3 Best Hotels in Denali National Park and Preserve, Alaska

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There are plenty of options right outside the park entrance, but don’t expect to find anything open in winter.

Aurora Denali Lodge

$$$ | Parks Hwy., Healy, AK, 99743, USA

This reasonably priced property with wood trim throughout and rooms have one or two queen-size beds is on five wooded acres, which minimizes the presence of the nearby George Parks Highway. For a minimal charge, boxed lunches can be prepared to carry along on your explorations. No breakfast is served in winter (September–May), but it's provided in summer. The suites include stocked kitchenettes, with dishware, microwaves, coffeemakers, table and chairs, and more.

Pros

  • Open year-round
  • Reading area with comfy couches
  • One of the least expensive options in the area

Cons

  • No elevator
  • No stove tops in kitchenettes
  • Not directly on the road but traffic is still audible
Parks Hwy., Healy, AK, 99743, USA
907-683–4500
Hotel Details
28 rooms
Free Breakfast

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Denali Crows Nest Log Cabins

$$$$ | Parks Hwy., Denali National Park, AK, 99755, USA

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.

Pros

  • Custom trip planning available
  • Hot tub and sauna with tremendous views
  • Within walking distance of Glitter Gulch restaurants

Cons

  • Standard cabins are on the small side
  • Not very accessible for those with mobility problems
  • Rough-cut wood on cabin exteriors catches clothing and skin easily
Parks Hwy., Denali National Park, AK, 99755, USA
907-683–2723
Hotel Details
Closed mid-Sept.–late May
38 cabins
Free Breakfast

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McKinley Creekside Cabins

$$$$ | Parks Hwy., Carlo Creek, AK, 99755, USA

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.

Pros

  • Great location by the water
  • Nice mountain views
  • Barbecue and covered pavillion next to the creek

Cons

  • No TVs in cabins may be considered a negative
  • Right off the side of the highway
  • Cabins close together with little privacy
Parks Hwy., Carlo Creek, AK, 99755, USA
907-683–2277
Hotel Details
Closed mid-Sept.–mid-May
48 units
No Meals

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