Juneau Lodging: Downtown or by Airport??
 

My 12 year old son and I plan to spend 3-4 days in Juneau next summer. The places we plan to visit include the Mendenhall Glacier, Roberts Tram, and possibly the AJ mine tour. We will also be taking a boat tour of Tracy Arm.

We had not planned on renting a car. Should we stay downtown at some place like the Driftwood that has free ferry and airport shuttle, or should we stay by the airport at something like the BW Country Lane?

What are the pros and cons of each location?

In advance, Thanks for your comments.

keith

It's been a few years since I've been to Juneau, but would definitely recommend staying closer in town rather than at the airport. It's just more fun to be able to stroll around in town.

I rented a mountain bike one day and rode some of the trails in the hills above town - lots of fun.

Without a car- definately stay downtown. Plenty to see and and way more dining options. Pick up a walking tour map.

I would also recommend staying downtown. We stayed at the Silver Bow but was not overly impressed. I had a recommendation of staying at the Prospector from friends who were quite happy there. The airport is basically in the middle of nowhere so like other posters the downtown area has a lot to offer for those who don't have a car. We were there on a small cruise ship out of Juneau for 7 days and Tracy's Arm was the highlight of our trip, enjoy.

Thanks everyone!! I appreciate the helpful comments.

ketih

Downtown hands down. The airport area has nothing to offer except a run down mall. Don't forget the Alaska State Museum downtown. I hate museums but really liked this one.

Consider a day trip by ferry to Skagway. The scenery along the way is spectacular. Mountains rising out of the ocean and lots of Hump Back whales.

Thanks for the suggestions. I'm going to make a downtown reservation based on everyone's comments!

Great forum!

keith

Keith, In order of expense (more to less) downtown hotel options include:
1) Baranof Hotel
2) The Goldbelt (waterfront views)
3) The Prospector (waterfront views)
4) The Driftwood (near waterfront and has kitchenettes)

2-4 are closest to the waterfront and the tour/cruises (Goldbelt actually oes a lot of them), but only by a hair.

Last year we stayed close to the airport but we had a rental car. We loved going to Mendenhall Glacier when all of the cruise ship people weren't there and you could really enjoy the glacier. That's when all of the locals go and walk their dogs.. it's nice to talk to them and hear all of their bear stories. Tracy Arm is wonderful.. we took Adventure Bound and highly recommend them.
I guess where you stay depends... if you are more of a city person... then definately stay downtown... if you are more of a hiker/naturalist rent a car and stay closer to the airport.

Have a great trip.