Finding the Best in Anchorage Lodging

Help Choosing a Hotel in Anchorage Alaska

When Sheri and I first moved our family to Alaska in 2001, we were shocked at the price of Anchorage lodging.

We arrived on a sunny summer afternoon in August.

Granted, we were looking for an extended stay hotel room, but the price we were quoted was well into the $200 per night range.

"Welcome to Alaska" was all that kept going through my mind (sarcasm)!

Now if $200 and higher doesn't seem that high to you, that's fine. I guess I've spent too much time in the midwestern United States where the cost of living (and a hotel room) isn't sky-high.

Now before you get too worried, I'm happy to report that I've since found that Anchorage lodging can be obtained for less than the mid-two hundred dollar range.

Of course, if you are in the market for a luxury hotel in or near Anchorage, click!

Being curious, I did a quick check and found a sample rates for local Anchorage Lodging. I checked the Best Western Barratt Inn and the Puffin Inn, both on Spendard Rd -- right near Anchorage's Ted Steven's International Airport. At the height of summer their rates were from $125 to $189 and $140-$175 range respectively. These sample rates, obviously weren't for the fanciest rooms in town, but rather mid-range Anchorage hotels. NOTE: The above prices are from 2001 (the year we moved to Anchorage). I just did a summer rate check of Marriot Hotels (there are three different types in Anchorage) and the prices run from $219 up to $299 (as of July 11th, 2011).

Anchorage Lodging Cheaper in The Offseason

As with most vacation spots, Anchorage's lodging rates go down as low as $79 US dollars per night, after September 15th or so.

Most people's schedule won't allow for a September Alaska vaction, unfortunately, but it sure is cheaper.

September weather in South Central Alaska is a little cooler and sometimes rainy, but Alaska is beautiful as fall approaches. It's a shame that more visitors don't get to see Alaska in September and early October.

Anchorage Lodging Choices are Plentiful

Anchorage lodging has seen a large increase in hotels built over the past couple of years. Marriott and Hilton, to name a few have built multiple mid-range hotels throughout the city.

Lodging choices in Anchorage and the surrounding areas, are diverse. You'll find everything from luxery hotels and resorts to moderately-priced accommodations.

You'll find many of the national name-brand hotels and beautiful local hotels and resorts.

Does Alaska Have Bed and Breakfasts?

It sure does...and many of them!

Bed and Breakfasts are in abundant supply and are usually a cheaper alternative to the higher-priced Anchorage lodging choices.

I do want to point out, though, that Bed and Breakfasts are not exclusive to Anchorage only.

I'd encourage you to get out of Anchorage and check out the Bed and Breakfasts that operate in areas such as The MatSu Valley ...ie Palmer and Wasilla Alaska.

The MatSu Valley is one hour north of Anchorage and there here you will find more B&Bs in a country setting.

To me, a B&B isn't quite the same unless it is in the country.

Here are links to some of our favorite Bed and Breakfasts so far. These are the ones that we know the most about:

The Agate Inn

The Alaska Garden Gate Bed & Breakfast

Which Anchorage Lodging is Nearest to the Airport?

Do you need a hotel close to the Anchorage Airport? If you do...use the above link to see the list that I compiled. It includes the very closest hotels to the Anchorage Airport. I should know. I drive by them nearly every day.

But if you prefer not to be too close to the airport and would rather not be limited to nearby hotels, why not make arrangements with Alaskan Splendor to pick you up and transport you to a hotel of your choosing...whether it is in Anchorage or hours away!