How to Find Cheap Hotels in Juneau, Alaska

Juneau, Alaska is the state capital as well as the major port for most of the cruises headed to the Land of the Midnight Sun. It's also tough to reach because of the weather and the location, but people who make it to the city are well rewarded.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Computer with Internet access to book accommodations online

Getting Around

1. Travel to Juneau, Alaska via ocean liner. There are a large number of cruises and cruise companies that operate out of Juneau.

2. Be aware that, outside of cruises, reaching Juneau can be problematic. Flights are almost routinely canceled as a result of inclement weather, and there is virtually no road access to the city.

3. Fly on Alaska Airlines to reach the city from Seattle or other locations within Alaska.

4. Reach Juneau by ferry. There are a few ferry companies that serve Glacier Bay, and they're relatively cheap.

Find Accommodations

5. Book cheap accommodations in Juneau through your travel agent. Agents often have the inside scoop on motels or hotels offering deep discounts through their affiliations with cruise ship companies.

6. Find accommodations close to the water to enjoy the beauty of the Bay. They're not as cheap as other accommodations, but they give a wonderfully romantic view of the city.

7. Take part in a few hours of local activities in Juneau, like the Last Chance Mining Museum. It's a great local attraction that's cheap to enter, close to several local accommodations, and great for the family.

8. Stay in a downtown Juneau motel for cheap accommodations near the city's museums and historical sights, such as the Alaska State Museum, the AJ Mine and the Last Chance Mining Museum.

9. Stay in the nearby Mendenhall Valley for easier access to ferries and transportation to outlying areas. A little over 10 miles from Juneau, the valley is home to a glacier and river that's excellent for kayaking.

10. To book accommodations, contact Juneau Convention and Visitors Bureau at [phone] or visit their Web site (see Resources, below).

Tips & Warnings

• Bear in mind that because of Juneau's inaccessibility, it is a tourist location for those who debark from the cruise ships that stop in Glacier Bay.
• Note that weather in Juneau, while still grossly problematic, is a bit more temperate than what you find elsewhere in the state. Summer temperatures reach into the 80s (degrees F), but winter temperatures still plummet below zero.
• Pack carefully when heading to the United States. Security has steadily increased, and regulations can change dramatically from one day to another. Do some research regarding customs and security requirements before you book accommodations.

Resources

• Juneau Convention and Visitors Bureau