Staying at the Historic Anchorage Hotel, Alaska

The historic Anchorage Hotel in Alaska. Photo / Frank Flavin

Anna Harrison checks into an olde world hotel that's reportedly haunted.

Perfect for: Anyone looking for a bit of American olde world charm as well as a central base.

Location: Right in the middle of downtown Anchorage, near the tourist strip, with restaurants, shops and train station within walking distance.

What's in the neighbourhood? Anchorage Museum, Alaska Centre for Performing Arts, Visit Anchorage, Town Square Park and shopping at the 5th Ave Mall.

Check-in experience: We were met by a welcome rush of hot air from the fireplace that was keeping the lobby toasty in the middle of an Alaskan winter. The service was friendly and helpful, although I had to struggle on my own with multiple bags.

How big is the place? Pretty small — it has 26 rooms — with an old-fashioned boutique feel.

What's good about it? The hotel is reputed to be haunted. The body of the city's first police chief, Jack Sturgus, was found in the alleyway behind the hotel in 1921; he had been shot in the back with a bullet from his own gun. There are many stories of guests hearing voices, seeing curtains move and hearing crying in the hallways.

Anything bad? I was told one of the people who stayed in my room before me didn't last the night, asking to be moved as she could feel spirits brushing past the bed. I heard voices in there before I even opened the door and had to return to reception to check I had the right room key, but had no further problems with ghosts.

The room: Quaint with lace curtains, brassy lamps and a floral bed runner, which reminded me of my nana, but a modern big-screen TV.

The bed: Big and comfortable.

Wifi: Free and good enough to Skype home.

Bathroom: The shower over the bath was nice and hot.

View: My room looked out over an alleyway and out to the street at a certain angle.

Food and drink: Continental breakfast is served in the bar downstairs; there is even a waffle machine.

Noise: Minimal, despite being in the middle of the city.

In a nutshell: Very pleasant if you want a homely hotel in the middle of the city and maybe a ghost story or two to tell on your return.

The Historic Anchorage Hotel is at 330 E Street, Anchorage, Alaska, USA. Phone: +907 272 4553.