Frequently
Asked Questions
Q:
What is your address and telephone numbers?
A:
Our address is Spenard Hostel International, 2845 West 42nd Place,
Anchorage, Alaska, USA 99517. See MAP.
Our mailing address is PO Box 92422, Anchorage,
Alaska, USA 99509. Our phone number is 907-248-5036. Our fax number
is the same, 907-248-5036. Our E-mail address is Stay@AlaskaHostel.Org
 Q:
What does it cost to stay? Is there a bed tax? Do I have to
be a member to stay at Spenard Hostel?
A: The price is $21 per person per night cash or check, or $22 when you use a credit card. If you pitch a tent on the lawn, the price is $19 for the tent and first person and $16 for everyone else in the tent. Through negotiations with the Municipality of Anchorage, we have been graciously exempted from the bed tax. You may find bed tax at other hostels in Alaska, however. And no, we don't require memberships, we are an independent hostel. Everyone pays the same, and its less than ‘members’ pay elsewhere.
Q:
Is that really a live wild moose walking out of your yard in the
picture?
A: YES! She slept the morning away under our tree and left to go eat something other than our raspberry bushes in the afternoon.
Q:
How do I make a reservation and what is your cancellation policy?
A: To make a reservation we need a credit card number with expiration date or prepayment. You can call us with this information, you can use this Secure Reservation Form, or you can mail us payment in advance. We take personal checks too. If you need to cancel, we ask for as much notice as possible, but you must notify us no later than 11PM (2300h) TWO nights before the reserved date or you will be charged for that night’s stay and any other reserved dates you may have will be canceled. Groups need to notify us no later than a week in advance. Unfortunately we must charge even if your non-arrival was not in your control.
Q:
Are there age restrictions?
A: Yes. There is no maximum age, but children must be at least 12 if accompanied by a parent or 16 if traveling alone.
Q:
When can I reach someone by telephone?
A: Our office is open and we answer the phone from 7 PM (1900h) to 11PM (2300h) local time. (Local time is 1 hour earlier than Pacific, 4 hours earlier than Eastern or GMT -8, (GMT-9 in the Winter.) Additionally, from May 15 through September 15 we also answer calls and have the office open from 9 AM (0900h) to 1 PM (1300h). It is easier for us if you don’t call right when the office first opens.
Q:
Do you have a curfew or lockout time?
A: No, but we do enforce a quiet time from 11PM (2300h) to 7 AM (0700h). During this time, lights out in the bedrooms, no TV or radio, no loud talk, no kitchen use, laundry room use, nor taking of showers (without prior approval).
Q:
What are the sizes of the rooms and how are they set up, do you
have private rooms?
A: The rooms are all either 4 or 6 person rooms, although one is a 7 person. They are all bunk beds. The rooms are separated by gender, however we do allow a limited amount of shared gender coed/couples space at no extra charge. We don't have private rooms, but if you want privacy you can rent 4 beds (even if there aren't 4 people) and tell us you want to be in the same room and in a small room. Bathroom and shower facilities are still shared.
Q:
Do you have a maximum stay or weekly rates?
A: Yes, in the Summer our maximum stay is 6 days per month. This can be extended at times, but don't count on it. We offer highly discounted rates in the winter. You can stay for less than $9.00 per day if you rent on a monthly basis.
Q:
Do you have pillows, sheets, and blankets available? What if I want
to use my sleeping bag?
A: Yes, and there is no charge. Sleeping bags are fine provided they are dry and clean.
Q:
Is there parking available? Can I bring a pet?
A: Yes and off-road, no charge. We tried to allow pets, but it just didn’t work out. Sorry. You can visit with our lab and get your dog fix though.
Q:
What is the earliest I can arrive and what time is check-out?
A: 9 AM (0900h). If you arrive before that, it is assumed you spent the night. If you arrive between 1 PM (1300h) and 7 PM (1900h), please make yourself at home and enjoy the facilities, you can check in at 7 PM (1900h). Check-out is 12 noon (1200h). Often planes and busses leave at times where it is desirable to stay later. If you wish to stay later than 12 (1200h), we have a day rate. For $10 you can stay as late as 11PM (2300h), although with no bed. It is required that you stayed the night before to get a day rate. You do have full use of the facilities. If, on your last day, you want to just leave some of your things here while you are out and come back just to pick them up and leave, that is allowed and there is no charge.
