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The best honeymoon hotels in Alaska include everything from intimate, charming lodges to upscale hotels with modern amenities. Mysterious, romantic, and ethereal, Alaska is a bucket-list destination for a reason. The rugged state’s hotels attract travel-savvy couples looking to relax, adventure, and edify. Known as the Final Frontier, Alaska hardly ever feels overcrowded thanks to its remote location. Whether you and your honey are outdoor enthusiasts or simply enjoy exploring extraordinary, less-traveled terrain, this state has more than enough to offer.
Best Honeymoon Hotels in Alaska of 2023
- Best Overall: Tordrillo Mountain Lodge
- Best Luxury: Sheldon Chalet
- Best Budget: Chena Hot Springs
- Best Full-Service: Talkeetna Alaskan Lodge
- Best Access to Nature: Tutka Bay Lodge
- Best Boutique: Pearson’s Pond Luxury Inn & Adventure Spa
- Best Remote: Ultima Thule Lodge
Best Overall : Tordrillo Mountain Lodge
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Tordrillo Mountain Lodge
Its remote location (a 40-minute flight from Anchorage), dedication to luxury, and endless array of activities has Tordrillo rising to the top of our picks for Alaska’s best honeymoon hotels.
- In-room blackout curtains
- Fireplaces in cabins
- Cedar sauna
Hot tub with stellar lake views
Private cabins available
Gourmet breakfast buffet
May feel too family-friendly for some
Few lodging options mean private cabins book up fast
Tordrillo Mountain Lodge attracts sports enthusiasts year round. During winter, it’s a popular destination among adventurous skiers who want to try heli-skiing, and in the summer, there’s fishing, rafting, hiking, and climbing to enjoy (during the 22 hours of sunlight in June and July). Daily yoga classes are offered throughout the year.
A team of skilled guides are all too happy to take guests out on the various excursions, while on-site staff help ensure guests’ needs are taken care of. The property is beloved by honeymooners who relish its remote, off-the-beaten path location, which does require a short flight via seaplane.
Since happening upon a general store to stock up on provisions at this far-flung location isn’t possible, Tordrillo invites guests to help themselves to anything in the common fridge or pantry—in addition to the three gourmet squares per day including a lavish breakfast buffet. Wine pairings elevate the evening meal experience.
Best Luxury : Sheldon Chalet
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Sheldon Chalet
A stay at the exquisite, all-inclusive Sheldon Chalet means getting up close and personal with the wild beauty of Denali in the most exclusive setting imaginable.
- Plush bedding
- Sauna access
- Complimentary use of adventure apparel and gear
Fine dining on-site
Glacier School teaches safety, rope team etiquette, and more
Fire pits
Very pricey
Three generations of the Sheldon Family are behind the ultra-exclusive, all-inclusive Sheldon Chalet experience, whose origins lie in the 1966 Mountain House, a basecamp for adventurers. It wasn’t until 2018 that the Sheldon Chalet’s current iteration debuted, and with it came the promise of a once-in-a-lifetime experience for discerning travelers.
Its incredible location on the ridge of the Don Sheldon Amphitheater of Denali's renowned Ruth Glacier is a part of its exclusivity as is its high price tag: A three night-minimum cost starts at $35,500 per couple. But for honeymooners looking to splurge, there’s practically zero chance of being disappointed.
Accommodations are luxurious; every view is more jaw-dropping than the next; and there’s a stellar food and beverage program—these are just a few of Sheldon’s noteworthy traits (and that’s before factoring in the bevy of outdoor adventure that awaits).Â
The Sheldon Chalet brings visitors to this unparalleled part of the world for a full-service, upscale stay. Before it, the only option for accessing this part of Denali was to climb and set up camp. Book a honeymoon at Sheldon, however, and rest assured that all outdoor apparel gear will be provided along with world-class meals throughout the duration of your stay.
It’s open year-round, and well-versed guides will see to it that no matter what time of year you visit, the experience is unmatched.
Best Budget : Chena Hot Springs
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Chena Hot Springs
This comfortable resort hotel in Pleasant Valley cares about delivering both a hospitable and sustainable experience, which is evident in its devotion to its natural hot springs.
