Top 15 Iconic Hotels and Getaways in Alaska (Currently Open)
There’s no place quite like Alaska — a land of breathtaking glaciers, wild frontiers, and pristine natural beauty. Known as The Last Frontier, Alaska calls to adventurers, dreamers, and those who crave a taste of unspoiled wilderness. Yet, beyond its rugged terrain and snow-capped peaks, the state also offers an impressive collection of iconic hotels and getaways where luxury, history, and authentic Alaskan hospitality merge perfectly.
Whether you’re planning a romantic escape beneath the Northern Lights, a wilderness lodge adventure, or a cozy stay near the coast, these Top 15 Iconic Hotels and Getaways in Alaska (currently open) are sure to leave you awe-inspired. Let’s dive into Alaska’s finest places to stay — where adventure meets comfort in the most extraordinary ways.
Alyeska Resort – Girdwood’s Mountain Luxury
Nestled in the charming ski town of Girdwood, just 40 miles south of Anchorage, the Alyeska Resort is one of Alaska’s premier mountain destinations. Surrounded by lush rainforests and glacier-capped peaks, this resort blends world-class amenities with an authentic wilderness vibe.
Guests can enjoy:
The Alyeska Aerial Tram, offering panoramic views of the Turnagain Arm
Skiing and snowboarding during winter months
Hiking, mountain biking, and wildlife tours in the summer
Seven Glaciers Restaurant, a fine-dining experience perched atop the mountain
Alyeska is ideal for year-round adventure seekers who want the perfect mix of luxury and outdoor recreation. It’s also one of the best places to see the Northern Lights during winter.
Hotel Captain Cook – Anchorage’s Timeless Icon
Located in the heart of downtown Anchorage, the Hotel Captain Cook is a landmark of luxury and history. Named after the famed explorer Captain James Cook, this AAA Four-Diamond property perfectly captures the spirit of Alaska’s pioneering heritage.
This upscale hotel features:
Three fine-dining restaurants, including the renowned Crow’s Nest, offering sweeping views of Cook Inlet
Art-lined corridors that highlight Alaska’s maritime and cultural history
Spacious, elegant rooms and suites with modern comforts
Hotel Captain Cook is the epitome of Anchorage sophistication, attracting both business travelers and vacationers seeking refined comfort in the heart of the city.
Chena Hot Springs Resort – A Relaxing Northern Lights Escape
For a truly one-of-a-kind Alaskan experience, head to Chena Hot Springs Resort, located 60 miles northeast of Fairbanks. This rustic yet comfortable retreat is world-famous for its geothermal hot springs and stunning views of the Aurora Borealis.
Highlights include:
Year-round access to natural hot springs
The Aurora Ice Museum, the world’s largest year-round ice structure
Dog sledding, snowmobiling, and guided Aurora viewing tours
Guests come for relaxation, but stay for the magic — it’s not every day you can soak in warm mineral waters while the Northern Lights dance above.
Talkeetna Alaskan Lodge – Gateway to Denali
Perched on a bluff overlooking Denali National Park, the Talkeetna Alaskan Lodge offers some of the most spectacular mountain views in the state. Its massive river rock fireplace, handcrafted log architecture, and panoramic windows make it a cozy haven in the heart of the wilderness.
What makes it special:
Incredible views of Mount Denali, North America’s highest peak
On-site dining that showcases Alaskan cuisine, from halibut to reindeer sausage
Perfect location for flightseeing tours and rafting adventures
This lodge is a favorite among photographers, outdoor enthusiasts, and couples looking for a scenic getaway with a touch of rustic elegance.
Anchorage Grand Hotel – Comfort with a Historic Touch
Situated in the heart of Alaska’s largest city, the Anchorage Grand Hotel is a boutique property offering affordable comfort with a classic, historic feel.
Originally built in 1950, it has been beautifully restored, blending modern amenities with its mid-century charm. Each suite includes a kitchenette, making it perfect for longer stays.
With its proximity to Tony Knowles Coastal Trail and Anchorage Museum, the hotel is ideal for travelers who want easy access to both urban attractions and outdoor adventures.
Land’s End Resort – Homer’s Seaside Treasure
At the very tip of the Homer Spit, you’ll find the breathtaking Land’s End Resort, where the mountains meet the sea. Offering panoramic views of Kachemak Bay, this resort provides a blend of rugged Alaskan beauty and coastal comfort.
Why visitors love it:
Waterfront rooms with private balconies
Access to beachcombing, kayaking, and halibut fishing
Chart Room Restaurant, known for its fresh seafood and ocean views
This resort perfectly captures the soul of Homer, often called the “Halibut Fishing Capital of the World.”
Denali Bluffs Hotel – Adventure at Your Doorstep
Located just a mile from the entrance to Denali National Park, the Denali Bluffs Hotel offers comfortable accommodations surrounded by jaw-dropping wilderness.
Features include:
Cozy mountain-style rooms with private decks
On-site restaurant serving local Alaskan fare
Shuttle service to Denali National Park and nearby attractions
This hotel is ideal for travelers seeking easy access to hiking, wildlife tours, and scenic drives in one of America’s most awe-inspiring natural settings.
