Access to Anchorage - An Accommodation Guide

The Skyline of Anchorage, Alaska's Largest City 1

Adventure and beauty await travelers to Anchorage, Alaska's largest city spanning 1955 sq mi (782 hectares) and containing almost half of the state's population. Located in south-central Alaska, along the coast of the Cook Inlet and at the base of the Chugach Mountains, Anchorage provides all of the amenities and services of a modern city with the added bonus of being literally surrounded by wilderness and natural beauty.

Some visitors to Anchorage simply use the city as a starting off point to explore popular Alaskan attractions including Denali National Park or the Portage Glacier, but Anchorage itself is a worthwhile destination to discover. Known as the City of Flowers, Anchorage is filled with blooming flowerbeds and hanging baskets. This colorful display of flora is just one of many attractions in the summertime. With several museums, a performing arts center, theater groups and an orchestra, Anchorage also has a thriving arts and culture scene. The city's most notable attraction is its pristine wilderness, providing outdoor enthusiasts with several opportunities within the city limits including hiking along the Tony Knowles Coastal Trail, which crosses through downtown to Kincaid Park and salmon fishing at Ship Creek, also centrally located.

Many of the city's attractions are conveniently located within a short walk or drive from local lodgings. Travelers to Anchorage will find all types of accommodations, from large hotels and motels to smaller bed and breakfasts. The WorldWeb.com Travel Guide provides information about various lodging choices when staying in Anchorage and can assist travelers by providing the following services:

• Accommodation Directory – Users will be able to view a large inventory of accommodations found in Anchorage including links to websites and information on amenities and services provided.

• Reservations – Save time by using this secure online reservation system, allowing travelers to check room availability and book their stay.

• Maps – This service allows travelers to pin-point accommodation locations in relation to major attractions, restaurants, shops and services in the area.

ACCESS/TRANSPORTATION

Air
The Ted Stevens International Airport is located 6 mi (10 km) from downtown and is a main travel hub for Alaska. Major airlines that fly into and out of Anchorage include Alaska Airlines, Air Canada, American Airlines, Continental and United. Lake Hood is a seaplane base that is operated by the airport and provides floatplane and helicopter services, while Merrill Field, located on Fifth Avenue, provides air charter operations. Visitors will find parking, shuttle and rental car services at the airport as well as shopping and dining options.

Car/Rentals/RV
Major highways leading into and out of Anchorage include the Alaska, Glenn and Seward Highways. Visitors traveling by car can access the Glenn Highway that connects to both the Alaska Highway and Parks Highway. The Seward Highway travels south to the Kenai Peninsula, and Parks Highway leads to the Denali National Park and city of Fairbanks.

	Alaska Railroad 2

If traveling outside of Anchorage, renting a car is a convenient way to navigate around out-of-town sights and attractions, with rental car agencies found at the airport and in town. During the summer season, rentals are scarce so it is advisable to book well in advance.

Another popular way for visitors to travel in and around Anchorage is by recreational vehicle (RV), with specialty rental companies available in town. RV parking can be challenging in the downtown area but the Lower Bowl Lot on Third Avenue, between C and E Streets has large spaces. Some of the larger discount stores also provide free parking for recreational vehicles.

Railroad
The Alaska Railroad offers visitors a scenic way to travel while viewing the wildlife and natural beauty of the state. Service is available from Anchorage to Fairbanks and Denali National Park in the north and Seward and Whittier in the south. Special event trains such as the Blues Train and the Great Alaska Beer Train are also held throughout the year by the Alaska Railroad.

Public Transportation
For an inexpensive method of transportation try People Mover, the local, city-wide transit system that includes service to the airport, downtown, midtown, south Anchorage and the community of Eagle River. Many routes provide access to several of the city's attractions, shopping malls, hotels, venues and services. Visitors can find more information and schedules at the People Mover Transit Center located on Sixth Avenue and G Street.

WHEN TO VISIT

Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race 3

The main tourist season in Alaska is from the end of May until early September. The advantage of visiting in May and June is main roads are less busy and it is the start of longer days with plenty of sunlight, up to 20 hours or more on summer solstice. July and August can be a busy time on the highways, and the first signs of fall occur in August, when it begins to get cooler at night. In September, the first frosts usually appear and in some areas snow starts to fall. May is usually dry, while August and September experience heavy precipitation. July is the warmest month with average temperatures of 65°F (18°C). Due to its geographical location, the weather in Anchorage can be unpredictable and visitors can best prepare by dressing in layers. Bring comfortable, all-season walking shoes, as well as warmer garments and accessories for winter months.

There is a misconception that Anchorage experiences a harsh winter climate but in actuality it is fairly mild, with an average low of 20°F (-7°C). Those visiting during the winter months and in the low season will be rewarded with considerable discounts at accommodations. Finding a place to stay during the summer high season can be very expensive and difficult, with many larger hotels and chains filling up quickly. It is important to plan ahead and book well in advance.

Anchorage hosts several events throughout the year, providing all types of entertainment and activities for travelers. Featured winter events include the Fur Rendezvous in late February, followed by the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race in early March. Other main events include Blues on the Green Festival in June, Anchorage Market and Festival from May to September and AlaskaFest in October.

DISTRICTS & ACCOMMODATIONS

Anchorage has several neighborhoods and districts but downtown, midtown and the area around the airport are the main regions frequented by tourists. The city offers several lodging options, from luxury hotels to intimate B&Bs to moderately priced motels. Most hotels and motels are located within the downtown district, midtown and on Spenard Road near the airport, while many B&Bs are found in the south and east sectors of the city.

