3 Best Hotels in Aleutian Islands, Alaska Peninsula, and Pribilof Islands, The Bush

Bird and wildlife watchers can get a singular experience at St. George's only hotel, a small, rustic building with a dark-wood interior and a mix of modern and vintage furniture. The government built the place in 1930 to house visiting officials and transient workers, and it's now a National Historic Landmark. It can accommodate up to 18 guests in 10 sparsely furnished rooms with shared bathrooms. There is also a communal kitchen and living space. Guests should bring food to cook in the communal kitchen because there are no restaurants on the island and only one small store with limited hours. The hotel is run by the St. George Tanaq Corporation.

The airy, three-story atrium lobby with a large stone fireplace lends a European chalet sensibility to this hotel with brightly lit rooms and Alaska-themed artwork. Many of the rooms have wonderful views overlooking the water and come with either two queen beds or one king-sized bed, full bathrooms, and coffee makers. There are several eateries, including Margaret Bay Café, the Cape Cheerful Lounge, and evening-only dining at Harbor Sushi.

Close to birding spots and a mile from a seal rookery, the King Eider offers 40 rooms with basic amenities and meals, lodge-style common areas, and a simple gift shop with limited hours. The hotel caters to groups on bird and wildlife tours. Independent travelers can buy meal vouchers at the hotel to eat at the seafood processing cafeteria. The hotel is central to island services and activities, but remote from the rest of the world.