Borealis Inn

It feels more like an Airbnb than a hotel, with only eight rooms and a call to the owner when you check in. Still, it’s a great deal, surprisingly central, and felt very safe. The TV only gets digital antenna channels, but there’s free WiFi if you want to stream something. I’d recommend it.

The only real downside for me was traffic noise from the road, though earplugs were enough to block it at night. The manager was easy to reach, internet worked well enough for work, play, and keeping in touch, and there were plug-ins for winterized vehicles. The staff, including Daesong (Daesong)?, were friendly. As a solo female student, I felt very safe. Rooms were clean, and there’s a shared kitchen. The deluxe room works for a couple or small family, while the single room is a good fit for one traveler or a couple. It’s a good distance from campus and town. I think this is a better value than Pike's or the Hamilton. You’re paying for a comfortable, clean place, not fancy furniture. I’d come back, and I’d send anyone I know who needs to stay in Fairbanks for a while. As an Alaskan resident, I liked that it wasn’t a tourist attraction. Out of state visitors might prefer a more Alaskan themed hotel. The pictures show the deluxe room with two beds separated by a door. Please ignore my mess.

After a 15 hour drive, the room was clean, comfortable, and exactly what we needed. The owner was very nice and even took us to a tire shop in the morning so we could get a flat fixed. There’s no breakfast, but plenty of restaurants are nearby. We had a great stay.

The room was made ready quickly, and I was settled in comfortably before long. I arrived well ahead of normal check-in time and got courteous, prompt help. I offered to help bring the mattress back in while it was being aired out and Febreezed. The reception area is also a lovely florist's boutique. There weren’t any of the usual hotel basics like soap or shampoo, perhaps because my early arrival meant the room was prepared in a rush. The hotel has a 2-Star rating, which I imagine is due to its size, but the service felt 5-star and the price was hard to beat. I recommend it to friends and anyone looking for an affordable Alaskan stay.