The Best Motels to Book in Alaska

For those heading to the Kenai Peninsula for fishing, hiking or business, the Uptown Motel has been hosting guests for more than 40 years. Within two buildings, the motel offers 50 recently remodeled rooms that are charming and comfortable. On-site restaurant Louie’s has been serving up steaks and seafood since 1983. Just off scenic Highway 1, which leads to Homer, Kenai – and the Uptown Motel – offers views of Cook Inlet, Mount Redoubt and the Kenai River.

Anchorage is the most populous city in Alaska and acts as a jumping-off point for intrepid adventures to Denali National Park or Chugach National Forest. But don’t sleep on this thriving city. Located in Midtown Anchorage, the Hyatt Place puts you close to restaurants, breweries and urban parks – plus it’s a stone’s throw from the airport. After a day exploring the city, retreat to your modern room or relax in the hotel’s indoor pool and hot tub.

Palmer, Alaska, is a cute little town along the Matanuska River, which flows down from Matanuska Glacier – the largest glacier in the US that is accessible by car. The Pioneer Motel has been operating in downtown Palmer since 1953, so they know what they’re doing – it has 18 guest rooms, as well as eight cabins that were added more recently. Open year-round, the motel encourages guests to explore the surrounding area, including a musk ox farm, Knik Glacier and skiing at Skeetawk.

No need to try ice driving. You can hop on the free airport shuttle directly to the Hilton Garden Inn, where you’ll be greeted by a grizzly bear on its hind legs – thankfully, it’s just a stuffed one. The hotel is located just a few minutes from downtown Anchorage, and boasts spacious rooms and an indoor pool. If hiking Flattop Mountain in Anchorage isn’t exercise enough, the hotel also offers a large workout facility.

Claiming the enviable title of “closest hotel to Ted Stevens International Airport,” the Courtyard by Marriott is the perfect spot for weary travelers in need of instant comfort and convenience. It’s also near the William A Egan Civic & Convention Center, which hosts conferences, trade shows, concerts and other events. Deserve a bit more? Upgrade to a suite with an additional sofa bed, ergonomic workspace and kitchenette. The on-site bistro offers Starbucks coffee and a hearty breakfast in the mornings.

The beautiful coastal town of Sitka draws visitors looking to fish, kayak, hike and learn about the state’s native history. Located between Swan Lake and Crescent Bay, the pet-friendly Super 8 motel couldn’t have bagged a better spot. The motel offers free breakfast to fuel you up for your daily adventures, as well as 24-hour coffee and tea service to keep you caffeinated at all times.

Just north of Anchorage, Wasilla is a stopover point for those looking to explore Chugach State Park or other nearby attractions like Knik Glacier. Located in the Mat-Su Valley, the Select Inn Hotel offers spacious king and queen suites. Each room comes with a fully furnished kitchen, perfect for long-term stays. While in Wasilla, be sure to visit the Iditarod Trail Museum, dedicated to the famous dog sled race.

In the capital of Alaska, the Super 8 is the perfect crash pad for your Juneau adventures. Located off Glacier Highway and nestled among evergreens, the convenient location offers easy access to Mendenhall Glacier, the Mount Roberts Tramway gondola ride to the mountaintop, and whale-watching tours at Stephens Passage. Rooms at the motel are updated and spacious; suites have kitchenettes. The motel also offers a free shuttle to the airport, just 5mi (8km) away.