Embassy Suites by Hilton Anchorage

This handsome chain hotel hosts a diverse clientele, including business travelers, conference goers, tourists, and far-flung Alaskans in town for things like medical treatments. The impressive lobby has a modern, rustic vibe, with a four-story atrium centered by a large fountain with a whale theme. Two taxidermied bears are placed by the entrance, and a school of salmon is mounted high on one wall. Multi-color tile covers the floor, and natural tone supports wood columns. Three granite-topped registration kiosks sit in front of a spectacular photo mural of Alaskan scenery. It’s an inviting space with plenty of comfy places to sit, including a cozy library room with bookshelves, a brown leather Chesterfield sofa, flat-screen TV, and pool table. This is a busy place, but it has ample space to handle the crowds.

The Embassy Suites is located on a busy road in Midtown near an intersection with Highway 1 (Seward Highway) that runs north into downtown. The hotel is surrounded by commercial enterprises, including several restaurants and a shopping mall across the street that has a Sears and Nordstrom Rack. A Walmart Supercenter is a two-minute drive. The Dena’ina Civic and Convention Center and other attractions in downtown Anchorage are approximately six minutes away by car. The University of Alaska Anchorage campus is a five-minute drive. The city’s train depot on the north edge of downtown is about 10 minutes away by car. Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport is around a 15-minute drive. 

Rooms are clean, spacious, and contemporary -- but dark. Black accent walls behind the beds, dark amber wood furniture, and black stripes on the gray carpet don't do much to brighten the spaces. Fortunately, the windows are large enough to usher in plenty of natural during the day. The living rooms are brighter, but have the same carpet and drapes, along with dark gray sleeper sofas. The space lightens up more in the kitchenette areas that have hardwood floors and tan granite counters framing the wet bars. Photography and artwork depicting spectacular Alaskan scenery add interest to the walls. Flat-screen TVs, air-conditioning, and free Wi-Fi are standard. The kitchenettes include spacious desks that double as dining tables with multiple chairs. Mini-fridges, sinks, microwaves, and coffeemakers are included in the kitchenettes. Premium Suites add Keurig coffeemakers and include free snacks and soft drinks. Generously-sized bathrooms vary by room type, with King Suites having walk-in showers with glass doors and Double Queen Suites including shower/tub combos. Both bathroom types have lovely tan tiling and roomy tan granite vanities. Jacuzzi Suites feature larger bathrooms that have separate walk-in showers and whirlpool tubs. Ambient noise from the busy road is noticeable in some suites, especially those face east. Most views are unremarkable, but some Premium Suites offer distant mountain views. Please note that smoking is allowed in certain rooms. 

This Embassy Suites offers many value-added amenities. The day starts with a free breakfast that includes cooked-to-order omelets and other hot dishes. Late afternoons feature a nightly manager’s reception with free light bites and drinks. Free shuttles are available 24/7 to the airport and when requested for downtown runs. Wi-Fi and parking round out the list of freebies. The Territory Kitchen & Bar features fresh seafood specialties and American classics for lunch and dinner, plus a full bar. The cozy space has a large fireplace and leather sofas for lounging. The gift shop sells a good selection of souvenirs, sundries, soft drinks, and food including frozen treats and sandwiches. For working out, the fitness center is equipped with modern cardio and strength-training equipment, including three treadmills and a universal weight machine. The heated indoor pool has adequate space for a dip. It’s part of a cheerful room with lots of windows, tables, showers, and a spacious whirlpool. The guest laundry room has three coin-operated washer/dryer sets. The hotel also has valet laundry and dry cleaning services. The ballroom can host up to 225 people, and the business center is open 24/7. Parking and Wi-Fi are free.