11 Best Places to Stay in Fairbanks & North Pole Areas (Tried & Tested)

If you're planning a visit to Fairbanks, chances are you'll want to stay more than one night. Plus, if you want to see the Northern Lights, then staying more nights corresponds to more chances to see the aurora. After multiple trips to Fairbanks, I've gathered my ultimate list of some of the best places to stay. Think incredible, star-shaped homes with their own geo-domes and hot tubs to more classic, off-grid cabins that ring true to the Fairbanks style. Of course, I've included some of the popular Igloo style stays too.

​My Essential Alaska Travel Resources :
There are plenty of travel companies out there, but these are my favorite websites and resources for planning an unforgettable trip to Alaska. This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.

Car rentals, arguably the best way to see Alaska, are best through Discover Cars!

I always use Expedia's to compare the best rates & stays in the state.
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If you're traveling internationally, I use Airalo’s easy to purchase eSIM’s (no installation required).

For fun things to do, I recommend Viator or Get Your Guide to find the best tours in the area.

Just in case, Safetywing is the insurance I always use for travel insurance.

Lastly, my packing list for your travels to the great state of Alaska.

Choosing an Area to Stay in Fairbanks

Choosing an area to stay in Fairbanks can feel a bit daunting - there's multiple areas to choose from (all which are pretty different), and all kinds of unique stays like lodges and igloos to yurts and villas. Plus, the season you're visiting in will have a huge impact on where you want to stay (you can't see the Northern Lights when it's 24 hours of daylight, and driving on winter roads when you're not used to it can be dangerous). Whether you're visiting for an extended period of time or visiting for just a few days, you'll want to choose an area that makes you feel the most comfortable.

Areas to Stay In :

• Fairbanks - This is the largest city in Interior Alaska, and you can expect modern amenities like Walmart and fast food restaurants close by, including the International Airport. If you won't have access to a car or want a more convenient and easy stay, you'll likely want to choose a place here. Most tours also offer hotel pickup and dropoff in the Fairbanks area.
• College - A popular neighborhood in Fairbanks located near the college in town. There's quite a few Airbnbs in this area and it's usually a bit quieter than some areas closer to town.
• North Pole - This small town is located next to Fairbanks, and is known for being the "North Pole" complete with reindeer and a Santa Clause House. Basically the entire town is themed for Christmas year round. Typically, stays here can be a bit cheaper than stays closer to Fairbanks.
• Out of Town - Many, many stays in the entire Fairbanks area claim to be in Fairbanks when they're actually out of town (sometimes over an hour drive). No matter where you decide to stay you'll want to check their location on maps to make sure you'll have a way to get there. Otherwise, you'll need to rent a car and know how to drive winter roads. Some stays offer airport pickup & dropoff, but not all of them, so you'll want to check before booking.

​​My Favorite Fairbanks Tours : 
-> Dog Sledding + Mushing in the North Pole
-> Arctic Circle Winter Adventure
-> Aurora Chasing + Northern Lights Photography

Best Places to Stay in Fairbanks

1. Star Base
Hands down my favorite stay in Fairbanks is this mid-century modern home (that's shaped like a star). It has 4 bedrooms so you can fit a larger group of people, a full kitchen, and multiple bathrooms - but the unique amenities are where it really becomes special. With an outdoor hot tub where you can gaze at the stars, their onsite aurora dome, and even an entire game room, there really is something for everyone. Plus because it's located in town it's easy to get to. If you're looking for an epic, all-around stay, this is the one.

2. Comfort Inn
​For stays in the center of Fairbanks and close to the airport, I would recommend Comfort Inn. It's an easy hotel for a quick stay, and has some modern amenities that not all the places in Fairbanks has - like WiFi and free breakfast. Although it's been a few years since I stayed here, I still recommend it to everyone who's just staying a few days or wants a stay that's a bit more modern and accessible.

