Best Hotels in Fairbanks, Alaska (& Other Unique Stays)
Whether you’re visiting Fairbanks to chase the northern lights, explore Alaska’s interior in summer, or experience a true winter wonderland, choosing the right place to stay makes all the difference. Fairbanks offers a unique mix of cozy lodges and full-service hotels—many with prime aurora-viewing locations or easy access to downtown attractions. In this guide, I’m sharing the best hotels in Fairbanks, Alaska, for every travel style and season (as I’ve been for both warm and cold season), so you can spend less time researching and more time planning your Alaskan adventure, listening to someone’s personal experience!
Disclaimer: Affiliate links are used in this post, which I do benefit from. It’s a great way to show support, if you want to!
Bucket List/ Luxury Stays in Fairbanks
Deciding where to stay in Fairbanks? Let’s start with the heavy hitters. The luxury, bucket-list, and higher-price tag stays. I understand they may not be reasonable for everyone. These are AMAZING stays if you’re able to splurge and invest in a trip of a lifetime, and they’re also fun to look at, haha. Let’s start!
borealis basecamp
Borealis Basecamp is THE BEST HOTEL IN FAIRBANKS, and I’m confident saying that. It is an iconic experience I would recommend everyone to have. There are numerous “igloos” and “cube homes” with glass walls/ceilings to view the aurora. Each one has electricity, bathrooms, nice bedding, etc. They have aurora alarms too, to wake you up to go see the northern lights. It was absolutely incredible. Also our dinner at the nice restaurant- WOWWWWW. Even breakfast was fantastic. This stay also has numerous on-site activities (reindeer, snowmobiling, other off-road vehicles, helicopters, and more!). When you book, you are usually booking multiple nights WITH activities and airport transfers. worth it, trust me.
HAVE I STAYED? Yes
AREA: 1 hour north of Fairbanks
wilding hotels
Wilding Hotel is an amazing option to add to your list of best hotels in Fairbanks. It is a company with locations in Fairbanks, Alaska and in Texas, that include individual glass lodges, to see the northern lights of course. I can imagine laying in bed with my sweetheart just watching the lights go by without having to go out into the cold. So amazing. Expensive, but would be absolutely stunning.
HAVE I STAYED? No
AREA: 15-20 min NE of Fairbanks
aurora villa
Staying at Aurora Villa near Fairbanks feels like stepping into a modern, glass-fronted hideaway designed for winter magic. Tucked just far enough from town to escape the light pollution, this boutique property offers some of the most reliable and comfortable aurora viewing in the region—often right from your bed. Floor-to-ceiling windows frame the snowy landscape, the rooms are sleek and minimalist, and the quiet setting makes it perfect for couples or anyone wanting a peaceful, upscale base for northern lights adventures. It’s one of the best places to stay if you want the atmosphere of a remote lodge with the conveniences of a contemporary, thoughtfully designed stay.
HAVE I STAYED? No
AREA: 25 min from Downtown Fairbanks
Mid-Range Budget Stays in Fairbanks
Staying at a mid-range or budget-friendly hotel in Fairbanks, Alaska is a great option for travelers who want comfort and convenience without splurging on a luxury lodge. These hotels and locally owned stays typically offer clean, cozy rooms, reliable heating for chilly winter nights, and practical amenities like free parking, breakfast, and easy access to downtown Fairbanks, the airport, or nearby attractions.
pike’s waterfront lodge
Staying at Pike’s Waterfront Lodge is a classic Fairbanks experience, offering the perfect balance of comfort, location, and Alaskan charm. Set along the Chena River, this lodge-style hotel feels cozy and welcoming while still being just minutes from the airport and downtown Fairbanks. With its spacious rooms, riverfront walking paths, on-site dining, and warm lodge atmosphere, Pike’s is a great choice for travelers looking for an easy, well-located stay—especially during northern lights season. Whether you stay overnight, check out their really cool LOVE ALASKA sign that you can view from across the water. Definitely one of the best hotels in Fairbanks Alaska.
