For travelers watching their wallet, Anchorage offers a handful of no-frills motels that keep costs down while covering the essentials. Expect free parking, Wi-Fi, and in many cases, complimentary airport shuttles-a major plus given the city's spread-out layout. Budgets typically range from $80 to $120 per night, making these properties a smart base for exploring downtown, the Alaska Zoo, or the University area without overspending.
The Merrill Field Inn, located 1.5 miles from the University of Alaska Anchorage, provides free summer shuttles to the airport and downtown, plus cable TV and laundry facilities. For a stay near the airport, the Americas Best Value Inn & Suites Anchorage Airport offers 24-hour shuttle service, suites with kitchenettes, and a walk-in fish freezer-ideal for anglers. Meanwhile, the Puffin Inn, a non-smoking motel with a fitness center and free Wi-Fi, sits within 4 miles of the Dena'ina Civic and Convention Center and 15 minutes from the Alaska Zoo.