Travel

Where to Stay in Anchorage

Published

4 months ago

March 12, 2024

Hristina Lozanovska

A panoramic view of Anchorage, Alaska, showcasing the city skyline with tall buildings against the backdrop of the Chugach Mountains and a cloudy sky.

Anchorage in Alaska, is a place with some of the most scenic landscapes – which is why it attracts such a large number of visitors. If you’re wondering where to stay in Anchorage, I’m here to recommend the absolute best Anchorage areas and hotels!

I’ve carefully compared the accommodations in Anchorage and handpicked only the very best options for you. I also went ahead and divided it by areas (we have 4 tourist friendly neighborhoods in total) and by price as well!

So, read this post if you want to book your ideal accommodation in just a couple of minutes, I’ve done the research for you!

For now, Downtown Anchorage is THE place to stay since it’s extremely walkable, has some top-rated hotels, and most of the city’s attractions. Scroll down to see more detailed info and see my top list of the other areas!

But before you start planning your trip, you need to keep in mind that you have to book well in advance. This is especially true if you’re planning a trip during summer, specifically in August; this is the most popular month to visit Anchorage, so even the not-so-great hotels will be super extensive. By booking in advance, you choose a great hotel and save some money, too!

If you are in a hurry

Take a look at the best hotels in downtown Anchorage:

Watch my video, it will give you a visual explanation of all the areas:

Here’s a map of the 4 Anchorage areas I’ll be talking about in this post:

1. Downtown Anchorage – where to stay in Anchorage for the first time

Aerial view of downtown Anchorage during twilight, with the city lights starting to shine against the backdrop of the Chugach Mountains.

Downtown Anchorage is the heart of the city! This is where you’ll find all the main attractions – museums, art galleries, parks, shops, restaurants and breweries! So, if you are traveling to Anchorage for the first time, Downtown is perfect!

Downtown is also for you if you are visiting without a car – it is very compact and extremely walkable!

FUN FACT: on the summer solstice (June 20th), Anchorage gets as much as 22 hours of daylight, and even when the sun sets, it’s barely just below the horizon!

If you decide to visit Anchorage during the summer solstice, you’ll get plenty of time to explore the city in the light of day, and you can also attend The Summer Solstice Festival, which takes place primarily in downtown Anchorage.

The first stop on your itinerary should be the Anchorage Museum, dedicated to rich Alaskan history and culture; then, you should check the schedule at the Alaska Center for the Performing Arts, and if you find something to your liking, attend an event there.

A vintage black locomotive on display, fenced off and set against a park background with trees and a cloudy sky.

While downtown, you have to visit Delaney Park (map), the largest green space in the city center, and the Centennial Rose Garden (map), located within the park. Other noteworthy spots are the Town Square Park (map) and the Captain Cook Monument (map), both easily accessible from anywhere in the downtown area.

One of the things Anchorage is known for is the breweries – and you have to visit at least one during your stay here. I highly recommend visiting the 49th State Brewing and trying one of their delicious, refreshing lager beers.

You may be surprised to see an airport just around the corner of Downtown. Merrill Field Airport is a public general aviation airport, mostly used for training. So, you won’t be able to land in the city center, after all. If you’re flying to Anchorage, you’ll touch down at the Spenard airport – more on that later!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 of the city. If you want to go somewhere further away, you can visit other Alaskan cities – I recommend Fairbanks! It’s a lovely city and there are also a lot of amazing Fairbanks accommodations.

Luxury hotel

The Hotel Captain Cook

A luxury hotel offering stunning views of the Chugach Mountains and Cook Inlet and features an indoor pool, a separate male and a female gym, a conference center, and as many as 4 restaurants on site. Guests can benefit from massage services and go shopping at one of the 15 retail stores.

Other accommodation in Downtown Anchorage

Mid-range

Historic Anchorage Hotel

This centrally located stay in Anchorage has comfortable rooms, a fitness center, free Wi-Fi and is near the main attractions

Budget

Wingate by Wyndham

Although a bit lower-rated, this hotel provides a daily hot breakfast, in-room movies, and relaxing spa baths

Airbnb

The Jules: Downtown’s Basecamp

This Airbnb offers nicely decorated rooms and a fully furnished kitchen right across the street from the Anchorage Museum

Things to do in Downtown Anchorage

2. Midtown – best area for families

Downtown street scene in Anchorage with traffic signals, a bear sculpture on a building, and pedestrians crossing the street.

