I saw the Northern Lights for the first time in my life in Fairbanks, Alaska. The impressive aurora display was one for the books, and I’m excited about the prospect of booking another trip there! There are plenty of hotels in Fairbanks, but a few are phenomenal options for a Northern Lights trip. 

The northern lights are a natural phenomenon that makes solar activity visible to the human eye. The impressive display of greens, blues, and purples beckons people from all across the globe to see them. With high aurora activity in the Arctic Circle, cities like Fairbanks and North Pole, Alaska, are great locations for planning a Northern Lights vacation. 

In this guide, I will share some of the best hotels in Fairbanks, Alaska, to see the Northern lights. From cozy cabins with wood-burning stoves to unique places with floor-to-ceiling windows, there is something for everyone.

Just a heads up! This post contains affiliate links, which means I could earn a small commission at no cost to you. Thanks for your support! 

7 Best Hotels in Fairbanks for Viewing the Northern Lights

Aurora Villa at night with the northern lights behind it
Photo: Aurora Villa

Fairbanks, Alaska, is an extremely popular place in North America to view the Northern Lights; however, when you’re staying up between 10 pm and 3 am, you’re going to want a comfortable place to sleep. Here is a short list of some of the best hotels for viewing the northern lights in Fairbanks and the surrounding area. 

Note: None of these hotels can guarantee that you will see the northern lights during your visit. However, chances of seeing them increase if your stay is three days or more.

Quick Planning Guide for Fairbanks in Winter

  • Flights: You will be flying into Fairbanks Airport. You can typically find affordable flights with Alaska Airlines, but check for affordable flights here.
  • Hotels: Depending on the season and the hotel, you will want to book your hotels a few months in advance. Find hotels here.
  • Rental Cars: If you’re traveling in winter, you need a rental car that has been winterized. If you’ll be traveling far, I would also recommend an SUV-type vehicle. Find your rental car here.
  • Activities: Some of the best activities to do in Fairbanks during winter, other than a Northern Lights Tour is dog sledding, ice fishing, or visiting the Arctic Circle. You can search for guided tours on GetYourGuide.
  • Days: I recommend traveling to Fairbanks to see the Northern Lights for at least four days to ensure you get a clear night with a high KP value.
  • Timing: You will want to visit Fairbanks between Late September and Early April.

1. Chena Hot Springs Resort

Outside of Aurora Ice Museum at Chena Hot Springs Resort
Aurora Ice Museum at Chena Hot Springs Resort
Snow bus that took us to the northern lights
Price$210
LocationChena Hot Springs, AK
Stand Out FeaturesLots of winter activities to enjoy: Aurora Ice Museum, Dog Sledding, Hot Springs and Aurora Tours.
Booking LinkBook Here

Chena Hot Springs Resort is the best option near Fairbanks, Alaska, to see the Northern Lights. Located away from the city lights of Fairbanks, there is significantly less light pollution. The hotel also has tour packages that you can add to your visit to view the northern lights from heated yurts to cabins.

The hotel was clean and offered free wifi for guests. There was a small cafe for purchasing coffee and a full restaurant with an extensive menu. Visiting the hot springs at the resort was included in the price of the stay, which would have otherwise cost $20.

I would ABSOLUTELY stay at Chena Hot Springs Resort again.

2. Pikes Waterfront Lodge

Pikes Waterfront Lodge in Fairbanks Alaska
Photos: Pikes Waterfront Lodge
Pikes Waterfront Lodge
Price$179
LocationFairbanks, AK
Stand-out featuresAurora wake-up service and hot sauna.
Booking LinkDetails Here

Pike’s Waterfront Lodge is a fantastic hotel within the Fairbanks, AK city limits, with close proximity to the Fairbanks International Airport. This rustic-style lodge has a cabin feel while still offering the amenities of a mainstream hotel. With access to the sauna, it is wonderful to have a nice way to relax and warm up. 

The hotel staff will give you a call when the aurora borealis is visible outside! 

With on-site dining, you don’t have to go far for good food, but there are plenty of restaurant options in Fairbanks if you want to eat off-site. 

Pikes Waterfront Lodge is in a prime location for all things outdoors in Fairbanks.

3. Taste of Alaska Lodge

Taste of Alaska Lodge one of the best hotels in Fairbanks, Alaska to see the Northern LIghts
Photo: Taste of Alaska Lodge
Price $257
LocationFairbanks, Ak
Stand-out Features In close proximity to Steese Highway and has excellent aurora viewing from the hotel.
Link to BookFind them on TripAdvisor!

A Taste of Alaska Lodge is perfect for anyone looking to get a little further out of the city and experience the exquisite landscape surrounding downtown Fairbanks. The lodge is situated in a clearing surrounded by trees, making it the perfect place to post up to catch spectacular views of the northern lights and wildlife. 

There is a dining hall where breakfast is served daily. The owners will greet you and share everything they know about the area and Northern Lights. A very popular area for catching epic views of the aurora is Murphys Dome.

Related Read: Cost Breakdown of Northern Lights Trip in Alaska

4. Aurora Villa

Aurora Villa with the Northern Lights in the background
Photo: Aurora Villa
Price$400
LocationFairbanks, AK
Stand-out FeaturesFloor-to-ceiling windows for northern lights viewing and gorgeous space.
Link to BookPosting on Booking.com

For a luxury experience and to feel like you’re literally inside the Northern Lights, the Aurora Villa is the perfect place to stay. The villa has multiple rooms available, as well as a three-bedroom apartment that comes at a premium cost. With floor-to-ceiling windows, you will be blown away by the bedroom suites. 

