Celebrating 100 years of business in Alaska doesn't come easy, and the Historic Anchorage Hotel knows that tune all too well. First, the building survived the treacherous 1964 Good Friday Earthquake, and then the real creepiness started happening. Over the years, there have been so many ghost sightings that the hotel now keeps a log at the front desk to document all of the eerie experiences. Although the spirits from the past might make your stay a nightmare, you're sure to fall in love with the incredible staff and vintage decor that make this haunted Anchorage hotel undeniably charming.
This historic hotel in downtown Anchorage has truly survived the test of time. It is loaded with incredible history and tons of creepy tales from the past that are known to still be looming in the present. A century of service has proved not to come without its fair share of trials and tribulations. First, the hotel survived one of the most bone-shattering earthquakes in North American history. Then, it acquired an assortment of creepy ghosts that are known to make regular unwanted appearances for both the staff and guests alike.
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Built in 1916, perhaps one of the most impressive things about this incredible hotel is that the building actually survived the 1964 Good Friday Earthquake. The 9.2 magnitude earthquake is said to be the most powerful recorded to date in North American history and the second most powerful in the world. In Anchorage alone, there were countless houses, buildings, streets, and various forms of infrastructure that were completely destroyed. But the Downtown Anchorage Hotel survived in a truly resilient fashion.
In 2016, this "diamond in the rough" property located in the heart of downtown Anchorage celebrated 100 years of service. The hotel is on the National Register of Historic Places and is the only historic hotel in Alaska's largest city of Anchorage.
Although visitors to this intriguing place come for the historic charm, they are oftentimes greeted by spine-chilling ghosts that haunt the building at all hours of the day. Many of the spirits have been haunting the hotel since the Gold Rush days and have never left.
In 1916 when the hotel was first opened, it was owned by Frank Reed. He had a young son that would go down to the Alaska Railroad terminal during the day to pick up luggage for the guests arriving at the hotel. Today, the hotel has three known ghosts that are frequently spotted. One is a little boy.
The first chief of police of Anchorage is another ghost that is said to be living at the hotel and making frequent appearances at night. He was shot during the prohibition days with his own gun in the alleyway by the hotel. He was then dragged into the hotel to recover but quickly passed away. The third ghost that is said to make frequent appearances at the hotel is a bride. Her tall, thin silhouette will randomly appear in dark hallways and mirrors throughout the hotel.
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Rumor has it that guests have reported frequent spirit sightings in rooms 215, 217, 202, and 205. In fact, sightings of ghosts at the hotel are so frequent that they even keep a log of all the sightings at the front desk. Would you be courageous enough to stay here or would you be too scared that the ghosts would make your stay a nightmare?
For a closer look into the Historic Anchorage Hotel, check out the YouTube video below and get ready for it to send a chill down your spine.
https://youtu.be/gavkuoyj-Ng
If you thought that was creepy, meet the nine ghosts from Alaska and hear their bone-chilling stories. If you're interested in learning about more haunted hotels in Alaska, check out these six throughout the state that will make your stay a nightmare. However, if you want to enjoy Alaska with a few less spirits, Hotels.com has got your back!
Have you discovered all that The Last Frontier has to offer yet? There's no state quite like Alaska. Much of its landscape is untouched and wild, making it the perfect place to escape for a while. With over 365 million acres and less than 733,000 people in the entire state, you can experience peace and tranquility like nowhere else. For your next getaway, check out some of the best resorts and best hotels in Alaska that are all amazing places to stay.
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Best Unique Hotels to Stay in Alaska
Why stay in a run-of-the-mill hotel when there are so many other options out there? Spend the night somewhere memorable like at one of the following unique hotels in Alaska.
1. Aurora Villa, Fairbanks
Address: 1110 John Kalinas Rd, Fairbanks, AK, 99712
Price: $520/night
Amenities: Free WiFi, tour/ticket assistance, bathrobes, digital TV channels
With only seven luxurious guest rooms, you'll experience plenty of privacy here at Aurora Villa. Come here at the right time of the year and you can see the Northern Lights.