The Midtown part of Anchorage is located 3 miles (5 km) south of Downtown and is the best place for families to stay in Anchorage, thanks to its laid-back atmosphere, family-friendly hotels, and fun attractions. However, if you decide to stay here, you’ll need a car if you want to make the most of your visit – you can either drive there or rent a car.

Don’t let the necessity of a car worry you! Anchorage is not a very large city, so you’ll only need to drive a short distance to get to your desired destination. Plus, if you’re staying in Midtown with a car, you’ll have the freedom to explore other parts of Alaska, so I highly recommend having a vehicle at your disposal – unless you’re there for a day or staying in the downtown area.

So, when you’re looking for things to do with your family in Midtown Anchorage, your first stop should be Cuddy Family Midtown Park (map)! Here, the kids will enjoy the playground, but there’s also a pond within the park and an ice rink in winter!

FUN FACT: more than 40% of Alaska’s residents live in Anchorage, which is the second-highest percentage in all of the US after New York.

Midtown is also the best location to take day trips to all the best family-oriented attractions in Anchorage. You can drive to the Alaska Botanical Garden and the Alaska Zoo or explore some of the easier hiking routes in Chugach State Park (map).

In case you don’t want to go anywhere outside Midtown for the day, you can spend the time shopping at the or grab a meal at one of the cool restaurants such as the Moose’s Tooth Pub & Pizzeria.

If you’re in Alaska to see the Northern Lights, then staying in Midtown is a good idea – the accommodations are much more affordable than those downtown, and most of the tour operators offer hotel pickup from Midtown hotels.

Luxury hotel

Hyatt Place Anchorage

Even though it’s not as luxurious as my usual recommendations in this category, Hyatt Place has an excellent range of amenities, including a fitness center, an indoor pool, a hot tub, a bar, a restaurant, and a shared lounge – available to all guests.

Other accommodation options in Midtown

Mid-range

Residence Inn by Marriott

Nestled in beautiful nature, this hotel offers a free airport shuttle, comfortable rooms, and an indoor swimming pool

Budget

My Place Hotel

Located near Anchorage University, My Place Hotel has spacious rooms, a free airport shuttle, and free parking

Airbnb

Midtown Executive Suite

A spacious suite with 1 bedroom, 1 bathroom, a living area, and a kitchen equipped with necessary appliances and utensils

Things to do in Midtown

3. South Addition – where to stay in Anchorage on a budget

A vibrant landscape of a lake with calm waters, lush greenery, and the Alaskan mountain range under a dynamic cloud-filled sky.

South Addition is the area adjacent to downtown; this is primarily a residential neighborhood, so there aren’t as many hotels as in the other areas, but there are plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities – overall, a great choice when traveling on a budget.

The highlights of the South Addition neighborhood are its parks! If you’re wondering where to start, I suggest Margaret Eagan Sullivan Park (map), a lovely park overlooking the Westchester Lagoon (map) and boasting spectacular mountain views. However, if you want the very best views, I suggest you head to the Woodruff Overlook (map) across the lagoon from the park.

About 250 black 55 grizzly bears reside within the Anchorage city limits!

You don’t have to be too worried about this, as the bears tend to avoid urban and residential areas, but it never hurts to be cautious.

Another spot you have to visit in South Addition is the Valley of the Moon Park (map). There are numerous hiking trails within the park and a large playground if you’re traveling with kids. And there’s a dog park, too, so it definitely warrants a visit.

I have to tell you that there aren’t too many dining options in South Addition, but one place you shouldn’t miss out on is Simon & Seafort’s Saloon & Grill, where you can try the finest cuisine Anchorage has to offer!

A scenic view of an empty road curving beside a railway track, with snow-capped mountains in the distance and a partly cloudy sky.

You’ll definitely need a car if you’re staying in South Addition, that is unless you’re based in Bootleggers Cove, a part of the neighborhood that directly borders the city center. And if you’re wondering where to stay before a cruise, I think South Addition is the best place for it; from here, you can easily get to Whittier, where most cruises depart from.

