Hotel Captain Cook, Anchorage, Alaska

 

The Hotel Captain Cook, Anchorage Alaska  Named after the legendary British explorer Captain James Cook, this landmark hotel was built in 1965 by Walter J. Hickel after the devastating 1964 earthquake to help revitalise Anchorage. The Hotel Captain Cook is more than a hotel — it is a true Alaskan landmark where history and hospitality unite.

Hotel Essence Photography

The Hotel Captain Cook, Anchorage Alaska 

Named after the legendary British explorer Captain James Cook, this landmark hotel was built by Walter J. Hickel after the devastating 1964 earthquake to help revitalise Anchorage. Over the years, it has grown gracefully, with a second tower added in 1972 and a third in 1978.
The Hotel Captain Cook retains its 60´s mid-century charm, reflected in the warm wooden paneling, distinctive artwork, and striking architectural features of its towers. Inside, guests can admire an incredible art collection that reflects Alaska’s history and culture.
 

More than just a place to stay, this is a vibrant social hub where guests begin their adventures — setting out on dream cruises, exploring Alaska’s vast landscapes by, train, sea or retracing the footsteps of Captain Cook himself. Three flags proudly fly above the hotel: the Alaskan flag with its nine stars, alongside the British and American flags, a nod to the hotel’s namesake and heritage.

Within its walls, you’ll find Fletcher’s, an English-style pub, as well as the Crow’s Nest, a fine dining restaurant on the top floor offering world-class cuisine and an exceptional wine cellar — often considered among the best in Alaska.

The hotel is also a proud member of Preferred Hotels & Resorts and Historic Hotels of America, affirming its place among the distinguished properties in the world. Yet, it is the people who give it soul: a team of over 20 bellmen provide warm, attentive service, while countless long-term staff — many with decades of dedication, that really makes this hotel stand out. Guests may even meet Johnny Brown, the legendary shoeshiner, or visit the basement barbershop, where the barber has been part of the Captain Cook family for more than 30 years.

Quirky, comfortable, and undeniably iconic, The Hotel Captain Cook is more than a hotel — it is a true Alaskan landmark where history and hospitality unite.