Hotels Near Me: A Local’s Guide to Cheap Hotels in Anchorage and Beyond
Welcome to Anchorage! You made it. Whether you’re flying in for your very first Alaska adventure or you’re a returning fan of the Last Frontier (we see you, serial visitors), one of the first questions on your mind after landing at Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport is probably:
“Where am I sleeping tonight?”
As your trusty car rental company, we at AVIS Alaska don’t technically offer hotels. But we’ve driven many roads, chatted with many travelers, and helped folks all over the state figure out their road trip game plans—which definitely include where to lay their heads at night.
So if you just Googled “hotels near me” or “cheap hotels near me”, you’re in the right place. We’re here to walk you through your options—by neighborhood, budget, and travel vibe—so you can spend less time stressing and more time planning your next stop (like a glacier cruise, maybe? Just sayin’).
Downtown Anchorage: Walkable, Central, and Full of Character
Distance from Airport: ~15 minutes by car
Why Stay Here: Close to restaurants, museums, and the best urban moose-spotting in the world
Downtown Anchorage is great if you don’t plan to rent a car right away or want to walk to food, shops, and attractions like the Anchorage Museum or the Tony Knowles Coastal Trail. Plus, many tour buses and shuttles leave from this area.
Hotel Options:
- The Voyager Inn – Quiet, clean, and includes breakfast. Great for first-timers.
- Four Points by Sheraton – Higher-end, but often has seasonal deals.
- Westmark Anchorage Hotel – A centrally located, mid-range stay with balcony views of the mountains or city.
- Hilton Anchorage – An upscale downtown option with scenic views and easy access to the waterfront.
Tip: Use apps like Hotels.com, Kayak, or Google Hotels to filter by price and find same-day deals.
Midtown Anchorage: Convenient and Budget-Friendly
Distance from Airport: ~10–12 minutes
Why Stay Here: Close to chain restaurants, shopping, and cheaper than downtown
Midtown is Anchorage’s “Goldilocks” zone. It’s not far from downtown or the airport, and you can usually snag cheap hotels that are still clean, safe, and close to essentials (hello, late-night Fred Meyer snacks).
Hotel Options:
- My Place Hotel – A solid budget hotel with kitchenettes.
- SpringHill Suites Midtown – Great for families with complimentary breakfast and a pool.
- La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham – Affordable with consistent quality.
Midtown Bonus: You’re near a ton of food options—from Korean BBQ to burritos as big as your head (seriously, check out Bear Tooth).
Spenard: Airport Proximity & No-Frills Comfort
Distance from Airport: 5 minutes (some are walkable!)
Why Stay Here: Ideal for early flights or quick overnight layovers
Spenard is the neighborhood surrounding the airport. If you’re just here for a night or flying out early, it’s a no-brainer. It’s not the fanciest area, but it’s practical and has some quirky Alaska charm.
Hotel Options:
- Puffin Inn – A classic budget pick with a free shuttle and friendly staff.
- Comfort Suites Airport – Free breakfast, spacious rooms, and reliable service.
- Alex Hotel & Suites – Older but affordable with basic amenities.
- Coast Inn at Lake Hood – Lake views and floatplane-watching? Yes, please.
Girdwood: Mountain Town Vibes (If You’re Renting a Car)
Distance from Anchorage: ~45 minutes south
Why Stay Here: Scenic drive, access to Alyeska Resort, and close to Turnagain Arm
If you’re up for a mini road trip (and you’ve rented a sweet ride from us at AVIS Alaska, wink wink), Girdwood is a lovely mountain town tucked into the Chugach Mountains. It’s perfect for couples or solo travelers who want a cozy escape with stunning surroundings.
Lodging Options:
- Alyeska Resort – Not super cheap, but always a memorable experience.
- Carriage House Accommodations – Cozy and close to hiking trails.
Bonus Tip: Head to The Bake Shop for cinnamon rolls the size of your steering wheel.
Talkeetna: Quirky, Historic, and Worth the Drive
Distance from Anchorage: ~2 hours north
Why Stay Here: Cool small-town vibe, gateway to Denali, and cute local inns
Talkeetna is for the artsy, adventure-loving crowd. It’s a great overnight stop if you’re road-tripping toward Denali or Fairbanks and want to break up the drive with good food, walkable charm, and a scenic flight tour.
Lodging Options:
- Talkeetna Alaskan Lodge – Stunning views of Denali on a clear day.
- Swiss Alaska Inn – Affordable and tucked into the trees.
- Denali Fireside Cabins & Suites – A mix of modern and rustic for the perfect Alaska vibe.
Pro Tip: Book early in summer—Talkeetna is small and fills fast.
Tools to Find “Hotels Near Me” on the Fly
Whether you’re planning ahead or winging it (we’ve all been there), here are some tools to help you score a hotel fast:
- Google Maps: Type “cheap hotels near me” or “hotels near Anchorage” for quick visuals and directions.
- Booking.com: Offers flexible cancellation and user reviews.
- HotelTonight: Great for last-minute deals and hidden gems.
- Expedia: Easy bundling if you need to book flights too.
Rental Reminder: No matter where you stay, we can meet you at the airport or in town to get your AVIS Alaska rental car ready for the next leg of your journey.
Final Thoughts from Your Favorite Car Rental Crew
We know the search for the perfect “cheap hotel near me” can feel overwhelming—especially in a place as spread out and diverse as Alaska. But the good news? Whether you’re looking for a budget-friendly overnight spot near the airport or a cozy cabin in Talkeetna, Anchorage is the perfect base camp for your adventure.
So find your pillow, grab your keys (we’ve got those covered), and start exploring. You’ve got miles of Alaska waiting—and we’re glad you’re here for the ride.