- Indoor pool
- Full-service spa
- On-site ice museum
Natural hot springs
Geothermal powered facilities
Airport shuttle
Bike rentals cost extra
Rooms feel a bit dated
Chena Hot Springs Resort capitalizes on the natural wonder of its surroundings: natural hot springs. For most guests, this is the hotel’s top attraction, though an indoor pool and hot tub add to the water activity options. Other extracurricular activities include hiking, cycling, or kicking back with one of the board games available for guest use.
Guests rave about the food and the Ice museum; the latter especially appeals to history buffs. Rooms are spacious with a table and chairs providing a space to work or enjoy a snack, and the generous layout may help make up for some wear and tear.Â
Spa services, such as the 30-, 60-, or 90-minute massage, are reasonably priced. A slate of year-round activities can be added on to your booking to ensure that there’s something to do in every season.
Best Full-Service : Talkeetna Alaskan Lodge
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Talkeetna Alaskan Lodge
Peaceful and quiet, Talkeetna Alaskan Lodge really does feel like a home away from home—if your home had a bistro, oyster bar, coffee shop, and full bar.
- Suites outfitted with jacuzzis
- Complimentary shuttle to town
- Nearby shopping, dining, and entertainment
Denali views in abundance
Multiple on-site dining options
Convenient, accessible location
Rooms are a bit dated
Talkeetna Alaskan Lodge is a terrific full-service enterprise, though it’s not all-inclusive. Located 115 miles from Anchorage, guests can fly into Alaska’s largest city and take a scenic drive to the property (as opposed to an arrival requiring a seaplane or helicopter) where they’ll be welcomed by warm staff.
At night, the Great Room comes alive thanks to friendly travelers mingling by the magnificent 46-foot fireplace. More magnificent, however, are the views afforded by the hotel. The imposing Denali makes a case for nature watching and achieving a totally zen state of mind.
Views like these beg for closer inspection, and Talkeetna’s location is an ideal base for hiking and biking, though there are walking trails right on the property if you wish to stay close to home. Free shuttles transport guests to downtown Talkeetna, where restaurants, coffee shops, and stores selling local art await.
Best Access to Nature : Tutka Bay Lodge
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Tutka Bay Lodge
Private and pristine, Tutka Bay Lodge’s attention to details means superb food and drink and an abundance of options for outdoor exploration across a range of interests.
- Unique complimentary spa offerings like forest bathing and sound baths
- In-room blackout curtains
- Free Wi-Fi (in main lodge only)
Wellness offerings
Stellar food and beverage program
Helpful, gracious staff
On the pricey side
Lodging is rustic
Essentially all of the accommodations in Alaska provide excellent access to nature; after all, it’s intrinsic to travel in the state. But Tutka Bay (a part of the adventure company Within the Wild) deserves special recognition in this arena, as its entire ethos is based on natural exploration.
The beautiful lodge resides on a private cove within an ancient glacial fjord (9 miles of it) at the edge of the Kachemak Bay State Park. Staying here is an intimate affair where guests can enjoy gourmet cuisine, beer and wine tastings, and outdoor yoga classes during warm-weather months.Â
The inviting property features a National Geographic library, games, and the option to take a cooking class with one of the skilled lodge chefs, but there’s a plethora of activities beyond the premises. From bear viewing to glacier trekking and bird watching, Tutka Bay is all about the great outdoors.
Best Boutique : Pearson’s Pond Luxury Inn & Adventure Spa
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Pearson’s Pond Luxury Inn & Adventure Spa
For unpretentious luxury with a truly intimate feel, you can’t do better than the veteran Pearson’s (30 years and counting) in beautiful Juneau.
- Sleep Number beds
- In-room massage chairs and fireplaces
- Private balconies with hot tub
Rainforest garden includes sauna and two hot tubs
Secluded location
Hospitable staff
Books up quickly
Rooms are cozy, but small
Pearson’s is a glorious, intimate inn (10 rooms in total) run by the affable Maryann Ray, whom guests consistently praise as a highlight of a stay at this charming boutique property in Juneau. Just don’t judge the inn by its website, which isn’t up to par.
