There are several properties in this area you can book. Thus, we'd arrive at midnight on the 3rd and would be carless on the 4th. Whatever youre after, Anchorage has a place for you! The front-desk staff, Jennifer, was very kind to help us in the morning on Aug. 2 when we first checked out. How do I find authentic Alaska Native art? If youre going to spend more than a day in Denali National Park, or if youre a solo traveler, you might save money by taking the Alaska Railroad instead of renting a car. The duplex house offers plenty of space for up to 5 guests at a time. East Anchorage & University of Alaska 3. The area itself is residential and peaceful. Just below North Star, Anchorage Midtown is located 3 miles (5 km) south of Downtown and is the best place to stay in Anchorage for families thanks to its family-friendly hotels and attractions. Welcome to Anchorage, Alaska, one of the most mysterious faraway places with epic scenic landscapes. Save this link to stay updated on COVID-19 restrictions. If you do have time to stay in Seward for an extra day, make sure to book a cruise to the Kenai Fjords! The bonus of this spot is that you can reach pretty much everything by driving in a straight line, either south to the Turnagain Arm or Lake Hood, or to the east to head into the Chugach State Park. 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. The cottage consists of a queen-sized bed, a bathroom and basic kitchen ammenities and youll feel right at home. Some of the best hotels here are the Sheraton Anchorage Hotel and the Historic Anchorage Hotel. The routes vary quite a bit from year to year, generally bus service is available at least between Anchorage and Denali. No car? Call the (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? 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). Westmark Anchorage Hotel 4 Map Website Midtown - best area for families Frequently asked questions about Anchorage Alyeska Resort. View Hotel. It's free to everyone during hospital's normal visitng hours. Rooms at Holiday Inn Express Anchorage are modern and air conditioned, and offer movies-on-demand, tea and coffee making facilities and a refrigerator. Get ready for outdoor adventures, Alaska native culture, great museums, and nice restaurants! 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. ), https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCBLtUaekyX5H6NLUgwQBD7g. April 23, 2021. Once youve worn yourself out on the natural features of the area, you can head back into town for a peaceful dinner. And if you are looking for where to stay in Anchorage, Alaska, check out these exceptional accommodations. What are some things to do and see as day trips around Anchorage? Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. See the Art Deco 4th Avenue Theatre, a landmark thats been standing and entertaining since the 1940s! Anchorage.net is the official source for Anchorage, Alaska and Southcentral Alaska travel information on everything from outdoor adventures to metropolitan amenities. Private & Comfy Apartment is one of our favourites in Anchorage but theyre not taking guests right now. Watch the skies and waters at Lake Hood, where the floatplanes zoom in and out. Our favorite area: Downtown Anchorage 2. Staff enjoy exploring the mountains and enjoy sharing advice on scenic hikes and unique places to visit. he Voyager Inn provides spacious rooms equipped with cable/satellite channels, a microwave and tea and coffee making facilities. As an affiliate, we receive a fee when you get a quote from World Nomads usingthis link. Learn more about the options and costs here. Perk yourself up at the excellently named Common Grounds Espresso! Copyright 2014-2023 MissTourist | All Rights Reserved |, 1. Hi Im Yulia! Get your fix by staying at one of these amazing hostels in Anchorage! 2023, The Broke Backpacker. This topic has been closed to new posts due to inactivity. They feature ironing facilities, a bathtub and wireless internet access. These are the sit-down kind too, not the takeaway strip youll find further south (but pssst, its there if youre after fast food). Around Seward, also, you can do Exit Glacier and Caines Head trail. Lets go! Midtown best area for familiesFrequently asked questions about Anchorage. Enjoy a day trip out to Spencer Glacier (where guided and self-guided tours await), or take the train to Whittier for a day cruise through awe-inspiring Prince William Sound. Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport is 10 km away. Our winters are so dark, and Anchorage explodes with lots of twinkle lights to keep you entertained while walking downtown. The second option is to drive to Portage Lake and take a boat tour to Portage Glacier. At night you can have a drink at the hotel bar and play pool with a friendly atmosphere. Check out our top picks for Anchorage in general! As was mentioned there are bike rental places downtown as well. To use our mobile site, please enable JavaScript. Read about how e-Sims work or click below to see one of the top eSIM providers on the market andditch the plastic. Bootleggers Cove is located just west of Anchorage Downtown and sandwiched in by the sea. Renting a car is also expensive but also gives you lots of flexibility. Would that be worth the time? Happy exploring! Safeway is just nearby with a good membership gas station. I don't care for the food, but their roof top tables have an incredible view, Before heading out to the Kenai Peninsula after two nights at the Captain Cook? . Downtown Anchorage is just a 10-minute drive away giving it a perfect location for your stay in Anchorage. If