8 Best Hotels in Downtown, Anchorage

Recalling Captain Cook's voyages to Alaska and the South Pacific, dark teak paneling lines the hotel's interior, and a nautical theme continues into the guest rooms. All rooms have air-conditioning, and guests can use the separate men's and women's athletic clubs with shared indoor heated pool. The hotel occupies an entire city block with three towers, the tallest of which is capped by the Crow's Nest Restaurant, one of five eateries on-site. The most luxurious accommodation is found on the 19th floor of Tower III—a sprawling, 1,600-square-foot two-bedroom suite, which costs a mere $1,500 per night and come with perks galore.

One of Anchorage's biggest lodgings, the brightly decorated Marriott appeals to business travelers, tourists, and corporate clients. The hotel has two restaurants: Cafe Promenade and The Great Room. All guest rooms have huge windows, and views are breathtaking from the top floors. For a $30 upcharge, you gain access to a concierge lounge, which includes a light breakfast as well as evening hors d'oeuvres.

This location offers the best of both worlds: it's walkable to everything worth seeing in Downtown, but it's on the quiet end of 5th Avenue, right next to a small park and the 11-mile Coastal Trail. The small inn was built as a private residence in 1939, and the unobstructed view across Cook Inlet to Sleeping Lady (Mt. Susitna) is a bonus. Rooms have individual themes, a hearty Continental breakfast is served in the comfortable living room, and a dozen good restaurants, including several of Alaska's finest, are within a 10-minute walk.

Part of the Anchorage landscape since 1916, experienced travelers call this little building the most charming hotel in town. The rooms boast dark cherry furnishings and high-definition flat-screen televisions. The small lobby, its fireplace crackling in chilly weather, has a quaint European feel. The friendly staffers offer concierge services comparable to the city's big hotels. Famous former guests include Walt Disney and Will Rogers.

Originally built by Gill in the settlement of Knik (north of Anchorage) in 1913, this historic home has been transformed into a comfortable B&B in a quiet neighborhood along the Delaney Park Strip, with Downtown attractions a short walk away. How did the house get to Anchorage? By boat; three years after Gill built it in Knik, he floated it to Anchorage, where he later served as mayor for three terms and then speaker of the Territorial House. Two rooms share a bath with a classic claw-foot tub, and the third contains a private bath and whirlpool bath.

The 16-story Sheraton is one of the city's best hotels, with rooms that are sleek (but not sterile) and accented with comfy beds and postcard views. Upper-level rooms overlook Cook Inlet and Mt. Susitna, the city, or the Chugach Range. From rooms on the north and east sides, watch Air Force jets fly in formation and small planes take off from Merrill Field. The restaurant Jade serves made-to-order breakfast. In the Ptarmigan Bar, enjoy small bites and an Alaska brew from a leather club chair in front of the rock fireplace. The modern Ice Spa is a perfect place to pamper yourself after a hike on the local trails. The property also features a clean, bright, 24-hour fitness center with mountain views.

This centrally located, comfortably furnished 13-story hotel is within easy walking distance of every notable shop and eatery Downtown. Reserve a room on the higher floors for some of the city's best mountain views. Rooms that are basic but pleasant, and the downstairs restaurant, Solstice Bar & Grill, serves breakfast each morning.

The namesake Ship Creek gurgles past this popular family hotel, which is a short walk northeast of the Alaska Railroad Historic Depot and practically on top of the creek's parallel paved walking trail. Rooms exceed typical chain hotel standards (comfy beds with nice linens and vaulted ceilings) and come in a variety of configurations, including some with kitchenettes and two-room suites. A substantial continental breakfast is served each morning.