Even though Juneau relies on tourism to survive it can be a bit of a nerve-wracking place for people who have never visited Alaska before.
Unlike most places down south, it’s not advisable to head to Alaska and just decide to wing it. Methodically planning out your trip will ensure that you actually get to do the activities you want to and stay at a decent place.
When it comes to finding the perfect place to stay during a trip to Juneau, there are plenty of great hotels available. From luxury resorts with breathtaking views (the views are world-class, the luxury is “Juneau luxury”) to budget-friendly options with all the essentials, there’s something for every traveler in Juneau.
Before we get to my list, however, there are a few things that you should know which will make it easier to get a hotel and enjoy your experience in Juneau:
- With a few outliers, most hotels in Juneau are located in either the heart of downtown or within a mile or so of the Juneau International Airport.
- Many of the downtown hotels have been around for decades, while many valley hotels have been built much more recently.
- All hotel rooms in Juneau are smoke-free due to both local ordinances and state law, although there are designated smoking areas outside at each location.
- There are no hotels or motels on Douglas Island or in Auke Bay, although there are a few Airbnb locations and rental cabins available, some of which are listed below.
- Not every hotel in the downtown area offers a shuttle service to the airport, although every hotel near the airport in the Mendenhall Valley does.
- For hotels without shuttle service, Juneau offers several taxicab services, Uber, Lyft, and a city bus service (Capital Transit). Bus fares are $2 each way for adults, $1 for youths, and children five years of age or younger ride free.
- Every hotel, bed and breakfast, and Airbnb on this list offers free WiFi, with a few offering optional paid upgrades for higher speeds, usually $3.99 per night or less. These are highly recommended for visitors planning on using streaming services.
- Visitors who plan on fishing through a charter will generally have their catches processed and mailed to their homes. Some hotels offer freezer space for recreational fishers (such as those who visit DIPAC). Availability is subject to change, so be sure to call ahead.
- The downtown Juneau area is very compact and walkable, while the Mendenhall Valley is more spread out. Visitors who are staying at hotels in the valley (i.e., near the airport) may want to consider renting a vehicle during their stay.
Hopefully, that cleared up some questions that you would have otherwise had to talk to a local to find out (which I guess is what you’re doing here, anyway). Nearly every hotel and tour service in Juneau has an atrocious website with minimal information so hopefully, I was able to save you some phone calls!
Best Hotels & AirBNBs in Juneau, Alaska
The Baranof Hotel, Best Western Signature Collection
Address: 127 North Franklin Street
Airport Shuttle: No
Check Availability
One of the premiere hotels in downtown Juneau, the Baranof Hotel was built in 1939 and has a classic feeling to its hallowed halls. Art deco paintings by local artists fill the public spaces and create a warm, inviting atmosphere.
The first floor of the hotel has a restaurant, a cocktail lounge, a workout room, and a coffee stand that features delicious, locally-brewed Heritage Coffee.
The Alaskan Hotel
Address: 167 South Franklin Street
Airport Shuttle: No
Check Availability
The Alaskan Hotel is one of the oldest and most famous hotels in Juneau, having been built in 1913 and added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1978. Many celebrities have enjoyed their stays here, including Ozzy Osbourne and Weird Al Yankovic.
The first floor (through a separate entrance) features the famous Alaskan Bar, one of the most popular bars in town. It features live music from local artists, performances, and karaoke on certain nights.
Silverbow Inn
Address: 120 2nd Street
Airport Shuttle: No
Check Availability
Located a block up the hill downtown, The Silverbow Inn in the historic Messerschmidt Building features an urban boutique design for its 16 rooms, in sharp contrast to the nearly 125-year-old building in which it is found.
Right next to the hotel on the same property is an upscale Italian restaurant called In Bucca al Lupo, which features (among many other dishes) handmade pizza that has been cooked over a wood fire, open Tuesday to Saturday from 5 PM to 9 PM.
The Driftwood Lodge
Address: 435 W Willoughby Avenue
Airport Shuttle: Yes
Check Availability
The Driftwood Lodge is located just a few blocks from the heart of downtown and is a two-story motel with an outside staircase. There are a few suites with kitchenettes, making it a popular choice for travelers who want to take advantage of the hotel’s weekly rates.
