The Best Hotels in Fairbanks, Alaska

Fairbanks with a population of about 98,000, is the largest city within the interior of Alaska and is the final stop for thousands of tourist each year that make the trip up the famous Alaska Highway. Fairbanks is only a short distance from natural splendor of Denali National Park and is also home to the U.S. Army’s most northern active duty post – Fort Wainright. With its beautiful parks, quaint shops and central location, Fairbanks is a great place to stay and visit while in Alaska. Being from Delta Junction, Alaska, which is about 100 miles southeast of Fairbanks, I have had the pleasure of staying at several hotels in the city. Here’s a look at some of the best hotel accommodations located in Fairbanks.

Pikes Waterfront Lodge is located on the banks of the Chena River and only a couple of miles from the Fairbanks International Airport terminal. The hotel offers a very cozy atmosphere and is accented by stunning original art work from various local artists. Pikes is a full service hotel with 180 rooms, 28 individual log cabins and an excellent restaurant, Pikes Landing, which offers an outstanding fine or casual dining experience. During summer months, Pikes offers its guests shuttle service to and from downtown Fairbanks, as well as nearby shopping areas. Hotel amenities include a free business center, sauna, free expanded continental breakfast, flat-panel TV with full cable service, free wireless Internet, a gift shop and a coin-operated laundry facility. There’s also ample parking RV parking in the spacious parking lot.

Average room rates during winter months (September – April) are about $75 to $120 per night and summer months (May – August) $170 to $235. Pikes Lodge is also partnered with Alaska Airlines and offers a perks plan to help travelers maximize their mileage plan benefits. The Pikes Waterfront Lodge is a well maintained, clean and comfortable hotel staffed by very courteous and helpful employees who make your stay pleasant and relaxing. Reserve your room by visiting PikesLodge.com or calling 877-774-2400.

Fairbanks has quite a few hotels, but few can compare to the modern comfort of the Princess Hotel. After a spending an exciting day in the city, you can return to this cozy, quiet retreat located on the banks of the Chena River. Refresh yourself with a vigorous workout in the fitness center, followed by a stimulating hot bath. Then enjoy a delicious meal at one of hotel’s dining facilities. With magnificently landscaped grounds and an interesting deck that extends to the water's edge, the Fairbanks Princess Lodge embraces every benefit of its Chena River locale. The Fairbanks Princess is one of Alaska’s most luxurious. Guest rooms are furnished with either two queen beds or one king bed, full cable TV, Wi-Fi Internet and most rooms have a beautiful view of the Chena River. The Princess is complimented by two watering holes, the Edgewater full service restaurant and Trackers Lounge which serves a lighter menu, snacks and beverages. The hotel also boasts its own gift shop offering uniquely Alaskan gifts.

Winter rates (September – April) range from $69 to $99 per night and summer (May – August) rates between $99 and $179. The Princess also offers special military rates for service members and their families.  The Princess also has facilities designed for corporate visitors such as large and small meeting rooms and conference halls fully equipped with all technological necessities to conduct training or seminars. To book your reservations, visit princesslodges.com or call 800- 426-0500.

The Regency Fairbanks Hotel lacks a little of the exterior luster that the previously mentioned hotels have, but inside, the hotel is as nice as any four-star hotel anywhere. The Regency has 128 guest rooms and includes a mix of two queen traditional rooms, whirlpool rooms, and executive suites. One nice touch for extended stay visitors is that all rooms feature a kitchenette with stove/oven, microwave, two-bay sink and full-size refrigerator. Most standard rooms feature either single or double person whirlpool tubs allowing you to relax in comfort. Each room is also fully equipped with Wi-Fi Internet, cable tv, and an iron with ironing board. A free continental breakfast is provided during the off-season (September to May). The hotel also offers a convenient rental car service right on the premises for getting around during your stay.  In addition, The Regency Cove Dining Room and Lounge is great place to enjoy a nice, hot and relaxing meal during your stay.

Winter rates average $70 to $122 and standard summer rates are usually between $136 and $199. The Regency is conveniently located near the downtown area and is only a couple of miles from the main gate of Fort Wainright. With a full service professional and courteous staff, the Regency Fairbanks Hotel offers a pleasant experience. Reservations can be made online at regencyfairbankshotel.com or by calling 800-478-1320.

If you are planning a trip to Fairbanks, Alaska, you owe it to yourself to stay at one of these hotels. There are other hotels in the city, but none of them really compare to these three. The service is top-notch and the rates are as reasonable as you will find anywhere in Alaska during the appropriate season. One major piece of advice is to make your reservation as early as possible because rooms within the city become scarce quickly, especially in the summer time. Fairbanks is a nice place to visit and these hotels are sure to provide a most memorable experience.