Often hailed as the most vibrant area in Alaska, Anchorage may be a sprawling metropolis, but it provides easy access to the spectacular Alaskan landscape.
It is one of the rare places in the world where you can dance the night away at an ultra-urban club and then kayak among towering icebergs the following morning!
Anchorage is surrounded by the Chugach Mountains, and even if mountain expeditions are not your thing, you’ll find there’s still plenty to do and explore inland such as the Denali National Park, the Kenai Peninsula, and of course, the iconic fjord-dotted coast.
With this extensive list of things to do, however, Anchorage can get quite expensive. The easiest way to cut back on costs is by looking at cheaper accommodation, such as a motel in Anchorage.
Despite what you might think, motels are actually super comfortable and conveniently located near main transport links, so they are the perfect accommodation option for road trippers and backpackers alike.
So if this sounds good to you, read on to see the best of the best motels in Anchorage.
In a Hurry? Here’s Where to Stay in Anchorage for One Night
Americas Best Value Inn & Suites
Just a quick drive from the airport, this motel features Deluxe King Studio rooms for two, daily complimentary breakfast, and a 24-hour front desk. Guests can also access a walk-in fish freezer to store their catch.
- Ben Boeke Ice Arena
- Earthquake Park
- Alaska Center for the Performing Arts
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Staying in a Motel in Anchorage
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Okay, while motels don’t exactly scream five-star luxury and butler services, they do provide convenience and a super-homely feel. Despite what you may have seen in movies, motels aren’t downtrodden buildings with rickety beds! Quite the contrary, most motels feature upscale amenities and modern furnishings, such as on-site fitness rooms or business centers. They are also clean and comfortable and designed to give you a restful night’s sleep.
Not only will you cut back on costs by booking a motel in Anchorage, but these properties often lie close to the airport, universities, and some of the most remote Alaskan areas. So, zip up your suitcase, grab those mittens, and get ready for the adventure of a lifetime without burning a hole in your wallet!
What to Look For in a Motel in Anchorage
Before booking a motel in Anchorage, you need to consider where to stay in Anchorage. It’s not a bad idea to make a list of all the places you want to see during your stay and choose a motel near to the attractions that you want to visit. This way, you won’t be wasting precious vacation time just driving from one attraction to the other.
For example, while the downtown area provides easy access to places like the Tony Knowles Coastal Trail and Portage Glacier, the Anchorage Metropolitan Area would be a better jumping point to explore places like Wasilla Lake and Hatcher Pass.
You should also check what facilities are available. It is not uncommon for motels to offer breakfast, free WiFi, and parking – perfect for those on an Alaskan road trip! Some motels are more luxurious than others and may even have an onsite restaurant or swimming pool.
You should also check whether your motel comes with heating and air conditioning. If you are travelling in the winter, it gets very cold, especially at night. Likewise, it gets hot in the summer, so you’ll need to have some temperature controls in your room to make sure you’re comfortable.
Of course, the more amenities on offer, the pricier it gets. But if you’re tired of staying in hostels in Anchorage, a motel is the perfect cheap alternative.
To ensure that you make the best possible choice, I would also recommend that you check out websites like Booking.com where you’ll be able to very quickly sort through numerous options and narrow them down according to their individual amenities. But, if this sounds like too much work for you, read on to see the best Anchorage motels.
Americas Best Value Inn & Suites
- > $$
- > 2 Guests
- > Seasonal Railroad Shuttle
- > Daily complimentary breakfast
Brown Bear Saloon & Motel
- > $
- > 1 Guest
- > Kitchenettes in Select Rooms
- > Close to the airport
Merrill Field Inn
- > $$
- > 4 Guests
- > Kitchenettes in Select Rooms
- > On-Site Restaurant
Puffin Inn
- > $$
- > 2 Guests
- > Microwave and Coffee Machine
- > Free 24-Hour Airport Shuttle
Lakeshore Inn & Suites
- > $$
- > 2-4 Guests
- > Complimentary Continental Breakfast
- > Free Airport Shuttle
Alaska’s Select Inn Wasilla
- > $$
- > 4 Guests
- > Private Kitchen
- > Vending Machines
Looking for other types of accommodation? Check out our guide to Where to Stay in Anchorage!
The Top 7 Motels in Anchorage
Now you know what to expect from motels in Anchorage, it’s time to look at the best of the best!
Overall Best Value Motel in Anchorage – Cosy Downtown Motel
Do you want to get the best bang for your buck? Of course, you do! Well, this charming motel in Anchorage certainly has you covered. Not only does it provide spacious Deluxe King Studio rooms for two, but you’ll also be treated to gorgeous mountain views.