you are keen on exploring the wild side of Juneau, hop on to a wildlife excursion! Head down to Turnagain Arm to see Beluga whales. SafetyWing is convenient, cheap, and trouble-free Insurance was never this easy! Treat yourself at the highly-rated Snow City Cafe. No problem: Follow these top tips for enjoying a unique Anchorage experience without the rental. Boasting a swimming pool and a Jacuzzi, Embassy Suites Anchorage provides comfortable accommodation. If its hot out and you dare to get in, bring water shoes as the rocks on the bottom are incredibly slippery. PRO TIP: Because this part of the state is more remote, its great for large animals. Over 1 in 4 cyclists don't wear helmets during rush hour, from 5-7 p.m. 82% of cyclists are scared to bike in their city. But in order to get better deals on hotels and secure your place, do not forget to make a reservation in advance. It surely can't hurt. The first option is to take the ski lift/ aerial tram at Alyeska Resort up Mount Alyeska. To use our mobile site, please enable JavaScript. One of the biggest decisions youll face planning for your Alaska Itinerary is how youre going to get around. The best option to do this if you dont have a car is to do the 26 Glacier Cruise in Whittier. Theyve been doing it since 2002 protecting, connecting, and inspiring independent travellers just like you. Join the Coastal Trail walk at Elderberry Park. If thats not far enough for you, thanks to the Alaska Railroad Depot you can also easily take a train and take day trips to other parts of Alaska. Staying here is absolutely fine, but its got a reputation for being a bit sketchy towards the late hours. But Anchorage is the dream destination for those who are all about once in a life-time adventures. What else might be interesting when carless? So I called to find out how the get the lower rate for at least 10 days. Where to Stay in Anchorage - A Guide to the Great City of Alaska The Best Areas to Stay in Anchorage, Alaska 1. Husband wants to see Anchorage a bit, plus a sleep in day after arriving late would be nice, but having no car would be restrictive. You can go on a walk to Lake Hood, enjoy beautiful nature at Earthquake Park, and challenge yourself on the Tony Knowles Coastal Trail. # 29 Best Value of 237 places to stay in Anchorage. You can also visit the Alaska Native Heritage Center outside Anchorage, said Golden. There are a couple of great ways to see glaciers in the summer: But there is more to do than check out glaciers! The Greetings from Alaska mural is located on 5th and Fairbanks. Alternatively, you may use, Holiday Inn Express Anchorage, an IHG Hotel, Comfort Suites Anchorage International Airport. Browse to your hearts content at Anchorage Market and Festival. For more, be sure to subscribe to my newsletter. A Few Days in Anchorage Without a Car - Anchorage Forum. The best plan however is to go to the Denali NP, there is a shuttle from Anchorage, then stay several days of backcountry camping in the park, where you can use the shuttle busses. This newly remodeled 800-square-foot apartment apartment/guest suite is comfortable and cozy. If youve never used AirBNB before, you can book through this link for $65 off your first trip! Were not sure if theyre closed for good but we hope theyll come back soon. Spenard Hostel International is one of our favourites in Anchorage but theyre not taking guests right now. So get booking and keep looking, to get those travel plans in place for your great Alaskan adventure. It is more economical with a family or group of friends traveling together. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. Yes, you have a chance to see the northern lights if you stay in Anchorage between late September and April. A small community-driven hostel run by outdoor enthusiasts. Now, lets check out the best places to stay in Anchorage on a budget. Without a (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? 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. The Alaska Railroad option is more expensive than the bus and both of them travel the incredibly beautiful drive between Anchorage and Whittier. . While a rental vehicle offers a convenient way to access it all, there are also plenty of alternative ways to explore. Spenard is the area near the International Airport, to the southwest of Bootleggers Cove and Downtown. 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. It is actually known to have a large number of Korean and American restaurants as well as trendy breakfast spots and indi theatre! Bootleggers Coveis the best area to stay in Anchorage if you want to explore the outdoors. Need a quick ride? Driving time: 20 hours, 14 minutes. Ill be glad to leave a reply to them! We are in our 50s, like to walk, and enjoy a variety of activities. Moose, bears both black and grizzly-, and timber wolves do come right through and around the urban areas. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-83534947', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Alaska between September 3-12. Grab a quick dinner at one of many, many food chain outlets. Finally, its home to the Bear Tooth Theatrepub, which puts on indie movies while serving microbrews. Were not sure if theyre closed for good but we hope theyll come back soon. 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. Want more deetz on why we love itso damn much? 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. They allow their cars on most Alaskan gravel roads. 