear attack map and fallout demonstration available for 2023: (Image courtesy of FEMA and Halcyon Maps) The fallout would rapidly spread, turning targeted cities into whole affected regions. This newly remodeled 800-square-foot apartment apartment/guest suite is comfortable and cozy. Like the 4th Avenue Theatre, one of the only buildings in town to survive the catastrophic 1964 earthquake. Need a quick ride? It is critical to get reservations for either a rental car or the Alaska Railroad well in advance. Look no further than this amazing Airbnb. The hotel has 14 rooms and has been recently refurbished. Downtown Anchorage where to stay in Anchorage for the first time2. Best Areas to Stay in Anchorage, Alaska - Best Districts But even if you choose to use another rental agency call them to book and ask for the off season rates. Get your fix by staying at one of these amazing hostels in Anchorage! There is something here for all tastes! With free WiFi, this 3-star hotel offers free shuttle service and a 24-hour front desk. . Bent Prop Inn Downtown is one of our favourites in Anchorage but theyre not taking guests right now. From Portage Lake, you can see Shakespeare Glacier. Instead, buy an eSIM! Great accommodation, facilities are super comfy and extremely clean. The Alaska Railroad option is more expensive than the bus and both of them travel the incredibly beautiful drive between Anchorage and Whittier. All rights reserved. Were not sure if theyre closed for good but we hope theyll come back soon. Renting a car is also expensive but also gives you lots of flexibility. I hope you enjoyed reading this city tour. Anchorage public transportation connects hotels, parks, farmers markets, public art, and other attractions. The hotel provides a golf course, a concierge and luggage storage. Spot Moose! How to catch a salmon a short walk from an Anchorage hotel. Alternatively, you may use, Holiday Inn Express Anchorage, an IHG Hotel, Comfort Suites Anchorage International Airport. In addition to the dormitory and camping accommodations, Spenard Hostel has a large yard with a barbecue and plenty of lawn furniture to enjoy during the long sunny days. Search places to stay in Alaska - Booking.com Bootleggers Cove where to stay in Anchorage for sightseeing, The 32 Absolute Best Places to Stay in Banff for All Budgets, 8 Things you Need to Know Before Renting a Car in Canada, Your Ultimate Guide for Where to Stay in Oahu, Hawaii, Best Hotels for All Budgets to Stay on Big Island, Hawaii, Top 5 Neighborhoods to Stay in Vancouver, Canada, An Honest Guide for Where to Stay in Seattle, USA, Everything You Need to Know About Hotels in Portland, Oregon, Catch a show at Alaska Center for the Performing Arts, Head to the National Parks Office to find out about the incredible nature of this Alaska, See an exhibition at Anchorage William A. Egan Civic & Convention Center, Head to the Alaska Native Heritage Center to explore the regions culture, Go for a walk to Lake Hood and check out scenic views, Eat authentic Korean food at one of the many restaurants, Drive one of the most incredible highways in the state down the Turnagain Arm, Visit the Alaska Public Lands Information Center, Go for a walk in the Valley of the Moon Park, Check out an indie film at the Bear Tooth Theatrepub, Go for a stroll at Charles W. Smith Memorial Park, Enjoy family time at Cuddy Family Midtown Park, Have a nice meal and drink at Bear Paw Bar & Grill, Go for dinner at Silk Restaurant & Sushi Bar. Nowadays, its a great place for sightseeing as you not only have the historic Anchorage Trolley and the Alaska Public Lands Information Center to learn more about the culture and history of the area, but you are within walking distance of the Downtown attraction and the waterfront of Cook Inlet too! Anchorage for one day without a car - Alaska Forum - Tripadvisor 2023 Anchorage Convention & Visitors Bureau DBA Visit Anchorage, William A. Egan Civic & Convention Center, Mountain View, Russian Jack & Airport Heights, Sand Lake, Bayshore & Surrounding Neighborhoods. Best Hotels To Stay In Anchorage Alaska - WhereToStayClub.com After a tiring day, you can chill in the indoor swimming pool or pamper yourself with a nice massage. At night you should check out the cool pubs and try different kinds of beers to really get into the local spirit.