The largest city in Alaska, Anchorage is the springboard into the Alaskan wilderness. Many people find themselves here when they first arrive in this northwest US state. But it’s more than just a transport hub.
Anchorage is filled with opportunities to understand more about indigenous groups and crafts, plus it boasts a whole load of places to get your dining and drinking on. It’s all about craft beer, delis and coffee shops.
But the problem is this place isn’t exactly famous for its accommodation. To many, probably to you too, Anchorage seems like more of an outpost town than a place to stay. So are there even any hotels here, let alone hostels?!
Of course there are! And we’ve selected the best hostels in Anchorage – as well as a few budget hotels, too – so you can find the one that suits you the most.
Let’s see what’s on offer in this chilly city!
Quick answer: The Best Hostels in Anchorage
7 Best Hostels in Anchorage
The Broke Backpacker is supported by you. Clicking through our links may earn us a small affiliate commission, and that's what allows us to keep producing free content 🙂 Learn more.
Base Camp Anchorage
For people who just love the outdoors, this Anchorage backpackers hostel is a great place to stay. The owners have a focus on community and showing travellers the wonderful hikes and stunning scenery of Alaska. And we’re down with that.
Located close to cafes, restaurants and late-night venues, this is a great place to stock up on supplies – or simply have a fun time – before you head out into the wilderness. All this, plus relaxing common areas and an outdoor space with a sauna, easily make it the best overall hostel in Anchorage.
Shaligohomes On 16th Ave
This budget-friendly spot in Anchorage is an absolute gem. The folks running the show are warm, welcoming, and full of local tips, and the amenities punch well above their weight. It’s one of the most affordable stays in the city, but you won’t be left wanting—everything you need is right here, and it’s all incredibly convenient.
The vibe? Quiet, cosy, and full of charm, with AirBnB-style room rentals that make it feel like a home away from home. Sure, the bathrooms are shared, but they’re a far cry from the chaotic, questionable setups you might expect. Think spotless, European-style living which is practical without sacrificing comfort.
Compact But Cozy Too
This spot delivers exactly what it promises. The rooms may be small, but they’re the kind of snug where you know you’ll sleep like a baby. It’s peaceful, the perfect antidote to the usual hustle, and the vibe with other guests is always warm and easy—smiles all around.
The staff here are absolute stars—helpful, accommodating, and genuinely friendly. Compact But Cozy Too offers a unique shared living experience in Anchorage. It’s the perfect balance of value for money and homey charm, feeling more like crashing at a mate’s place than some cold, impersonal guesthouse.
Best Budget Hotels in Anchorage
Sometimes staying in a hostel just doesn’t cut it. You might want to stay somewhere a little quieter, or perhaps you want a more private place to relax during your stay in a city. Who knows. But we’ve included a couple of the best cheap hotels in Anchorage so you have the choice of the best budget accommodation in the city.
Puffin Inn
This hotel is pretty basic, but then again it’s one of the best budget hotels in Anchorage, so what are you gonna do? It’s decent for the money, we’d say. Every room comes complete with a flat-screen cable TV, plus a microwave, fridge and coffee maker. Pretty good.
There’s also a small fitness centre, so you can keep up with your workouts (if that’s something that’s important to you). At this cheap hotel in Anchorage, they also run a super affordable shuttle service to the airport, making it a great option for a budget stay. Free breakfast ALWAYS appreciated.
Maria’s Creekside B&B
Now THIS place is real nice. Loads-a wooden furniture, cute cushions and general decor and vibe that make you feel super cosy and comfy when it’s cold outside. A great budget Anchorage hotel to get your Alaska trip off to a flying start, we’d say.
We have to say something about the FREE FULL ENGLISH BREAKFAST. Yep, it gets rave reviews. And yeah, we’d suggest that it’s a good budget hotel for couples in Anchorage because, well, it’s just… super homely and cosy and the hosts are very, very nice and welcoming.
Brent Prop Inn
In midtown Anchorage, you’ll find this place. You’ll easily be able to walk to nearby restaurants and shops. It’s set in an old apartment building, so if you’re not concerned about the lack of social spaces and just wanna hang out with your partner that’s just fine.
So you have your own little apartment here – complete with kitchen and bathroom, sorta like a more basic Airbnb stay, so it’s definitely our pick for the best hostel for couples in Anchorage. The staff are also super helpful and friendly and will help you get out into the famous Alaska national parks.
Alaska European Bed & Breakfast
The funny thing about this place is it says it’s European, but there are flags from like… everywhere outside. Eh, who are we to quibble. Anyway, this budget hotel in Anchorage is colourful and cosy with spacious rooms that feel nice and homely – great for a couple.
Best of all is the BIG free breakfast of Dutch pancakes (maybe that’s the European thing?). However, you can also use the kitchen at this cheap Anchorage hotel for your own food, so that’s good for keeping costs down. The decent location in midtown also helps when you’re looking for things to do in Anchorage as well, too.
Why you should travel to Anchorage
Those were the best hostels in Anchorage – the perfect place to begin your budget travels around Alaska!
There may not be a whole load of options when it comes to Anchorage backpacker hostels, but there are quite a few decent budget hotels in Anchorage to keep costs low.
And if you’re having trouble selecting the hostel that’s right for you from our handy list, don’t you worry. There’s always Base Camp Anchorage – our pick for the best overall hostel in Anchorage.
So get your snow boots on and prepare for an Arctic adventure!
Travel Safety Tips for Anchorage
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.
More Epic Hostels in Alaska and North America
Hopefully by now you’ve found the perfect hostel for your upcoming trip to Anchorage.
Planning an epic trip all across Alaska or even North America itself?
Don’t worry – we’ve got you covered!
For more cool hostel guides around North America, check out:
- Best hostels in Seattle
- Best hostels in Fairbanks
- Best hostels in Portland, Oregon
Over to you
By now I hope our epic guide to the best hostels in Anchorage has helped you choose the perfect hostel for your adventure!
Still need some inspiration? Then you might like to consider these motels in Anchorage that also offer an affordable place to stay.
If you think we’ve missed anything or have any further thoughts, hit us up in the comments!
- Check out our extensive guide to backpacking in USA for a wealth of info!
- Check out the best places to stay in Anchorage before you arrive.
- Remember to grab yourself an international sim card for USA to avoid any issues.
- Prepare for your trip with our backpacking packing list.
