Alaska is an adventurer’s dream, filled with a vast wilderness, scenic landscapes, and diverse outdoor activities. It’s also a haven for nature lovers, with its glaciers, fjords, and abundant wildlife.
Figuring out where to stay in Alaska could be a challenge for first-time visitors.
Fear not, I’ve spent two months there before, and I’m ready to share some much-needed details about lodging in Alaska.  Â
Pssst: Pick up my insightful guide on jaw-dropping places to visit in Alaska.
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5 Best Places to Stay in Alaska: Cities & Towns
Before even looking at hotels, let’s determine the best areas to find accommodation. This will ensure you are near specific points of interest.
1. Anchorage
Best for: First-time visitors and nature enthusiasts
As the largest city, Anchorage is the ideal base to explore Alaska with a wide variety of accommodations, attractions, and restaurants.
It’s also a great starting point for nearby trips to Kenai Fjords National Park and Denali National Park. Â
2. Homer
Best for: Couples and families
Homer is a charming coastal city with a pebble beach, harbor, and mountain scenery.
The seaside town has an artsy vibe and feels safe with galleries, seafood restaurants, and outdoor activities. Â
3. Seward
Best for: Solo adventurers and animal lovers
Here’s another coastal city, but this one emphasises wildlife and outdoor experiences as the gateway to Kenai Fjords National Park.
Stay here if you want to spot animals, pick up scenic trails, and enjoy boating activities.Â
4. Fairbanks
Best for: To see the Northern Lights
Fairbanks, the “Golden Heart City,” offers something more unique thanks to its rich history, diverse culture, and vibrant art scene.
It’s the gateway to Alaska’s inner Arctic regions, where you can experience the “midnight sun” and dazzling Northern Lights.Â
5. Juneau
Best for: Culture enthusiasts and sightseeing
Juneau is Alaska’s capital city, known for its natural wonders, wildlife, and cultural significance as the jewel of Native heritage.
If you want to experience the Alaskan wilderness and Mendenhall Glacier, stay in this scenic coastal city.Â
10 Best Hotels in Alaska
Now we’ve reached the fun part: finding your ideal hotel. It’s a mixed bag from lavish to humble, suiting everyone’s needs and budgets.
1. Alyeska Resort ($$$)
Location: Anchorage
Alyeska Resort is a pretty large hotel, but still manages to give off that “cabin in the woods” feeling. Surrounded by snow-capped peaks and woodsy forests, you’ll find yourself in a whimsical setting.Â
The rooms are elegant with valley or mountain views and modern bathrooms. There are eight restaurants on site, each offering unique experiences from sushi to finger food and fine dining.
Treat yourself to hydrotherapy, massages, and more at the Alyeska Nordic Spa. Detox in the sauna or unwind in the hot pool while taking in the unspoilt wilderness.
2. Aviator Hotel Anchorage ($$)
Location: Anchorage
Next up is a more affordable and humble abode that is smack dab in the hustle and bustle of Anchorage.
You’re steps from the Anchorage Market and Festival, 5th Avenue Mall, restaurants, and the Anchorage Alaska Railroad Depot.Â
So, Aviator Hotel Anchorage offers a more lively stay in the downtown area and has a coffee shop where you can browse souvenirs. Enjoy modern comforts, such as WiFi, air conditioning, retro mini-fridges, and blackout curtains.
The rooms are stylish and artsy with plush beds and chic en-suites with bathrobes and complimentary toiletries.
3. Land’s End Resort ($$)
Location: Homer
Moving on to Homer, a place where you are blessed with oceanscapes from the comfort of your room.
Who wouldn’t want to fall asleep or wake up to that? This beachfront resort is on the smaller side, but that adds to its charm.Â
The rooms are open and spacious, most with large bay windows allowing the natural light and seaviews to pour in. It’s like you’re right on the water with striking mountain views across the bay.
The interior is a mix of old and new with a few Victorian-esque pieces throughout, like the chandeliers or feature cupboards.Â
4. Lakeshore Cabins ($)
Location: Homer
Prefer something more low-key and budget-friendly? These lovely Lakeshore Cabins will do the trick.
Since it’s located on the lake’s edge, you can expect a serene atmosphere with scenic surroundings.Â
With lake views from your cabin, you’ll enjoy a cozy living space enhanced by heated floors.
Cabins have contemporary kitchen areas, sprawling decks, and inviting rooms.
Some top amenities include a pool, spa services, WiFi, a washing machine, toiletries, and fully-equipped kitchens with dishwashers.Â
This spot is a winner if you want to be near cross-country skiing or snowboarding areas.
5. Safari Lodge ($$)
Location: Seward
Sitting along the picturesque small boat harbor, the views from Safari Lodge are dreamy. Spend your free time watching the boats sway on icy blue waters with snowy mountains in the distance.
