Independent in Fairbanks from NZ$176

The best areas to stay in Fairbanks are downtown for easy access to amenities and attractions, or along the Johansen Expressway for convenience and modern comforts.


Downtown Fairbanks offers a central location with many shops, restaurants, and local businesses within walking distance. The Chena River runs through it, providing scenic views and access to river activities. Key attractions like the Fairbanks Ice Museum and Golden Heart Plaza are located here, making it a good base for exploring the city on foot.


Couples often enjoy downtown for its walkable nature and access to a variety of dining options and evening entertainment. It's easy to stroll along the riverfront or visit the local art galleries.


For travellers prioritising convenience and modern accommodation, the area along the Johansen Expressway is an excellent choice. This area is home to newer hotels, many of which offer amenities like high-end fitness equipment and shuttle services. It's also well-connected to major roads, making it easy to reach attractions outside the city centre, such as the University of Alaska Fairbanks and the Alaska Wildlife Guide.


Families often find hotels along the Johansen Expressway appealing due to the newer facilities and often larger rooms.

Two of the best hotels in Fairbanks that receive consistently high recommendations from travellers are Pike's Waterfront Lodge and Rivers Edge Resort.


The Pike's Waterfront Lodge, with an excellent 9.4 rating, offers comfortable and clean rooms and is praised for its convenient location. Guests frequently comment on the friendly and helpful staff, the great food, and the free, delicious breakfast. Some rooms also feature a fireplace and river views. The lodge provides free 24-hour airport transportation, which is very convenient.


Another highly recommended option is the Rivers Edge Resort, rated 8.8. This resort is also lauded for its excellent and convenient location, with the University of Alaska Museum of the North and the Georgeson Botanical Garden both just 2.0 km away. The staff are frequently described as excellent and great, and the rooms are clean. Guests can enjoy an alfresco restaurant on site and benefit from free 24-hour airport shuttle services and free train station pickup.

For families travelling to Fairbanks, excellent options include the Clarion Hotel & Suites Fairbanks near Ft. Wainwright, La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Fairbanks Airport, Hyatt Place Fairbanks, Wedgewood Resort, and Rivers Edge Resort.


The Clarion Hotel & Suites Fairbanks near Ft. Wainwright, with an 8.0 rating, offers spacious and clean rooms with comfortable beds. They provide amenities like sofa beds and cribs, and children can eat for free with a paying adult. Guests frequently mention the helpful staff and excellent breakfast. It is conveniently located near the Fairbanks Ice Museum, just 0.7 km away.


Another great choice is the La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Fairbanks Airport, rated 8.6. This hotel provides free cribs and rollaway beds, a sofa bed, and complimentary self-parking. Families will appreciate the free airport transportation and 24-hour airport shuttle, as well as the free buffet breakfast. Customers consistently praise the friendly staff, comfortable rooms, and convenient location.


The Hyatt Place Fairbanks, with an 8.4 rating, is also well-suited for families. It features connecting rooms, a pool, sofa beds, and free cribs and rollaway beds. The hotel offers free airport transportation and a 24-hour airport shuttle, along with complimentary breakfast. Guests often praise the friendly staff and great breakfast. It is located 1.8 km from the Fairbanks Ice Museum and 1.3 km from the Fairbanks Community Museum.


Wedgewood Resort, rated 8.6, provides free cribs and rollaway beds, along with a child-friendly window design for added peace of mind. They offer free WiFi, airport transportation, a 24-hour airport shuttle, and complimentary self-parking. The resort is praised for its wonderful location and super comfortable rooms. It is 1.9 km from the Fairbanks Ice Museum and 1.1 km from Creamer's Field.


Finally, the Rivers Edge Resort, with an impressive 8.8 rating, is another excellent option. It offers kids' meals, free cribs, and connecting rooms. The resort provides free WiFi, airport transportation, a 24-hour airport shuttle, and complimentary self-parking. Guests highly recommend the excellent staff, convenient location, and clean rooms. It is situated 2.0 km from the University of Alaska Museum of the North.

For hotels in Fairbanks that offer complimentary breakfast, consider the Northern Sky Lodge, Comfort Inn Fairbanks, Springhill Suites by Marriott Fairbanks, Hampton Inn & Suites Fairbanks, and La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Fairbanks Airport.


The Northern Sky Lodge, with an impressive 9.4 rating, provides a free continental breakfast. Guests frequently mention the comfortable beds and quiet surroundings, ensuring a restful stay.


The Comfort Inn Fairbanks, rated 9.2, offers a free breakfast, including to-go options, which is a convenient feature. It is well-located near local attractions such as Growden Memorial Park, just 0.5 km away, and Pioneer Park, which is 0.7 km away. Guests consistently praise the friendly staff, comfortable and clean rooms, and excellent breakfast.


The Springhill Suites by Marriott Fairbanks, with a 9.0 rating, includes a free continental breakfast and offers a complimentary 24-hour airport shuttle, making arrivals and departures straightforward. It is also very close to the Dog Mushers Museum, just 0.1 km away. Reviewers often highlight the friendly staff, excellent breakfast, and super comfy beds.


Hampton Inn & Suites Fairbanks, rated 8.8, provides a free continental breakfast and a complimentary 24-hour airport shuttle. Guests frequently praise the friendly and helpful staff, the fantastic free breakfast, and the comfortable and clean rooms.


The La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Fairbanks Airport, with an 8.6 rating, offers a free buffet breakfast and a complimentary 24-hour airport shuttle. It also provides free pick-up from the train station. Guests appreciate the friendly staff, comfortable and clean rooms, and the great breakfast.

For top pet-friendly hotels in Fairbanks, consider the Clarion Hotel & Suites Fairbanks near Ft. Wainwright, the Candlewood Suites Fairbanks by IHG, the La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Fairbanks Airport, the Golden North Inn, and the Hyatt Place Fairbanks.


The Clarion Hotel & Suites Fairbanks near Ft. Wainwright, with an 8.0 rating, is an excellent option for those travelling with dogs as it permits dogs only and provides a dedicated dog exercise area. Guests frequently praise its spacious and clean rooms, helpful staff, and comfortable beds. It is conveniently located 0.7 km from the Fairbanks Ice Museum and 1.3 km from the Fairbanks Community Museum.


Another highly-rated choice is the Candlewood Suites Fairbanks by IHG, which boasts a 9.0 rating. This hotel is very welcoming to both dogs and cats and features a dog exercise area. Guests consistently highlight the friendly and absolutely wonderful staff, as well as the convenient location. It is situated 2.1 km from Creamer's Field.


The La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Fairbanks Airport, rated 8.6, is a great option for those travelling with either dogs or cats. This hotel is praised for its friendly and helpful staff, comfortable and clean rooms, and a great breakfast. Its location is considered great and convenient.


The Golden North Inn, with an 8.2 rating, permits dogs only. This hotel is much-loved for its friendly and helpful staff, comfortable and clean rooms, and a nice breakfast. Its location is considered handy and good.


Finally, the Hyatt Place Fairbanks, with an 8.4 rating, also permits dogs only. Guests often praise the friendly and great staff, comfortable beds, and a great breakfast. It is conveniently located 1.8 km from the Fairbanks Ice Museum and 1.9 km from Creamer's Field.

For excellent budget hotels in Fairbanks, consider the Hampton Inn & Suites Fairbanks, La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Fairbanks Airport, or the Hyatt Place Fairbanks.


The Hampton Inn & Suites Fairbanks has an impressive 8.8 rating. Guests consistently praise the friendly and helpful staff, the comfortable and clean rooms, and the fantastic free breakfast. It is also conveniently located near attractions like the Fairbanks Antler Arch, Creamer's Field, and the Fountainhead Antique Auto Museum.


