With summer solstice approaching, Anchorage glows under the midnight sun, soaked in more than 20 hours of golden northern sunlight every day. A host of new activities and attractions offer myriad ways to enjoy the long summer days, and a suite of upgraded accommodations offer lush city comfort for even the shortest summer nights. Even as the seasons change, Alaska’s largest city has all the urban amenities and natural beauty necessary for a perfect meeting.
A jaw-droppingly scenic 50-minute drive south of Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport, Alyeska Resort is preparing to unveil its new Nordic Spa, a much-anticipated project and the first of its kind in Alaska. Featuring indoor and outdoor facilities, hot and cold pools, and other relaxing spaces and services, the Nordic Spa is nestled in a glacial valley surrounded by the Chugach Mountains — a perfect picture of Alaska luxury.
New construction and modern renovation projects are also making waves in the heart of the city’s convention district. Recent upgrades to the Hilton Anchorage include floor-to-ceiling renovations, full redesigns and new furniture for each of the 606 guest rooms, and upgrades to the lobby, on-site eateries, fitness center, and conference spaces. Located in the center of downtown Anchorage just a few blocks from the city’s two major convention centers, the hotel’s multimillion-dollar improvement project represents one of Anchorage’s many significant recent property upgrades.
Across the street from the Hilton, on 4th Avenue, work continues to develop Anchorage’s new Mushing District, an homage to the history and cultural heritage of Alaska’s state sport. A block away, in front of Anchorage’s iconic Log Cabin Visitor Information Center, a recently expanded shuttle pickup zone provides extra room for tour operators and shuttles to greet guests. At the William A. Egan Civic & Convention Center, new carpeting provides a subtle refresh to spacious and flexible meeting spaces. At the Dena’ina Civic and Convention Center, the largest meeting facility in the state, a new interpretive art project aims to give visitors a deeper understanding of the area’s Indigenous Dena’ina Athabascan culture. When complete, convention center guests will enjoy an immersive exhibit showing an intimate portrait of the people for whom the convention center is named.
A block away, a glistening glass-encased office building also moves closer to completion, adding another shining spire to the Anchorage skyline by early 2022.
A few miles away, in up-and-coming midtown Anchorage, a new hotel also plans to open its doors in early 2022. The Aloft Anchorage Midtown, a Marriott International brand, will come equipped with uniquely designed guestrooms, a signature bar and lounge, meeting and catering space, and unique high-tech touches like voice-activated features and mobile phone-controlled door locks.
While fresh facilities, upgraded accommodations, and new attractions promise an exciting experience for all Anchorage guests, timeless outdoor spaces and an ongoing commitment to visitor wellbeing continue to exemplify the city experience. The Healthy Anchorage Pledge — a commitment to best practices and guest safety — can help travelers plan with confidence. And the city’s breathtaking Chugach Mountain backdrop is a constant reminder that Anchorage opens the door to the best of Alaska; the perfect mix of urban and wild, all in one place.
To start planning your meeting in Anchorage, contact Visit Anchorage Convention Sales Manager Andrea Schmidt at (907) 257-2317 or [email protected].