Better yet, the South Addition neighborhood provides easy access to the Seward Highway! This is the quintessential highway for any Alaska road trip; get on the highway at South Addition and drive to Chugach National Forest, Bear Creek, Whittier, or ultimately, Seward.

NOTE: unfortunately, there are no luxury hotels in South Addition, which makes this the ideal destination for budget travelers. Although there aren’t any upscale accommodations, there are some lovely B&Bs – check out my top picks below.

Other accommodation options in South Addition

Mid-range

Anchorage Walkabout Town B&B

This lovely B&B offers free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and parking, laundry facilities, and luggage storage

Budget

Gardenside Bed and Breakfast

The bed and breakfast offers rooms overlooking the garden, which has an outdoor fireplace and barbecue facilities

Airbnb

City Garden B&B

A private room in a B&B property with a queen-sized bed, plus access to a shared bathroom

Things to do in South Addition

4. Spenard – where to stay in Anchorage near the airport

A red seaplane flying over a lake in front of a large lodge with the Alaskan mountains reflecting in the still water.

Spenard is located 4 miles (6 km) Southwest of Downtown and just 2 miles (3 km) from Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport. Set your expectations aside – this is not your typical airport area! Centered around the lovely Lake Hood, dotted with parks, nature trails, and quirky restaurants, it’s a great place to relax and unwind.

If you’re staying in Anchorage for just a day, or you’re worried that you might miss your flight, you have to stay in Spenard. It has a variety of great hotels, most of which offer free airport shuttles (no need to worry about getting to and from the airport), and there are plenty of ways to spend your time.

The first thing I advise you to do is go for a walk around Lake Spenard (map), which is a part of the larger Lake Hood. While you’re exploring the area around the lake, you’ll come across the Alaska Aviation Museum – I suggest you stop for a visit there. Finally, you’ll reach the Turnagain neighborhood and Earthquake Park (map), a very unique space shaped by an earthquake!

If you have a free evening in Spenard, you have to see a screening at the Bear Tooth Theatrepub, an indie movie theater that also serves craft microbrews and delicious food. The best part about it? You can eat and drink while watching the movie – I don’t think it gets much better than that!

One of the things that makes this area so special and different from other airport neighborhoods is the abundance of restaurants, specifically American and Korean restaurants. I’d recommend the Spenard Roadhouse for a fusion of flavors – you can have everything from Thai curry to the classic, all-American burger.

Without further ado, let’s check out the best places to stay near Anchorage airport!

Luxury hotel

The Lakefront Anchorage

The Lakefront is not as well-rated (or as luxurious) as my other recommendation in the category, but it’s the best upscale option close to the airport. Situated on Lake Hood, the hotel has on-site dining options, a gym, concierge services, private parking, and even a float plane dock! There’s also a 24-hour shuttle service to the airport.

Other accommodation options in Spenard

Mid-range

Courtyard by Marriott

Marriott Anchorage Airport offers a nice indoor pool, free airport shuttle, spacious rooms, and free parking

Budget

Comfort Suites

This hotel features an indoor swimming pool, a very good breakfast, a free airport shuttle, and a nice bar

Airbnb

Alaska Smurfs House

Just minutes away from the airport, this suite has a private entrance, a private bedroom, and 2 bunk beds

Things to do in Spenard

Spend a relaxing afternoon at Kincaid Park (map)
Hike the Tony Knowles Coastal Trail (trail map)
Enjoy the all-day breakfast at Gwennie’s Old Alaska Restaurant (map)

Visitor information center in Anchorage with a multi-directional signpost in the snow, indicating various global destinations.

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Travel

AAAs Q&A: Gary Anslow, Norwegian Cruise Line’s UK and Ireland sales director

Published

17 hours ago

July 6, 2024

worlddailyinfo

‘NCL is honoured and proud to be a part of this key event’

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Travel

40+ Creative Travel Journal Prompts (Beginner-Friendly)

Published

1 day ago

July 5, 2024

Darija Stojanovic

A person sits outdoors on a grassy field, writing in a notebook. A backpack is placed beside them. They are surrounded by dry, tall grass and the sky appears overcast.

