Location: Fairbanks
Top Hotels in Fairbanks
- 1. Best Western Plus Chena River Lodge
- 2. Pike's Waterfront Lodge
- 3. La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Fairbanks Airport
- 4. SpringHill Suites by Marriott Fairbanks
- 5. Chena Hot Springs Resort
- 6. Best Western Plus Chena River Lodge
- 7. Pike's Waterfront Lodge
- 8. Bridgewater Hotel, Trademark Collection by Wyndham
- 9. Northern Sky Lodge
- 10. River's Edge Resort
Top Things to do in Fairbanks
- 1. Fountainhead Antique Auto Museum
- 2. Running Reindeer Ranch
- 3. Morris Thompson Cultural & Visitors Center
- 4. University of Alaska Museum of the North
- 5. McKinley Explorer
- 6. Chena Indian Village
- 7. University of Alaska Fairbanks
- 8. Ice Art Championships and George Horner Park
- 9. Chena River State Recreation Area
- 10. Creamer's Field Migratory Waterfowl Refuge
The best available hotels & places to stay near Fairbanks
Its far north location means Fairbanks gets the midnight sun in the summer and the northern lights during Aurora Season (August to April). These wonders define the city, along with winter activities, the gold rush past, Alaska Native heritage, a vibrant arts scene and “golden heart” hospitality. Enjoy dog mushing, panning for gold, floating the Chena River or visiting a museum. Add a nearby trip to a hot springs, Denali, the Arctic or the Interior. Fairbanks is the gateway to discovering Alaska.
Things to do in Fairbanks
1. Best Western Plus Chena River Lodge
Overall Ratings
4 based on 924 reviews
At the Best Western Plus Chena River Lodge you're sure to find that little something extra. With our modern amenities and thoughtful design, the Best Western Plus Chena River Lodge will stand out among other hotels in Fairbanks,AK. For the business traveler, a spacious work desk and free internet access are included in all our guest rooms to ensure you don't miss a beat while you're away from the office. For extended stays, each room provides a convenient in-room mini fridge that is ideal for drinks and snacks. We also have an in-house fitness room, so you can keep up your workout routine while you're on the road. As always, the Best Western Plus Chena River Lodge will provide you with the superior customer service that you are used to at Best Western® Hotels & Resorts.
Worst of ~5 places I've stayed in Fairbanks
Reviewed By D9001NUdsI've traveled to Fairbanks about ten times over the years and stayed in about 5 different hotels. All of them were fine, except this one. I got in at about 1am, dead tired. They gave me the key and I walked about 30 feet from the front desk to the room, to see that it was the room directly across from the only elevator in the building and it shared a wall with the breakfast area. So the door opened into the lobby basically. The place was mostly empty, but that was the room they decided to give me? The loudest, worst positioned room in the building? I went back to the desk right away and asked for another. The next room had no pillowcases, no trashcan liners, and I got the distinct impression it was the room somebody who worked there used to hang out in with their girlfriend or smoking buddies. There were a couple pieces of trash here and there and it looked heavily and recently used. The second night there, I was woken up at about 3am by the overpowering smell of someone smoking dope. It didn't smell just a little bit. I'm used to the smell of smoke, and I like cigars and don't mind the smell of weed. But it smelled like somebody was smoking in the bathroom of my room. I called the front desk, not happy. He said it must be the vent. The next day I got back to the room it was the same. I had to open the window. Overpowering dope smell. Every day when I got back to the room, and every night--overwhelming dope smell in the room. I chastise kids for being picky with food, and I hate waste and pretty much never throw away food. But the breakfast eggs were the worst egg-resembling substance I have probably ever had, with no exaggeration. I have eaten powdered eggs before and had no problem with them. But this stuff was terrible. The "bacon," I just really don't know what it was made out of. I took one bite of each, then threw it away and went to McDonalds. And the parking lot was a problem. It would have been a good surface for testing durability of off road vehicles. There were snow ice potholes everywhere, about 10" deep on average. My rental car bottomed out repeatedly just driving across it--BANG! SCRAPE! BANG! And I had to find the least bad parking spot and the least bad route in and out of it. Every day when I left for work and every day when I got back I had to navigate this. And, walking across it was a challenge. There's a good chance a normal person would fall without wearing crampons. Yea it's Alaska, but if it was my hotel, I would have gotten something done about it. Whoever was running this place either wasn't around or didn't care. This place was simply crappy.
