Fodor's Expert Review Pike's Waterfront Lodge

Log columns and beams support the high ceiling in the lobby of this hotel and conference center designed to remind guests of the city's gold rush past. More than 20,000 flowering plants grace the grounds, a ½-mile walk along the Chena River borders the property, and on summer days a daily attendant-led stroll of the house ducks through the lobby will delight kids and adults. Green touches include solar panels, carpets made from recycled materials, and a greenhouse that university students tend. The lodge contains several warm and cozy common areas, including a piano room and a fireplace lounge. For a higher rate, riverfront rooms offer scenic views. If you're looking for a more Alaskan experience, try one of the 28 rustic log cabins.