Finding a place to crash near Ted Stevens International isn't exactly hard. Anchorage is packed with options. But Alex Hotel & Suites Anchorage occupies this weird, specific niche that catches a lot of people off guard. It’s located at 4615 Spenard Road, which, if you know the area, is basically the gateway to both the airport and the gritty, character-filled heart of Spenard.
Honestly? It's a polarizing spot.
You’ve got travelers who swear by it for the price and the shuttle. Then you’ve got folks who walk in and feel like they stepped back into 1985—and not in a cool, retro-synthwave kind of way. But if you’re trying to navigate a layover in Alaska without nuking your bank account, you need to know what you're actually getting into before you book.
The Location Reality Check
Let’s talk about the neighborhood. Spenard is... legendary. It’s historic, it’s colorful, and yeah, it’s a little rough around the edges. Alex Hotel & Suites Anchorage sits right in the thick of it. You’re about 2.5 miles from the airport, which is a five-minute drive if the lights are green.
The hotel is practically a neighbor to Lake Hood.
If you like planes, this is your heaven. Lake Hood is the busiest seaplane base in the world. You can walk about 20-25 minutes from the hotel and watch Cessnas take off from the water. It’s loud. It’s cool. It’s very Alaska.
But here’s the thing: the "vibe" outside can be a bit intense. Recent guest reports from January 2026 mention that the surrounding area has a visible homeless population, which is a reality across much of Anchorage right now. It doesn't necessarily mean it’s unsafe, but it’s something to be aware of if you’re planning on walking to the nearby Liquor Store or Quiznos late at night.
Why the Shuttle is the MVP
Most people stay here for one reason: the 24-hour airport shuttle. It’s free. In a city where an Uber or a yellow cab can easily run you $25 for a three-minute ride, that’s a massive win.
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They also do train station pickups. If you're coming off the Alaska Railroad after a long day of sightseeing in Denali or Seward, having a van waiting for you is a godsend. Just make sure you call them. Don't just stand there expecting them to manifest; the front desk usually needs a heads-up once you’ve grabbed your bags.
Inside Alex Hotel & Suites Anchorage: What’s the Deal?
The building itself has been around since 1978. It shows. While there was a renovation push around 2022 to freshen things up, the bones of the place are old.
We're talking 123 rooms spread across a layout that feels a bit like a maze.
The Room Situation
The rooms are surprisingly big. That’s the "Suites" part of the name actually pulling its weight.
- Space: You aren't cramped. Most rooms have enough floor space for three people to live comfortably without tripping over suitcases.
- The Beds: They use pillowtop mattresses. Surprisingly comfy for a budget-leaning hotel.
- The Extras: Every room has a microwave and a fridge. If you’re a fisherman or hunter (and many guests here are), there is a large walk-in freezer on-site for your catch. That is a niche, expert-level perk you won't find at the Marriott.
However, the "Alex" experience can be a gamble.
One room might be pristine and warm. The next might have a heater that sounds like a jet engine or a Wi-Fi signal that dies the second you try to open YouTube. In late 2025, several guests noted that hot water could be "erratic." If you like a boiling shower at 4:00 AM before a flight, you might want to test the tap as soon as you check in.
Eating and Drinking
Don’t expect a five-star bistro. The Denali Pizza Grill is on-site, and it’s... fine. It’s pizza. It’s convenient.
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But the real secret? The neighborhood food.
There is a Korean restaurant nearby called Jinmi that is legit. There's also Fukumaru Teriyaki about a 10-minute walk away. If you’re staying at Alex Hotel & Suites Anchorage, do yourself a favor and skip the hotel's continental breakfast—which is mostly bagels and cereal—and go find some real Alaskan-sized portions nearby.
The "Real" Problems People Ignore
If you read the reviews from the last few months, you’ll see a pattern. It’s not the decor that gets people; it’s the maintenance.
The hotel uses a centralized heating system in many parts of the building. This means you don't always have a thermostat you can just crank to 72. In the dead of an Alaskan winter, when it's -10°F outside, some rooms can get chilly.
Pro Tip: Ask for a room on a higher floor. Heat rises, and the lower levels tend to feel the draft from the front doors more acutely.
Also, be prepared for the "Spenard Shuffle." The front desk staff are often juggling a hundred things at once—shuttle calls, check-ins, and the occasional "colorful character" wandering in from the street. They are generally friendly, but they are overworked. If you go in with a "the customer is king" attitude, you’re going to have a bad time. If you’re chill, they’ll usually hook you up with an early check-in if a room is ready.
Is it Worth the Money?
Right now, in early 2026, prices are hovering around $90 to $130 a night depending on the day. Compared to the $250+ you’ll pay at the Hotel Captain Cook or the fancy spots downtown, it’s a steal.
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But you are paying for convenience, not luxury.
Alex Hotel & Suites Anchorage is for:
- The traveler with a 6:00 AM flight.
- The fisherman with 50 pounds of frozen halibut.
- The budget-conscious road tripper who just needs a bed and a microwave.
It is NOT for:
- A romantic getaway.
- Someone who needs high-speed fiber internet for Zoom calls.
- Anyone sensitive to noise (the planes are close!).
Actionable Steps for Your Stay
If you decide to book, do these three things to make sure you don't regret it:
- Call for the Shuttle: Don't wait at the curb. As soon as you have your bags at ANC, call 907-243-3131. The "24-hour" promise is real, but the driver might be on a coffee break or dropping someone else off.
- Request an Interior Room: If you're a light sleeper, ask for a room that doesn't face Spenard Road. The traffic and the sirens can be a lot.
- Check the Fridge: People often leave behind half-full water bottles or snacks. Make sure the staff cleaned the fridge before you put your own food in there.
Ultimately, Alex Hotel & Suites Anchorage is exactly what it looks like: a functional, slightly worn, but incredibly convenient basecamp. It’s not going to win any design awards, but it’ll get you to your flight on time with a few extra bucks in your pocket.
Confirm your shuttle time the night before your departure. Most issues happen because of a breakdown in communication at the front desk during shift changes. A quick 30-second chat with the clerk before you go to bed ensures you aren't sprinting to the terminal in the morning.