The Historic Anchorage Hotel is such a wonderful gem in downtown Anchorage, Alaska. Located in a great spot near all the Iditarod happenings and easy to get to from the Alaska Railroad, it’s a great pick for a vintage, but quality stay in the heart of the city. From the cozy lobby to the historic photos and memorabilia, you’ll see just what makes staying at the Historic Anchorage Hotel a nice addition to a trip to Alaska. I know there are lots of options for where to stay in Anchorage, but I think what makes the Historic Anchorage Hotel a winner is that it’s not a chain and it’s full of character that harkens back to the version of Alaska a lot of visitors are looking for.
We’ve got the scoop and what else we like about staying here as well as lots of ideas for enjoying a visit to Anchorage. If you have any questions about the hotel or need additional recommendations, please leave a comment or send us a note. We’re always happy to share more and help you plan an unforgettable trip through Alaska.
Why I like the Historic Anchorage Hotel
When you’re talking about downtown hotels, they all have a great location, but what’s wonderful about the Historic Anchorage Hotel is that you have the great location at the edge of the Mushing District AND you have the cool vintage vibes of being an historic, and some would say haunted, hotel. Yes, the Historic Anchorage Hotel is said to be the most haunted place to stay in Anchorage, and while I don’t believe any of that, I get it. There are lots of stories of different ghosts and bad things that have happened in the building, but I don’t think it has the creepy vibe other people are into. I think it is cozy, clearly historic and cute.
Something else that I was surprised about when staying at the Historic Anchorage Hotel was the size of our room. We had a two queen junior room and it was very large. There was ample space for a family of four, not just for sleeping, but for relaxing and hanging out between activities. When you’re visiting during the winter months and you have extra luggage for warm clothes and snow gear, your suitcases take up a lot of floor space, but that isn’t a problem here. The Historic Anchorage Hotel has deep closets, large floor area in rooms and you’ll be just fine.
Bonus: for being a three story building downtown in a busy area, the Historic Anchorage Hotel is very quiet. I’m a light sleeper and was surprised.
Book the Historic Anchorage Hotel here!
Room Options at the Historic Anchorage Hotel
When you’re staying at the Historic Anchorage Hotel you’ll be able to choose from either a standard or a junior suite. Both are spacious, but the junior suite is significantly bigger with a living area and a wet bar area. You know what you need when you travel. Something unique about the Historic Anchorage Hotel that I had completely forgotten about is the use of radiators or steam heat in old buildings. the Baranof Hotel in Juneau has it and so does this hotel. It’s effective but also can be confusing how to control of you’ve not had an apartment with it when you were young. If you arrive and the temperature isn’t right for you, talk to the front desk for help understanding how to manage your room temperature. I know this may sound small, but it can make or break your stay.
Historic Anchorage Hotel Amenities
Being a small, vintage inn, the Historic Anchorage Hotel doesn’t have a lot of amenities to offer, but it’s still a very warm and welcoming place. There is a small fitness center with some cardio equipment and free weights, but it’s not an athletic club like at the Captain Cook Hotel. It’s available for guests whenever they need it though, and if you’re visiting in winter and aren’t being extremely active, it’s nice to at least get it a short workout. The lobby at the Historic Anchorage Hotel is a wonderful amenity, I would say. Comfy furnishings, Alaskan art and a fireplace make it a great little spot to relax after a day of sightseeing and business. And it’s adjacent to the historic saloon space where breakfast is served.
Dining at and Around the Historic Anchorage Hotel
As mentioned, breakfast is included with your stay at the Historic Anchorage Hotel. It’s served in the cool old saloon off the lobby. While it’s not a fancy breakfast there are some healthy options and the setting is really neat. The walls are covered with old photos and memorabilia, including news clippings and Iditarod history. For other meals, there are some great restaurants very near the hotel. Across the street are both Whiskey & Ramen and Tequila 61°. 49th State Brewing is around the corner, and so many more.
Parking Options at the Historic Anchorage Hotel
When you’re staying at the Historic Anchorage Hotel parking is not included, but it’s nearby. The hotel has an agreement with the city to keep a certain number of parking spaces/permits, so guests are able to pay for their overnight parking in the city lot through the front desk. There is also after parking, but that’s more difficult to find and there are restrictions. The easiest option is to arrange it through the front desk or just use the city lot around the corner.
Book the Historic Anchorage Hotel here!
Hotel Operating Info
To complete your planning, here is all the information to plan and book your adventure.
- Operating Dates/Season: year round, check in after 4:00 pm, check out by 11:00 am
- Hotel office phone number: 907-272-4553
- Hotel website: HistoricAnchorageHotel.com
- Hotel check-in address: 330 E St, Anchorage AK 99501
- Hotel booking links: Book the Historic Anchorage Hotel here!
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.
Some of our picks for where to stay in Anchorage:
I hope you’re excited to spend a few nights at the Historic Anchorage Hotel on your next visit. Between the great location and the vintage feel, I know you’ll love it. If you have any questions about visiting Anchorage or coming to town in the different seasons, please leave a comment or send us a note. We’re always happy to help with travel planning for an Alaska Trip!
