4 Best Hotels in Denali National Park and Preserve, Alaska

Above the tree line at the edge of Denali National Park, EarthSong has 14 cabins of five different sizes, all with views of open tundra backed by peaks of the Alaska Range. Each of the hand-built cabins has a theme (Denali, Sled Dog, Mountaineering) and private bath, a rarity in cabins in remote settings. Cabin sizes range from super cozy (perfect for one or two people) to queen suites with separate sitting rooms and decks. A public kiosk with a communal fridge, microwave, and coffeemaker is available to guests 24 hours a day.

Tucked away from the bustling highway in a community of about 150 residents, Tonglen Lake Lodge provides a unique, community-oriented environment for those who desire a deeper and more intimate Alaskan experience. The owner has foregone any advertising visible from the Parks Highway (detailed directions are provided), and the road to the property is a bumpy one, but fear not, this place is well worth the potholes. The individual cabins are tucked into the spruce and tundra, and each has a king-size bed, futon, and full bathroom. Great effort has been made to make them as private as possible. Virtually everything was designed and made locally, from the tables to the glassware to the artwork. In addition to the 11 cabins, one of which is wheelchair-accessible, there are five "guest rooms" in the main house that are available year-round with both shared and private baths.

A 7,200-square-foot modified geodesic dome houses this year-round B&B, decorated with Alaskan and local art. One room has a sauna, two rooms have jetted tubs, and, over time, the owners have added heated tile floors in many of the bathrooms—a welcome addition for winter travelers. An inviting common room has a TV, a fireplace large enough for logs 3 feet long, and an impressive number of Alaska-related books and videos. Sit by the fireplace to take in spectacular views of Mt. Healy through the tall windows. Rooms come equipped with any amenity you might need, and they're the only place around where you get a full cooked-to-order breakfast. They also offer car rentals; there's free pickup from the train station if you're renting a car. A separate vacation rental has four bedrooms and 2½ baths along with a full kitchen and BBQ.

For those who wish to spend a night along an Alaskan river without breaking the bank, Mountain Morning Hostel and Cabins is a good option. Located next to Carlo Creek, the property has two private cabins available complete with kitchenettes. The "hostel" side of the operation offers eight private rooms with bunk-style beds. For a more private rental option, you can reserve one of the four bunkhouse rooms. If you want a more rustic flavor, there are five "canvas castles." These fancy wall tents come complete with memory foam mattresses and sleeping bags. The shared bathrooms are quite nice, and there are enough of them that lines are uncommon.