TL;DR

Reliable comfort: A modern, dependable Aloft stay that works well as an Alaskan base.
Good facilities: Clean rooms, social bar spaces, and solid leisure amenities.
Practical location: Best suited to drivers heading downtown or out into nature.
Check prices here

Midtown Anchorage is a bit of a mixed bag, with the Aloft Hotel Anchorage as one of its better bits.

The locale is definitely on the corporate wasteland side, with the views of a North Eastern chalet, but, like, bigger. A lot bigger.

It’s an odd combo, the urban and the decidedly untamed, and this very typical Aloft boutique hotel is a lovely place to feel a bit grounded.

If you like a fully-enmeshed local vibe, this won’t be it, but it’s comfortable and steady and is a great point of departure before you head into the wilds of Alaska.

What are the rooms like?

146 rooms: A large hotel with consistent, suite-style layouts.
Comfort-first design: Bright decor, seating areas, and high ceilings.
Practical amenities: Mini fridges, coffee facilities, desks, and TVs.

Rooms are suite-style, King Singles and Queen Doubles with seating areas in both. There are Accessible options in both categories.

They’re not Alaska-level big, but they are comfortable, with 9-foot ceilings and sprawling views that add a sense of space.

Amenities include mini fridges, TVs, cute sofas, desks, and the ability to make your own coffee and/or tea in the morning. It’s a fairly simple Nice Hotel Room System that works well.

Nothing is particularly opulent, but clean and welcoming. The decor is bright and friendly, with colorful stripes and unique patterned wallpaper.

It’s all very Aloft in style, there isn’t much that screams Anchorage, but it makes for a super-reliable stay in a big place where even the urban is a bit wild.

What are prices like?

Check prices here

And what’s the food like? Any facilities we should know about?

Casual dining: Snack-focused convenience store and relaxed onsite bar.
Social spaces: Modern bar design with friendly, well-reviewed staff.
Leisure extras: Indoor pool, hot tub, and well-kept fitness centre.

We’ve got the Aloft re:fuel convenience store/snack bar/whatever you would like to call it.

They are open long hours and sell select breakfast items for your morning convenience.

The onsite bar is a casual bar and snacks joint called WXYZ, with fresh and modern decor.

We’re talking funky light fixtures, brightly colored seats, post-industrial vibes with shiny metal and sparkling fairly lights around the bar.

You can order a selection of typical bar snacks and drinks – the menu is not going to blow anyone’s mind. The staff, however, is frequently praised.

The fitness center is well-appointed and sparkling clean, and there’s an indoor pool, and hot tub.

We especially like the colors in the pool area; it captures the fun of an outdoor sunning area without trying to push such a thing in the Alaskan climate.

How is the neighborhood? Anything interesting nearby?

Car-friendly base: Walking is limited, driving is strongly recommended.
Close to downtown: Museums, breweries, and dining just 10 minutes away.
Great access: Easy drives to trails, gardens, zoo, and major day trips.

First note: walking, not that much fun. We know, we’re shocked to be saying it, as big fans of two-foot transportation, but we know when to be realistic.

In Midtown Anchorage especially, you’re going to be going to the distance. Most walkable restaurants are chains; if you grab the car there are plenty of other exciting options.

Midtown has some excellent pizza and international options like Queen of Sheba’s Ethiopian.

Downtown is an easy 10-minute drive, where you’ll find breweries, such as the Glacier Brewhouse, along with other classic American options.

It’s also where you’ll find most of the Museums. The Anchorage Museum is worth a visit, and a wander around the various monuments and murals is a great opportunity to stretch your legs in a charming setting.

Spenard Neighborhood, towards the west, has some nice food and a bit of a reputation. If you’ve got a sense of adventure and a yen for a hidden gem, it’s a good option.

Other adventure is a bit more spread out, and Midtown makes for a great base in this case.

The Coastal Trail is 10 minutes away, the Alaska Zoo about 15, and the Botanical Garden about 10, all in different directions.

Day trips out to Palmer’s Musk Ox Farm or the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center by Portage Lake are great ways to see the state, North and South.