Destination of the Week: The Wildbirch Hotel
Photo courtesy of The Wildbirch Hotel
This week, we caught up with Patrick Faas, General Manager at The Wildbirch Hotel, which brings a fresh, modern energy to Anchorage’s Mushing District. The hotel blends contemporary design with Alaska’s rugged spirit, pairing boutique comfort with adventure-ready spaces and mountain views.
The Wildbirch Hotel brings a new energy to downtown Anchorage. How does the property balance contemporary design with Alaska’s rugged, authentic spirit?
The Wildbirch was designed to reflect both sides of Anchorage – the vibrant, evolving city and the untamed wilderness that surrounds it. You’ll see clean, modern lines and design-forward details throughout the hotel, but they’re layered with textures, colors and materials inspired by Alaska’s landscape, from sweeping mountain views on the terrace to subtle nods to the state’s iconic summer sunsets. It’s unmistakably Anchorage, but with a fresh, contemporary lens.
From the boutique rooms to vibrant gathering spaces, The Wildbirch feels both urban and adventurous. How did the renovation and redesign capture that dual identity?
Our goal was to create a hotel that feels at home in the Mushing District – a place where visitors launch big adventures and locals gather every day. The design embraces that energy. Our boutique guestrooms offer comfort and style with a metropolitan feel, while the shared spaces, like the elevated outdoor deck, complete with fire pits and views of Mount Susitna and Knik Arm, channel the spirit of a true Alaska basecamp. Every space is crafted to encourage exploration, whether that’s heading into the backcountry or discovering the dynamic West Fourth Avenue corridor just outside our doors.
Crimson Restaurant celebrates Alaska’s seasonal ingredients through a bold, pan-Latin lens. What inspired this unexpected culinary direction, and how do you see it redefining Anchorage’s dining scene?
Crimson is all about honoring Alaska ingredients while inviting guests to see them in a new way. Chef La Mont Caldwell brings a Pan-American Latin influence that adds depth, color and excitement to classic Alaska staples. Anchorage’s dining scene is buzzing, and Crimson adds something fresh: a place where local diners and travelers can enjoy Alaska-forward dishes with globally inspired flair in a warm, welcoming atmosphere.
With Canteen and the soon-to-open Undertap brewery, The Wildbirch seems to embrace the social side of travel. How do these spaces foster connection between guests and locals alike?
Canteen and Undertap were designed as gathering places first and foremost. Canteen opens right onto the street with a walk-up window, making it as inviting to neighbors as it is to guests grabbing coffee before a day of adventure. And when Undertap debuts in collaboration with Midnight Sun Brewing Co., it will offer a relaxed tasting-room vibe where craft beer lovers can connect over locally brewed pours. Both spaces blur the line between hotel amenity and local hangout – a reflection of our belief that Anchorage’s best stories start with shared moments.
Whether guests are here for business, exploration, or relaxation, The Wildbirch positions itself as “the joy of travel, Alaska style.” What does that phrase mean to you, and how do you hope guests feel when they leave?
“The joy of travel, Alaska style” means tapping into the spirit that makes this place special – awe-inspiring landscapes, warm community, and a sense of discovery around every corner. At The Wildbirch, we want guests to feel that joy the moment they walk in, whether they’re sipping coffee by the fire pits, connecting with locals at Crimson or heading out into the wild. Our hope is that they leave feeling energized, welcomed and inspired to return. It’s more than a stay; it’s an invitation to experience Anchorage at its most authentic.
