Southeast Alaska is wonderful to explore on your own, meaning without a cruise ship and with that, you’ll have lots of interesting choices for where to stay. Ketchikan has some really cute inns, Juneau has some travel brand hotels, Haines has some quaint places to stay, and Sitka has some really fun options too (including a lighthouse!) Depending on your budget, you can have some epic lodge experiences!
And then of course a cruise, whether it’s a big boat or a small ship expedition sailing, is a floating hotel. Do you know which sort of cruise experience you’re interested in? We’ve included those here because it’s good to be able to consider all of your options, and that means the Alaska Marine Highway too.
Southeast Alaska Hotel Reviews
Here are some of our favorite hotels and lodges in the Southeast Alaska region, from historic accommodations to cool little motels you’ll love.
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The Landing Hotel: Making Exploring Ketchikan Easy and Convenient
The Landing Hotel in Ketchikan is a great option for a longer stay when you come to town. A great location for exploring the whole area, a free shuttle all around town, and two great restaurants make the Landing Hotel a solid pick.
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Staying at the Captain’s Choice Motel in Haines: Easy, Comfortable and Quiet
The Captain’s Choice Motel in Haines is one of the few options in town, but it’s a good one. Comfort and ease in a great location, daily breakfast and even car rentals through the front office make the Captain’s Choice a great pick in Haines.
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Baranof Hotel in Juneau -Great Views and Space to Relax
The Baranof Hotel in downtown Juneau is a vintage but nice stay in a really convenient spot. See what the rooms are like and what’s around the Baranof Hotel to decide if it’s the right stay for your visit to Juneau.
Cruise Options in Southeast Alaska
Enjoying a floating hotel is the most common way to see Southeast Alaska, and by “floating hotel” I mean a cruise ship of sorts. The mega ships sail through the Inside Passage starting in Seattle, Vancouver, Seward or Whittier, while the small expedition ships usually begin in Juneau or Sitka. There are so many unique ways to see the Tongass National Forest and small towns of SE AK. And of course, if you really want a unique experience, there’s the Alaska Marine Highway which has overnight cabins for some of its routes, so maybe consider that too!
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UnCruise Adventures – Small Ship Sailing in Alaska
UnCruise in Alaska is one of the most unique ways to experience the Inside Passage. With small boats and an incredible crew to passenger ratio, see what makes the UnCruise style of an Alaska cruise different.
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Alaska Marine Highway Ferry from Juneau to Haines: Everything you Need to Know
Riding the Alaska Marine Highway ferry from Juneau to Haines is a beautiful way to travel between destinations in Southeast Alaska. A unique way to experience the Inside Passage, see what you can expect and how to plan a voyage on the Alaska Marine Highway System as part of your AK vacation.
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Unique Inside Passage Adventure: Expedition with the Boat Company
There are few experiences in Alaska that match sailing with the Boat Company. Exploring the Inside Passage on an expedition ship, kayaking and fishing, learning about the Tongass National Forest, and watching wildlife is something you’ll never forget. See what this premium adventure is like and if it’s the right fit for your trip to…
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What to Pack for a Cruise in Alaska: Small Ship Expedition Packing List
Knowing what to pack for an Alaska cruise will make the experience much better. Whether you’re on a small ship expedition or a big boat sailing the Inside Passage, we’ve got a fool-proof packing list for an Alaska sailing, including camera gear.
We’ll continue to add onto our recommendations for where to stay in Southeast Alaska and the cruises through the area. If there’s a place you were hoping we’ve written about but don’t see it, send us a note and we can provide information and opinions (we don’t write about everywhere we stay).