Fairbanks Alaska

Set right on the Chena River and close to the Fairbanks Airport, the 208-room Pike’s Waterfront Lodge is a rustic escape from the bustle of the city. In fact, the lobby makes you feel like you’ve arrived at a remote wilderness lodge in the Alaskan bush: there’s Alaskan artwork along with stuffed polar bears, moose, and caribou, as well as furniture dating from the territorial days. It’s easy to feel you’re far outside the city, but you’re actually close to downtown, and free Wi-Fi helps you stay connected to the outside world.

Conveniently located near both the Fairbanks Airport and Alaska Railroad, Pike’s Lodge offers complimentary shuttle to both. Choose one of the 180 rooms, or treat yourself to one of the 28 log cabins. Some of them overlook the river, where you’ll find a walkway and 600 feet of perennial and annual flower gardens.

The grounds at Pike’s Waterfront Lodge have some hidden surprises as well. Admire the hydroponically grown lettuce, strawberries and tomatoes in the greenhouse. Pike's has just added solar panels to reduce its carbon footprint. Relax out on a bench at Miss Connie’s Secret Garden, a quiet, landscaped hideaway on the property. And be sure to admire the lodge’s seasonal tenants—the ducks. They even have their own mini hotel called the Lucky Duck Hotel which has free cable TV and a swimming pool (for ducks only). Dinner for the ducks is provided by you.

You’ll also want to advantage of some of the many amenities at the lodge, including a winter only complimentary continental breakfast with a make-your-own-waffle bar, an exercise room, steam and sauna, and a business center. Enjoy American-fare lunches and dinners in the Binkley Room, and wind down with a cocktail at the "Captain’s Lounge," named after Captain Jim Binkley of the Riverboat Discovery. Whenever the riverboat would go upstream, it would always dock in front of Pike’s, because that was as far upriver the boat could travel. For a real treat, though, sit down to fine dining at Pike’s Landing—a local favorite—either inside or out on the deck overlooking the river.