Historic Hotels in Anchorage, Alaska

Historic Hotels in Anchorage, Alaska
Anchorage, Alaska, is a relatively young city, incorporating in 1920 and becoming the forty-ninth U.S. state in 1959. Anchorage is located along the coast of the Cook Inlet in South Central Alaska, at the base of the Chugach Mountains. Anchorage is a jumping-off point for travelers who fly into Ted Stevens International Airport. The city is extremely accessible by car, rail, boat or plane to numerous desirable points of travel, such as Kenai Fjords National Park, Alyeska Ski Resort, Prince William Sound, and Glacier Bay National Park. The city of Anchorage itself has a dazzling array of visitor offerings all times of the year, including numerous museums and parks, local shopping and dining, and cozy downtown pubs, microbreweries and movie theaters. Many of Anchorage's older structures were destroyed in the devastating "Good Friday" earthquake of 1964. Historic hotels in Anchorage--and other historic lodging facilities--are precious and few.

The Historic Anchorage Hotel

The Historic Anchorage Hotel, constructed in 1936, is located in the heart of downtown Anchorage and is the only historic lodging in the city listed in the National Register of Historic Places. The hotel was frequented by famous guests such as Will Rogers, Wiley Post and Sydney Laurence. Hotel guests report ghostly encounters with John J. "Black Jack" Sturgus, Anchorage's first police chief, who was found shot not far from the hotel's doors. The Historic Anchorage Hotel has 26 rooms and suites that feature digital cable, Wi-Fi Internet access, coffee makers and microwaves. All rooms are nonsmoking. Complimentary continental breakfasts are served from 6 to 10 a.m. daily. The Historic Anchorage Hotel offers guests 24-hour concierge service, as well as a tour information desk, where travelers can get the scoop on activities for every seasons, such as berry picking, ice fishing, dog sledding, gold panning, and golf. Although there's no full-service restaurant in the hotel itself, local eateries are mere steps away.

Historic Anchorage Hotel
330 E Street
Anchorage, Alaska 99501
(907) 272-4553
www.historicanchoragehotel.com

Mahogany Manor Historic Downtown Inn

Mahogany Manor, constructed in the 1950s, was the largest private residence in the city of Anchorage until it became accessible to visitors in the 1970s. The inn, which bumps up against the south side of downtown Anchorage, is both elegant and cozy, featuring a redwood interior, large collection of Alaskan art, two large fireplaces, a whirlpool/swim spa, and multi-level decks that offer visitors a scenic view of Anchorage. Mahogany Manor has three rooms and two suites that offer guests Wi-Fi Internet access, cable television, as well as VHR or DVD players. Continental breakfast is served in the dining room daily.

Mahogany Manor Historic Downtown Inn
204 East 15th Avenue
Anchorage, Alaska 99501
(888) 777-0346
www.mahoganymanor.com

The Oscar Gill House

For a taste of Alaska's pioneer days, guests have to look no further than the Oscar Gill House, built Knik, Alaska in 1913 by a former Anchorage Mayor by the same name. This small inn, which features only three rooms (two share a bath), was purchased by its current owners from the Municipality of Anchorage for one dollar, relocated to its downtown location and done up in style. Rib-sticking breakfasts are served in the dining room every morning at 8 a.m. The Oscar Gill House also permits guests use of laundry facilities by arrangement and offers use of free bicycles to get around.

The Oscar Gill House Bed and Breakfast
1344 West 10th Avenue
Anchorage, Alaska 99501
(907) 279-1344
www.oscargill.com

A Wildflower Inn

This downtown colonial-style inn, originally built between 1945 and 1950, offers travelers all the comforts of home. Two suites and one bedroom feature knotty pine furniture, handmade quilts, featherbeds, and reading/video libraries, as well as Wi-Fi Internet access. The inn is within walking distance of downtown shopping, dining and other special events, and also gives guests easy access to the Pacific Coastal Trail. Gourmet breakfasts are served daily between 7:00 and 9:30 a.m.

A Wildflower Inn
1239 I Street
Anchorage, Alaska 99501
(877) 693-1239
www.alaska-wildflower-inn.com

Article Written By Lisa Sefcik

Lisa Sefcik has been writing professionally since 1987. Her subject matter includes pet care, travel, consumer reviews, classical music and entertainment. She's worked as a policy analyst, news reporter and freelance writer/columnist for Cox Publications and numerous national print publications. Sefcik holds a paralegal certification as well as degrees in journalism and piano performance from the University of Texas at Austin.

Write for Trails.com
  • Editor's Pick

    5 Top North American Wildflower Hikes

    5 Top North American Wildflower Hikes

    Springtime brings a sense of new beginnings and new life as flowers begin to bloom and fill the air with their sweet and pleasant fragrance. Luckily we can see wildflowers all summer long, since spring hits at different times throughout North America. See flowering cactu...

    More National Parks...
  • Popular Article

    National Park Substitutes: Great Spots Without the Crowds

    National Park Substitutes: Great Spots Without the Crowds

    Coping with crowds at national parks can get tiresome, especially during the peak tourist season. If you want to escape from the herd, or just take a breather from the bustle of bigger attractions, the United States has plenty of less-visited but still worthwhile spots t...

    More National Parks...
  • Featured Destination

    Prevent Yourself from Getting Lost While Hiking

    Prevent Yourself from Getting Lost While Hiking

    When you're hiking you're going to want to make sure you stay found. What I mean by that is that you've put an itinerary in the car, you know the area that you're hiking to, you know the route and the trail you plan on being on, you know what the trail markers are going ...

    More Camping Basics...

Hotel Finder

Destination
Check-in
Check-out
Adults (18+ yrs)
Children (2-17 yrs)
Get Rates and Availability

Outdoor Gear & Equipment

ALL NEW Trails Gear Store powered by:

Trail Finder

US Map

Search by Keyword