ANCHORAGE, Alaska – Sept. 26, 2024 – Slated to open in early 2025 in the heart of Anchorage’s downtown Mushing District, The Wildbirch Hotel will offer guests a truly unique experience as the city’s first boutique property and newest lodging option in 20 years.
The Wildbirch Hotel is anticipated to be the first JdV by Hyatt property in Alaska and is situated amidst the vibrant energy of the burgeoning West Fourth Avenue corridor. The hotel will serve as both a community hub and a centrally located basecamp for travelers seeking the full spectrum of Alaska adventure.
The hotel will feature 252 modern and design-forward accommodations, including eight suites, that will showcase collaborations with local artists like muralist Ted Kim and carved wooden topographic maps of Alaska in floor-to-ceiling headboards. Banquettes create comfortable seating areas for productive work sessions or laidback gatherings. Cozy natural hues and finishes, including deep-seated custom leather chairs, are complemented by vibrant pops of color, like those of the “fire engine red” retro mini fridge, offering a rustic-modern vibe and embodying the region’s rugged charm. Artwork carries through into public spaces, with design elements including handcrafted fly rod tubes from famed woodworker Mike Baumgardner adorning the front desk, which will be positioned beneath a carved wooden topographic map detailing Mount Denali on the lobby’s ceiling. Works curated in collaboration with the nearby Anchorage Museum – a Smithsonian affiliated center – will be displayed throughout the property.
Multiple onsite food and beverage concepts will include a streetside restaurant and lobby bar; a brewery which will serve craft beers exclusive to the hotel; and a café and retail shop where guests can enjoy fresh coffee and artisanal pastries, while browsing a curated selection of locally sourced artwork, gifts and souvenirs.
Guests will enjoy a lobby fireplace, fostering a warm living room atmosphere; multiple communal outdoor decks with cozy fire pits and sweeping views of Mount Susitna and Knik Arm; and an expansive 4,800-square-feet of meeting and event space that caters to every occasion. A rich programming calendar will feature chef dinners, beer and spirit tastings and fireside chats, bringing a variety of expertise and perspectives into the hotel for guests and locals alike.
Ushering in a new era of Alaska exploration, The Wildbirch Hotel will offer access to curated experiences for some of the state’s most notable outdoor activities and attractions through its Adventure Desk, from national park and glacier tours to wildlife watching excursions. Closer to home, guests can venture just steps from the hotel to enjoy access to Ship Creek’s world-class salmon fishing, prime northern lights vantage points and more. Additionally, opening just in time for the famed Iditarod sled dog race held every March, the hotel will offer a front row seat to the action with guest rooms and meeting space featuring floor-to-ceiling windows that directly overlook the race’s ceremonial start line.
For those looking for softer adventure that captures the city’s cultural landscape, The Wildbirch Hotel is just steps from the city’s best restaurants, historic sites and attractions, including the Alaska Railroad Depot, The Anchorage Museum and Alaska Center for the Performing Arts, connecting guests to Anchorage’s culinary, historic and artistic offerings.
The multimillion-dollar property is a labor of love from two longtime locals and former public servants – Mark Begich, Mayor of Anchorage from 2003-2009 and United States Senator from 2009-2015, and former State Revenue Commissioner, Sheldon Fisher. The businessmen and partners formed MASH, LLC to further spark the revitalization of downtown Anchorage with this project – and several others in the works. MASH has collaborated with leading hotel management company Springboard Hospitality to operate the hotel.
The Wildbirch Hotel is expected to join the World of Hyatt loyalty program when it joins the JdV by Hyatt brand in early 2025. At that time, members will have the opportunity to earn points on The Wildbirch Hotel stays to use for free nights, dining, experiences and more.
“Our team can’t wait to unveil this exciting new addition to downtown Anchorage this winter,” said Begich, co-owner of The Wildbirch Hotel. “Every detail of The Wildbirch Hotel was driven by people who call this city home, and we’re looking forward to giving visitors the opportunity to feel like locals as they immerse themselves in the Anchorage lifestyle. The property will not only offer a unique blend of traveler conveniences, but also serve as a dynamic hangout for residents, making it unlike all other lodging options downtown.”
The Wildbirch Hotel is located at 239 W. 4th Avenue in Anchorage, Alaska. For updates, follow along on social – @wildbirchhotel on Instagram and Facebook – and visit www.WildbirchHotel.com. To learn more about the JdV by Hyatt brand, visit www.jdvbyhyatt.com.
The term “Hyatt” is used in this release for convenience to refer to Hyatt Hotels Corporation and/or one or more of its affiliates.