Hello dear adventurer, and welcome to your new favorite inspiration page for travel journal prompts! I started journaling a few years ago during my trip to Antalya, Turkey, and it has absolutely transformed the way I process my travels.

I’m happy to share my 45 favorite travel prompts that you can use right away (and even copy-paste if you keep a journal on your screen)!

To make things easier to find, I sorted all the prompts into time segments for before, during, and after your trip. And since I’m a big fan of listicles (and I believe you may be one, too) I also added a small section with my best listicle travel prompts!

Quick Picks for Your Stay

These are my top 3 favorite travel journal prompts that usually give me so much to write about:

What attraction or landmark am I most excited to see and why?
What fun facts did I learn about my destination today?
Did the trip live up to my expectations?

Best travel journal prompts for reflections

Person planning a trip with a notebook that says "Let's Travel," a passport, travel tickets, a camera, and a computer keyboard on a wooden desk. Other items include nail polish, and a glass with a yellow drink.

In this section, I group my favorite travel journal prompts in the text format. You can use them as they are for reflective writing, or they can serve as a base for you to create stories.

For example, for the “What is something I noticed after I got here?” prompt, you can simply answer in one or 2 sentences, like “Women cover their heads a lot here,” or you can make a story out of it where you describe the differences that struck you more in detail, compare them to things at home, jot down how those differences made you feel, write your guesses for why those things are different, etc.

Personal preference: I always go with the 2nd option because I dream of one day writing a book about my experiences with different cultures around the world and use my travel journal as a base. Also, taking time to write about things in detail somehow deepens the whole experience.

Alright, so now that you know how to use the prompts, let’s get started with them:

Before the trip

A person sits with a cup of coffee, a hat, and travel accessories on a wooden surface with a world map laid out in front.

Getting ready for a trip can be just as fun as being there! I love the adrenaline rush after buying the tickets and starting to visualize what my vacation would look like.

Here are some travel journal prompts for an even better time planning your trip:

Why did I choose this destination?
What are my expectations from this trip?
What will preparation for this trip look like?
What are my goals and intentions for this trip?
What new activities or foods do I want to try?
What is my bucket list for this city/region?
What cultural aspects of the destination do I want to explore in more detail?
What are my must-have items for the trip?
What gadgets can I use for the trip?
What’s the weather forecast like and do I need to buy new clothes to match it?
What attraction or landmark am I most excited to see and why?
What is my travel companion most excited about? (If you’re traveling with someone)
What do my daydreams about the destination look like?
What are my biggest fears or concerns about this destination?
What about the concerns of leaving home?
How can this trip help me grow personally?

During the trip

A person walks down a narrow cobblestone street with a blue suitcase, wearing a green jacket, jeans, tan boots, a brown backpack, and a beige hat. Stone buildings line both sides of the street.

One of the greatest perks of travel journals is boosting your memory (more on this later). When you’re out and about every day for a week, a looot of things happen, and there’s no way to remember everything in detail. That’s where these travel journal prompts jump in!

What were my first impressions of this place after I landed?
What did I learn today?
What fun conversations did I have today, and with whom?
What is something I noticed after I got here?
What new foods did I try today?
Who are the new people I met today?
Did anything unexpected happen today?
How did I feel today, emotionally and physically?
What did I do that made me proud of myself?
How many steps did I walk today?
What was the highlight of the day?
What is the most beautiful photo I took today?
What was the low part of my day?
What would I do differently tomorrow?
What is something I want to do again?

PRO TIP: Make your travel journal more engaging and inspirational by adding travel quotes! We have a separate article where we reveal the 51 best travel quotes, so check it out here!

After the trip

A woman sits on a bed writing in a notebook, with an open suitcase and a laptop beside her.

The lowest part of any trip must be heading to the airport for your flight back home. I’d say the amount of sadness is proportional to the level of excitement when you’re just starting the trip and heading to the airport to fly to your destination.

But I found that travel journaling after the trip prolongs the good feels as you get to reflect on your trip, jot down some more memories, and ultimately go back to what you wrote anytime.