2. Pike's Waterfront Lodge
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2753 reviews
Welcome to your Fairbanks hotel on the Chena River, Pike's Waterfront Lodge. Pike's Waterfront Lodge offers comfortable rooms and cabins many with scenic views, an aromatherapy steam room, riverside decks, restaurant, a comfortable lounge, and wifi in the public areas and sleeping rooms in main buildings. All rooms have refrigerators and microwaves and are non smoking. We offer Aveda aromatherapy bathroom amenities. Our free exercise room is open 24 hours. The 24 hour gift shop with ATM machine and food items. We have an extensive interpretative sign display on Fairbanks history and ecology of the area. We have fire pits, free Bocce Ball, mini miniature golf outside and FoosBall in the game room. We have a 24 hour coin operated laundry facility. Our hotel is minutes from the Fairbanks Alaska International Airport, next door to famous Pike's Landing restaurant. We have free shuttle service to/from the airport and railroad station. Northern Lights wake up call available in winter!
Fairbanks June 2022
Reviewed By Paul FGreat location with proximity to all the activities we planned. Super fun playing bocce in the dirt with "cement/concrete" balls. lol The breakfast buffet offers something for everyone, but a bit pricey.
3. La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Fairbanks Airport
Overall Ratings
4 based on 580 reviews
The hotel is conveniently located near the Fairbanks International Airport and Alaska Railroad Depot. Complimentary shuttle offered to both locations. La Quinta Inn & Suites Fairbanks Airport is also convenient to Riverboat Discovery, Pioneer Park, the University of Alaska Fairbanks, Ft Wainwright and downtown Fairbanks. Open year-round, the hotel offers an Alaska-themed spacious lobby and 113 deluxe guest rooms and suites. No matter how long your stay- you're sure to enjoy Northern Lights wake-up calls and complimentary WIFI. Your stay at the La Quinta Inn & Suites Fairbanks Airport in Fairbanks is sure to be one you'll write home about. We look forward to sharing the spirit of Alaska!
La Quinta Stay was great!
Reviewed By uliggaqsaraI loved that it had a lot of mirrors and very spacious. It was very close to the airport which made it very convenient for better check in and checking out with the Shuttle. I loved staying there. Thank you.
4. SpringHill Suites by Marriott Fairbanks
Overall Ratings
4 based on 761 reviews
Great location, fantastic adjoining restuarant
Reviewed By Jim BVery comfortable, clean, and the restaurant, LaVelles was outstanding. Best meal we had in Alaska. Easy to walk around the small downtown, Local tour buses would pick you up at hotel. Morris museum a 5 minute walk was most interesting.
5. Chena Hot Springs Resort
Overall Ratings
3.5 based on 1332 reviews
Chena Hot Springs Resort is an excellent choice for travelers visiting Pleasant Valley, offering a family-friendly environment alongside many helpful amenities designed to enhance your stay. Chena Hot Springs Fairbanks offers guests an array of room amenities including a flat screen TV, and getting online is possible, as paid internet access is available. The resort offers a 24 hour front desk, a picnic area, and baggage storage, to make your visit even more pleasant. The property also features a pool and a lounge. Guests arriving by vehicle have access to free parking. While visiting Pleasant Valley, you may want to try some crab at one of the nearby restaurants, such as Chena Hot Springs Resort Restaurant. Enjoy your stay in Pleasant Valley!
Thankful it was a clear night !