3. Skogstead Cabin
​This unique stay is perfect for couples or solo travelers looking for an "off-grid" experience while in Fairbanks. My husband and I stayed a few winters ago, and even though it was a little chilly (outside temp was about -30 during our stay) it made for one of the most memorable and cozy weekends. You'll need a car to get out to the property which is about 10-15 minutes outside of town, but the interior was a Nordic vibe complete with the cutest little fireplace. The hosts even left us some eggs and breakfast to have in the mornings!

4. Pleasant Acres Reindeer Ranch
​Located a little ways outside of Fairbanks, closer to North Pole and the Chena River Lakes State Recreation Area, this unique property is exactly what it sounds like - a Reindeer Ranch in the Pleasant Valley. With 4 unique "modern" igloos, each one has a full bathroom, kitchenette, and wifi. They also offer unique tours right onsite, like their private reindeer meet-and-greet to dog sledding. Plus, because they're so remote they're also an excellent option for Northern Lights viewing.

5. Borealis Basecamp
The popular Borealis Basecamp is the ideal place to stay if you're wanting to experience the Northern Lights while in Fairbanks. They're a little ways out of town so I'd plan to drive at least 1 hour to get there, or you can take their airport shuttle. They also have options onsite for guests to eat at, including the famous Latitude 65 Restaurant. With unique igloo stays that are perfect for aurora viewing, you can enjoy some of their eco tours during the day while waiting for the Northern Lights to show up at night!

6. Pikes Waterfront Lodge
Pikes is perfect for anyone looking for a more classic and traditional Alaska Lodge stay. Think a large lobby, retro decor, and rooms that are just a little outdated. They have airport shuttles, allow dogs for a fee, and are located right on the river.

7. Chena Hot Springs Resort
Chena Hot Springs Resort is a popular recommendation for visitors to Fairbanks. Even though they're located a little ways from Fairbanks center, they have a shuttle you can book to and from the airport, making the transfer a bit easier. If you're looking for an all inclusive type stay, Chena Hot Springs Resort is the closest you'll get in Fairbanks. With restaurants and activities like their ice museum and natural hot springs all onsite, it's an easy stay for anyone who wants an easy, resort style trip.

8. The Aurora Yurt
​This yurt is an ideal stay for Northern Lights chasers and lovers of the great outdoors. Located on a ski hill outside of Fairbanks, you can ski or hike right from the front door depending on the season. There's also a hot tub onsite that you can use during your stay, and if you have a larger group you can rent both their yurts - the Aurora Yurt and the Borealis Yurt.

9. Chena Camp Cabins
​Located in Fairbanks, Chena Camp is excellent for large groups or business retreats since you can rent out the entire property, and have the option to book Chef Lizzie for private dining experiences during your stay. If you're traveling solo or as a couple or small family, they also have individual cabins available for a cozy stay that's closer to central Fairbanks. (photos from http://www.chenacamp.org/)

10. Aurora Villa
This luxury villa has incredible panoramic window views in each of their available rooms, making it perfect for anyone prioritizing Northern Lights viewing. Because they're located a little ways outside of town, you'll want to rent your own car, but luckily they have free parking. They have self-serve breakfast available each morning, and between their cozy cabin style rooms and luxury rooms there's something for everyone.

11. Birch & Bjorn
​This nordic style tiny home by Homestead Hideaways is the perfect stay for couples or solo travelers. At 400 square feet, it encompasses everything you would expect from a cozy cabin - wood detailing, a private yard in the woods (perfect for Northern Lights viewing), and a cozy living room, plus it's located just a few minutes from central North Pole and the Chena River Lakes Recreation Area. (photos from http://www.homesteadhideaways.com)

Watch My Fairbanks Adventures Here!

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Other Fairbanks Blog Posts  : 
-> Best Places to Eat in Fairbanks
-> Best Winter Activities in Fairbanks
-> How to See the Northern Lights in Alaska

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