Nauti Otter Inn is one of the best-rated hotels in Alaska and it's no wonder -- it's quite a unique place to stay! While rooms at the inn as well as hostel rooms are available, why not try something different like a yurt or a camper for your accommodations? It's nice to have options and you'll certainly find that here at the Nauti Otter.
Built in 1913, the historic Alaskan Hotel and Bar is on the National Register of Historic Places. Spending the night here is a bit of an old-fashioned throwback and you're sure to enjoy the historical ambiance of the place. Explore all that Juneau has to offer like hiking, biking, kayaking, skiing, or snowboarding, and then grab yourself a drink at the hotel's bar in the evening before retiring to your comfortable room.
Best Hotel Pools in Alaska
While it's too cold to go swimming in one of the state's seas or the Pacific Ocean, there are plenty of hotels with pools. If you enjoy swimming while on vacation, here are two of the best hotel pools in Alaska:
This is one of the best Alaskan hotels as it has more amenities than you could ever want including a fitness center and an indoor swimming pool. Take a few laps in the pool or even book a fitness class at the gym. In addition to the amenities, you can take in gorgeous views of the Chugach Mountains and Cook Inlet from the hotel's restaurant, the Crow's Nest.
5. Chena Hot Springs Resort, Fairbanks
Address: Chena Hot Springs Resort, 17600 Chena Hot Springs Rd, Fairbanks, AK 99712
Price: $220/night
Amenities: Hot springs lake, indoor and outdoor hot tubs, heated indoor pools
If you love spending time in the water, you'll love it here at Chena Hot Springs Resort. Between the geothermal Rock Lake (for adults only), the hot tubs, and the pools, you'll feel so relaxed here. Additionally, there is a restaurant, coffee shop, bar/lounge, spa services, and plenty of activities you can book at this resort.
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Best Luxury Hotels in Alaska
We all deserve to experience luxury from time to time, so why not book a night or two at a luxury hotel? These are some of the best hotels in Alaska and once you check in, you may never want to check out.
6. Alyeska Resort, Girdwood
Address: 1000 Arlberg Ave, Girdwood, AK, 99587
Price: $548/night
Amenities: 7 on-site restaurants, 2 coffee shops, bar/lounge, indoor pool, full-service spa, fitness center
With numerous dining options, a spa, an indoor pool, and other amenities, along with luxurious, well-appointed rooms, you may want to stay here forever. Nestled in the mountains, this is a premier location for skiing, and if you're into heli-skiing or cat-skiing, this is the place for you.
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7. Denali Overlook Inn, Talkeetna
Address: Mile 8.5 Talkeetna Spur Road, Talkeetna, AK
There's no doubt that the Denali Overlook Inn is one of the most beautiful hotels in Alaska. With views of Denali National Park and Preserve as well as mountain views, you'll be staring out your room window all day long. And if you want to head outdoors, there are hiking trails as well as a fire pit. Best of all, s'mores are included in your stay!
Best Boutique Hotels in Alaska
Smaller boutique hotels offer some of the most memorable accommodations around. Why stay in a large hotel when there are all these hotels with character available? Here are some of the best boutique hotels in Alaska:
Located in downtown Juneau, there are plenty of places to walk to from Silverbow Inn Hotel & Suites, one of the nicest hotels in Alaska. Occupying a building that was constructed in 1898, this hotel has since been upgraded and modernized, accommodating tourists and business travelers alike. With well-appointed rooms plus a rooftop hotel and mountain views, you're sure to love your stay here!
This boutique hotel only has nine guest rooms with private bathrooms, so you can certainly enjoy some privacy when you stay here. This small hotel is a wonderful place to stay year-round and is close to restaurants, shopping, art galleries, hiking, and more.
