Juneau is a beautiful city set in one of the most magical backdrops of Southeast Alaska. If you’re planning a trip to Juneau, the Baranof Hotel in the historic downtown area is a great pick for being in the middle of the walkable parts of the city, as well as having a view of the beautiful surroundings. A part of the Best Western family of properties, the Baranof Hotel is one of the best choices for exploring Juneau on foot for a few days. We’ve got the details for staying here and fun things to do during your trip to Juneau.
Have you been to Juneau before? If so and you didn’t get to stay downtown, this is your chance for a different experience. Whether you’re planning a short stay before departing on an UnCruise through Southeast Alaska or if you’ve come in on the Alaska Marina Highway heading up to Whittier, it’s a fun city to dedicate a few days to. The Baranof Hotel is a great pick for a stopover. If you have any questions about the hotel, visiting Juneau or planning an Alaska trip, please leave a comment or send us a note. We’re always happy to share more.
Why Choose the Baranof Hotel in Juneau AK
The Baranof Hotel in Juneau is great for a few reasons, but what I really loved about our stay was having a separate bedroom from the kids. Not every room is this setup, but it really did make a difference for us, particularly after a long day of travel. Add to that sweeping views across the town to watch the ships come in and out of the port and it’s the ideal hotel for a Juneau experience.
Rooms at the Baranof Hotel in Juneau
The room variety at the Baranof Hotel is really unique. Most hotels off a king and two queen option when you’re booking a room, but the Baranof has some peculiar arrangements due to it’s room shapes and vintage nature. The options are:
- One King – sleeps 2
- One Queen – sleeps 2
- King Suite – sleeps 4
- Two Doubles – sleeps 4
- One Double, Single – sleeps 3
- One Double – sleeps 2
- Two Singles – sleeps 2
Really, there are some odd room arrangements, but still good for a family or even just two friends traveling together. We’ve had stranger rooms to choose from. For our family, the king suite was perfect because of the separate bedroom and the living space with the pullout sofa. That works great for us traveling with two kids.
Tips for a Great Stay in Juneau
I think you’ll find that visiting Juneau is a combination of walking around doing city activities for half a day and then doing a guided tour or driving to someplace cool, so in between activities it’s always nice to have a good home base to come back to. This is also a great opportunity for enjoying the shops and restaurants right next to the Baranof Hotel. Across the street you’ve got a wonderful distillery, Amalga Distillery, a half block down there is a brewery, and on the block behind is the really fun food truck court with great Alaskan eats.
For the people who love walking, if you exit the Baranof Hotel and go right up the hill, that’ll lead you to a beautiful neighborhood and several parks. I think the location makes for a wonderful home base to explore on foot.
Parking for the Baranof Hotel
If you have a car when you’re staying at the Baranof Hotel, there is a lot directly behind the hotel for guests. You’ll just need to let the front desk know and they’ll get you a permit for your car. Street parking in downtown Juneau is a pain and there are lots of restrictions and one way streets. At the hotel, use the lot, but if you’re out and about exploring, just be sure to pay attention to signs, including “Elder Parking.’ Elder Parking is not in reference to being an older person, but being a tribal elder.
Hotel Operating Info
To complete your planning, here is all the information to plan and book your adventure.
- Operating Dates/Season: year round
- Hotel office phone number: 907-586-2660
- Company website: Best Western site
- Hotel check-in address: 127 N Franklin St, Juneau AK 99801
- Hotel booking links: Baranof Hotel on Expedia! Book direct w/ Best Western
More Things to do in Juneau, Alaska
I think Juneau is a fun city and it’s set in one of the most beautiful areas. If I were moving back to Alaska I would move to Juneau. Surrounding by mountains and the Tongass National Forest, there are loads of outdoor things to do in Juneau. Pair the surrounding waters of the Inside Passage and close proximity to Glacier Bay National Park (accessible by water) and you’ve got a hub of beauty and adventure.
What really sets Juneau apart though is the presence of Alaska Native culture. From the people you meet to the shops in the tourist areas, the totem poles on the waterfront to the Tlingit art at the Sealaska Center, the indigenous cultures of Southeast Alaska are alive and well here in Juneau. As you plan the things to do that are most important to you, make sure you include some time to learn about the peoples whose ancestral lands you are visiting.
- Alaska State Museum
- walk the waterfront to see totem poles and the humpback whale fountain
- visit Mendenhall Glacier
- visit Cope Park for the beautiful stream, trails and playground
- go kayaking and bald eagle watching
- check out local indigenous art at the Sealaska Center
Dining in Juneau
I think Juneau is one of the better towns in Alaska for good food. Whether you’re sticking around downtown or you’re heading up to Auke Bay, there are lots of good places to eat in Juneau. We’ve picked some of our favorites for meals and drinks, but there are MANY more options around town for a great meal. One of the coolest places to find food in Juneau is actually the food truck park. You’ll find salmon tacos, burgers, oysters and Alaskan beverages. There is often live music and it’s a good combination of tourist and locals.
- Hangar on the Wharf – mellow, pub fare
- El Sombrero – good Mexican food
- Sacred Grounds Cafe – indigenous owned, LGBTQ+ inclusive for drinks and grab-n-go breakfast or simple lunch
- Deckhand Dave’s Fish Tacos (in the food truck park)
- SALT – a bit fancier
- Devil’s Club Brewing Co – brewery with pub food
Where to Stay in Juneau
I like staying in downtown Juneau because it’s such a walkable town, but if you’re planning to be here for a few days and really explore the area there are LOTS of cabins and vacation rentals away from the city, including up in beautiful Auke Bay. Be prepared for higher hotel and vacation rental costs due to limited inventory. Alaska isn’t an inexpensive destination, but the experience is worth it.
More ideas for your visit to Juneau and the Tongass National Forest:
I hope you’re excited to experience Juneau and enjoy the Baranof Hotel. Between the beautiful views to the bay and the great downtown location, I know you’ll love it. If you have any questions about visiting Juneau, Southeast Alaska, or planning your travels please leave a comment or send us a note. We’re always happy to help with travel planning for an Alaska Trip!