It is centrally located near the Sandpiper Cafe, the Pinz LLC bowling alley, Foodland IGA, the Alaska State Museum, the Centennial Hall Convention Center, the Elizabeth Peratovich Hall meeting room, and Dominos Pizza.
The Ramada by Wyndham
Address: 375 Whittier Street
Airport Shuttle: No
Check Availability
Formerly known as The Prospector and still referred to as such by many locals, the Ramada by Wyndham is located between the Alaska State Museum and Foodland IGA, on the other end of the block from the Driftwood. There is also a storage area for skiers here.
It is also home to TK Maguire’s, a fantastic local restaurant that features locally caught seafood, burgers, a range of beers from the Alaskan Brewing Company, their famous BBQ Prime Rib Cheddar Brioche Sandwich, and a whole lot more.
Alaska’s Capital Inn Bed and Breakfast
Address: 113 W 5th Street
Airport Shuttle: No
Check Availability
For a traditional bed and breakfast experience in Juneau, look no further than Alaska’s Capital Inn Bed and Breakfast. Located near the stairs on 5th street, it’s the perfect place to spend a relaxing night before waking up to a breakfast of crabs egg Benedict, pancakes, and more.
Across the street is the Juneau-Douglas City Museum, as well as the old playground that once served Capitol Elementary School (now the Terry B. Miller Legislative Office Building). The 5th street staircase leads down toward the State Museum and Foodland IGA area.
The Four Points by Sheraton
Address: 51 Egan Drive
Airport Shuttle: No
Check Availability
Formerly known as The Goldbelt Hotel (and located inside the Goldbelt building), The Four Points by Sheraton is a modern, upscale hotel, located about a block away from the famous Fishermen’s Wharf and the city’s cruise ship docks.
Like many other hotels in downtown Juneau, the first floor contains a restaurant. McGivney’s Sports Bar and Grill is an excellent place to have a drink, enjoy a delicious poutine appetizer, and watch the day’s sporting event on one of their many television sets.
The Juneau Hotel
Address: 1200 W 9th Street
Airport Shuttle: Yes
Check Availability
Located next to the Douglas Bridge, The Juneau Hotel is a newer establishment that has 72 beautiful rooms, including a few two-bedroom luxury suites with an in-room whirlpool bath. It also has a fitness center and an airport shuttle.
It is located about a mile from the heart of downtown and there is a walking/biking path that leads directly to the cruise ship docks that provide some fantastic views of Gastineau Channel and the neighboring island community of Douglas.
The Breakwater
Address: 1711 Glacier Highway
Airport Shuttle: Yes
Check Availability
The last hotel in the downtown area is located about a mile away from the city center next to Juneau-Douglas High School. One side of the hotel offers amazing views of Gastineau Channel and Douglas, while the other provides a close-up look at Mt. Roberts.
The Breakwater Inn Restaurant offers an Asian-American fusion cuisine, which includes burgers, locally caught fish, ramen, fried rice, bibimbap, various appetizers, and much more. J&J’s Deli and the Delta Western gas station convenience store are also nearby.
The Extended Stay America Suites
Address: 1800 Shell Simmons Drive
Airport Shuttle: Yes
Check Availability
Located about a block away from Juneau International Airport, this beautiful hotel is a favorite for both visitors and locals catching the 5:25 AM flight to Seattle who don’t want to risk missing the plane!
It features a pool and a fitness room, as well as a grab-and-go continental breakfast. It is also located behind the Airport Shopping Center, which has a coffee stand, a breakfast diner called Donna’s, and the Friends of the Library Bookstore.
The Aspen Suites Hotel
Address: 8400 Airport Road
Hotel Shuttle: No
Check Availability
Designed with the business traveler in mind, the Aspen Suites Hotel is approximately one-half mile from Juneau International Airport. It has a business center with a copier and a fax machine, as well as a corporate meeting room.
It is conveniently located near the Nugget Mall, Subway, McDonald’s, as well as The Canton Asian Bistro. The city bus stop in front of the Subway will take riders downtown, while the bus across the street heads towards the Mendenhall Glacier.