Best Waterfront Resorts in Alaska
With 66,000 miles of coastline, it's not hard to find waterfront accommodations in Alaska. If you're looking for top hotels in Alaska with water views, here are a few options:
10. Land's End Resort, Homer
Address: 4786 Homer Spit Road, Homer, AK, 99603
Price: $312/night
Amenities: On-site restaurant, bar/lounge, coffee shop, indoor pool, sauna
Land's End Resort is one of the top hotels in Alaska, and it's easy to see why. With its beachfront location, variety of accommodations, and views of the Kenai Mountains, you won't want to leave. Choose from a hotel room, a cabin, or the Alaskan lodge. There's something here for everyone!
11. Alaska SeaScape Lodge, Kenai
Address: 37025 Kalifornsky Beach Rd, Kenai, AK 99611
Price: All-inclusive packages starting at $4,890 per person
Amenities: Fine dining, fishing charter packages, large deck, beach access
This luxury waterfront lodge only has eight rooms. While small, it offers its guests fine dining at its on-site restaurant and a bar/lounge. SeaScape offers all-inclusive luxury Alaska fishing packages that include four or five nights of lodging plus fishing trips with all gear provided and fine dining.
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12. Angels Rest on Resurrection Bay, Seward
Address: 13730 Beach Drive, Lowell Point, Seward, AK, 99664
Price: $222/night
Amenities: Kitchenette, EV charging, BBQ grills, tour/ticket assistance
Situated along the water and surrounded by gorgeous scenery in Seward, Angels Rest on Resurrection Bay provides luxurious eco-friendly lodging. In fact, it has taken the UNESCO Sustainable Travel Pledge and received the Green Leader award from TripAdvisor. As far as accommodations go, both waterfront rooms and cabins are available. While you're here, enjoy all the beautiful views of Seward by taking a flightseeing tour.
Are you ready to book your stay at one of the best hotels in Alaska? Which one is your favorite? Tell us in the comments.
If you’re looking for a trip of a lifetime, a vacation at this remote Alaska resort in Denali National Park should be at the very top of your bucket list. Located deep in the park, this resort will offer an experience unmatched anywhere else. Denali Backcountry Lodge offers an incredible experience in the wilderness, while you’re surrounded in comfort. In short, you'll feel as though you've discovered a cabin in the middle of nowhere -- in the best way, of course!
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If you want to experience the heart of Denali National Park, but forgo none of your comforts, then Denali Backcountry Lodge is the way to go.
Located at "the end of the road", this small resort is located at the end of Denali Park Road, at mile 92. This truly is in the middle of nowhere.
The resort is located deep inside of Denali National Park, where you can enjoy all the wildlife and wildness that this area has to offer.
But while you’re enjoying the ultimate Alaskan experience, you won’t have to forgo any of your creature comforts. The Denali Backcountry Lodge offers all of the luxuries you want on your vacation, including a spa, bar, and more on the property.
There are two types of cabins available for booking.
You can book the Superior Cabin or the Creekside Cabin, both with King-sized or XL full-sized pillow-top beds available. The cabins offer private baths, electricity, and blackout curtains. There the perfect place to retreat after a day of explorations.
The resort is all-inclusive, and you can enjoy three meals a day.
Enjoy a breakfast buffet, a hearty lunch buffet, and a classic American dinner in the lodge. There’s also a bar available with a great selection for any alcoholic beverages you’d like to purchase.
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Don’t forget to round off your stay with a trip to the saunas.
These wood-fired saunas require no power or water to heat. They were made by a local, family-owned woodworking company, Kachemak Cooperage.
Transportation to the lodge is by helicopter.
The helicopter flight allows an unforgettable sightseeing experience and offers unbelievable views of the national park, including Denali. It’s an epic way to arrive at this equally impressive destination.
For rates and availability, you have to call the resort directly at 1-800-808-8068.
They fill up quickly, so be sure to book ahead as soon as possible. A trip like this shouldn’t be missed!
Have you ever vacationed at this remote Alaska resort? What did you think? Was it absolutely epic? Let us know in the comments below! For more information, be sure to visit the Denali Backcountry Lodge online. And don't forget to check out our ultimate hiking packing list before your adventure!
Want to learn more about Denali National Park? Here are some fascinating facts about the park that you probably didn't know: