Common questions/misconceptions about Anchorage, Alaska, and how to address them
It’s always dark in Alaska
We have 6 hours of daylight on our shortest day of the year: December 21st – the Winter Solstice. In the Summer, we live up to our name of “The Land of the Midnight Sun.” Fall and spring daylight out are comparable to the rest of the U.S. In Alaska, generally the sun comes up later and goes down later.
It’s always cold in Alaska
Anchorage’s moderate, maritime climate is the result of the combination of warm, Pacific ocean waters, and low-humidity provided by the Chugach range. Spring through fall, Anchorage’s climate is similar to San Francisco’s spring weather; summer highs average 65 degrees. Winter bring snow with temperatures ranging between 10-34 degrees, creating a climate very much like the ski resorts in the Rocky Mountains, Canada, or Europe.
Alaska itself encompasses vastly different climate zones. The north slope of Alaska is characterized as an arctic zone, while the southeast panhandle is one of the rainiest places in the world.
Isn’t everything in Alaska really expensive?
Not at all! We have no sales tax in Anchorage and so the price you see is the price you pay. From food and beverage costs at your meeting to souvenirs to eating out, you’ll save money. You probably won’t notice a difference in prices for the same items you see in the lower 48. Our gasoline is usually priced lower than most places on the west coast. Our 12% Bed Tax is our only tax, lower than most other cities.
Isn’t it difficult to fly to Alaska?
Anchorage is easily accessible with airline service provided by major air carriers including Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, Continental, Delta and Northwest. Wherever your delegates are located, today’s air transportation system means Anchorage is a flight away from all major transportation hubs in North America, Asia and Europe. There are many convenient nonstop flights from the Midwest, and there is also service on Alaska Airlines from many East Coast and Central locations. Once you arrive at the Anchorage International Airport, downtown Anchorage is just a short 15-minute cab ride away.
What kind of lodging options does Anchorage offer?
Anchorage lodging choices provide visitors excellent variety. More than 8,000 guest rooms in Anchorage include four diamond award winners, major chains and intimate locally owned hotels or bed and breakfast establishments. You will find hotel rates to be very affordable, and catering costs refreshingly low compared to most major cities. Remote Alaska fishing lodges and wilderness camps are within a day's drive or short flight from Anchorage. Anchorage has NO SALES TAX!
In our downtown area, our 5 major hotels are the Anchorage Marriott Downtown, the Hilton Anchorage Hotel, the Hotel Captain Cook, the Sheraton Anchorage Hotel and the Westmark Anchorage Hotel. There are also multiple limited service/all suite hotel properties downtown. There are more than 2,000 hotel rooms in the downtown area.
What kind of meeting space does Anchorage offer?
Slated to open in Fall 2008, the new Dena`ina Civic & Convention Center is the focus of our city’s expanding Convention District. The Dena`ina Center will feature architectural designs that take advantage of unique northern latitudinal light, spectacular views of the Chugach Mountains, and connected walkways to the nearby Egan Civic & Convention Center and Alaska Center for the Performing Arts. Not to mention, more than 100,000 sq. ft. of flexible meeting space for groups.
None of Anchorage’s hotels are large enough to accommodate my group
Downtown Anchorage is very walkable and pedestrian friendly. Even if your group is staying at multiple hotels and utilizing our convention center, you probably won’t walk as far as you would from one end of Opryland to the other. Most of our major hotels are within one or two blocks from the convention district; none are more than 9 blocks away. In Anchorage’s intimate downtown, no one will be far from the pulse of the action.
What about a summer meeting in Alaska?
Summer is our peak tourist season, and visitors from around the world flock to our state to experience an Alaskan adventure. The major cruise lines have contract with many of our hotels, which sometimes makes it difficult to secure large blocks of rooms for meetings. However, if you don’t mind staying in multiple hotels, paying a little more than you would in the non-cruise season, then a summer meeting in Alaska might be right for you! Summer rates average around $170-250/night
What is there to do in Anchorage?
Anchorage is only a few minutes away from the wilderness and scores of exciting activities, including glaciers, flight-seeing, 4-wheeling, wildlife viewing, Kenai Fjords National Park, Prince William Sound, Horseback riding, the Anchorage Museum of History & Art, Alaska Native Heritage Center, 300 miles of running, hiking, biking trails, train excursions, golf, fine dining, shopping and much more.
What sorts of dining/nightlife experiences does Anchorage offer?
Anchorage has access to some of the freshest seafood in the world, which local chefs offer up in a variety of mouth-watering Alaska-style creations. From plump, cold-water Kachemak Bay oysters, to Alaska king crab, fresh-caught halibut, and of course, Wild Alaska salmon – the staple of Alaska seafood, Anchorage has it all. Downtown Anchorage has a wide-variety of international, seafood, rooftop dining, microbrew pubs, steakhouses, as well as fine dining options, just a short walk from your hotel. Options for every budget are available. Over 40 restaurants within a few block radius of the Convention District. Life after dark is lively downtown, where a multitude of bars and nightclubs offer everything from sophisticated to rustic Alaskan experiences. Our Performing Arts Center and local playhouses offer a wide range of cultural, musical, and theatrical programs
Do I have to travel far from Anchorage to experience an Alaskan recreational adventure?
Definitely not! Anchorage activities thrill adventure seekers of all interests and abilities. Within 45 minutes from downtown Anchorage you can be hiking in the Chugach Mountains, kayaking or 4-wheeling at Lake Eklutna, or fishing in a variety of streams and lakes. There are 300 miles of paved and unpaved running, hiking, biking trails in our city for you to take advantage of. You can even catch wild Alaska salmon just steps from your downtown!