Aspen Hotels Announces Major Expansion Across Alaska

Alaska’s Hotel Scene Gets a Big Boost: Aspen Hotels Set to Double in Size

Anchorage residents, get ready for a change – and a whole lot more options for your next Alaskan adventure! Aspen Hotels, a beloved Alaskan brand known for its comfortable lodges and stunning locations, is embarking on a massive statewide expansion, poised to nearly double its footprint and significantly impact tourism across the Last Frontier.

Last March, JL Hospitality Management acquired the entire Aspen Suites Hotels of Alaska portfolio, including popular spots like the Aspen Suites Hotel in Sitka and the Grande Denali Lodge near Denali National Park. This acquisition solidified Aspen Hotels’ position as the largest Alaskan-owned and operated regional hotel brand, and now they’re building on that momentum with ambitious plans for growth. These plans include renovating three former Extended Stay America properties, integrating additional independent hotels into the Aspen Hotels family, and launching a new guest rewards program this spring. Currently, Aspen Hotels operates 16 properties across nearly a dozen Alaskan communities, boasting 1,428 rooms in total. Notably, the Aspen Hotels group has also secured lodging contracts with the Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium, ensuring comfortable accommodations for patients and their families at two locations – one near Old Seward Highway and 34th Avenue, and the other along Tudor Road, close to the bustling “Hotel Row.”

What This Means for Anchorage

This expansion will undoubtedly benefit Anchorage residents and visitors alike. More hotel options mean increased competition, potentially leading to more affordable rates and a wider range of accommodations to suit every traveler’s needs. Whether you’re planning a fishing trip to the Kenai Peninsula, a glacier cruise in Juneau, or a wildlife viewing adventure in Haines, Aspen Hotels will be a familiar and reliable presence. This growth also supports local jobs and strengthens Alaska’s tourism economy, a vital part of our state’s identity and economy. It’s important to remember that many of these communities rely on tourism, particularly during the shoulder seasons, and this expansion will help sustain those economies.

Local Context

Alaska’s unique geography – vast wilderness, stunning coastlines, and incredible wildlife – naturally draws visitors from around the world. For many Alaskans, subsistence hunting and fishing are deeply ingrained in our culture, and tourism plays a role in supporting these traditions. The military presence in Anchorage and across the state also contributes significantly to the tourism sector. Aspen Hotels’ Alaskan ownership reflects a commitment to preserving and celebrating our state’s heritage and providing authentic experiences for travelers.

What to Know

Keep an eye out for the new Aspen Suites Hotel Anchorage Downtown and Aspen Suites Hotel Fairbanks – these additions will open up even more opportunities for exploring the 49th state. You can learn more about the new guest rewards program and browse the expanded portfolio of Aspen Hotels on their website at [Insert Hypothetical Website Here]. And remember, supporting local Alaskan businesses, from restaurants to outfitters, will help ensure a thriving and sustainable tourism industry for generations to come.

Let’s all welcome this exciting chapter for Aspen Hotels and continue to celebrate the beauty and adventure that Alaska has to offer.