Buddy and I went on moose hunt but had to end it a day early.  On the way back to Anchorage and clueless.  Any suggestions or places to stay away from?

The Spenard Motel is a crime-ridden hole.

There are hotels downtown and near the airport like you'd expect, but also new (built in the last 4 - 10 years) in midtown Anchorage, which is about 2 miles east of the airport and 2 miles south of downtown.

They might have vacancies if you strike out close to the airport or downtown.

names of the hotels from Google Maps:

Springhill Suites Marriott, 36th and A St
Hilton Garden Inn, A St south of Tudor Rd
Homewood Suites Anchorage A St south of Tudor Rd
Fairfield Inn & Suites by Mariott, A St north of Int'l Airport Rd
Crowne Plaza Anchorage Midtown, A St north of Int'l Airport Rd

Never stayed at any of them, but I can't imagine there are no vacancies at these 5 hotels that are clustered together.

Avoid the Puffin Inn. The Lakefront is nice and close to the airport, but it's pricy this time of year.

Avoid the Mush inn