One of the greatest vacations any family can take, is to the beautiful state of Alaska. Here are the 5 best family hotels in Alaska.
McKinley Chalet Resort
When families visit Denali National Park, they should stay at the McKinley Chalet Resort. The western-style hunting lodge is on the very edge of the park entrance (just two miles away with free shuttles.) Giant wood beams, deer and moose antlers, big glass windows that bring nature inside are the epitome of a national park vacation.
Families can gather to roast marshmallows outside over the many fire pits looking out over the trees and valley below. During colder months, fireplaces inside keep hands warm and families together.
The McKinley Chaley resort has free wifi but the kids won’t be watching Netflix. Instead, families can utilize the concierge service to arrange ATV rides, river rafting, and wildlife viewing.
Harbor 360 Hotel
Some hotels claim to be on the water, and then there’s the Harbor 360 Hotel built literally over the water. Surrounded by mountains and very, very waterfront, the Harbor 360 allows families to take in the sights and sounds of Alaska without ever leaving their rooms.
This uniques feature alone makes this one of the best family hotels in Alaska.
Modern, clean rooms give guests a chance to relax without ever leaving nature. Harbor view rooms overlook the placid water teeming with wildlife.
The hotel has partnered with a local tour company to incorporate day cruises to see the famous humpback whales who come to feed in the nutrient rich waters each summer. The Kenai Fjords are a short boat ride away and home to some of the world’s most scenic seascapes.
These tours are reasonably priced and range from 4 hours all the way to 8 hours long! Check them out here.
Rooms with minifridges and microwaves help families to settle in along with an indoor hot tub and pool for year round swimming. Book early as rates can swing from $104/night in the winter to $354/night in the summer.
Home2 Suites by Hilton Anchorage/Midtown
The Home2 Suites by Hilton Anchorage/Midtown feels more like an upmarket apartment complex than a hotel. Families travelling with pets are welcome to bring them inside. Each suite features a bedroom, kitchenette and living room for extra space and a pull out couch for extra guests. I often recommend Home 2 Suites for families with older children that need their own space and independence. The hotel also offers two bedroom suites for those who may need even more room.
What makes the Home 2 Suites by Hilton Anchorage/Midtown such a great value for families besides the extra space and amenities, is its location. Close enough to the action downtown, the family-friendly Home 2 offers better prices and a more modern feel than many of the more expensive traditional hotels in downtown proper.
The Home 2 doesn’t skip the full service model of larger high rise hotels either. The property features northern light wake up calls, dry cleaning services, and an extensive buffet breakfast. As a member of the Hilton family of hotels, members of its Honors loyalty program can earn and burn points for their stays; elite members can enjoy additional benefits. For more on the Hilton Honors loyalty program, check out Suites and Lobbies guide to Hilton Honors.
Sheep Mountain Lodge
For an absolutely stunning lodge experience the Sheep Mountain Lodge gives families the true Alaskan wilderness experience. The cottage style accommodations vary from basic to deluxe. Guesthouse rooms share a bathroom, so some families may choose to ensure they are renting a full cabin.
Classic cabins feature a mini fridge, microwave, couch and small dining table with an en suite bathroom. Each cabin is a self-contained log built structure complete with porch.
Premier cabins are the clear winner for a full Alaskan vacation experience. These larger cabins feature two queen beds, a full kitchenette and larger dining room table.
Families love the guided snowmobile tours of Glacier, Alaska and settling in for a warm meal at the lodge with a true farm-to-table experience.
Comfort Suites Anchorage International Airport
Some visits to Alaska are shorter than others which is one reason why the Comfort Suites Anchorage International Airport makes our best family hotels. It’s convenient location to Ted Stevens International Airport allows for quick transportation after a long flight from the lower 48 and some of the lowest prices in an often very expensive city.
The Comfort Suites Anchorage International Airport is also just a few miles away from downtown and a short drive away from the Whittier cruise terminal to the southeast of the city.
Modern rooms with a lodge feel and indoor pool give the Alaskan experience with fun for the family.
Families will appreciate the free continental breakfast. Members of the Comfort Suites loyalty program can earn and burn points for their stay. For more information about the Choice Privilege loyalty program, check out Suites and Lobbies guide.
What location do you think is one of the best family hotels in Alaska?
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