Hotels and Motels

Built in 1939, the 50-room Sitka Hotel (118 Lincoln St., 907/747-3288, www.sitkahotel.net, $99 s, $105 d) is a reasonable heart-of-town option, but request a newer room since the old ones are basic and smoky. There’s a good restaurant (Victoria’s) and lounge downstairs, along with free Wi-Fi. Sitka Hotel exudes an old-time ambience, but it can be noisy, so it’s not for everyone.

Cascade Inn (2035 Halibut Point Rd., 907/747-6804 or 800/532-0908, www.cascadeinnsitka.com) has standard guest rooms ($125–140 d) and kitchenettes ($160 d); add $20 for each extra guest. The building is two miles out of town toward the ferry, and all guest rooms feature private balconies facing the water. There is also Wi-Fi and a sauna, and a convenience store downstairs.

Conveniently located in the heart of town, Shee Atika Totem Square Inn (201 Katlian St., 907/747-3693 or 866/300-1353, www.totemsquare.com, $154 d) features a harbor-side setting, continental breakfast, an exercise room, and Wi-Fi.

Sitka’s most distinctive lodging option is Rockwell Lighthouse (907/747-3056), a three-bedroom home built in the shape of a lighthouse on an island less than a mile from town. Skiff access is provided. With its nautical decor, curving interior staircase up into the lighthouse, and picture-perfect setting, you’ll be signing up for lighthouse duty after a night or two. The entire house sleeps up to four people for $200, but call a year ahead for reservations in midsummer. Credit cards are not accepted, and a two-night minimum stay is required in summer (though you will want more time).

Bed-and-Breakfasts

Ann’s Gavan Hill B&B (415 Arrowhead St., 907/747-8023, www.annsgavanhill.com) features six guest rooms with three shared baths, a hot tub on the covered side deck, filling homemade breakfasts, a guest computer, and a relaxed Alaskan atmosphere. One room is wheelchair accessible, and the rates are reasonable at $75 s or $95 d.

Helga’s B&B (907/747-5497, www.sitkaalaskalodging.com, $90 s, $100 d) is a large beachside home three miles out on Halibut Point Road. The three guest rooms have Wi-Fi and private baths. Breakfast is a bit minimal (muffins, coffee, and juice) but the guest rooms contain microwaves and fridges.

Alaska Ocean View B&B (1101 Edgecumbe Dr., 907/747-8310 or 888/811-6870, www.sitka-alaska-lodging.com, $99–169 s, $119–189 d) is a lovely home with fabulous Sitka Sound vistas. Two guest rooms and a suite have private baths. Amenities include organic breakfasts, in-room fireplaces, Wi-Fi, a pond, and a covered hot tub on the patio.

Annahootz B&B (111 Jeff Davis St., 907/747-6498 or 800/746-6498, www.sitka.org/annahootz, $110 d) has two guest rooms with private baths, Wi-Fi, microwaves, and stocked fridges for make-it-yourself breakfasts.

Also of note is Baranof Island B&B (410 Charteris St., 907/747-8306, www.baranofislandbandb.com, $95 d), where two guest rooms share a bath. The large home has a private entrance, queen beds, Wi-Fi, a guest living room, and continental breakfasts.

For luxurious and modern lodging right along the water, stay at Otter’s Cove B&B (3211 Halibut Point Rd., 907/747-4529, www.ottercovebandb.com, $130–150 d), with three spotless guest rooms, delicious homemade breakfasts, private baths, Wi-Fi, and a backyard (watch for the eagles) containing a fire pit and grill.

Vacation Rentals and Lodges

Sitka has 20 or so homes, apartments, and cabins that are rented out to travelers, including Frank & Gloria’s Place (907/747-8711, www.sitkadream.com, $145 d), Chocolate Moose (907/747-5159, $125 d), and Cottages on Monastery (907/747-8123, www.cottagesonmonastery.com, $125–150 d).

A number of Sitka-area lodges provide all-inclusive fishing, meal, and lodging packages. These include Baranof Wilderness Lodge (530/579-3394 or 800/613-6551, www.flyfishalaska.com), Dove Island Lodge (907/747-5660 or 888/318-3474, www.aksitkasportfishing.com), Quest Alaska Lodges (605/229-8685, www.questalaskalodges.com), and Wild Strawberry Lodge (907/747-3232 or 800/770-2628, www.wildstrawberrylodge.com).

© Don Pitcher from Moon Alaska, 10th Edition