Reviewed By ElTumbaoWe decided to rent a car to drive to Chena Hot Springs Resort and it was like driving on a hockey rink for an hour. Terrifying. But we arrived safe. The resort is at the very end of the one road you drive on. Check in was chaotic and we had to wait a while for our room but the woman at the desk was very kind and gave us a voucher for a snack while we waited. By 4:30 pm we were in our room and it was disappointing. For the price of a Hyatt or Hilton, you get Days Inn or Motel 6. The rooms were relatively clean, just old and run down. There are 3-4 poor quality TV stations (if you're lucky) and less than reliable wifi. It seems like they want to make sure that you don't want to stay in your room so you'll head out and pay extra for any activity you may want to do. That is the case, BTW. You will pay extra for anything you want to do. We were there for the hot springs and lights and at least they were pretty much as advertised. The locker rooms are not very clean nor spacious but the hot springs are awesome. We got on a wait list and made it on a tractor mini bus that night to go to the top of the mountain to see the lights. That cost $75 each. It was fun but be prepared to stay there for 5 hours. There's a tent there where you can stay warm and have very basic snacks like cup ramen (bring your own snacks.) The guides were knowledgable about how to take good pics with your phone cam. We were lucky to have a clear night and see some good lights off and on. If we happened to be there on cloudy nights, it would have been a disaster. The restaurant was pretty good and reasonable and we also paid for the ice museum. That was ok. I get the feeling that the resort knows that they are the only game in town and they take full advantage of that. You can take a bus there from Fairbanks and pay for a day pass for the hot springs and for the northern lights tour only without having to stay there. The lights tour ends so late that you'd probably get back to Fairbanks around 3-4am so that's a little rough. Chena Hot Springs would be incredible if someone took it over and gave it a complete renovation and turned it into a more comfortable and modern resort. Overall, we had a good time though. I was with my wife and nothing is better. We always make the best of any situation.
6. Best Western Plus Chena River Lodge
Overall Ratings
4 based on 924 reviews
At the Best Western Plus Chena River Lodge you're sure to find that little something extra. With our modern amenities and thoughtful design, the Best Western Plus Chena River Lodge will stand out among other hotels in Fairbanks,AK. For the business traveler, a spacious work desk and free internet access are included in all our guest rooms to ensure you don't miss a beat while you're away from the office. For extended stays, each room provides a convenient in-room mini fridge that is ideal for drinks and snacks. We also have an in-house fitness room, so you can keep up your workout routine while you're on the road. As always, the Best Western Plus Chena River Lodge will provide you with the superior customer service that you are used to at Best Western® Hotels & Resorts.
Worst of ~5 places I've stayed in Fairbanks
Reviewed By D9001NUdsI've traveled to Fairbanks about ten times over the years and stayed in about 5 different hotels. All of them were fine, except this one. I got in at about 1am, dead tired. They gave me the key and I walked about 30 feet from the front desk to the room, to see that it was the room directly across from the only elevator in the building and it shared a wall with the breakfast area. So the door opened into the lobby basically. The place was mostly empty, but that was the room they decided to give me? The loudest, worst positioned room in the building? I went back to the desk right away and asked for another. The next room had no pillowcases, no trashcan liners, and I got the distinct impression it was the room somebody who worked there used to hang out in with their girlfriend or smoking buddies. There were a couple pieces of trash here and there and it looked heavily and recently used. The second night there, I was woken up at about 3am by the overpowering smell of someone smoking dope. It didn't smell just a little bit. I'm used to the smell of smoke, and I like cigars and don't mind the smell of weed. But it smelled like somebody was smoking in the bathroom of my room. I called the front desk, not happy. He said it must be the vent. The next day I got back to the room it was the same. I had to open the window. Overpowering dope smell. Every day when I got back to the room, and every night--overwhelming dope smell in the room. I chastise kids for being picky with food, and I hate waste and pretty much never throw away food. But the breakfast eggs were the worst egg-resembling substance I have probably ever had, with no exaggeration. I have eaten powdered eggs before and had no problem with them. But this stuff was terrible. The "bacon," I just really don't know what it was made out of. I took one bite of each, then threw it away and went to McDonalds. And the parking lot was a problem. It would have been a good surface for testing durability of off road vehicles. There were snow ice potholes everywhere, about 10" deep on average. My rental car bottomed out repeatedly just driving across it--BANG! SCRAPE! BANG! And I had to find the least bad parking spot and the least bad route in and out of it. Every day when I left for work and every day when I got back I had to navigate this. And, walking across it was a challenge. There's a good chance a normal person would fall without wearing crampons. Yea it's Alaska, but if it was my hotel, I would have gotten something done about it. Whoever was running this place either wasn't around or didn't care. This place was simply crappy.
