Fairbanks Extended Stay

The location is central and close to Creamer's Field, a recognized spot for viewing the northern lights. Rooms are large and each has a kitchen, so they work well for groups. You can book through Booking, Agoda, or Airbnb. But I booked for four and was told on arrival the accommodation was for only two, so I had to pay another $40. Breakfast was included, though no one said I'd need to prepare it myself, and some food in the guest fridge had expired. The TV and air conditioning didn't work, and the towels were dirty. Since there's not always anyone around to explain things, they should leave food for guests in the kitchen. If guests have to cook breakfast themselves, they may as well do it in their own room. The entrance could use repairs too, it makes a bad first impression.

The room itself was clean and sanitary thanks to the particular maid I saw. She clearly took pride in her work and did an excellent job, even though they let me check in before she was finished. That's about the only positive. The bathroom sink wouldn't drain, the thermostat was broken, and there weren't enough parking spaces for the rooms. Come back late and you may have to park out on the street. The hallway looked like a youth hostel. In the kitchen, the Teflon pans were so scratched that flakes could get into food. A silicone spatula might have helped prevent that. There were only two coffee mugs, no glasses, and very little leftover silverware, much of it wrapped in plastic as if taken from fast food restaurants. The rest of the place is a dump.

The check-in office was separate from the place we stayed. The woman there said it was just around the corner and walkable, but it was at least a quarter mile or more. With two very large suitcases, a big backpack, a duffle bag, and another small bag, that was a lot to haul. A young employee drove us in a dirty van to the room, where we had to carry everything up three flights of stairs because there was no elevator. I'd never have booked if I'd known. We paid $170 for a horrible room in a rundown, dirty building that looked like an old hotel from the 70s. Hotels.com doesn't mention this. This place is disgusting. Don't book it, you'll regret it.

The place was dirty, and the woman insisted on putting us in a larger room that was dirty too. I felt disgustingly unclean throughout the stay and had to shower again as soon as we reached a better hotel. The breakfast room was filthy and the food was cheap, so I didn't eat, even though breakfast is something I look forward to at hotels. There was a bug in the bed, one bed looked slept in with the sheets and blankets unmade, and the floor hadn't even been mopped. I thought I'd booked Extended Stay Fairbanks and was disappointed when we drove into a neighborhood. This place uses several different names, and I really think it needs to change its name. I don't recommend it at all.