阿拉斯加吉爾茲樂小屋飯店(Alaska Grizzly Lodge)

Wonderful family owned and operated lodge outside of Fairbanks. Friendly, knowledgeable hosts. We spent 6 days at the lodge and felt like family by the time we left. Comfortable rooms, fabulous breakfasts, aurora opportunities, and friendly conversations. Fred and Janet had advice and brochures about restaurants, activities, and places to visit. They have laid out a short nature trail marked by red bird houses. We highly recommend this stay.

My friend and I stayed at the Grizzly Lodge, December 17-21, 2023. I had just retired and wanted to see the Northern Lights. We saw the lights 2 of the 4 nights that we stayed. The owners and staff were great. Both nights we were awaken by a knock on our door around 2 in the morning. We dressed and stumbled out onto one of the various decks. Janet the owner and John helped us find the lights (which isn't as easy as one might think). Once the show was over, we walked back into the lodge and sipped hot chocolate before crawling back into bed. The lodge was close to Fairbanks which allowed us to shop.

I went on my bucket list trip to see the Northern Lights. I could not have been more satisfied with this place. It was outside of Fairbanks so the city lights did not interfere. They woke us up (as I requested) when the lights were visible. Janet, the owner, explained how to take photos and even took photos of me with the northern lights in the background. She even “air dropped” photos of the lights she was also taking. They had two wonderful large north and south facing decks where I could step out, take photos, and then step back inside to warm up. They had a great full warm breakfast each morning. And my room was very comfortable and had a television. I also went to another lodge while on my trip, but it did not compare to the Alaska Grizzly Lodge.

We wanted to thank Fred and Janet for the warm hospitality we received during our three nights at Grizzly Lodge. The room stayed comfy and warm, and the breakfast gave us a good, healthy start to our day. Fred and Janet were extremely informative on subjects ranging from the environment to the proper camera settings to capture the perfect shot of the aurora. Unfortunately, the weather prevented all but a momentary view of the aurora; we would have missed this opportunity if Janet hadn't sat up each night and awakened us when it appeared. However, Fred searched his windy apt and directed us to Delta Junction, which was forecast to have clear skies. The suggestion turned fortuituous as the 14% chance of sighting the aurora turned into a dramatic viewing for over two hours. Highly recommended.

The hosts, Janet & Fred were friendly, and Janet ensures you are up for the Aurora viewing. The blankets on the bed were warm and cozy. Breakfast was oatmeal, Danish, toast, and egg, sausage, English muffin sandwiches. Now the reasons why we would never stay at Alaska Grizzly Lodge again. We paid $275.40 per night. We did not expect to use a space heater to keep the room warm. We did not expect to use the shower head to fill the toilet tank with water so we could flush the toilet. This was Fred's recommendation because the waterline from the sink to the toilet "was frozen". We did not expect the breakers to keep blowing causing no electricity in our room. We did not expect the door to the room to not secure because "the house is settling" and the lock does not line up with the strike plate. The room was advertised as having a kitchenette. We did not expect to be told the water for the sink did not work. We were fearful of using the microwave as we needed the space heater to keep the room warm because it is Alaska in the winter. When we asked about the heat, the wall heaters are for the Lodge central heat and “they either do not work or the heat is so hot you can't breathe”. Our second night was when we experienced the electricity and plumbing issues. When Fred said we would have to fill the toilet tank with the shower head to flush the toilet, I said this is not what we expected for the price we are paying. Fred was quick to offer another room, but it would not have the king bed that we were paying for. Considering the numerous issues, it is sad there was no offer to discount the $550.80 that we pre-paid in July. Alaska Grizzly Lodge requires full payment for reservations at the time of booking and one night's stay is non-refundable. This should have been a red flag. The Fairbanks area has a variety of places to stay for less money with working electricity, plumbing, and heat.

The husband and wife owner operators of the lodge were very professional and helpful. This included waking guest to see the northern lights should they occur and assisting with watching moose on the property. The breakfasts were excellent.

La atención es magnífica. Nos despertaron en la noche para ver las Auroras , se siente uno como en casa. Grata experiencia

Loved our host. The property is a little tired looking, but it was very comfortable and our stay was enjoyable.