Downtown

Attractions
Anchorage's downtown is a hub of businesses, restaurants, shopping and hotels. Many visitors will start their trip at the Log Cabin Visitor Information Center, providing brochures and travel resources. Numerous cultural attractions are also found within this district including the Anchorage Museum of History and Art, the Imaginarium and the four-story shopping destination, the 5th Avenue Mall. Three state-of-the-art facilities including the Alaska Center for the Performing Arts, the Dena'ina Center and the Egan Civic & Convention Center are also found downtown.

Orientation
Downtown is fairly easy to navigate and is pedestrian-friendly, with lettered streets running in a north to south direction and numbered avenues running east to west. An easy way for visitors to orient themselves is to look for the Chugach Mountains, located to the east and Cook Inlet to the west. Outside of downtown, walking is more of a hassle as the neighborhoods are widely scattered. Traveling by car or via public transportation is recommended.

	A Couple Views Mount McKinley 4

Accommodations
There are several hotels concentrated in the downtown district, with many situated close to attractions. Many cater to business travelers by providing business centers, meeting spaces and first class service including the Hilton Anchorage, the Marriott Anchorage Downtown and the Sheraton Anchorage Hotel, all of which are a short drive to the airport. Built in 1964, the Hotel Captain Cook was constructed by former governor of Alaska Walter Hickel, and is known for its luxury accommodations and amenities, including three restaurants.

Travelers seeking budget-friendly lodging choices can consider staying at the Anchorage Ship Creek Landings RV Park and Creekwood Inn and RV Park, both conveniently located near downtown and offering camping/RVing options. The Anchorage International Hostel provides dorm-style accommodations and shared facilities with low costs compared to hotels.

Midtown

Attractions
While midtown has many practical amenities and services including schools and grocery stores, it is also a popular region for the number of restaurants and cafes found here. Several nightclubs and bars are situated in the district, appealing to all ages and preferences, from the casual Bear Tooth Theatre Pub, where patrons can watch a film and grab a meal, to the soulful Blues Central, showcasing live blues music nightly, and the well-known Chilkoot Charlie's, with its 11 bars and three dance floors.

Orientation
Located approximately five to 15 minutes from downtown and the airport, midtown, as the name suggests, is centrally located. Main roadways running through this district include the Northern Lights Boulevard, Tudor Road and the International Airport Road.

Accommodations
Similar to downtown, midtown offers an number of lodging options including moderately priced hotels and motels and extended-stay suites. Popular midtown choices include the Hampton Inn, offering 24-hour airport shuttle services and the Residence Inn Marriott, with spacious rooms and a business center.

Captain Cook Park 5

Airport

Attractions
There are several natural and recreational attractions located near the Ted Stevens International Airport. Kincaid Park has an outdoor center offering facilities for picnics, barbeques and other functions, and Lake Spenard, with its picnic area provides opportunities to watch floatplanes landing and taking off from the nearby Lake Hood Harbor. History buffs can visit the Alaska Aviation Heritage Museum, displaying restored planes, dating back from 1924 to 1960.

The airport itself, offers many services to passengers and travelers including three visitor centers that are open daily, free wireless Internet service in both terminals (North and South), baggage and freezer storage services and several shops and dining establishments.

Orientation
The airport is located in the western portion of Anchorage, conveniently situated within minutes by car to downtown and midtown. Two main routes found in this district include Spenard Road and International Airport Road.

Accommodations
The region surrounding the airport is convenient for visitors as there are many hotels and motels situated in the area, only minutes by car to the airport. Rates at these accommodations can be higher, especially in the summer season. Two moderately-priced options near the airport include the Holiday Inn Express and Courtyard by Marriott, both containing large business centers, fitness rooms and airport shuttle service. For travelers seeking a splurge, the Millennium Alaskan is a luxury hotel, located on the shores of Lake Spenard, with top amenities including a health spa, two restaurants, gift shops and 24-hour room service and airport transfers.

Affordable lodging options near the airport include the Spenard Hostel International, located on a bus route to downtown and offering 24-hour check-in with no curfew. Another alternative is the Elderberry Bed and Breakfast, open year-round and offering three guest rooms. Being located close to the airport, the B&B has flexible check-in and check-out times by arrangement.

	Anchorage Performing Arts Center 6

East and South Anchorage
Most B&Bs are concentrated in the east and south portions of the city in residential areas. The south sector is popular among travelers because of the number of trails and lakes found here as well as the quiet setting. As a result of the influx of visitors to the area, a number of B&Bs have been established to cater to their lodging needs. Notable stays in this area include the North Country Castle, providing its guests with spacious suites that offer views of the mountains from its bay windows, and the Aerie Bed and Breakfast, where guests enjoy an exclusive stay, having the privacy of the entire floor and continental breakfast provided.

Another residential area, the east sector is located near walking trails, with shops and businesses found in the area, many found on Muldoon Road. Accommodations in this district include the Camai Bed and Breakfast, in operation since 1981 and offering spacious suites with a business/office area available with computer access. The South Bluff Bed & Breakfast boasts fully furnished suites and six-person hot tub overlooking the mountains and Cook Inlet.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF:

1. Frank Flavin; c/o Alaska Travel Industry Association; The Skyline of Anchorage, Alaska's Largest City; Anchorage, AK, USA
2. Frank Flavin; c/o Alaska Travel Industry Association; Alaska Railroad; AK, USA
3. Robin Hood; c/o Alaska Travel Industry Association; Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race; Anchorage, AK, USA
4. Clark Mishler; c/o Alaska Travel Industry Association; A Couple Views Mount McKinley; AK, USA
5. Ernst Schneider; c/o Alaska Division of Tourism; Captain Cook Park; Anchorage, AK, USA
6. Ernst Schneider; c/o Alaska Division of Tourism; Anchorage Performing Arts Center; Anchorage, AK, USA