Where to Stay in Juneau (Best Places & Areas)

3 Best Neighborhoods & Areas to Stay in Juneau

The city of Juneau occupies a narrow strip of land between the mountains and the ocean in Alaska’s famous Inside Passage. The Mendenhall Valley lies 10 miles north of downtown. Auke Bay is just to the west of the Mendenhall Valley.

Downtown Juneau

👉 Best Area For First-Timers | ✨ Best Downtown Juneau Hotels: Juneau Hotel • Alaska’s Capital Inn Bed and Breakfast • Silverbow Inn & Suites

Juneau’s cozy downtown area is jam-packed with popular attractions and history, making it the perfect place for first-time visitors. The city boomed during Alaska’s gold rush and even today, you can pan for flakes of the precious metal in nearby rivers on special tours.

You’re not guaranteed to strike it rich when it comes to gold, but the experience is still fun. There is, however, a much more accessible motherlode of information on local and state history at various museums across town. 

Liquid gold is also much easier to come by. For one, the (in)famous Red Dog Saloon offers a variety of beers on tap, among other libations, while preserving the atmosphere of Juneau’s frontier days. Juneau is also the home of the Alaska Brewing Company, the Last Frontier’s leading microbrewery.

The Juneau Hotel is my top pick for a downtown stay. It’s not far from the main attractions, has reasonable prices, and each room comes equipped with a kitchen, as well as a washer and dryer.

Silverbow Inn & Suites is another top choice in the downtown area. It feels like a perfect synthesis of vacation home and hotel, and even features an outdoor hot tub.

Pros of Staying in Downtown Juneau:

• Best variety of bars, eateries, and shops
• Best variety of things to do and places to stay
• Everything is within walking distance (once you’re there)

Cons of Staying in Downtown Juneau:

• Touristy feeling, especially in summer
• You’ll need a car to get to and from the airport (if arriving by air)
• Hotels tend to be more expensive

Mendenhall Valley

👉 Best Area For Adventure Travelers | ✨ Best Mendenhall Valley Hotels: Best Western Grandma’s Feather Bed • Best Western Country Lane Inn • Travelodge by Wyndham

The Mendenhall Valley lies north of Juneau’s downtown area and is the site of Juneau’s airport. The majestic Mendenhall Glacier, one of the top attractions in the area, lies just north of this neighborhood and is a must-see when visiting Juneau. The valley is a great place to stay if you want to see the glacier, whether by land or air.

Many aerial tours of the area around Juneau depart from the airfield here. The valley also has the most central access to many of the best hiking trails in the area. It’s a little more withdrawn from the more touristy, crowded downtown area, but still has some great places to eat and drink after a day on the trails.

The Best Western Grandma’s Feather Bed is my top recommendation for properties in this area. It combines old-fashioned elegance and modern conveniences and is close to grocery stores and restaurants. The local Travelodge by Wyndham is a little more budget-friendly, if basic (Juneau is an expensive destination, but there are ways to save when visiting).

Pros of Staying in Mendenhall Valley:

• Close to Mendenhall Glacier and Nugget Falls
• Not as touristy as downtown
• Good variety of restaurants

Cons of Staying in Mendenhall Valley:

• Farther from central attractions
• You’ll need a car to get around

Auke Bay

👉 Best Area For Alaskan Atmosphere | ✨ Best Auke Bay Properties: Captain’s Quarters • Biker’s Bungalow • Baked Alaska

Auke Bay is the best place to stay if you want to experience authentic Alaskan atmosphere. There are no actual hotels here, but local vacation rentals and B&Bs put you in the middle of lush forests, tranquil lakes, and rugged coastlines. You’re not too far from modern conveniences either (downtown is only 20 minutes away by car).

The Auke Bay Ferry Terminal offers connections to other coastal destinations across Alaska. I highly recommend traveling on Alaska’s ferries. They’re nowhere near as fancy as cruise ships, but they offer a unique glimpse into the local way of life that cruise ships simply can’t. You’re also more likely to meet fellow adventure travelers on the ferries. 

Local campgrounds make for excellent picnic spots or, for the more adventurous, overnight stays. Homestays, such as the one at Baked Alaska, will offer discounts on tours along with all the comforts of home, should you prefer something a little less spartan. Captain’s Quarters also offers discounts on tours, plus views of the local harbor.

Pros of Staying in Auke Bay:

• Closer to stunning natural beauty
• Local feeling and most authentic atmosphere

Cons of Staying in Auke Bay:

• No actual hotels
• Vacation homes can be pricey
• You’ll need a car to get around

Tips for Staying in Juneau

Bring layers (including a raincoat)

Juneau’s climate is milder than that in other parts of the mainland, but it will still be cooler than what most visitors may be used to. Even if visiting in the height of summer, include extra layers on your Alaska packing list. Juneau also gets a lot of rain throughout the year, so a waterproof jacket is a must, too.

Keep your plans flexible

Along with rain, fog and wind are not uncommon in Juneau. Flight cancellations are a rarity, but not entirely unheard of. Larger commercial flights are less likely to be canceled than smaller local ones. You may be able to get in and out of town with no problem, but you may have to save that aerial tour for next time.

Visit in the shoulder seasons

Juneau is one of the best places to stay in Alaska, but it’s not the cheapest. You can, however, save a little money and reduce a little stress (if, like me, you’re not overfond of crowds) by visiting during the shoulder seasons of May and late September. Some hotels offer deeper discounts than others, with some barely changing prices year-round.

Read my guide on the best time to visit Alaska for more information. 

Be aware of bears when on the trail

There are some excellent hiking trails around Juneau. The area is home to Alaska’s famous bears, though. Black bears are much more common than grizzlies here, but the same general safety practices apply.

Camping at local campgrounds

If you’re properly prepared, camping is a great way to enjoy a stay in Juneau. There are several campgrounds in and around town, offering stunning natural beauty and a much more wallet-friendly place to stay than Juneau’s hotels and homestays. 

Be sure to follow best practices for bear safety, and you should enjoy an undisturbed stay amidst Mother Nature.

📚Related Reading: Epic Things to Do in Alaska

FAQs

What are the best areas to stay in Juneau for first-timers?

Downtown Juneau is the best place for first-timers to stay because of its larger number of attractions and variety of hotels. Mendenhall Valley is another good choice because it’s close to both the airport and the Mendenhall Glacier.

What are safe areas to stay in Juneau?

Juneau is, overall, a very safe city. Bears are more likely to be found the further you get from the city (i.e. Auke Bay and other outlying areas). Attacks are rare, but you don’t want to risk it.

What are the best parts of Juneau to stay on a budget?

Mendenhall Valley has some of the better budget-friendly hotels in the Juneau area. Some homestays in the valley, as well as in Auke Bay, will be cheaper than hotels downtown.

What are the best parts of Juneau to stay for a long stay? 

Auke Bay is a fantastic choice for longer stays, having the best variety of vacation homes and bed and breakfasts that cater to staying more than a few days.

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I hope you’ve enjoyed reading my guide on where to stay in Juneau! To help you keep planning your trip, check out my 10-day Alaska itinerary next.