Pikes Waterfront Lodge in Fairbanks, Alaska

We just got back from spending the weekend up in Fairbanks. It's been so rainy and cold in Anchorage this entire summer that it was nice to get away to someplace warm and dry. Wait a minute...did you say warmer?? Yes. I know, you would normally consider Fairbanks to be colder then Anchorage, after all it's further north. However, in the summer the days are longer up there and it is warmer and dryer then it is in Anchorage.

We stayed at the Pikes Waterfront Lodge. It's very close to the airport and is right on the Chena River. Our room was on the third floor and overlooked the river. There were patio doors in the room that opened to a small deck we could walk out and enjoy the view.

The first thing you notice when you enter the lobby is the place just exudes comfort and warmth. The staff was friendly and welcomed us with a smile. The rooms were well appointed. We even had a big flat screen television. The room and hallways were quite at all times of the day. The blackout drapes were great. With the long summer days it's not dark for very long so the blackout drapes are an absolute must most places in Alaska but especially in Fairbanks.

There is so much sun in fact that Pikes Waterfront Lodge takes advantage of it by harnessing the solar power with solar panels on their roof.

The wifi in our room was functional but weak. We got a much stronger signal down in the lobby/study lounge/ gathering place. We did our computer work downstairs, at one of the tables in the gathering place, and shared an pecan ice cream.

The breakfast buffet had all the essentials. The hot was hot and the cold was cold. There was a good variety to choose from and it was quite tasty.

I would recommend Pikes Waterfront Lodge to anyone wanting a nice hotel with a warm welcoming staff and a nice Alaskan decor.