It’s a favorite among honeymooners for a number of reasons, including incredibly comfortable beds in well-appointed rooms, delicious homemade breakfasts, and spa offerings (many of which can be experienced outdoors with nature front-and-center).
Spring for the spacious two-bedroom Eagle’s Nest suite if a relaxation nook, full body massage chair, and inviting balcony appeal. Beyond the property’s warm embrace, guests can hike, kayak, or get tips for sightseeing on their own.
Best Remote : Ultima Thule Lodge
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Ultima Thule Lodge
Ultima Thule Lodge’s mission is to reveal Alaska’s raw beauty and authentic, rugged self—and thanks to a magical setting in the heart of Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve and an anti-itinerary stance, it’s succeeded with the highest marks.
- Access to yoga yurt
- Fire pits on-site
- Massage and meditation house
- Wood-fired cedar sauna
Beautiful design
Electricity and hot water off-the-grid
Tailored experiences
Hard to get to
Not desirable for unadventurous types
In Alaska, there are degrees of remote. Since the state is so sparsely populated, it’s almost easier to find a remote lodging than big-city lodging surrounded by the usual urban suspects, but Ultima Thule Lodge, set on the Chitina River and accessed by a small plane chartered by the lodge itself, truly deserves this designation. In fact, its Latin name means “distant or unknown region.”Â
Off-the-grid Ultima Thule is all about customizing experiences for every individual guest, so you won’t find any cookie-cutter itineraries here. What you will discover, via the watchful care of a savvy nature guide, are unnamed mountains, untrodden treks, abandoned gold mines, and Dall sheep. These journeys are punctuated by lunch alfresco and largely determined by the weather.Â
Back at the camp, more delectable food (think freshly-caught salmon and wild game) awaits guests hungry after a day exploring Alaska’s rugged frontier. Arrange for a Private Chef's Table Dining experience if you really want to indulge, and soothe tired muscles in the wood-fired cedar sauna.
Final Verdict
Tordrillo Mountain Lodge is our best overall pick for honeymoon hotels in Alaska. This hotel offers a wide variety of activities for a truly exciting trip, and even with its especially remote location, it provides plenty of accommodations ensure that even the most adventurous vacations are still comfortable for guests.
Guide to Choosing a Honeymoon Hotel in Alaska
Location
Some hotels in Alaska are difficult to access, which may make them more or less appealing based on your adventurous nature. If you prefer a relaxing, scenic drive to the hotel, you may opt for easy-access destinations. For an exciting trip to reach your lodging, Alaskan hotels with access by seaplane may pique your interest.
Amenities
Popular amenities at Alaskan hotels include hot tubs, fireplaces, spas, and activities like yoga on-site. Most offer rooms inside the main lodges or private cabins for a more secluded experience. Additionally, thanks to their remote locations, many lodges in Alaska have restaurants and dining options for guests to enjoy without leaving the property.
Excursions
Many of Alaska's lodges and hotels have dedicated staff to assist with planning outdoor adventures from fishing to hiking, heli-skiing, kayaking, cycling, bear viewing, bird watching, glacier trekking, and more. Knowledgeable guides can take you into the great outdoors on planned excursions, or staff members can help you choose the best private activities to embark on.
Nightly Rates
Honeymoon hotels in Alaska can range greatly in price, starting as low as $169 per night at budget resorts and reaching more than $35,000 for a three-night stay for the best luxury options. However, many options fall in the middle with prices between about $200 and $500 per night. Staying inside a standard room in a lodge typically costs less than choosing options like private cabins and suites.
Methodology
To find the best honeymoon hotels in Alaska, we evaluated top results based on their suitability for a romantic vacation in addition to excursions offered, prices, locations, amenities, and on-site activities. While there are many different types of lodging available, we focused on the best options for Alaskan honeymoon trips. We not only reviewed guest room accommodations, but also considered property restaurants, accessibility, and special experiences.
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