The Inn at Whittier: the Nicest Play to Stay in the Gateway to Prince William Sound

A lot of people come through Whittier, Alaska just as part of the transit in their cruise tour or because they’ve heard of the town where everyone lives in one building, and some people aren’t even sure if you can stay overnight here. It’s actually a pretty cool little town and worth spending a night or two, and the Inn at Whittier is a lovely pick to make that happen. It’s really the only pick if you’re looking for a nice place to stay. The Inn at Whittier has one of the best views I’ve ever had in a hotel room and it’s just a nice getaway to add to your time in Alaska.

We’ve got the full scoop on staying at the Inn at Whittier including things to do and dining options in town. I think Whittier is a fun place to check out and recommend it if you’re looking for a chill, quiet day or two. If you have any questions about the Inn at Whittier or planning your visit (or the Alaska Marine Highway) please leave a comment or send us a note. We’re always happy to share more and help you plan a fun Alaska trip.

Why Choose the Inn at Whittier

Besides the fact that the Inn at Whittier is the nicest place to stay in town, I think the view is really my favorite thing about staying here. Looking out over the Whittier Bay and the surrounding mountains, it’s a moody, dreamy Alaska setting. Located directly on the water next to the Phillips 26 Glacier Cruise dock, it’s a wonderful spot and convenient of your planning do do some boat tours or fishing while you’re here.

Although the rooms aren’t equipped with blackout curtains, which I always am hopeful for, they are nicely appointed with really comfortable beds, nice linens and little touches that elevate the stay a bit. After a day of hiking and as the misty rain moves in, it’s so cozy to retire to your room and watch the clouds move through with the fireplace going. The Inn at Whittier is a fun stay, and if you’re coming from Anchorage or another “city” city, the peaceful vibes of the Inn and surrounding waterfront are a welcome change. The lobby is warm and cushy, the restaurant has great views, and there’s even a bit of a saloon setup. I like the Inn at Whittier for a change of scenery when you love and work in Alaska as it’s so different from Anchorage or Palmer and it’s an easy escape. I love it.

Book the Inn at Whittier here!

Room Options at the Inn at Whittier

For being a fairly small hotel, the Inn at Whittier actually has several room types. The hotel is three stories (yes, there’s an elevator) and the room types vary by both bed arrangement and views. I love the ocean view, but you can’t go wrong with the mountain views either. The benefit of facing the mountains is that you have birds and waterfalls whenever you look out the window. The good thin about being on the ocean side is you also have the birds and waterfalls, as well at the boats coming and going, and it’s just a beautiful view down the fjord. I have no complaints.

Here are the room types available at the Inn at Whittier:

• Queen
• King
• Two Doubles
• Two Queen
• Jr Suite
• Fisherman’s Berth with 3 Queen beds – this is detached from the hotel

Whether you’re here for just a night before heading out on the Alaska Marine Highway or if you’re visiting for a few nights as part of your tour through South Central Alaska, there’s a nice room setup that will fit with your needs.

Dining Options at the Inn at Whittier

There are two restaurants within the Inn at Whittier, the dining room and the tavern (I think it’s more like a waterfront saloon). The menu is the same in either dining space, and you can get the same cocktail menu on either side as well. The vibe is what’s different between the two. I will say, the restaurant makes a good burger and solid fish and chips. Their chowder isn’t my favorite, but for a nice dining experience with a view and some other great menu items, the restaurant at the Inn at Whittier is a winner. It’s open for lunch and dinner. As a little bonus, there is a gallery space above the restaurant featuring works by local artists, so you can stroll up the stairs and check it out.

The tavern is actually one of the only bars in Whittier. Strike that: it’s the ONLY bar in Whittier. They have a pretty good cocktail menu and quite a few local brews on draft. It can get a little busy since it is the only bar in town, but even “busy” isn’t crazy.

Nearby there are a few other good dining options. The best breakfast in Whittier is across the street at Wild Catch, and then just for coffee and pastries, both Wild Catch and the Lazy Otter Cafe are great, and then there’s the Frisky Mermaid for some good coffee too. There aren’t a lot of other options, but businesses do come and go so there may be something new for you to check out when you get to Whittier.

Need to Know for Staying in Whittier

As you’re planning to visit Whittier, keep in mind that it’s not a place you go without a plan. It’s a very small town and it’s not overflowing with things to do. Most people coming for a visit are either here for an all day boat tour or fishing trip on Prince William Sound or are here before/after they’ve taken the Alaska Marine Highway (ferry). Your time in Whittier does indeed need to be rather planned out, due to both transportation schedules and minimal operating businesses. Here are some key things to know:

• the tunnel is on schedule for entering and exiting town
• the ferry ride to Valdez is 6 hours+ and doesn’t happen every day
• when you visit is important because the town is practically shut down from mid-September to mid-May
• activities like kayaking and boat tours go rain-or-shine, but if the weather is dangerous they will cancel
• there is no alcohol to be purchased in Whittier except as individual beverages from restaurants (and only two or three even have beer)
• bring a good book or something to occupy you in your downtime, as there’s little to do between big activities except for short hikes or walking the small waterfront

I love Whittier, but also want to set clear expectations about what you’ll experience as a tourist. It’s a fun place and it’s really beautiful, but it’s not got a lot going on.

Location of the Inn at Whittier

Getting to the Inn at Whittier is a little more complicated than staying in Girdwood. You will have to go through the Anderson Tunnel from the Bear Valley side into Whittier. The tunnel is open towards Whittier on the half hour, but there are times when the schedule is just a bit off due to a train using the tunnel. Once you’re in Whittier, the Inn is at the start of town on the waterfront. For parking, there are designated spaces across from the Inn at Whittier, but if they are full, ask the front desk for directions for additional parking. The hotel is not far from the cruise ship terminal and it is walking distance to everything in Whittier except for a few hiking trails. Also, if you come in on the Alaska Railroad, the Inn is just around the corner from where you board the train (or disembark).

Where to Stay in Portage / Girdwood / Whittier

If you’re thinking you don’t want to stay in Anchorage to drive down to activities in the Portage Valley, Girdwood or over in Whittier, there are actually lots of places to choose from down here along the Turnagain Arm and up the valley. There are not a ton of hotels, but lots of private rentals. Stays in Whittier are few and far between, so planning to be on the west side of the tunnel is a good idea.