Pike’s Waterfront Lodge in Fairbanks: Vintage and Perfectly Alaska

Fairbanks is a unique city to visit and Pike’s Waterfront Lodge is a unique place to stay. I love the kitschy but fun interior and the on property amenities. It’s not fancy, but it’s welcoming, warm and captures the spirit of Alaska. Pike’s Waterfront Lodge might not be our first choice when we’re booking a hotel in Fairbanks, but it’s nice and very enjoyable.

We’ve got the scoop on what to expect when you’re booking a stay at Pike’s Waterfront Lodge in Fairbanks, as well as lots of suggestions for things to do in the area. Are you planning a visit to Fairbanks, Alaska’s Golden Heart? If so, check out our recommendations and consider Pike’s Waterfront Lodge for your travel plan. If you have any questions about staying here or visiting Fairbanks in winter or summer, please leave a comment or send us a note. We’re always happy to share more and help you plan your Alaska trip!

Why Choose Pike’s Waterfront Lodge?

I love a fun hotel, even when it’s not as fancy or new as I’m used to. Pike’s Waterfont Lodge on the Chena River in Fairbanks makes up for the small hotel rooms with a really fun property, both inside and out. When you check-in you arrive into the most Alaska lodge lobby you could hope for. It’s full of taxidermy, beautiful Alaskan paintings, leather furniture and saloon glass lighting. Pike’s Waterfront Lodge gives a great first impression and the public spaces are really wonderful for relaxing in.

A lot is included with your stay here, which is nice because travel in Alaska is expensive. When you stay at Pike’s Lodge in Fairbanks your breakfast and parking are included, you get a s’mores kit upon check-in, you have access to books and games, and the hotel is one big art gallery. When it comes to outdoor space, in the winter there are ice sculptures and fire pits, most rooms have either a balcony or a front porch (if you have a cabin), and there are walking paths all around with views of the Chena River. I love the setting and the staff is really great too.

Book Pike’s Waterfront Lodge here!

Amenities at Pike’s Waterfront Lodge in Fairbanks

I love that Pike’s Waterfront Lodge has so much to offer its guests. Even though it’s not a state-of-the-art fancy hotel, you really do have a lot to enjoy. There are walking paths, a riverfront deck, fire pits and outdoor activities, but there’s more. For nighttime Aurora viewing they have two different enclosed spaces, the Aurora Conservatory and the Aurora Discovery Institute. Both have seating and are nice and warm. The Discovery Institute building has tons of information about how the Northern Lights work, viewing tips and even photography suggestions.

There’s a small theater on property that also plays a film all about the Aurora Borealis, so you can check that out too before enjoying the Lights or anytime if it’s not Aurora season. In the summertime there are gardens to enjoy and the riverfront space is much more accessible and relaxing. There are outdoor musical instruments and lots of photo op areas, including a huge “LOVE ALASKA” sign on the Chena River.

Indoors you’ll get to enjoy my favorite feature, the giant Alaska art collection. Really, until you wander through the hotel enjoying the gallery walls you won’t fully understand why I enjoy Pike’s Waterfront Lodge so much. It’s really cool.

Room Options at Pike’s Waterfront Lodge in Fairbanks

You’ve got some options for rooms at Pike’s Waterfront Lodge. There are lodge rooms and then also cabins. We stayed in a lodge room with was big enough for our family of four for one night, but not so big that we would’ve been comfortable for more than two nights, especially if we needed downtime in the room. There are larger lodge rooms though, including rooms with king beds, suites, and some rooms even have fireplaces.

The cabins have kitchenettes and are located separate of the lodge. If we do another stay at Pike’s Waterfront Lodge, particularly in the summer, we’ll be booking a cabin to get the extra space and easy access to the outdoor amenities. FYI, if you’re booking a cabin the paths that connect them are paved, so transporting luggage shouldn’t be difficult.

Tips for a great stay at Pike’s Lodge in Fairbanks

Staying in Fairbanks means that you’re pretty far north, so in summer you’ve got nearly endless daylight and in winter you have great opportunities to see the Northern Lights. When you’re booking your room, consider the season when you choose your room type. In the winter put in the request for a north facing room in hopes of seeing the lights (and don’t forget to ask for an Aurora Borealis wakeup call). In summer, a lower level room will give you better darkness at night. It’s little things that can make a stay just a bit better.

For an easy cost savings, when you’re staying at Pike’s Waterfront Lodge, have a rental car for as few days as you can. Yes, parking is free here, but the lodge offers a free shuttle to and from the airport which is just three minutes away, so you can save one not having a car on day one or the last day of your trip. Also, if you’re doing tours during your visit, many tour operators that involved driving to a destination (Chena Hot Springs, Denali, the Arctic Circle…) will actually pick you up at your hotel. If they don’t getting an Uber will still be cheaper than a day of rental car costs.

Location and Parking at Pike’s Lodge

As I mentioned, parking at Pike’s Waterfront Lodge is free and there is plenty of it. Being so close to the airport, it’s a great place to land and check into because you’re literally right next door (don’t worry, it’s not loud). The isn’t valet parking at Pike’s but the parking area isn’t huge, so it shouldn’t feel inconvenient. You can easily unload your luggage while you’re parked directly at the front door and then move your vehicle.

Book Pike’s Waterfront Lodge here!

Things to do in Fairbanks

I feel like when people talk about visiting Alaska, Fairbanks is a last thought, but it shouldn’t be. I love this city, it’s people, it’s dogsled culture and the beautiful nature all around it. Fairbanks is THE winter destination in Alaska with ample dark sky space to watch the Northern Lights and endless outdoor opportunities, whether you’re looking for a mellow snowy escape or hardcore Alaskan adventures. In summer, Fairbanks is a great home base for visiting the Arctic Circle, Denali National Park, spending days kayaking or fishing. It’s beautiful!

Ideas for Fairbanks activities:

Where to Stay in Fairbanks, Alaska

Keep in mind when you’re planning your trip to Fairbanks that it is not a large city. It’s the second largest in Alaska, but it’s not huge. Hotel options are limited and when it comes to booking a luxury hotel stay, that’s not really a thing here. There are nice hotels and really cool lodges and vacation rentals, but white glove luxe ain’t happening. We’ve stayed in all kinds of Fairbanks accommodations, so have solid recommendations (below). I like being based downtown if we have a diverse, busy itinerary, but staying outside of town up in the hills is such a treat, it’s worth planning a night or two away from the city.

You’ll find that the cost of lodging in Fairbanks ranges wildly from season to season. In the summer, standard hotel rooms are not likely available for under $250 per night, with the average being well over $300 per night. In the winter you can get some awesome hotel deals as low as $125 per night. Just keep this in mind as you’re planning your visit to Fairbanks or anywhere in Alaska.

Here are our hotel picks in Fairbanks: