Best Hotels in Alaska

Recent travelers have difficulty finding fault with the Alyeska Resort, praising everything from customer service to the earthy decor in the 304 guest rooms to the indoor saltwater pool. Surrounded by Chugach State Park in the small town of Girdwood, this hotel is part of one of Alaska's premier ski resorts. Guests have easy access to the slopes and a ski rental shop. Even summertime visitors savor their time at Alyeska, as the scenic aerial tram, spa and fitness center are open year-round. Also, the hotel organizes kid-friendly activities, snowmobile tours and even dog-sledding, catering to both family visitors and adventure seekers.

Hotel Captain Cook is frequently tagged as Anchorage's only luxury hotel, and, in truth, it really is. The giant property occupies an entire city block in the downtown area, housing 547 rooms, four eateries, an athletic club (with separate facilities for men and women) and even a 9,000-square-foot ballroom. According to recent visitors, the rooms are slightly dated, but many visitors overlook that for the hotel's amenities, scenic views and the employees: The staff are rated highly for helping guests experience Alaska, setting up glacier tours and offering directions to city attractions.

Near the southern edge of Denali National Park, the Mt. McKinley Princess Wilderness Lodge reminds visitors of a remote outpost: Nothing but wilderness surrounds this rustic hotel, which welcomes Princess cruisers and landlubbers alike and offers a variety of ways to experience the Last Frontier. Three hiking trails are accessible from the lodge (the McKinley Hill Trail gives the most impressive mountain views), and the tour desk can help arrange anything from rafting trips to glacier treks. As for the lodge itself, some guests say that there's not much to distinguish this hotel from other Princess properties. Guest rooms are cozy, yet somewhat bare, and the food served at the on-site restaurants is described as tasty, but nothing to write home about. That said, visitors do praise the Mt. McKinley Princess Wilderness Lodge for its outstanding customer service.

The accommodations at the Embassy Suites by Hilton Anchorage – all two-room suites – feature Wi-Fi access, private bedrooms with separate living areas, two TVs, wet bars, minifridges, microwaves and coffee makers. On-site amenities include a free made-to-order breakfast, a complimentary evening social hour with snacks and drinks, a business center, a fitness room, a pool and a pool table. Recent guests said the breakfast was above average, with delicious, customized options, and the staff was friendly and helpful. However, others pointed out that it’s a bit far (3 miles) from downtown Anchorage, Alaska. For restaurants, the hotel offers Territory Kitchen & Bar, which serves American classics paired with Alaskan specialties. You’ll need a car to get to local attractions, including the Alaska Center for the Performing Arts, Alaska Native Heritage Center and The Alaska Zoo, and the hotel is about 6 miles from Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport. Because this property is a member of the Hilton family, Hilton Honors members can accrue or redeem points by choosing to stay here.

The guest rooms at the Anchorage Marriott Downtown come equipped with Wi-Fi access, ergonomic workstations, Bath & Body Works toiletries and a chance to upgrade to concierge-level rooms, which have access to the M Club Lounge. Recent guests said they were pleased with their large and clean and rooms, though others said they were a bit dated. On-site amenities include a fitness center and an indoor pool. For dining, the Cafe Promenade is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, with a hot buffet served each morning (for a fee). There is also a convenience store selling sundries and local restaurant delivery. The hotel is located about 6 miles northeast of Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport, although recent guests complained that the lack of certain amenities, including an airport shuttle, was disappointing. However, the property allows easy access to the Anchorage Museum, cruise terminal and Sullivan Arena. This Marriott property allows Marriott Rewards members to accrue and redeem points by staying here.

The guest rooms at the Crowne Plaza Anchorage-Midtown come equipped with free Wi-Fi access, flat-screen TVs, work desks and aromatherapy kits, and there are also designated “Quiet Zone” rooms. On-site amenities include a business center, a fitness room, an indoor pool and whirlpool, as well as an airport shuttle to Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport. There is also free self-parking. JUNO serves American classics as well as Alaskan favorites, and JUNO Lounge serves light appetizers and a wide selection of cocktails, wines and beer. Recent guests said the hotel staff is friendly and catered to their needs, while others noted that they dealt with reservation snafus that could have been avoided. This InterContinental Hotels Group property allows IHG Rewards Club members to redeem and accrue points by staying here.

The guest rooms at The Lakefront Anchorage - A Millennium Hotel feature free Wi-Fi access, smart TVs, in-room safes and coffee makers, while suites come with separate living areas. Property amenities include a childrens program, a free airport shuttle and on-site parking. There are daily flightseeing and fishing pickups from the hotel’s private floatplane dock, a unique touch that recent guests said they enjoyed watching. The property also offers 7,000 square feet of space for meetings and events. For dining, the hotel offers three eateries: Flying Machine Restaurant, which serves seafood, steaks and other American and Alaskan classics; Fancy Moose Lounge, which serves drinks, sandwiches, burgers and salads; and The Deck at Lake Hood, which serves American fare along with lakeside and mountainside views. Other recent guests noted that the breakfast menu offered a limited number of options, and others said the service was slow.

With its location in downtown Anchorage, Alaska, the Hilton Anchorage is just two blocks from the Alaska Railroad Depot, four blocks from the Anchorage Museum and 6 miles from Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport. Recent guests praised this pet-friendly hotel’s customer service team, saying the staff was courteous and helpful. Amenities here include Alaskan art in the lobby, a fitness room, a business center, an indoor pool and a steam room; however, pricey valet parking is the only option available if you have a car. Rooms, which some recent guests described as dated, feature views of either the Chugach Mountain Range, the Cook Inlet or the city. They also come with 37-inch flat-screen TVs and coffee makers. This Hilton property has two restaurants: Hooper Bay Cafe serves Alaskan seafood for breakfast and lunch, and Bruin’s Bar provides dinner. Hilton Honors members may access a digital key on their smartphones, as well as earn and redeem points with their stay. 

The Sheraton Anchorage Hotel & Spa is conveniently located within walking distance of the Anchorage 5th Avenue Mall, the Anchorage Museum and the Alaska Center for the Performing Arts. Recent guests lauded the top-notch customer service at this pet-friendly Marriott property; however, others complained that the on-site food was below average. Nonetheless, this hotel has two restaurants, including Jade Steak & Seafood for Alaskan cuisine and Ptarmigan Lounge for drinks and Starbucks coffee. Other amenities include a fitness center with views of downtown Anchorage, a full-service spa and coin-operated laundry machines. There is, however, a fee for parking. Rooms feature Wi-Fi access, 42-inch flat-screen TVs, coffee makers and minifridges. What’s more, Marriott Rewards members can earn and redeem points with their stay.

Located in downtown Fairbanks, where guests can enjoy prime views of the Northern Lights from September through March, the Westmark Fairbanks Hotel & Conference Center also receives 21 hours of sunlight daily during the summer months. The property is 6 miles from both the Fairbanks International Airport and the Georgeson Botanical Garden and is about 125 miles from Denali National Park. Amenities include a fitness center, free parking, coin-operated laundry machines and a variety of conference and meeting facilities. Rooms, which some guests said need updating, come with complimentary Wi-Fi access. The hotel restaurants include Red Lantern Steak & Spirits, which serves lunch and dinner, and the Northern Latitudes Restaurant, which serves Alaskan cuisine from May through September.