What is the best hotel in downtown Juneau?

The Baranof Hotel (127 N Franklin St) is the landmark downtown property — a 9-story building opened in 1939 with 196 rooms, one block from the cruise ship docks and within walking distance of the tramway, Alaska State Museum, and main restaurant strip. Rates run approximately $150–250 per night.

How far in advance should I book a Juneau hotel in summer?

Book 2–3 months ahead for the May–September cruise season. The Baranof and Goldbelt fill early on days with multiple ships in port, particularly when good weather creates demand spikes for helicopter tours and whale watching. October through April is much quieter with no advance booking needed.

Is there a budget hotel option in Juneau?

The Juneau International Hostel (614 Harris St) has dorm beds from approximately $35–45 and private rooms from approximately $80–100 within walking distance of downtown. The Driftwood Lodge (435 W Willoughby Ave) is the most consistently available budget motel option at approximately $90–130 per night.

Which Juneau hotel is closest to the Mount Roberts Tramway?

The Goldbelt Hotel (51 Egan Dr) is directly adjacent to the tramway lower station, making it the most convenient base for tramway access. Rates run approximately $140–220 per night. The Baranof Hotel is one block further away on Franklin Street.

Is there anything historically interesting to stay in while in Juneau?

The Alaskan Hotel & Bar (167 S Franklin St) is a National Historic Place that opened in 1913 — the oldest continuously operating hotel in Juneau. It has 49 rooms at approximately $100–160 per night. The downstairs bar is an active local gathering place with historic photographs on the walls.

Best Hotels in Juneau | The USA Guides

Juneau’s hotel market is small relative to the visitor volume — 32,000 permanent residents with over 1 million cruise passengers per summer means accommodation fills during the peak May-September season. The options are limited but cover the main categories adequately.

Full-Service Hotels

The Baranof Hotel (127 N Franklin St, downtown) is Juneau’s landmark hotel — a 9-story building opened in 1939 that remains the largest and most established property in the city. 196 rooms; the Gold Room restaurant and Bubble Room cocktail lounge are on the ground floor. The location on Franklin Street is the most central in Juneau — one block from the cruise ship docks and a short walk from the Tramway, Alaska State Museum, and the primary restaurant strip. From approximately $150-$250 per night as of 2026.

Goldbelt Hotel (51 Egan Dr) is owned by the Goldbelt Alaska Native Corporation; a 105-room hotel adjacent to the Mount Roberts Tramway lower station — the most convenient location for tramway access. The hotel has a restaurant and is a reliable mid-range option. From approximately $140-$220 per night.

Ramada by Wyndham Juneau (51 Egan Dr, same complex as Goldbelt) — a standard chain hotel from approximately $130-$190 per night; reliable amenities without the character of the independent properties.

Westmark Baranof Hotel (127 N Franklin St — part of the Holland America land tour network; same building as the Baranof Hotel) — cruise passengers on land tours are frequently placed here; independent booking is also available. From approximately $140-$230 per night.

Boutique and Historic

Alaskan Hotel & Bar (167 S Franklin St) — a National Historic Place, the Alaskan Hotel opened in 1913 and is the oldest continuously operating hotel in Juneau. 49 rooms, shared and private bath options; the downstairs bar is an active local gathering place with historic photographs lining the walls. A distinctive stay for visitors interested in Alaska history. From approximately $100-$160 per night as of 2026.

Alaska’s Capital Inn (113 W 5th St) is a 7-room B&B in a 1906 Colonial Revival house three blocks from downtown. Full breakfast included; the most intimate accommodation option in Juneau. From approximately $130-$180 per night.

Budget Options

Driftwood Lodge (435 W Willoughby Ave) is a motel-format property approximately 10 minutes walk from downtown — the most consistently available budget option in Juneau. From approximately $90-$130 per night as of 2026.

Juneau International Hostel (614 Harris St) — a small hostel within walking distance of downtown; dorm beds from approximately $35-$45, private rooms approximately $80-$100. Book ahead in summer.

Vacation Rentals

Given Juneau’s limited hotel inventory, vacation rental platforms have a meaningful presence — particularly for families or longer-stay visitors. The downtown and Douglas Island neighborhoods have the most listings.

Choosing Where to Stay

Stay downtown (Baranof, Alaskan Hotel) for the most central position — walking distance to restaurants, the Franklin Street waterfront, the tramway, and the cruise ship docks. The most practical base for a first visit.

Stay at Goldbelt for tramway access priority and slightly lower rates than the Baranof.

Stay in a B&B (Alaska’s Capital Inn) for an intimate historic experience; the full breakfast is a genuine advantage given the limited breakfast options in the immediate area.

Booking Notes

The May-September cruise season is the highest-demand period — book 2-3 months ahead for summer visits. The Baranof and Goldbelt fill early on cruise ship days that coincide with weather-dependent tours (helicopter and whale watching operators tend to create booking clusters around good weather windows). October-April is dramatically quieter; rates are lower and availability is not an issue. Juneau’s weather (heavy rain October-May) is a genuine consideration for trip timing.

Need flights first? Compare flights to the USA and set up travel insurance before finalising your hotel. For exploring beyond the city, car hire in the USA opens up your options.

Best Hotels in Juneau