12 Best Hotels in Juneau, Juneau, the Inside Passage, and Southeast Alaska

On a small pond near Mendenhall Glacier, this large, jaw-droppingly landscaped home may be Alaska's finest B&B. Owner Maryann Ray pulls out all the stops for guests, with two outdoor hot tubs; ambient fireplaces; jetted bathtubs; a library full of books and DVDs; four-poster beds with high-end mattresses; private balconies; a Skype account for free calls home; hot breakfasts; and a well-stocked breakfast nook. Maryann and her daughter Rachael are skilled itinerary planners, and Rachael is even licensed to plan and perform weddings.

Gold-rush pioneer John Olds built this American foursquare home in 1906, and a major restoration transformed it into downtown Juneau's most elegant B&B. Owners Linda Wendeborn and Mark Thorson are laid-back and accommodating, and guests can expect lively conversation with their gourmet breakfasts and afternoon wine and treats. Rooms are tastefully decorated with handcrafted antiques. The fourth-floor Governor's Suite has a fireplace, a hot tub, and a 180-degree view of downtown Juneau. Two rooms on the bottom level have private entrances and look out on a lush garden, where the hot tub sits under a gazebo.

Conveniently located in Juneau's historic downtown, the Silverbow has contemporary, charming hotel rooms on two upper levels. Four rooms are tiny, but they're comfortable, and all rooms have flat-screen televisions and homey touches such as rubber duckies for the tubs. Guests stroll downstairs each morning for a filling breakfast, and there's a delightful Italian restaurant, In Bocca Al Lupo, within the same building.

Scattered throughout the Tongass National Forest, these rustic cabins—some of which are reached by floatplane or boat—offer a cheap and charming escape. Most contain bunks for six to eight occupants, along with tables, stoves, and outdoor privies. There's no electricity or running water, and you provide your own sleeping bag, food, and cooking utensils. Book six months in advance if possible, especially for summer stays.

A standard all-suites hotel near the airport, the Aspen is well suited to everyone from business travelers to families. Though in an industrial area, it's within walking distance of one of Juneau's easiest and most popular trails, the Mendenhall Wetlands Trail, on the far side of the airport.

A stay at this lakeside B&B about 4½ miles northwest of Juneau's airport provides a glimpse into local living—you can explore small, quiet Auke Lake by paddleboat, canoe, or kayak; enjoy it from the shoreside hot tub; or walk the 3-mile trail that circles it. The owners can provide personal recommendations for investigations farther afield. Room choices include four themed suites and one standard room; all have a private bath and refrigerator.

Once Juneau's most prestigious hotel, the Baranof Hotel has begun to show its age, although it does retain some of its old glamour. The ground floor offers the property's most inviting spaces; the dark art-deco lobby creates an old-money atmosphere reminiscent of 1939, when the hotel first opened, and a small lounge, the Bubble Room, is a popular spot for legislators when they're in town. Rooms on the front side have the best views, but street noise may keep you awake at the lower levels.

This Best Western property in Mendenhall Valley is one of the more reliable options in a city where lodging can be a bit of a gamble. Rooms are clean and comfortable, staff are friendly, and—given the distance from town—rates are more reasonable than other hotels. If you have a access to a car, want to be close to the airport, or prefer a quieter neighborhood, this is a solid choice. 

This workaday downtown motel is a good option for guests on a budget who are interested in preparing their own meals and exploring downtown Juneau on foot. Many rooms include kitchenettes stocked with dishes, pots, and pans, and several are big enough to accommodate groups of up to six people. In the Willoughby District, about a five-minute walk from the center of town, the lodge is adjacent to the Sandpiper Café, a popular breakfast spot, and is a half block from a supermarket. 

A high-rise by Juneau standards, the seven-story Four Points by Sheraton is one of the city's better lodgings, with decent, if somewhat overpriced, rooms. Fans of Northwest Coast art will appreciate the authentic Alaska Native carvings on display in the lobby, as well as the contemporary panels in the rooms. McGivney's Sports Bar & Grill, serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner and has a lounge area. Waterside rooms on the upper level have views across the Gastineau Channel, and some rooms have king-size beds.

This charming Victorian-style hotel—the smallest property in the Best Western chain—is less than a mile from the airport in the Mendenhall Valley and has spacious and homey rooms. Each room is brightened by cheerful colors and comes with jetted bathtubs and, as the name would suggest, beds topped with voluminous feather comforters. Guests especially appreciate the big breakfast buffet that includes omelets, pancakes, and hot cereals. Dinners are available from Tuesday through Saturday.

A short walk west of downtown, this nicely appointed but visually unremarkable hotel (formerly known as the Prospector) is a favorite with business travelers year-round and lawmakers during the winter legislative session. Rooms are spacious and have cherrywood furnishings, leather chairs, and ottomans. T. K. Maguire's dining room and lounge, just off the lobby, serves prime rib, steaks, and seafood, and Sunday brunch is popular.