Hostel

The youth hostel in Haines, Bear Creek Cabins and Hostel (907/766-2259, www.bearcreekcabinsalaska.com, mid-May–mid-Oct.), is 1.5 miles south of town on Small Tract Road. Dorm spaces are $20, and the six private cabins are $68 d. Bear Creek has kitchen facilities and Wi-Fi. The hostel is a clean and friendly place to stay, but reservations are advised in the summer.

Hotels and Motels

A beautiful old Victorian hotel that originally served as the commanding officer’s quarters at Fort Seward, Hotel Halsingland (907/766-2000 or 800/542-6363, www.hotelhalsingland.com, late Apr.–mid-Nov.) is a step back in time to a quieter, more gracious era. In addition to the standard guest rooms ($119 d) with private baths, the hotel includes a couple of small but inexpensive shared-bath guest rooms ($69 d). Owner Jeff Butcher updated the hotel with Wi-Fi and other amenities while retaining its original charm. The restaurant is one of the finest in town, and there’s a free shuttle to the airport or ferry.

Fort Seward Lodge (907/766-2009 or 800/617-3418, Feb.–Nov.) is located in another of the Fort Seward structures: This one once housed the fort’s post exchange store, bowling alley, and gym. Guest rooms are simple but clean and have Wi-Fi; none have phones. Those with private baths are $95 s or $110 d. Tiny guest rooms with a bath down the hall and no television cost $50 s or $75 d. Also available are a couple of units with full kitchenettes for $125 d. A variety of outdoor packages—including fly-fishing and heli-skiing—are available.

Head a mile out of town on Beach Road to Beach Roadhouse (907/766-3060 or 866/736-3060, www.beachroadhouse.com, Feb.–Nov.), with a mix of kitchenette units ($105–115 d) containing one or two queen beds, along with small cabins ($145 d or $165 for 4 people) with full kitchens and Lynn Canal vistas. A guest computer and Wi-Fi are available.

Adjacent to Fort Seward, Mountain View Inn (Mud Bay Rd., 907/766-2900 or 800/478-2902, www.mtviewinn.net, $109 d) has seven kitchenette units and Wi-Fi. The Alaska Mountain Guides and Climbing School is based here.

Thunderbird Motel (216 Dalton St., 907/766-2131 or 800/327-2556, www.thunderbird-motel.com) has standard rooms with fridges and microwaves ($100 s, $110 d) and full kitchenettes ($140 for up to 4 people).

On Haines Highway as you head out of town, Eagle’s Nest Motel (907/766-2891 or 800/354-6009, www.alaskaeagletours.com, $92 s, $103 d) has comfortable guest rooms and reasonable prices, along with Wi-Fi and breakfast snacks. Pets are $10 extra.

Housed within a historic officer’s row building, Fort Seward Condos (907/766-2708, www.fortsewardcondos.com, $150–165 d) are one- and two-bedroom units with full kitchens; there is a two-night minimum stay.

The nicest local motel, Captain’s Choice Motel (108 2nd St., 907/766-3111 or 800/478-2345, www.capchoice.com) has standard guest rooms for $119 s or $129 d, along with suites (these sleep six comfortably) for $172. All rooms contain small fridges and microwaves; continental breakfast and a courtesy van are available.

Eleven miles from town near Chilkoot River Lodge (907/766-2654, www.chilkootriverlodge.com) is a large, newly built structure atop a bluff near Chilkoot Lake. The three guest rooms ($150 d) have private baths, and during the summer guests can sit on the covered porch to watch brown bears fishing for salmon in the river.

Bed-and-Breakfasts

Fort Seward B&B (907/766-2856 or 800/615-6676, www.fortsewardalaska.com, open mid-Apr.–mid-Oct., $115–145 d) is a beautifully maintained historic home built for the fort’s chief surgeon. Four of the seven guest rooms have private baths, and two can be combined into a family suite for $275. Guests are served a filling breakfast with sourdough pancakes; there is also free Wi-Fi.

Built in 1912 by a member of Soapy Smith’s gang, Summer Inn B&B (2nd Ave. and Main St., 907/766-2970, www.summerinnbnb.com, $80 s, $100 d) is a cozy home near the center of town. Five guest rooms share three baths, and a big breakfast is served each morning.

Other options include:

• Haines Bear Lodge B&B

907/957-1035 or 812/371-5507
www.hainesbearlodge.com
$150 d

• Chilkat Eagle B&B

907/766-2763
www.eagle-bb.com
$80 d

• Tanani Bay B&B

907/766-3750
www.tananibaybnb.com
$125 d

© Don Pitcher from Moon Alaska, 10th Edition