Fairbanks, Alaska is Gateway to the Bush, Hub of the Interior, and one of the best places to watch the Northern Lights in winter. For the summer, Denali National Park is about an hour’s drive from downtown Fairbanks and offers numerous hiking trails and expansive vistas that define the Alaskan interior. However, no matter what season you come, a stay at Sophie Station Suites provides plenty of space and the comforts of a home environment while you explore the Alaskan interior, especially for those who are on the road. The hotel is locally owned and operated, and it is known for its service.
Convenience defines the location of Sophie Station as the hotel is close to the airport and the University of Alaska and offers complimentary shuttle service to Fairbanks International Airport and Alaska Railroad Depot for arriving and departing guests. Another location bonus is that it is an easy walk for guests to stock up food from the nearby grocery store.
What is most impressive about this place is that all rooms are suites and they have plenty of space for all your needs. Though I was solo, I found the spaciousness welcome in laying out all my camera gear and accessories as one of my main objectives was to photograph the Northern Lights. Back to the rooms. The suites have air conditioning (yes, you need it in the summer), complimentary wifi, and full kitchens that include a refrigerator, stove, coffee maker, and pots, pans, plates, mugs and eating utensils for those who prefer to prepare their own food and eat in.
The one bedroom suites include private bedrooms, spacious bathrooms, dining areas, and a work area with a desk, high speed internet and in-room data ports. Also available are guest laundry facilities. The public areas include internet kiosks and 24 hour fitness room, which was one of my favorite places to workout in the early morning hours. A nearby guest coffee station provided me with beverage 24/7.
Sophie Station also has an onsite restaurant that serves breakfast, lunch and dinner. Zack’s Restaurant – located on the hotel’s second floor – is known for serving Alaskan cuisine along with gourmet pastas, steak, and fresh fish when available. They are also known for their handcrafted cocktails and a hearty selection of wines. Or, go with a variety of local Alaskan beers. Enjoy in their Express Room Lounge or their dining room for entree choices.
For business travelers and for private receptions, the Sophie Station Hotel offers a small meeting area. Business meetings, luncheons, seminars, private dinners, and receptions can all be easily accommodated at Sophie Station Hotel.
The hotel captures the essence of the Fairbanks experience and provides guests with a level of personalized service, style and comfort unparalleled in the Golden Heart City.
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Sophie Station rooms also feature coffee makers, hairdryers, two television sets and artwork by Alaskan artists. My room also had a walk out balcony, which proved to be very convenient when I photographed the Northern Lights from my room. And by letting the front desk know I was interested in being alerted to northern light activity, I received a call from them around 2:30 am when the lights began dancing.
You can book a room suite from about $107.50 to $119.00 in the winter at their website, or a booking site like Expedia.
Review by award-winning writer Karin Leperi who was hosted three nights at the property for purposes of review Sophie Station and experiencing Fairbanks. Photographs provided are courtesy of Sophie Station Suites.