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.. Learn more here about visiting the Portage Valley and the many things to do! For those who want to explore the beautiful outdoors of Anchorage, you should definitely take advantage of the Flattop Mountain Shuttle to go hiking and see the scenic views nearby the city. 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. This hotel offers a free shuttle to the airport and allows your fur friends to bring it with you. If youre staying downtown, youll be within easy walking distance of a designated shuttle service zone on the 500 block of 4th Avenue. Recommended Posts. Fully Furnished, Central Location, Easy Access To Anchorage's Many Attractions! Midtownis the best area to stay in Anchorage. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-68023952', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');renting a car while we're in the city and are staying at the Hotel Captain Cook. Anchorage is an isolated place, but a spectacular one. Arctic Adventure Hostel is one of our favourites in Anchorage but theyre not taking guests right now. See whats on at Alaska Center for the Performing Arts. First up is the town of North Pole. Where can I store and ship fish in Anchorage? Theres Fairview, in the middle, completely surrounded by parks and green spaces. Stay here, and you are a 15-minute walk to the Performing Arts Center, 1 mile from Denaina Convention Ctr and 6 miles from Anchorage Intl Airport. - Rent some bikes and ride the Tony Knowles coastal trail. Recommended Reading: Best Places To Stay In Bologna Italy. We won't be (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? From downtown, the paved Tony Knowles Coastal Trail runs for 11 miles along the Cook Inlet coast, connecting to the Chester Creek Trail before eventually ending in Kincaid Park: Rent a bike from a downtown shop, hit the Coastal Trail at Elderberry Park (at the western end of 5th Avenue), then spend a day visiting iconic Anchorage destinations like Westchester Lagoon, Earthquake Park, and Point Woronzof, all connected by trail to the heart of the city. We suggestavoiding the Mountain View neighborhood. There are 3 ways to get from Seward to Anchorage by plane, shuttle or car. 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. Not bad when its permanent population is less than 750,000! Anchorage is in general a safe city but you can avoid walking at night in the Fairview and Mountain View areas. Where can I store my luggage in Anchorage? On name value alone, our picks are Darwins Theory possibly a play on the idea of evolving into something else after a few and Mad Myrnas, who were all keen to meet! Dont Miss: Cheap Places To Stay In Bradenton Fl. By calmac, March 11, 2009 in Alaska. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-68049687', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');car I would find it rather inconvenient plus the wait time for shuttle(s) to arrive. Absolute bucket list stuff, that! By staying in North Star you will be very close to the city center while at the same time, have a chance to experience life like a local. In the afternoon, make your way over to Seward. Chat to those in the know at the Alaska Public Lands Information Center. A word of warning to cautious parents: though Anchorage is a very safe city for its size, there are some temporary residents who may give you a bit of a fright. The key to planning a trip to Alaska without a car is to understand your other options for getting around. At Portage Glacier, you can take a boat tour across a lake to see the glacier, or you can hike Portage Pass to see it on foot. Then read our comprehensive review for the inside scoop! Where is the best bear viewing in Alaska? Its found in almost every Things to do in Anchorage list as its scenic beauty and accessibility mean everyone can enjoy it. They also offer bike rentals to help you further explore the citys extensive, paved, bike paths. Up on the northern edge of town, where Bootleggers Cove lies, are a number of museums, parks and theatres. In Downtown Anchorage, you will be able to find nice accommodation options for all budgets. Ive taken several tours with Major Marine Tours over the ages and put together a review of two different tours Ive done recently: the 6-hour Kenai Fjords National Park Cruise and the 8.5 Hour Kenai Fjords Northwestern Fjord Cruise. The host is known to be incredibly attentive and helpful, so youll be in good hands. Theres plenty to do on the nearby Chugach Mountains which are blanketed with more than 600 inches of snow every year from snowcat and heli-skiing to ice-climbing on frozen waterfalls. A brilliant way to start an evening out, or to follow up one, is at the Anchorage Market and Festival, home to 300 vendors every Saturday and Sunday! 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! FUN FACT: Bootleggers Cove got its name due to the fact that it was a favored location among alcohol smugglers during the prohibition era. Copper Whale Inn is one of our favourites in Anchorage but theyre not taking guests right now. Now, lets see the best places to stay in Anchorage for families. For those wishing to dine out during their stay at this 3-star hotel, there are a selection of eateries situated nearby. Unless, you cannot drive, the additional cost of car rental over an escorted tour and accommodations at the Captain Cook would really be peanuts. Great accommodation, facilities are super comfy and extremely clean. Due to proximity to the main attractions, shops, and restaurants Anchorage Downtown is the best area to stay without a car in Anchorage. 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. The Anchorage to Fairbanks Loop Route Map. Anchorage is the hub to the rest of Alaska. Thus our SUV became more comfortable for 6 people. 