The Hotel Captain Cook is a downtown Anchorage institution at 939 W 5th Avenue, with 546 rooms across three guest towers. The Coastal Trail and many galleries, shops and restaurants are within walking distance, and the Alaska Railroad depot is about half a mile away, which makes it handy for train and tour connections. It has four restaurants and a coffee shop, including the Crows Nest, a AAA four-diamond fine dining restaurant at the top of the hotel, Fletchers with an Italian menu, the Whale's Tail for small plates and cocktails, and the Pantry for breakfast. There is an athletics club, an indoor pool and spa, guest laundry and several gift boutiques. As a central base for the Anchorage Museum, the Portage Glacier express shuttle and aurora tour pickups, it is hard to beat for first-timers.
Location and getting around. The hotel sits in the downtown grid, a short walk from the Anchorage Museum, restaurants and the Tony Knowles Coastal Trail. The railroad depot is about a half mile away, and the Portage Glacier express tour listed on Alaska.org departs from this hotel. Most visitors arrive by taxi or rideshare from the airport, so it is easy to leave a rental car for the day.
Rooms. With 546 rooms in three towers, there are many room types, and the best views of Cook Inlet and the mountains are on higher floors. Rooms include a private bath, air conditioning, a telephone, a hair dryer, free WiFi and blackout drapes, which are helpful in the summer midnight sun. Ask for a higher floor and a quiet side when booking.
Who it suits. First-time visitors, tour groups, rail travelers and anyone who wants walkable downtown access. Good to know: the hotel lists self-parking at 3.75 US dollars per hour with a 30 dollar daily maximum and valet at 36 dollars per night at the time of checking, so budget for parking if you have a car. The hotel is a large property, so it can feel busy in summer. In winter it is a comfortable base for aurora tours and museum days.
Why stay here
- ✓546 rooms in three towers
- ✓Indoor pool and spa
- ✓Athletics club
- ✓Crows Nest fine dining
- ✓Fletchers and the Whales Tail
- ✓Pantry breakfast cafe
- ✓Guest laundry
- ✓Free WiFi
Good questions
Is the Hotel Captain Cook near the train station?+
Yes, the Alaska Railroad depot is about a half mile away, according to the hotel listing.
Does it have parking?+
Yes. Self-parking was listed at 3.75 US dollars per hour with a 30 dollar daily maximum, and valet at 36 dollars per night. Confirm current rates.
What dining is on site?+
Four restaurants and a coffee shop, including the Crows Nest fine dining restaurant, Fletchers, the Whale's Tail and the Pantry.