The Copper Whale Inn on the west side of downtown Anchorage is a quaint little spot to have a quiet visit to Anchorage. While it’s not a bed and breakfast, the Copper Whale Inn does give the homey vibe that makes you feel like a local for exploring Anchorage and kicking off your Alaska trip on the right foot. If you have any questions about staying here or need suggestions for what to do in Anchorage, please let us know by leaving a comment or sending us a note.
Why Choose the Copper Whale Inn in Anchorage
If you travel as much as I do, I like when I can check into my hotel and feel like I can actually unwind. Hotel rooms rarely feel homey, so that’s where the Copper Whale shines. The rooms are well kept and they’ve thought of whatever you might need to be comfortable. There is both a heater and fan depending on the season, slippers and bathrobes, and every room has a table and coffee maker.
Each morning there is a continental breakfast in the dining room with fresh fruit, pastries, hard boiled eggs and yogurt. If you want something more, it’s easy to walk across the street to the Snow City Cafe (best breakfast in Anchorage).
Rooms at the Copper Whale Inn
The Copper Whale Inn is unique when it comes to rooms. Most rooms have their own private ensuite bathrooms, but there are a few that have shared restroom facilities. These are not Jack-n-Jill style, meaning they’re not connected, but are in a mutual hallway.
Most rooms have a queen bed in them, with the exception of a few that either have an additional twin bed or have a king bed that can be converted to two twins. Each room is homey and really does feel like you’re staying with family while you’re traveling… but it’s very separated from other guests and very clean.
Nearby Amenities and Activities
Being a small hotel, the Copper Whale Inn doesn’t have a lot of amenities to offer. In addition to everything that makes up each room, there is lots of public space here. There’s a living room and dining space that guests are welcome to use for relaxing, working, or just taking a break between their travel days. There is also plenty of outdoor space with a patio in front of the inn and one between the two inn buildings.
‘Very nearby there are other services that add to making your time at the Copper Whale Inn as relaxing or fun as possible. Across the street you’ll find Pablo’s Bicycle Rentals, and then the Tony Knowles Coastal Trail is just another block in the opposite direction. A few blocks south is the fun K Street Market with an incredible bakery, a bottle shop and a cafe.
See more reviews of the Copper Whale Inn here
Location of the Copper Whale Inn
I love the location of the Copper Whale Inn. It’s at the far west end of downtown Anchorage, just far enough away from the touristy bars and restaurants, but still close enough that if you want to meet friends for dinner or a drink it’s an easy walk, even when it’s cold out. While the Copper Whale Inn isn’t directly on the water, several of the upstairs rooms have views out to Cook Inlet and the end of the Alaska Range.
For people doing guided tours when they come to Anchorage, the Copper Whale Inn is close enough to other major downtown hotels that most tour providers will pick you up here. If you’ve booked a tour or transportation that won’t collect you from the Inn, the Captain Cook Hotel is just two blocks away and all major tour operators will pick up there.
More Things to do in Anchorage
I think Anchorage is a great city to visit, whether it’s the main area you choose to visit on your Alaska trip or it’s the jumping off point for an epic Alaska road adventure. Anchorage has changed a lot in the last 25 years (I still remember my first visit) and it’s become a city with great dining, interesting things to do within the city, and of course incredible nature just beyond downtown.
A visit to Anchorage needs to include activities like the Alaska Native Heritage Center, visiting Kincaid park for walking and wildlife watching, and enjoying some hiking outside of town. It’s really easy to add activities to your Anchorage visit both down on the Turnagain Arm (Seward Highway) or in Chugach State Park (Eklutna Lake and Thunderbird Falls). If you’re ever bored in Anchorage, you’re not paying attention.
Here are some things to do in Anchorage that can be added to part of your day when you visit, just in case you don’t have lots of time:
- Anchorage Museum
- Alaska Native Heritage Center
- rent bikes for the Tony Knowles Coastal Trail
- watch for beluga whales at the Anchorage Small Boat Launch
- day trip to Eklutna Lake and town site
- day trip to Portage or Whittier for a Prince William Sound adventure
Here are some Anchorage ideas:
Where to Eat in Anchorage
Let’s assume that you’re staying in the downtown area of Anchorage and you’re looking for a great meal. Well, there are lots of choices, but I’ve picked my favorites that are both solid Anchorage standards and are new and awesome.
- Snow City Cafe – breakfast
- K Street Market – bakery, breakfast, lunch and cool shops
- F Street Station – vintage Anchorage with delicious food. And a cheese block.
- 49th State Brewing – busy but really good food and beer
- Tequila 61 – modern and trendy Mexican favorites w/ great cocktails
- Whisky & Ramen – fantastic Asian fusion food and craft cocktails
- Double Shovel Cider Co – not downtown, but it’s worth the visit for awesome ciders
Where to Stay in Anchorage
When you’re looking for a hotel in Anchorage, you’ll see that the city is broken into several areas with hotels mostly being in downtown, midtown and at the airport. If you’re just here for one night, any area will do, but for several days, downtown is the best area to stay because it’s such a walkable city. I enjoy staying in the hub of Anchorage activities because there are lots of things to do, restaurants and easy access to biking routes and the Alaska Railroad. Check out the options below.
I hope you’ll consider staying at the Copper Whale Inn. It’s quiet, quaint and so homey just when you need it to be. I think you’ll really like it. If you have any questions about visiting Anchorage or planning an Alaska road trip, please leave a comment or send us a note. We’re always happy to help with travel planning for an Alaska Trip!
