Travel

Travel Note

Quick Notes for Guests

Airport code: ANC (Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport) We'll be on the tail end of it, but summer is a busy time in Alaska, so we recommend booking lodging & rental cars as soon as possible! Getting around: A rental car is strongly recommended. Anchorage is spread out and it’ll make getting to the venue and exploring much easier. Traffic dependent, I'd expect 10-20 min travel times between locations.

Hotel

Lodging & Areas of Town

Downtown Anchorage – “Walkable & Classic”. Great if guests want to walk to restaurants, shops, the Coastal Trail, and bars. Hotel Captain Cook (Upscale) – Anchorage’s “classic” hotel with multiple restaurants, shops, & great city/inlet views. Often rated one of the top downtown stays. Anchorage Marriott Downtown (Upscale/Modern) – National brand, good for folks who like points & a familiar feel. Listed on the official Anchorage lodging guide as a core downtown option. Other downtown options: Hilton Anchorage, smaller boutique inns/BNBs listed on Visit Anchorage’s “Hotels, Motels, & Inns” page Midtown – “Most Practical for Most People” Central for driving anywhere (downtown, venue, airport), tons of food options, a nice balance of price + comfort. Well-reviewed midrange chains in Midtown include: Embassy Suites Anchorage – All-suite hotel, breakfast included, good reviews; about a 10–15 minute drive to downtown and similar to the university/ANHC side of town. Hyatt Place Anchorage Midtown – Modern, highly rated, good for families/couples who want a newer feel. Hyatt House Anchorage / Home2 Suites / Hampton Inn Anchorage – All show up as solid mid-range choices in Midtown with breakfast, pools in some, and easy access to main roads. Near University / East Anchorage – “Closer to the Venue". This area cuts down on drive time to the Alaska Native Heritage Center. SpringHill Suites Anchorage University Lake – Lakeside setting near UAA; popular 3-star hotel, about a 10–15 minute drive to the Heritage Center and a short drive to Midtown/downtown. Aspen Suites Hotel Anchorage North – Newer extended-stay style property not far from the Heritage Center, with kitchenettes and great recent reviews. Small B&Bs/AirBnB/VRBO – there are a cozy B&Bs and home-stays through all of ANC listed on Booking/Airbnb that can work well if folks prefer a home setting. We don’t recommend booking far out of town, Eagle River, Girdwood, or the Mat-Su since it adds a longer drive.