The Lakefront Anchorage – A Lakeside Urban Escape
The only hotel in Anchorage located directly on Lake Spenard, The Lakefront Anchorage combines city convenience with natural tranquility.
Guests can watch floatplanes take off and land right outside the hotel’s windows — a quintessential Alaskan experience.
Amenities include:
A full-service restaurant, The Fancy Moose Lounge
Complimentary airport shuttle
Elegant rooms with lake or mountain views
The Lakefront is especially popular among anglers, pilots, and adventure travelers, offering both comfort and authenticity.
A Taste of Alaska Lodge – Fairbanks’ Hidden Gem
For visitors seeking a warm, family-run retreat, the A Taste of Alaska Lodge near Fairbanks is pure perfection. Set on 280 acres of scenic wilderness, this lodge offers panoramic views of the Alaska Range and personalized hospitality that’s hard to match.
Guests can:
Enjoy Aurora Borealis viewing right from the property
Explore hiking trails, wildflower meadows, and nearby Fairbanks attractions
Savor hearty Alaskan breakfasts made from local ingredients
It’s the kind of place where you arrive as a guest and leave feeling like family — a true Alaskan home away from home.
Sheldon Chalet – The Pinnacle of Luxury in Denali
If you’re looking for an exclusive, once-in-a-lifetime experience, the Sheldon Chalet in Denali National Park is one of the most extraordinary getaways in the world. Perched on a nunatak 6,000 feet above sea level, this ultra-luxury lodge is accessible only by helicopter.
Guests enjoy:
Private chef-prepared meals
Guided glacier treks and Aurora viewing
A completely off-the-grid luxury experience
The Sheldon Chalet redefines Alaskan adventure — a place where wilderness and indulgence coexist in perfect harmony.
Tutka Bay Lodge – Wilderness Meets Elegance
Accessible by boat or seaplane from Homer, Tutka Bay Lodge is part of the Within the Wild Luxury Lodges collection. This coastal retreat offers a mix of rustic elegance, culinary excellence, and breathtaking scenery.
Experiences include:
Sea kayaking and wildlife watching (think sea otters and whales)
Cooking classes led by world-renowned chefs
Secluded accommodations with oceanfront views
Tutka Bay Lodge is the definition of Alaskan coastal luxury, where every detail is crafted to inspire and rejuvenate.
Kenai Princess Wilderness Lodge – Comfort in the Heart of the Kenai Peninsula
Overlooking the Kenai River, the Kenai Princess Wilderness Lodge offers a serene setting in one of Alaska’s most beautiful regions.
Guests can enjoy:
Cabin-style rooms with wood-burning stoves
Fishing excursions for salmon and trout
Proximity to Kenai Fjords National Park and Exit Glacier
This lodge offers the perfect balance of adventure and comfort, making it a top choice for families and fishing enthusiasts.
The Aurora Villa – Northern Lights in Modern Style
Located near Fairbanks, The Aurora Villa is a boutique retreat designed for Northern Lights viewing in contemporary luxury.
Why stay here:
Floor-to-ceiling windows for perfect Aurora views
Sleek, Scandinavian-inspired design
Quiet location with minimal light pollution
It’s an intimate, design-forward getaway that proves Alaska can be both wild and wonderfully modern.
Seward Windsong Lodge – Gateway to the Fjords
Just minutes from Kenai Fjords National Park, the Seward Windsong Lodge offers the best of both worlds: comfort and adventure.
Top experiences:
Cruise tours to see glaciers and marine wildlife
Access to Exit Glacier hiking trails
Cozy lodge dining at Resurrection Roadhouse
Surrounded by lush forest and flowing rivers, this lodge feels like a true Alaskan escape.
Borealis Basecamp – The Ultimate Glamping Experience
Located just outside Fairbanks, Borealis Basecamp is one of the most Instagram-worthy destinations in Alaska. Guests stay in luxury domes with clear ceilings, allowing for incredible views of the Northern Lights from the comfort of bed.
Unforgettable features:
Heated fiberglass domes with private baths
Winter adventure activities, including snowshoeing and fat biking
Gourmet dining and a romantic, remote setting
Borealis Basecamp offers glamping at its finest — merging the thrill of Alaska’s wilderness with a cozy, luxurious experience under the stars.
Conclusion: Alaska’s Wild Beauty Meets World-Class Comfort
From the icy grandeur of Denali to the coastal calm of Homer, Alaska’s hotels and getaways offer more than just a place to rest — they offer a true connection to the land, its people, and its stories. Whether you’re seeking rugged adventure, romantic seclusion, or five-star luxury in the wilderness, Alaska delivers an experience you’ll never forget.
So pack your spirit of adventure — and maybe a warm parka — and set out to explore the Top 15 Iconic Hotels and Getaways in Alaska. Because in this extraordinary corner of the world, every stay becomes part of the story you’ll tell for a lifetime.