This lodge is ideally located near Kenai Fjords National Park, Seward Waterfront Park, and Alaska SeaLife Center.Â
Inside, it’s just as impressive. The rooms, some with decks or patios, offer stunning views of the harbor. They are cozy and cabin-themed, reminiscent of the Alaskan wilderness.
The lodge provides boat tours and fishing, and various cafes and restaurants are on site. Â
6. Orca Island Cabins ($$$)
Location: Seward
Escape to a secluded cabin surrounded by jaw-dropping scenery and peaceful bliss.
The cabins here are not what you expect since they look more like treehouses or glamping tents, which makes staying here even more exciting.Â
You’re separated from civilization tucked away in Humpy Cove, an area filled with lush forests, bright-blue seas and dramatic mountains. It’s also a popular spot for fishing, kayaking, hiking, and other outdoor activities.
You can hike to nearby waterfalls, go paddleboarding, spot some sea otters, or, if you’re lucky, an orca.
Your little cabin is nothing too fancy and will make you feel like you’re camping, but it’s the nature, wildlife, and fun things to do here that make it so special.Â
7. Northern Lights Escape ($$)
Location: Fairbanks
On your way to catch a glimpse of the dancing Aurora Borealis? You might as well book yourself in at Northern Lights Escape to stay as close to it as possible.
This accommodation offers authentic log cabin stays with a sauna, pool, and other modern amenities for a comfortable experience.Â
These include a washer and dryer, an indoor fireplace, WiFi, air conditioning, and a well-equipped kitchen.
You’re near the North Pole Plaza, Santa Claus House, Big Dipper Ice Arena, and Fairbanks Ice Museum, making this lodging a perfect match for families or groups.Â
The cabins are what you expect from a Christmas movie: cute, hidden in the woods, and often blanketed in snow. Inside, it’s warm, rustic, and decorated with a typical cabin style from woven rugs to exposed wooden walls.
Image Credit: Expedia
Image Credit: Expedia
8. Aurora Villa ($$$)
Location: Fairbanks
Consider Aurora Villa for the same reasons as the above cabins: to have a chance to admire the magical Northern Lights.
Only this time, it’s far more contemporary and sleek for those who prefer an ultra-modern stay over nostalgic, rustic cabins.Â
This place is beyond beautiful as it sits isolated amidst snow-dusted woods and valleys.
Since it’s so quiet and secluded, the nights feel even darker, making it excellent for sky viewing. The units have an aparthotel style with lavish decor and large windows to take in your surroundings. Â
9. Silverbow Inn & Suites ($$)
Location: Juneau
If you want to explore the Mendenhall Glacier, Tracy Arm Fjord, and Glacier Gardens Rainforest Adventure, then this should be your go-to hotel.
The Silverbow Inn & Suites is an excellent fit for anyone visiting Juneau with its stellar amenities and perfect location.Â
Book a suite that feels more like an Airbnb than a hotel, with cute kitchenettes in some, and hanging chairs in others, and fun wall art throughout.
The rooms are immaculate and easy on the eye, with WiFi, bathrobes, and streaming services.Â
The onsite restaurant serves Italian cuisine for a quick bite before your daily adventures, and there’s a hot tub to soak in afterwards.
10. Waterfront on Glacier ($$$)
Location: Juneau
Want to have a five-star experience with ultra-modern decor and top-tier amenities?
Well, the Waterfront on Glacier is just the right place. With seaviews and mountainscapes, you’ll enjoy a quiet and peaceful stay surrounded by natural beauty.Â
The rooms are modest yet luxurious, with spectacular views of Aurora Harbor, kitchenettes, and WiFi.
You won’t have to stray too far for dinner thanks to the onsite steakhouse restaurant and bar.
There’s also a fitness area, a minimarket, and nearby attractions like the Glacier Gardens Rainforest Adventure.Â
FAQs: Top Alaska Hotels and Places to Stay
Here are some FAQs to keep in mind.
When Is the Best Time to Visit Alaska?
It’s best to visit Alaska in summer, from June through August, especially if you want to experience pleasant weather and long daylight hours.
How Many Days Do You Need in Alaska?
For a truly immersive and satisfying vacation, visit Alaska for 7-10 days. This fits in leisure cruises, relaxed land tours, and outdoor activities.
What’s the Best Way to Get Around in Alaska?
If you want to explore the central part of Alaska, use car rentals or the Alaska Railroad, which offers scenic train rides. Buses or motorcoaches are great for traveling between major cities.Â
Then, ferries, taxis, or rideshares are enough for travel between coastal communities. Finally, Air Travel may be best for reaching remote areas, smaller communities, and islands.
Next Up: Learn how to make money while traveling full-time.