Westmark Hotel for $240 in June

Question

We are a group of 15 who have the Westmark booked (no deposit paid) prior to our cruise from Whittier in June. Is this the average price for this class of hotel in Anchorage for that time of the year? Debating whether we should rather get an Airbnb which we have to pay in full for now (although on a full refund option).

Westmark fits our budget, but is a very basic hotel.

Thanks in advance

Answer

For a large group visiting Anchorage in June, $240 per night at the Westmark Hotel is within the typical range for mid-tier hotels during the peak summer season. June is part of the high tourist season in Alaska due to long daylight hours, cruise departures, and favorable weather, so hotel rates are generally higher than in spring or fall.

Considerations regarding your booking:

The Westmark is a basic, functional hotel, offering standard rooms and convenient location near downtown Anchorage and easy access to Whittier for cruise departures.
At $240 per night, it is reasonably priced for a group in June, especially for last-minute bookings. Comparable mid-range hotels in Anchorage often range from $220–$350 per night during this period.
Airbnb options may offer more space or common areas for a group of 15, but prices vary widely. Some large homes or multi-unit rentals could be more economical when split among the group, though availability may be limited.

Pros and cons of sticking with Westmark vs Airbnb:

Westmark:
- Pros: Flexible cancellation (no deposit yet), predictable pricing, hotel amenities such as breakfast, front desk support, and easy check-in/check-out.
- Cons: Basic rooms, may not have common space for the whole group, limited kitchen facilities.
Airbnb:
- Pros: Potentially more space and common areas for group activities, full kitchen for meals, unique local experience.
- Cons: Full upfront payment, potential variability in quality, and fewer amenities compared to a hotel (no daily housekeeping, front desk, or on-site support).

Given that your group is large and the Westmark fits your budget, it is a safe and convenient choice for a short stay before your cruise. Airbnb could be a good alternative if your group prefers shared spaces and cooking facilities, but the upfront payment and variable quality need to be considered.