Summer is a round-the-clock affair in Fairbanks, Alaska. Thanks to the midnight sun, seemingly never-ending sunny days refuse to give way to dark skies and Bear Lodge opens its doors to the visitors that come to town to make the most of the seasonal phenomenon.
Located just two miles from downtown Fairbanks, the 157-room resort shares 100 acres with sister property Wedgewood Resort. When I arrived for my stay in mid-April, I mentioned to the front desk attendant how unusually quiet it was. He quickly informed me I had the honor of being the first guest of the 2022 season.
My room was located on the first floor, just steps off of the lobby. With two queen beds, it was spacious and though I was traveling alone, I could envision the room being a good bet for a traveling family. In addition to a pair of padded benches at the end of each bed, the rooms offered two sitting areas, each with a cushy chair easy to settle into.
The bathroom was split into two spaces; just off the main living space there was a sink and large vanity with plenty of room to spread out toiletries. A small refrigerator was tucked underneath the vanity. Steps behind a nearby door there was another sink, shower/bathtub combination, and toilet.
The desk was large enough to comfortably open a laptop and get some work done if necessary, or to spread out the assorted collection of electronics that tend to come with traveling. There were no USB ports in the room, so come prepared with the needed charging accessories.
In addition to books on local wildlife and the history of Fairbanks, the room was stocked with a fun paperback collection of anecdotes, facts, and lies about life in Alaska.
Bear Lodge offers a restaurant, lounge and café with computers and board games, but unfortunately none were operating during my stay. They typically begin serving in mid-May. The 24-hour fitness center is shared by guests of Bear Lodge and neighboring Wedgewood Resort.
A rental car is recommended for exploring the Fairbanks region, but the property is easy walking distance to a number of popular attractions including the 1,800-acre Creamers Field Migratory Waterfowl Refuge, the 75-acre Wedgewood Wildlife Sanctuary, (be on the lookout for moose when on the trails) and the Fountainhead Antique Auto Museum. (Both of the latter are owned by the same local company that owns Bear Lodge.)
Rates for a Double Queen room start at $229. Compare rates at Hotels.com or your favorite hotel booking site. Wi-fi and parking are complimentary. Token-operated laundry facilities are available. Bear Lodge is typically open from mid-April through early September.
Review and photos by San Francisco Bay Area travel writer and television correspondent Dana Rebmann. Her stay was organized by Explore Fairbanks, but as always her thoughts and opinions are her own.