If you want to go fishing, you’ll be glad to learn that the motel even provides free use of a walk-in fish freezer. With a 24-hour front desk, refrigerator, and microwave, this motel offers complimentary breakfasts for starting the day off right. Nearby, you can check out Earthquake Park and the Anchorage Museum.
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The Absolute Cheapest Motel in Anchorage – Log Cabin Motel
Located in South Anchorage, Brown Bear Saloon & Motel lies just a 30-minute drive from Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport. Brimming with rustic charm and character, this property offers Budget Single Rooms that comfortably sleep one on a twin bed. All rooms feature tea and coffee-making facilities while select rooms are even fitted with kitchenettes.
If you want to soak up some urban vibes, you can always take a quick drive to Anchorage’s bustling downtown area, located half an hour away. Less than 20 kilometres from the motel is found Girdwood, a mountain town known for its hiking trails.
Budget Tip: Dorms in Anchorage start from $10USD per bed. They’re the cheapest accommodation in the city. Search for hostels in the area!
Best Motel in Anchorage for Families – Spacious Family Rooms
Spend quality time with your family or easily visit loved ones at the University of Alaska with a stay at the Merrill Field Inn. This motel in Anchorage boasts Queen rooms with two beds to comfortably sleep groups of four. Kitchenettes add cooking facilities, perfect for families who want to prepare their own meals.
Alternatively, you can always check out the motel’s on-site restaurant which specializes in American and Chinese cuisine. With free summer shuttle service to the airport and select downtown destinations, the property lies close to the Alaska Zoo and Far North Bicentennial Park.
Best Motel in Anchorage for Couples – Modern & Spacious Motel
Offering complimentary 24-hour shuttles to nearby Ted Stevens Airport, Puffin Inn is well-suited to couples looking for accommodation in Anchorage.
Spend a day exploring all the best things to do in Anchorage like H2Oasis Indoor Waterpark, Far North Bicentennial Park, and Alaska Native Heritage Center, then retreat to the Deluxe Queen room for two where you can relax in air-conditioned comfort.
Deluxe rooms feature a coffee maker and microwave for your snacks while suites add a private kitchenette and a sofabed. Rest assured that you’ll be able to keep up with your fitness routine during your stay thanks to the motel’s on-site gym.
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View on Osprey View on REILuxury Motel in Anchorage – Luxe Resort Motel
Nestled in Wasilla, a sprawling city found in the Anchorage metropolitan area, Mat-Su Resort provides everything you’ll need for a memorable stay: high-quality, hotel-standard rooms, a patio with lake views, and proximity to Wasilla Lake. This motel in Anchorage also lies an hour from Ted Stevens International Airport.
Couples will no doubt enjoy a good night’s rest in the Deluxe Queen room fitted with a private kitchenette, balcony, lake and mountain views, as well as a super-comfy large double bed for two. The motel additionally features an on-site restaurant serving local cuisine, a bar, and a sprawling common terrace.
Motel in Anchorage With the Best Breakfast – Cosy & Comfortable
Wake up to a delicious complimentary continental breakfast every morning with a stay at this motel in Anchorage. Boasting thoughtful amenities like free transfer services from Ted Stevens International Airport, the property has generously-sized Queen rooms with a large double bed for two. All rooms feature coffee machines and Studios adds a private kitchenette.
If you’re travelling with friends or family, you can always book the Standard Double room fitted with two double beds for up to four guests. A short stroll from the motel takes you to scenic Lake Hood where you can try your hand at fishing.
Best Motel in Anchorage for Groups – Self Catering Rooms
Ideal for groups of friends, this motel in Anchorage provides cosy Queen rooms with two large double beds that comfortably sleep up to four guests. These rooms also feature coffee machines and private kitchens so you can very easily whip up a meal to enjoy in front of the cable TV with a DVD player.
Additionally, the motel provides on-site vending machines, perfect for those late-night talks. If you need to work during your stay, you can always use the well-equipped business centre. A quick drive from the property takes you to popular attractions like Wasilla Lake and Hatcher Pass.
Don’t Forget Your Anchorage Travel Insurance
ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing.
They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.
SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!
Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.
Final Thoughts on Motels in Anchorage
Anchorage is one of Alaska’s most prized destinations and it’s not exactly difficult to see why. It provides something for just about every type of traveller, whether you’re just passing through or spending a few days, you can be sure that there’s always something to explore.
Best of all, booking a motel in Anchorage means that you’ll drastically cut back on expenses so there’s no need to save for ages or stick to a super-meticulous budget during your stay. Perfect for those backpacking the USA!
When mapping out your vacation, don’t forget to get travel insurance, especially if you’re flying in from overseas. No matter how carefully you plan your trip, nothing ruins things faster than an unexpected incident so it does pay off to play it safe by getting insurance.
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