The La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Fairbanks Airport, rated 8.6, offers a great experience with friendly and helpful staff, comfortable and clean rooms, and a great breakfast. This hotel also provides free airport transportation and 24-hour airport shuttle service, making it very convenient for travellers.


Another excellent option is the Hyatt Place Fairbanks, with an 8.4 rating. Guests frequently comment on the friendly staff, comfortable beds, and great breakfast. The hotel offers free airport transportation and a 24-hour airport shuttle, along with free train station pickup and drop-off. It is also close to the Dog Mushers Museum and the Fairbanks Antler Arch.

For a romantic stay in Fairbanks, couples should consider Pike's Waterfront Lodge or Rivers Edge Resort.


The Pike's Waterfront Lodge, with an impressive 9.4 rating, offers comfortable and clean rooms, with some providing lovely river views. Guests frequently praise the friendly and helpful staff, as well as the great complimentary breakfast. The hotel also provides a free 24-hour airport shuttle, making arrivals and departures very convenient. It is located approximately 6.0 km from the Chena River.


Another excellent choice for couples is the Rivers Edge Resort, rated 8.8. This hotel also offers river views and is praised for its excellent and convenient location, with guests often commenting on the great service and good food. The resort provides a free airport shuttle and is situated about 5.6 km from the Chena River.

For hotels in Fairbanks near Pioneer Park, consider Sophie Station Suites or the Springhill Suites by Marriott Fairbanks.


Sophie Station Suites, with a 9.0 rating, is located just 2.0 km from Pioneer Park. It offers convenient amenities such as a 24-hour airport shuttle, free train station pickup and drop-off, and free self-parking. Guests appreciate the clean kitchens in the suites.


Another excellent option is the Springhill Suites by Marriott Fairbanks, which has a 9.0 rating. This hotel is 2.0 km from Pioneer Park and also offers a 24-hour free airport shuttle and free self-parking. Guests frequently mention the excellent breakfast and the super comfy beds.

The best time to visit Fairbanks depends entirely on what you'd like to experience, with prime times for aurora viewing and summer activities.


For those eager to witness the Northern Lights, the period from late August to late April offers the best chance. During these months, the nights are long and dark, providing ample opportunity to see the aurora borealis dance across the sky. While it can be quite cold, especially from December to March, this also means clearer skies. Many hotels offer aurora wake-up calls during this period.


If you're seeking warmer weather and extended daylight, the summer months, particularly June and July, are ideal. The midnight sun means nearly 24 hours of daylight, superb for exploring the natural beauty of the region. You can enjoy activities like hiking, riverboat tours on the Chena River, and visiting Denali National Park without the concern of early sunsets. Temperatures are mild, making it comfortable for outdoor adventures.

You can cancel your hotel reservation on Expedia, although it depends on the cancellation policy of your booking. Most bookings are refundable if cancelled within 24 to 48 hours of the scheduled arrival. Be sure to check your booking confirmation for the exact cancellation policy. If free cancellation is available, you can cancel directly through your Expedia account by logging in, going to ‘My Trips’ and selecting your reservation. To find flexible deals, filter your search by ‘Fully refundable property’ for hotels in Fairbanks.

One Key™—Expedia’s free travel rewards programme—gives you instant access to discounts with Member Prices on Fairbanks hotels. Plus, you’ll earn OneKeyCash™* on eligible bookings to use on future trips. Booking an Expedia hotel and flight package is another great way to save, where bundling can result in significant savings. *Excludes taxes and fees. OneKeyCash is not redeemable for cash and can only be used on Expedia and other participating brands.

Prices for hotels in Fairbanks often vary, but you can find a great deal from NZ$176 on Expedia. All sorts of factors affect price, such as the time of year or the days of the week you choose for your stay. Find the best deals by being flexible with your dates, and sort search results by ‘Price: low to high’ for our cheapest rates.