Grandma’s Feather Bed by Best Western
Address: 2358 Mendenhall Loop Road
Airport Shuttle: Yes
Check Availability
Featuring Victorian-style architecture on the outside, this wonderful hotel is one of a few in town that offers in-room whirlpool bath suites. These cozy suites are perfect for a honeymoon, a romantic getaway, or any other occasion.
Located next to the Pipeline Skate Park, it is a short walk to restaurants, coffee stands, a store that sells musical instruments, a vape shop, and more. There are also several hiking trails nearby for visitors to enjoy before relaxing in the Jacuzzi.
Frontier Suites
Address: 9400 Glacier Highway
Hotel Shuttle: Yes (also to the Alaska Marine Highway Ferry Terminal in Auke Bay)
Check Availability
Centrally located between the Nugget Mall and the Mendenhall Mall, the Frontier Suites is a classic Juneau Hotel, which features a business center, an exercise room, and corporate meeting rooms.
The bottom floor of the Frontier Suites contains a restaurant space that has changed hands a few times in the past few years but currently features a Filipino-American fusion restaurant called Kultura Sa Isla.
Super 8 by Wyndham
Address: 2295 Trout Street
Hotel Shuttle: Yes
Check Availability
The Super 8 by Wyndham has fewer amenities than some of the other nearby hotels but its main strength is its location. It also offers airport parking if you’d like to rent a car and take a day trip to another town in Southeast Alaska.
McDonald’s is right next door and across the street is Breeze In, a local liquor and convenience store that is well-known locally for its bagels, sandwiches, and slushie machine. Also across the street are Canton Asian Bistro, Subway, and the Nugget Mall.
The Travelodge by Wyndham
Address: 9200 Glacier Highway
Airport Shuttle: Yes
Check Availability
The Travelodge is a quaint Juneau hotel located near the airport. It features a fitness center, a swimming pool, and a business center (with additional meeting facilities). Some rooms have standing showers and others have bathtubs, so guests who require one or the other should check with the front desk.
Attached to the hotel is Mi Casa, a beloved local Mexican restaurant famous for its weekend brunches and halibut tacos. Hotel guests receive 15% off their meals. There is also a bar if you’d like to unwind after a long day of travel.
Waterfront House
Address: North Douglas Highway
Airport Shuttle: No
Check Availability
Located just across the bridge in North Douglas, Waterfront House is a great place to stay if you’re planning on moving to Juneau and want to get a closer look at Juneau life outside of a standard hotel.
It is located in an exclusively-residential area, however, it is a short walk away from Douglas Breeze In, the sister store to the one near the airport. It is also a short walk over the bridge to the downtown area.
Captain’s Quarters
Address: Auke Bay Harbor Road
Airport Shuttle: No
Check Availability
For visitors who are looking to drive “out the road” in Juneau, the Captain’s Quarters Airbnb is an excellent choice. Like most Airbnbs in town, guests enjoy a discount on some local tours and the chance to experience life as an Alaskan.
It is located close to the University of Alaska Southeast, DeHart’s convenience/liquor store, and kayak rentals, as well as being one of the closest places to stay near the Shrine of St. Therese, the dozens of miles of hiking trails, and Forest Service cabins out the road.
Kelli Creek Cottage
Address: Greenwood Avenue
Airport Shuttle: No
Check Availability
If you’d like to split your time between downtown Juneau and the Mendenhall Valley, The Kelli Creek Cottage Airbnb near Twin Lakes is an excellent choice. This location offers a beautiful studio apartment with a view of the Gastineau Channel.
Just down the hill, you’ll find beautiful Twin Lakes, which features a fishing dock, a children’s playground, a covered area with picnic benches, and bus stops heading downtown and to the valley. It is also located near Bartlett Regional Hospital.
13 Edible Mushrooms In Alaska (With Foraging Pictures)
The 10 Best Things To Do In Yakutat, Alaska
Is There Still Free Land In Alaska? (Homesteading In 2023)
Types Of Salmon In Alaska (Full Descriptions Of All 5 Kinds)
What Is Juneau, Alaska Known For? (Besides The Obvious…)