7. Pike's Waterfront Lodge
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2753 reviews
Welcome to your Fairbanks hotel on the Chena River, Pike's Waterfront Lodge. Pike's Waterfront Lodge offers comfortable rooms and cabins many with scenic views, an aromatherapy steam room, riverside decks, restaurant, a comfortable lounge, and wifi in the public areas and sleeping rooms in main buildings. All rooms have refrigerators and microwaves and are non smoking. We offer Aveda aromatherapy bathroom amenities. Our free exercise room is open 24 hours. The 24 hour gift shop with ATM machine and food items. We have an extensive interpretative sign display on Fairbanks history and ecology of the area. We have fire pits, free Bocce Ball, mini miniature golf outside and FoosBall in the game room. We have a 24 hour coin operated laundry facility. Our hotel is minutes from the Fairbanks Alaska International Airport, next door to famous Pike's Landing restaurant. We have free shuttle service to/from the airport and railroad station. Northern Lights wake up call available in winter!
Fairbanks June 2022
Reviewed By Paul FGreat location with proximity to all the activities we planned. Super fun playing bocce in the dirt with "cement/concrete" balls. lol The breakfast buffet offers something for everyone, but a bit pricey.
8. Bridgewater Hotel, Trademark Collection by Wyndham
Overall Ratings
4 based on 366 reviews
Fully Renovated (all 93 guestrooms & public areas) in 2019 plus new flat screen televisions and satellite television programming including complimentary Showtime in 2021. This boutique-style hotel is ideally located in the heart of downtown Fairbanks overlooking the scenic Chena River and walking distance to restaurants, shops and some downtown area attractions. Complimentary coffee available each morning in lobby (limited hours), complimentary courtesy shuttle to and from airport (based on availability) and complimentary wi-fi for all guests. Gift Shop for snacks, souvenirs and sundries located on the lobby level in addition to self service guest laundry with token operated washers and dryers. Every team member is committed to exceeding our guests' expectations at each and every opportunity.
Great location
Reviewed By Sandy BSuper location nearby Visitors Center, Pioneer Park. Local restaurant options very close. Chema River runs in front of hotel and makes for good jogging. Room was very small. Property is aged/worn. No fitness center. On-premise cafe was shut down. But restaurants nearby, Salty’s restaurant next door. Descent food there, also a little pricey. Walkable.
9. Northern Sky Lodge
Overall Ratings
5 based on 80 reviews
Beautiful log built Alaskan lodge with breathtaking views of the aurora & wildlife. Enjoy use of trails directly from the property, cold weather gear, snowshoes, WiFi, commercial guest kitchen, & homemade breakfast. Perfect for adventurers, families, events, weddings & corporate retreats. The lodge is on 21 acres, located conveniently only 30 minutes from Fairbanks International Airport and 90 minutes from Denali National Park.
Just what we had hoped for.
Reviewed By garydennismrhWe wanted someplace away from Fairbanks and this was the perfect place. Access was easy, parking was ample. The rooms are large, beds are comfortable (best 3 night's sleep that I had in a long time). Breakfast (serve yourself from what they provide) was always fresh, tasty, and ample. Snowshoeing equipment and paths were a delight. Lots of room in common areas to spread out. Dog mushing and "local-feel" bars and restaurants nearby. Highly recommend. The best testament is that we stayed there a month ago, and we're still talking about our stay (hence this review).
10. River's Edge Resort
Overall Ratings
4 based on 458 reviews
Experience Authentic Alaska at the River's Edge Resort in beautiful Fairbanks, Alaska. Open mid-May through mid-September each year. Choose from a River or Garden view cottage and enjoy the magic of Alaska as you have always imagined it to be. The River's Edge Resort spread out over 13 acres of pristine Alaskan landscape, offers comfortable lodging accommodations, Chena's Alaskan Grill open for dinner along the banks of the Chena River and featuring the finest culinary offerings including fresh Alaskan seafood. Enjoy a sumptuous breakfast buffet each morning in the Miner's Hall Café, shop in our gift shops where you'll find unique Alaskan keepsake items, snacks and sundries. The River's Edge RV Park boasts 167 sites with several options for an exceptional RV experience. Our team of fine associates stand ready to exceed our guests' expectations at each and every opportunity. Enjoy your Alaskan experience!
A wonderful place. Quiet. Clean. And VERY friendly!
Reviewed By Phil IThis is a wonderful place to stay. Picture a hotel room (very clean and comfortable) but in your own little cabin, complete with a patio and chairs outside. No kids running up/down hallways, no elevator or ice machine noises. Walk along the river to the EXCELLENT restaurant. There’s an RV park next door that you can walk through and around, filled with very friendly people. The attendants (Sally and Jessica) at the front desk are just amazing people, they make you feel like family. There’s also a good bkfst buffet available in the main bldg.
