8 Best Hotels in Denali National Park and Preserve, Alaska

The legendary family-owned and -operated Camp Denali and North Face Lodge both offer stunning views of Denali and active learning experiences deep within Denali National Park, at Mile 89 on the park road. Guests can book three-night (that's the minimum), four-night, and one-week stays, which include round-trip transportation, meals, and activities. At Camp Denali, guests stay in one of 18 cabins that include a small wood-burning stove, wall-mounted propane lights, and Alaskan artwork. Guests share bathing facilities, although each cabin has its own outhouse. North Face Lodge is built on a tundra meadow with 15 rooms, each with a private bath. The knowledgeable naturalists on staff offer guided outings while evening programs focus on the natural and cultural history of Denali. Each lodge has its own kitchen and dining room featuring local and organic food, and fresh-baked goods. The lodge can also arrange flightseeing.

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.

Cedar cabins built within the taiga forest have all the basic amenities (including TV and phone), private baths, and shared hot tubs at this complex along the highway 8 miles south of the park entrance. Complimentary shuttle service to the park visitor center is provided. The Prey Bar & Eatery offers an assortment of sandwiches, salads, and desserts. Stays at the cabins can be packaged with a Denali Backcountry Adventure trip, a full-day narrated bus tour along the park road, returning to the park entrance in the evening.

Sitting above the restaurants and other accommodations of Glitter Gulch, the Crows Nest offers a more secluded atmosphere while still being close to the park entrance. Each of the 38 cabins has its own bathroom, along with a coffeemaker and flat-screen television. Shuttle service is provided to the train depot and Wilderness Access Center and can be arranged to reach several restaurants, including Healy's 49th State Brewing Company, 10 miles north. The Overlook Restaurant sits between the rows of cabins and features a complimentary continental breakfast and an upscale dinner menu. It also has a full bar and west-facing, outdoor seating with views of the mountains.

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.

This sprawling 20-acre resortlike property operated by one of the National Park Service's largest concessionaires, Aramark, sits just 7 miles south of the park entrance next to the Nenana River. Denali Park Village brings two of the company's properties (The Lodge and The Cabins) under one name. Dining options include the Gold Rush Dining Room, Lucky Miss Saloon, Quigley's Coffee Cart, and the Shack with fresh donuts and ice cream. There's also a gold rush–themed dinner show, Cabin Nite Dinner Theater. You can also book activities from river rafting to bus tours. There's plenty to do on-site during your off-hours including taking an easy walk on the trails, browsing the gift shop, or just gazing out on the Alaskan wilderness as you warm up with a drink by the deck's fire pit.

Run by the Athabascan Doyon Tourism, this establishment at mile 92 on the park road offers an enriching wilderness getaway. You must commit to at least three nights in an elegant log-cabin duplex or fourplex. The Kantishna Roadhouse, a massive log lodge, is where you'll spend your time when not out on adventures. The Fannie Quigley Dining Room prepares family-style meals with fresh fruits, vegetables, and baked goods. If you plan on a full-day excursion, the kitchen will prepare a sack lunch. Activities range from two- to six-hour guided hikes, mountain biking, dog-mushing demos, gold panning, fishing, and—for an extra cost—flightseeing. Cozy up every night with a cup of cocoa and catch an evening program with guest speakers, artists, or Athabascan elders. If you have a big group, the Dog Musher's Hall can handle 35 people. Nightly rates include all meals and transport.

These accommodations sit on 10 acres and are bordered on the south side by Carlo Creek, with 14 cabins right along the creek and 13 rooms in a hotel-style building. Rooms come with covered private porches that face the creek and mountains. All rooms and cabins (excluding the economy variety) have a refrigerator, microwave, coffeemaker, private bathroom (featured in economy rooms), and most have large decks. Family cabins are available for up to six people. They also operate Carlo House Rental properties, with three additional houses available to rent. While there is no meal plan included, the Creekside Cafe doubles as the front desk and serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner.