6 Best Hotels in Ketchikan, Juneau, the Inside Passage, and Southeast Alaska

Made up of of seven properties on and around this historic street, this is one of Ketchikan's best downtown lodging options, offering a variety of accommodations, including delightfully old-school rooms with water views in the historic New York Hotel. Though a bit the small side, they have character in spades, honoring the building's 100-year history: one-of-a-kind antique furnishings, cozy quilts on the queen beds, and tile floors with pedestal sinks in the bathrooms. The popular New York Café is right downstairs. Just over the bridge is the Bayside Hotel, a more upscale property with 10 rooms, some with kitchenettes and views of the creek. The Inn at Creek Street's other properties include three two-level suites along Creek Street that feature kitchenettes, jetted tubs, loft bedrooms with spiral staircases, and decks overlooking the water. The main lobby for all seven buildings is in the Bayside; the friendly staff will also drive you to the airport or ferry.

The views of the Tongass Narrows from inside this waterfront B&B are remarkable, and the three suites all have plush furniture, comfortable beds, and porches or balconies. In lieu of group breakfasts, the kitchen is stocked with fruit, baked goods, and other items, and guests can eat at their leisure. The easygoing owners, Nicole and Jim Church, offer as much (or as little) conversation as you're comfortable with. The Black Bear also has a top-floor one-bedroom apartment for rent, as well as a two-bedroom cabin.

With scenic views of the town and Thomas Basin from 135 feet above Creek Street, Cape Fox Lodge is cozy yet luxurious, and offers spacious rooms with traditional tribal colors and watercolors of Alaska birds. A towering, log-framed lobby has Tlingit and Haida artwork and an interesting collection of museum-quality artifacts, and there's often a roaring fire. All rooms have views of either Tongass Narrows or Deer Mountain. The busy Heen Kahidi Dining Room serves three meals a day, and a separate pizza restaurant, the Eagle's Nest, is located right next door.

Crammed between the large buildings along Front Street, the Gilmore—which is part of Wyndham's Trademark Collection—is a rustic historic property best suited for travelers who value character over modern amenities. Thanks to its small dimensions, the late-1920s-era lobby has a European feel, and the front desk is staffed by friendly locals. All rooms are on the second or third floors, with no elevator. Downstairs, Annabelle's Famous Keg and Chowder House serves seafood, pasta, and prime rib. Upgrade to one of the marina-view rooms; otherwise, you will be facing the wall of the building next door.

A modern lodge 3 miles from the center of town, the Ketch has waterside rooms decorated with simple furniture and offering balconies overlooking the Tongass Narrows—a good place to watch seals, otters, and eagles. Extensively renovated in 2022, the inn has a restaurant and bar, and also offers guided fishing trips for guests and cruise ship passengers.

Named for the state ferry landing directly across the road, this property has large, comfortable rooms decorated with mission-style furniture, and although the hotel is more than a mile from downtown, there's no need for a car; a free shuttle provides transport around town. The Landing Restaurant is usually packed with families, and its colorful breakfast clientele consists of locals and ferry passengers. Upstairs, Jeremiah's Pub offers dining in cozy digs and a relaxing no-smoking lounge built around a stone fireplace. Some suites have private balconies.