Would I go back to this place?
What did I enjoy most about the trip?
What will I miss the most?
What is the most valuable thing I learned from this trip?
How did my perception of this culture or its people change after the trip?
What did I discover about myself during this trip?
What were the challenges you had during this trip and how did you overcome them?
What was the best meal I had?
What was the most beautiful view I encountered on the trip?
What advice can I give to future travelers to this place?
How do I feel now that I’m home?
Did the trip live up to my expectations?
How did the initial travel itinerary work out?
What are (if any) my future travel plans based on this experience?

Best travel prompts for list making

Open suitcase packed with clothes and a travel checklist notebook. A hat and sunglasses are placed beside the suitcase on a wooden surface.

Now, while the prompts above are great for creative writing, I also wanted to give you some more prompts you can use for listicles.

Before the trip

Most of the listicle travel prompts I like are actually part of the planning process:

Movies/songs/books about the destination
List of cities/places to visit
Meals to try
Things to do
Accommodation to stay in
Road trip songs (check out this article for inspo)
Tours to take

During or after the trip

You can also use these listicles that can be filled both during and after the trip:

Things you bought
Meals you had
New phrases of the local language you learned
People you met (and their contact details)
New facts you learned about the destination
Favorite photos from the trip
Top 5 favorite moments
Top culture shock moments

How to keep a travel journal: my 5 favorite tips

A person writing in a journal on a desk with a map of Europe, glasses, a phone, and a vintage camera

I didn’t want to let you go before sharing a few final tips to make your travel journaling more engaging and creative!

I found the process of journaling rather boring in the beginning. Then I discovered that I could let my imagination dictate pretty much every detail of the process, and now I can’t wait to write in my travel journal!

Here are my 5 favorite tips for a smoother travel journaling experience:

1. Make it visual

Hands decorating a travel scrapbook with photos and decorative tape.

Adding visual elements to your travel journal will make it more personal and informative. Think gluing memorabilia or ticket stubs, sketching what you see (buildings, foods, people), or just adding a small photo you took.

You can also use stickers, stencils, washi tapes, stamps, and pretty much everything else you’d use for a bullet journal to help you decorate!

PRO TIP: Consider an instant camera or a portable printer that can print tiny photos to fit your travel journal! Yulia has the HP Sprocket and swears by it!

2. Engage all 5 senses

A person in a long, green dress stands in front of an intricately decorated, arched building entrance with colorful tiles.

This tip is super fun to do, especially for those exotic travels to other parts of the world where everything, including the air, is different.

For example, I live in Tel Aviv and have recently traveled to Uzbekistan where temperatures were around 35 degrees (same as in Israel). In Tel Aviv the air is super humid because of the sea, making you sweat immediately. In Uzbekistan (which is a doubly landlocked country), the air is really dry, and you can walk around feeling hot, but you won’t sweat nearly as much.

In Tel Aviv, 35°C (95°F) feels like a Turkish bath, while in Uzbekistan, it’s more like a sauna.

This is an example sentence from my travel journal that captures the details that are not obvious until you actually visit the place and feel basic things like the air and temperature!

Not to mention the sounds on the streets, the taste of the food (the very same ingredients can taste differently in another country), or the colors of buildings. You’ll suddenly have plenty of things to write about when you think about engaging all your senses!

3. Write right away

A person writing in a journal while standing outdoors with a bridge in the background.

Try to write in your travel journal while the memories are still fresh. The main reason for this is that excitement levels are much higher then, and you can capture how you felt more vividly if you do it right away.

For example, I described some moments of my Uzbekistan journey as they happened and then wrote about some retrospectively a week after arrival with much fewer details. The difference in writing style and emotional engagement is just incomparable!

4. Use travel journal-friendly tools

A woman in a hat and striped shirt holds a smartphone and looks around while standing outside near a fountain and large buildings.

Sometimes, you may want to write in your travel journal but lack the time to sit back and add it all nicely. Or you may need extra help planning your trip and documenting every part of the process.

Luckily, there are tons of useful (and completely free!) apps you can use to help you out!

