Alaska - Why is Anchorage so expensive June 15-21?

Ok, so I've got a two day meeting in Anchorage on June 17-18. The wife and I decided to make it a vacation too and so we are arriving on June 15 and leaving on June 21. Hotel rates are astronomical! $300 per night at a Hampton Inn? I've never been to Alaska and so am hoping you residents and frequent visitors can tell me why it is so expensive there. I haven't even yet started looking at rental car rates. And my airfare? Well, fuggegaboudit! :eek:

A quick check on Google reveals a number of activities that week.

Ren Faire, marathon, summer solstice festival, lots more. Seems like they cram a lot of public events into a narrow summer window. Quite simply it seems there are a lot of popular events going on, hence the demand. Doesn't seem terribly unusual.

http://www.anchorage.net/events/

A quick check on Google reveals a number of activities that week.

Ren Faire, marathon, summer solstice festival, lots more. Seems like they cram a lot of public events into a narrow summer window. Quite simply it seems there are a lot of popular events going on, hence the demand. Doesn't seem terribly unusual.

http://www.anchorage.net/events/

Thank you for your feedback. ^

any hotel deals on hotwire or priceline?

I paid $30 some odd dollars to stay in Anchorage last summer (probably a price mistake, but I'm sure there are deals less than $300).

any hotel deals on hotwire or priceline?

I paid $30 some odd dollars to stay in Anchorage last summer (probably a price mistake, but I'm sure there are deals less than $300).
Motel 6 is $139/night. There are a few that might be cheaper, but I'd be suspicious of some of the offerings.

I think the Executive Suites and Puffin Inn are probably two of the most reasonably-priced places that aren't complete dumps. Check Tripadvisor for anything cheaper--there's a reason for it.

Car rental rates start at $60 a day and go up to $135 a day for an economy car, depending on when you book. I've seen SUVs go for over $200 per day.

Alaskan tourism industry companies have three months to make enough money to pay the bills for year-round operation. That, combined with the sheer demand-to-supply ratio in those same three months (the tourism industry literally goes from something like 100,000 visitors per month September to May to well over million visitors per month June, July and August), means things are expensive. The cheapest times to travel are in May and September, with early June (before the 15th) and late August somewhere in between.

any hotel deals on hotwire or priceline?

I paid $30 some odd dollars to stay in Anchorage last summer (probably a price mistake, but I'm sure there are deals less than $300).

Hampton Inn is showing $319 a night on priceline! :eek:

Simply Summer Solstice brings lots up to Alaska to experience the "Midnight Sun". Be sure to bring your sunglasses to wear at midnight! (No joke :D)

A bit of warning when Anchorage is sold of rooms they are sold out! Unlike other towns where they will almost always sell you a room after 1am if they have a no show. Also It is hard to sleep in car when it never gets dark outside.

A bit of warning when Anchorage is sold of rooms they are sold out! Unlike other towns where they will almost always sell you a room after 1am if they have a no show. Also It is hard to sleep in car when it never gets dark outside.

Good point @ sleeping in a car... but as a caveat... if you are in Alaska long enough.... you'll get used to the longer days... and have a huge shock when back in the lower 48.

My room is southerly facing... and have slept in it the past eight years at least without curtains so you can get used to sleeping with light... just weird:D

It is quite comfortable to camp in Alaska during the summer, so if adventurous enough bring or purchase a tent, or for the adventurous at heart, but less inclined to be outside, a motorhome is an excellent way to tour Alaska, (despite the price of gas).

Anchorage is even more expensive this year with soaring inflation, not to mention the horrible situation that is going on in Juneau.

Very hard on the elderly and disabled!

Anchorage is even more expensive this year with soaring inflation, not to mention the horrible situation that is going on in Juneau.

Very hard on the elderly and disabled!

What's the horrible situation you are referring to in Juneau?

Never mind. I just Googled it and learned about that electricity disaster. What a nightmare.

50 cents a Kilowatt hour upcharge! That on top of 11 cents a KW basic fee!

I think this is going to be a horribly expensive summer in Juneau!

If you aren't opposed to a B&B or a private residence (or part of a private residence), check out vrbo.com - looks like there is some availability....I used this several years ago for a vacation in Alaska and found a really nice cabin that we stayed in for a few days.

If you aren't opposed to a B&B or a private residence (or part of a private residence), check out vrbo.com - looks like there is some availability....I used this several years ago for a vacation in Alaska and found a really nice cabin that we stayed in for a few days.

Thanks for the heads up. ^ I'll check it out.

I've stayed at the Puffin Inn as a Crew Member...It's not a Dump.

I've stayed at the Puffin Inn as a Crew Member...It's not a Dump.
I've heard that as long as you stay in the new side, it's actually a pretty nice place. Just make sure to ask for a room in the new side. I'm pretty sure the new side costs a bit more than the old side, though.

I've stayed at the Puffin Inn as a Crew Member...It's not a Dump.
I've heard that as long as you stay in the new side, it's actually a pretty nice place. Just make sure to ask for a room in the new side. I'm pretty sure the new side costs a bit more than the old side, though.

Is that the one at the end of 5th?

If it is, there's several great restaurants in walking distance, including to Simon & Seaforts (http://www.r-u-i.com/sim/), Glacier Brewhouse (http://www.glacierbrewhouse.com/) and Orso's (http://www.orsoalaska.com/).
(Tip on Brewhouse & Orso's - can pick up 2 $50 gift cards @ Costco in ANC for $70(I think) to save a few bucks)...

The coastal trail is also cool to check out... and walk to Earthquake Park and beyond... too much cool stuff to do!

Is that the one at the end of 5th?

If it is, there's several great restaurants in walking distance, including to Simon & Seaforts (http://www.r-u-i.com/sim/), Glacier Brewhouse (http://www.glacierbrewhouse.com/) and Orso's (http://www.orsoalaska.com/).
(Tip on Brewhouse & Orso's - can pick up 2 $50 gift cards @ Costco in ANC for $70(I think) to save a few bucks)...

The coastal trail is also cool to check out... and walk to Earthquake Park and beyond... too much cool stuff to do!
The Puffin is on Spenard near Wisconsin (between International Airport and Minnesota). It's next to the Executive Suites, which is next to McDonald's.

Beckoa's restaurant recommendations are worth checking out, though.

Stayed at Puffin Inn- in my humble opinion- one night was to many- it is a dump- rlb