15 US cities where you really dont need a car, Learn more about the options and costs here, Learn more here about visiting the Portage Valley and the many things to do, my Valdez Guide with 21 fantastic things to do in Valdez, Best Hotel To Stay In Vegas For Honeymoon, 8.5 Hour Kenai Fjords Northwestern Fjord Cruise, Why Does Linzess Have To Stay In Original Container, Best Places For Families To Stay In San Diego, Inexpensive Places To Stay In Charleston Sc. Many Anchorage hotels offer shuttle service to and from Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport. Is your phone eSIM ready? Go on a historic ride on the Anchorage Trolley Tours. They have a very convenient location in Mid-town Anchorage! If you are thinking comfortable, chic, and efficient, The Voyager Inn offers accommodation that fits that description. As the name suggests, these fjords are massive waterways that are home to some of Alaskas greatest sea life, including humpback and orca whales, seabirds like puffins, and plenty of otters. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-83540232', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');car and without the public bus system operating the best place to stay is downtown. Theres a lot to see if you continue heading southeast and loop back around to Anchorage via Routes 2 & 4. Its known as The City of Lights and Flowers by the romantics of the area, or Los Anchorage by others. Anymore it just makes my blood pressure go up cause it is TOO popular and people rarely stay on their own side of the trail, but my guess is that happens everywhere there are bike trails. We're planning on doing Seward area for a couple days. Base Camp Anchorage is one of our favourites in Anchorage but theyre not taking guests right now. Besides, Aptel offers luggage deposit service. How does that sound? 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. The airport is just to the west so theres no arduous mission to your accommodation at the end of a long flight. Click here to learn more about some of the top routes around the city. Valdez has a lot to offer for adventure seekers. These trails let you see some amazing natural beauty including meadows, mountains, lush forests, and mining ruins. Take a stroll for water views, mountain vistas, and even a look at urban salmon fishing. This road trip takes you from Anchorage up through Wasilla and Talkeetna, before spending time in Denali National Park. Historic Anchorage Hotel and Copper Whale Inn are the best boutique hotels in Anchorage. Ive never been, but it has rave reviews on TripAdvisor and Ive heard great things from past Alaska travelers in my . Its also best because of its proximity to the tourist attractions of the area, and the entertainment district. 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 . Alaska Zoo, too, is nearby. I'd definitely recommend doing the Tony Knowles Coastal Trail. This easy and short 5-minute hike will take you to Alaskas most scenic moss-blanketed waterfall. We'll probably be back for a Denali-focused trip in another year or two. The bed and breakfast is just 3 minutes' drive from the University of Alaska Anchorage, and the city centre of Anchorage is 10 minutes' drive. Chat to those in the know at the Alaska Public Lands Information Center. Closer to home, though, theres a number of places in town to keep you entertained. We only recommend the things we actually use ourselves and never accept useless sponsored crap. Anchorage, Alaskas largest city with a population of about 290,000, sits on the Cook Inlet in the south-central part of the state. Places to stay in Anchorage. Bootleggers Cove is in the northwestern corner of the main Anchorage town, up by Downtown and over a little. This city offers so many amazing hiking trails and as well as historical and cultural places to explore such as the Anchorage Museum and the University of Alaska. Were not sure if theyre closed for good but we hope theyll come back soon. You can follow her adventures @eylul_travels on Instagram! Challenge yourself to complete the Tony Knowles Coastal Trail. Here, youll be able to visit the Alaska Wildlife Center. The biggest question is where you are staying for the first night or two. To make matters worse, when I tried to book (online)it was wanting to charge the higher rate for the entire 2 weeks. Afternoon The Anchorage depot is the jumping off spot for rail travel, but it also sits at the beginning of two of the best paved trails in Anchorage. Keep your eyes peeled for the Wells Fargo Museum too. Nestled between the Chugach Mountains and Cook Inlet, their convenient downtown location provides visitors with walking access to bus, train and national park shuttle services as well as the many events and activities in downtown Anchorage. You'll also be within walking distance of the train depot and coastal trail, as well as the city's terrific shops and restaurants. Youll have the whole of your second day in Alaska to explore Seward. Anchorage is the largest city in Alaska and is sandwiched between nature with the Chugach Mountains Range to the east, Cook Inlet to the west, and the Turnagain Arm to the south. Do you own an awesome hostel, hotel or apartment? We'll be getting our car through Costco travel, and would pick it up at the airport, since the airport car rental agencies are open later for returning. Multilingual staff can assist with reservations or dining recommendations, and an express check-in facility is provided for guest convenience. 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.