Voice recorder apps (pre-installed in most phones) can help you document thoughts or moments. They’ll save your voice recordings as audio files you can listen to later and transfer them into a text format.
Digital note-taking apps, like Notion, where you can make notes while on your journey and then access them on any device.
Travel itinerary apps, like Wanderlog, where you can add all your travel documents, booking reservations, plane or train tickets, and create a customized itinerary on a map.
Automatic journey trackers, like Polarsteps, that’ll track your itinerary automatically and add photos at places where you’ve taken them.
Online cloud storage, like Google Drive, where you can keep photos, videos, and just about anything related to your trip that you can access from every device.

NOTE: Amazon is packed with beginner-friendly travel journals with prompts, dedicated spaces for photos, and fun prints. This Travel Journal for Women and this Clever Fox Journal are my favorites. I do like to have more freedom in my travel journal to organize things the way I want, but if you prefer more guidance, then definitely consider buying one of these!

5. Make rank listicles

A person is planning a trip, writing in a notebook with travel items such as a map, camera, toy airplane, compass, and jar labeled "Travel" on the table.

A person is planning a trip, writing in a notebook with travel items such as a map, camera, toy airplane, compass, and jar labeled

Here’s just another fun activity I really like to do. You can make your listicles more interesting by ranking the things in a specific order (best to worst, top 5 lists, etc).

For example, you can make a simple listicle about all the dishes you tried on your vacation. But you can also sort that listicle from your most to least favorite dish or even in order that you tried them.

The same can apply to accommodation, trip highlights, restaurants, interactions with people, and pretty much any other listicle you include in your journal.

Final thoughts on travel journal prompts

A woman with long blonde hair, wearing a sun hat and a summer dress, sits on a stone wall with her arms outstretched, overlooking a medieval stone tower and fortress set against a backdrop of rolling hills and a river

Keeping a travel journal is a special way to preserve memories, get creative, and reflect on your experiences on the road. Whether you choose a digital or handwritten journal, you’ll be processing your adventures on a much deeper level!

Hopefully, the prompts I shared above gave you inspiration to get started!

Do you have any other ideas or advice for fellow journal keepers? Share them in the comments below, we’d love to read them!

For more inspiration for your trip, check out our 51 best travel quotes article here or see any of the related posts below!

Enjoy journaling,

Darija

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Travel

Jamaica reopens for business after Hurricane Beryl

Published

1 day ago

July 5, 2024

Theodore Koumelis

Hurricane Beryl bypassed Jamaica without major damage, allowing tourism to quickly resume. Airports are reopening, and the island welcomed over two million visitors in early 2024, showcasing its resilience and readiness to host tourists.

KINGSTON – Jamaica’s reputation for resilience continues as Hurricane Beryl moved past on July 3. Hotels and resorts in Jamaica were well-prepared as staff and guests remained safe during the storm.

Jamaica’s airports and cruise ports have announced plans for re-opening:
Sangster International Airport (SIA) in Montego Bay is currently scheduled to re-open at 6:00 p.m. today, July 4.
Norman Manley International Airport (NMIA) in Kingston is currently scheduled to re-open at 5:00 a.m. on Friday, July 5.
The Ian Fleming International Airport (IFIA) in Ocho Rios is currently open.
Jamaica’s Cruise Ports (Montego Bay, Ocho Rios, Falmouth) are currently open.

Visitors are advised to contact their travel advisor and airline provider for updates before arriving at the airports.

“Jamaica is open for business and, once again, the resilience of the Jamaican people is on full display,” said Jamaica’s Minister of Tourism, Hon. Edmund Bartlett. “We are grateful that there has been no wide-scale impact to our general tourism infrastructure and our tourism industry is fully operational. Our message to our partners and visitors is Jamaica is ready for you, so come back to the destination you love.”

Donovan White, Director of Tourism for the Jamaica Tourist Board, encouraged tourism industry partners across the world to spread the word that Jamaica is open. “We are ready, willing, and more than able to welcome our guests back to our beautiful island,” said Director White.

Jamaica has welcomed more than two million visitors thus far in 2024, more than ever reported during the period of January to May, further solidifying its position as one of the world’s leading island travel destinations.

Theodore is the Co-Founder and Managing Editor of TravelDailyNews Media Network; his responsibilities include business development and planning for TravelDailyNews long-term opportunities.

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