HAVE I STAYED? I’ve been there, but not stayed overnight.
AREA: Central Fairbanks
river’s edge resort
Staying at River’s Edge Resort is a great option if you want a peaceful, Alaskan-style stay without being far from town. Set along the Chena River, the resort offers private cottage-style rooms that feel quiet and scenic, while still being just minutes from downtown Fairbanks and the airport. It’s an ideal mid-range stay for travelers who like having a bit more space, easy parking, and a relaxed riverside setting—perfect for unwinding after a day of exploring Alaska’s interior. I will say, it’s a bit outdated in the hotel rooms, but that’s okay when I’m out exploring all day.
HAVE I STAYED? Yes! Great place.
AREA: Central Fairbanks
wedgewood resort
Wedgewood Resort is another hotel in Fairbanks, AK to consider. It’s a typical style hotel, with great Alaskan decor and a really cute gazebo outside. I noticed a lot of sports teams/ tours/ wedding groups were here. It was outdated but sufficient for us, and budget-friendly.
HAVE I STAYED? Yes!
AREA: Central Fairbanks
springhill suites downtown fairbanks
I know this is a chain, but hear my out. I definitely think this is one of the best hotels in Fairbanks Alaska. It’s modern, clean, the room was super comfortable, it’s right downtown so you can walk to all the shops and restaurants AND it’s on the river. It’s the best- I loved this place. Look at the cute bear sculpture right outside the hotel during Winter Solstice Festival below.
HAVE I STAYED? Yes!
AREA: Downtown Fairbanks
Other Unique Stays in Fairbanks
Staying at a mid-range or budget-friendly hotel in Fairbanks, Alaska is a great option for travelers who want comfort and convenience without splurging on a luxury lodge. These hotels and locally owned stays typically offer clean, cozy rooms, reliable heating for chilly winter nights, and practical amenities like free parking, breakfast, and easy access to downtown Fairbanks, the airport, or nearby attractions.
chena hot springs resort
Staying at Chena Hot Springs is one of the most unique lodging experiences near Fairbanks, especially for travelers looking to combine adventure with relaxation. I’ve been in both summer and winter! Located about an hour outside of town, this remote resort is best known for its naturally heated mineral pools, which feel even more magical in winter when surrounded by snow—and during northern lights season, it’s one of the best places to soak while watching the aurora dance overhead. In addition to the hot springs themselves, the property offers unique accommodations, an on-site restaurant, winter activities, and even an ice museum. If you’re looking for an unforgettable stay that feels distinctly Alaskan and completely different from a standard hotel experience, Chena Hot Springs is well worth the trip and should be on your list of best hotels in Fairbanks Alaska. Check out my video below to see what the hot springs themselves look like.
HAVE I STAYED? Yes
AREA: 1 hour northeast of Fairbanks
treehouse stay
Looking for a unique stay in Fairbanks, Alaska? How about a treehouse? My friend and I booked this cute treehouse which crazy enough was just outside of town, that was super cool. You can stay summer and winter. There are multiple of them on one property with pathways to the central bathhouse with private bathrooms with showers and laundry. There is water in the cabin, but it’s pump, and an incinerating toilet. So a bit rustic! Really nice property, honestly. Very unique! Highly recommend.
HAVE I STAYED? Yes
AREA: Central Fairbanks
Final Thoughts about the Best Hotels in Fairbanks Alaska
From cozy downtown hotels to riverside resorts and one-of-a-kind stays just outside the city, Fairbanks offers a wide range of accommodations for every travel style and budget. Whether you want to stay close to restaurants and museums, soak in natural hot springs, or choose a quieter lodge with northern lights potential, the right hotel can elevate your entire Alaska experience. No matter the season you visit, these are some of the best places to stay in Fairbanks to help you make the most of your time in Alaska’s interior—comfortable, well-located, and uniquely memorable. Enjoy!!