Q:
Can I arrive later than 11PM (2300h)?
A: Yes, but you need a reservation. On your first night's stay, if you arrive after 11PM (2300h), you will find a note on the stairway banister just inside the front door with your name on it. The note will tell you where your bed is and you can register in the morning. If you are leaving before the office reopens, we leave you a payment envelope with instructions too. On subsequent nights you can come and go as you please, just remember quiet time.
Q:
What if I just want a shower?
A: We charge $3 for those who aren't guests, it is free for guests.
Q:
What about chores and do you offer work exchange?
A: We ask everyone, when they check in to sign up for a 10-minute chore and then complete the chore by noon the next day. We will find you something you can do that night if you are leaving early. We understand that schedules do not always permit chore time, so if you can't help we understand. But if you do have time, please help out. It is what keeps hostels affordable and clean.
One person each day in the Summer can exchange 3 hours of work for a free night's stay. Some of the rules are: You must be approved to do this work and the work must be acceptable. The work must be done in advance of the free night and be completed between 9 AM (0900h) and 1 PM (1300h). You can only sign up for work exchange 3 days in advance and may only work 3 days in a row, unless no one else is interested. The work usually is cleaning the bathrooms and kitchens.
Q:
Do you allow tenting on the property?
A: Yes. You must camp in the back yard, not on the front lawn. The cost is $21 for the tent space with one person. Each additional person is $16. If you stay anywhere on the property (even in your car in the Parking Lot) you must be registered and pay.
Q:
How far are you from the airport and downtown? How can I get
to the hostel, the airport, the university, the train station and
downtown? Do you have shuttle service?
A:
We are about 2 miles from the airport and 3.6 miles from downtown.
To get to and from the airport, you will probably want to take a
taxi. The cost of the taxi should be around $8 and 5 people ride
for the same price. Ask us for details. Make sure they are
taking you to Spenard Hostel and not one of the other Hostels.
Some drivers would prefer to take you elsewhere because they are
much further away and they can charge you more. There is some bus
service to and from the airport on bus 7A a block from the hostel.
You can check the PeopleMover
web site for up to date information.
To get downtown and to the train station, you can again take a taxi or the number 7, 7A or 36 bus leave from about 1 block away and take you directly downtown in about 20 minutes, cost is $1.50 per trip. The number 36 outbound bus also stops about a block away and will take you directly to the university in about 15 minutes.
Q:
Are there places to eat nearby? How about a place to buy groceries?
A: There are several places to eat within walking distance from the hostel. Both sit-down style and fast food. There is a 24-hour grocery store about 1.4 miles away and a small convenience store only two blocks away.
Q:
Is there storage available?
A: Yes. We have inside lockers that you can use on a space available basis. We have locks for sale or bring your own. These lockers are for use by current guests only and are free. We have general storage which is only accessible during Office Hours. This is for guests who want to leave things while they travel or for guests with a lot of stuff. This is free too while you are staying. While not staying at the hostel, prices are $1 per day or $5 per week or $15 per month for a backpack-sized package. We will also keep money or important small items or documents in our locked up for free, just ask a Houseparent. Any items left behind are given away each May. While rare, thefts in hostels do occur, neither Spenard Hostel nor Staff will be responsible for items lost or stolen. Please protect your belongings.
Q: Can I get a date with Bill or one of the Houseparents, I think they are hot?
A: This was added to see if anyone REALLY reads this. If interested you can always email us and see!!
Q:
Can I take the dog for a walk/run and feed him?
A: Yes. He loves it.
But if you feed him, feed him ONLY his dog food. He has food
allergies and can’t eat anything else. Please help us by not
feeding him and keeping him out of the trash if you catch him. We
want him to be around for a long time.
If
we have left anything out, let us know!! Thanks.
Bill
A Madsen, Proprietor
Spenard Hostel International
2845 W 42nd Avenue
Anchorage, AK 99517
Phone/Fax: 907-248-5036
Email: Stay@alaskahostel.org
Copyright © 1988-2007
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