The hotel is secluded and does not have food service, so you’ll need to bring your own food. However, you do have access to free wifi, an activity center, and a business center. It is truly an unforgettable stay with spacious suites and floor-to-ceiling glass walls.

This is definitely the hotel fit for a special occasion and is one of the most unique places to stay for viewing the Aurora Borealis.

5. Sophie Station Suites

Sophie's Station
Photo: Sophie Station
Price$229
LocationFairbanks, AK
Stand-out FeaturesOn-site restaurant and bar, and offer aurora announcements.
Link to BookDetails Here

While a little dated, the Sophie Station Suites are an amazing choice. With close proximity to Skiland Ski Lift, this hotel is a great stay for an adventure-packed vacation. You can choose to eat on the premises at Zack’s Restaurant or enjoy some of the local restaurants and breweries. 

The Northern Lights are visible from the hotel when the KP index is high and the hotel staff will knock on your door when they are visible. If you’re hoping to see the northern lights during your stay, I highly recommend booking a northern lights tour at least once. 

This hotel is also close to the University of Alaska Fairbanks Museum of the North, which I cannot recommend visiting enough! It is such a spectacular museum with a thorough, rich history of Alaska.

6. Alaka Grizzly Lodge

Price$229
LocationFairbanks Outskirts
Stand-out FeaturesExcellent breakfast and hospitality. Relaxing atmosphere.
Link to BookLearn more on TripAdvisor

The Alaska Grizzly Lodge is one of the best hotels in Fairbanks for viewing the northern lights. The large north-facing balcony provides visitors with unrestricted views of the aurora Borealis to the north. Surrounded by nature trails, it is easy to have a fun day outdoors exploring the boreal forest before hunkering down in the warm lodge to watch for the northern lights. 

This lodge is an excellent choice if you want to see the light show that the aurora season brings. 

The cozy lodges at Alaska Grizzly Lodge offer the privacy of a hotel and the comfort of a bed-and-breakfast.

7. Aurora Borealis Lodge

Price $259
LocationFairbanks Outskirts
Stand-out FeaturesPrivate aurora viewing tours and a remote, quiet location.
Link to BookBook Direct

For an immersive experience with the aurora lights, book a stay at the Aurora Borealis Lodge, one of the best Northern Lights hotels. The lodge is only open during Aurora Season, Late August – April, which only adds to the experience of the lodge. With the remote location, it is a great place for aurora seekers. 

The Aurora Borealis Lodge offers private aurora viewing tours, but you can also do a self-guided tour if you so choose. But I always say that the best chance you have of seeing the northern lights as a non-Alaska native is with a tour. Either way, it is a great location with great chances of seeing the aurora.

You can stay in the Aurora Cedar Lodge, which is more hotel-style, or in Logan’s Chalet, which offers a private cabin experience. For the different rates on both the Cedar Lodge and Logan’s chalet, click this link.

What Do You Pack for a Northern Lights Trip? Find Out Here!

Honorable Mentions

Grand dining room in a hotel in Fairbanks, Alaska to see the Northern Lights

There are so many different hotels in Fairbanks to choose from that are exceptional. However, they do not offer the same amenities for the Northern Lights as the others listed above. The Fairbanks hotels all offer something special, so even if you do not visit in the winter months, they are still worth a visit. 

  • The Wedgewood Resort is a good place located in Fairbanks. The hotel offers a shuttle service, and the hotel rooms are apartment-style, so you have a home away from home. The Wedgewood Resort does offer a free shuttle to and from the Fairbanks airport. The resort is located right next to the Creamer’s Field migratory waterfowl refuge, making it a great place for birders and nature lovers alike. 
  • Borealis Basecamp is a multi-night stay with low light pollution in the auroral oval. It did not make the official list because it books out years in advance. 
  • Candlewood Suites Fairbanks – A standard hotel room at Candlewood Suites Fairbanks offers up-to-date comfort with free parking and free wi-fi. They offer Aurora wake-up calls from the front desk as well. 
  • Springhill Suites is another standard hotel with a fitness center, hot tub access, and complimentary breakfast, it is a great place to stay for business. They also have an indoor pool, which is a hit with families. A great hotel to stay at, but it does not offer the charm of cozy lodges. Still a phenomenal place to stay though!

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Pack It Up

Fairbanks, Alaska, has some of the best aurora viewing in North America. Of all the hotels in Fairbanks, a couple of them stand out for the purpose of viewing the Northern Lights. Whether the hotel offers Northern Lights tours, calls you when the Northern Lights are visible from your room, or offers a resort-style vacation, there are plenty to choose from. 

When planning and booking your trip to Fairbanks to view the northern lights, here are a couple of booking suggestions if you have some flexibility in your plans:

  • Book your trip during a new moon to avoid light pollution 
  • Check out the 27-day forecast 
  • Choose a month that has other activities you’d want to do 
  • Stay for 3+ days to increase your chance of viewing the lights 

Hotels will offer amenities more targeted to travelers specifically seeking the northern lights, but private property hosts on VRBO have also noted that northern lights can be viewed from their properties, and several reviews indicate that their hosts have offered to call them if they see the lights. To look at available rental properties in Fairbanks, AK, click here.

Your Guide to Hotels in Fairbanks Alaska
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