Situated in the heart of downtown Anchorage, The Historic Anchorage Hotel is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is the only historic hotel in the city.

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A Century of Anchorage Hospitality Since 1916

Anchorage was in its infancy when the original Anchorage Hotel structure, located on the corner of 3^rd Avenue and E Street, was built. By 1936, the city of Anchorage was growing so rapidly that we needed to expand. Our current building, the Anchorage Hotel Annex, was built across the alleyway on 3^rd Avenue, and a sky bridge was constructed connecting the two buildings. For many years, The Anchorage Hotel served as the city’s primary meeting and gathering place, and at one time, it was the only place in the new city where you could enjoy a meal served on fine china with linen and silver.

The Early Days and Expansion of the Anchorage Hotel

Over time, the original downtown Anchorage Hotel structure was sold and eventually torn down. The Annex building continued to operate, but for many years, it was neglected and allowed to fall into a state of disrepair. For a while, it even operated as various lodging properties under different names. But in 1989, under new ownership, the building was brought back to life, and The Historic Anchorage Hotel stands today as an important part of the city's heritage and a strong part of her future.

Famous Hotel Guests

For dignitaries and celebrities traveling to the new territory of Alaska, The Anchorage Hotel was the premier place to stay. Will Rogers and Wiley Post stayed with us just two days before their fateful flight to Barrow. Famous mountain man Bob Marshall stayed here as well. Perhaps the most notable guest of The Anchorage Hotel, however, was famous artist Sydney Laurence. Many of Mr. Laurence's years in Alaska were spent painting in his studio, which was located in the hotel lobby, while he lived in an upstairs apartment. Mr. Laurence is most remembered for his beautiful paintings of Mount McKinley and Alaska's scenery.

The Haunted History of the Historic Anchorage Hotel

On February 20, 1921 at 9:15 p.m., Anchorage's first Chief of Police, John J. "Black Jack" Sturgus, was found shot in the back with a bullet from his own gun, just steps away from The Historic Anchorage Hotel. His death remains unsolved to this day. It is rumored that his ghost returns to the scene of the crime each year, haunting the hotel grounds and seeking justice for his untimely end. The mystery surrounding his death, combined with over a century of history within these walls, has cemented the Historic Anchorage Hotel's reputation as the most haunted hotel in Anchorage.

Ghost Sightings and Guest Stories

Sightings are so frequent  at our haunted hotel in Anchorage that we keep a ghost log in which a number of our guests have shared their encounters. In addition to the ghost of Jack Sturgus, past guests have seen several different specters make their way through our halls and facilities. A more detailed account of some of these ghosts were featured on Today.com.

Guests have reported encounters in the hallways, guest rooms, and common areas, experiences vivid enough that many have taken the time to write them down in our guest ghost log. Whether you're a skeptic or a true believer, the stories documented in our log are hard to dismiss. If you stay with us, you're welcome to read the log for yourself and perhaps add your own entry.

Anchorage’s Historic Legacy Lives On

While an abundance of paranormal activity may scare some, we can assure you that the rich and interesting history of The Historic Anchorage Hotel will make for an unforgettable stay. Book now.

 

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Historic Anchorage Hotel haunted?

Yes. The Historic Anchorage Hotel is widely known as a haunted Anchorage hotel, with guest reports of unexplained activity such as moving curtains, swaying shower curtains, and objects appearing to move on their own.

Who is believed to haunt the Historic Anchorage Hotel?

The most well-known spirit associated with the hotel is Anchorage’s first Chief of Police, John J. “Black Jack” Sturgus, who was found shot just steps from the hotel in 1921. It is believed his ghost returns each year seeking justice for his unsolved death.

Do guests still report ghost sightings at the hotel?

Yes. Ghost sightings are reported often enough that the hotel keeps a guest ghost log documenting paranormal experiences shared by visitors who have stayed at this haunted hotel in Anchorage.