Staying at The Wedgewood Resort saved our vacation!
Our first night in Fairbanks was spent at a ridiculously sub-standard hotel (regardless of the multi-star rating by AAA). A friend suggested the Wedgewood Suites. We attempted to access Wedgewood Suites availability online, but the internet connection in our first hotel was sub-standard as well. Giving up, I called the 1-800 number to determine any room availability. From the reservationist on, everything took a 180 degree turn for the better.
The reservationist was extremely helpful explaining that the week we needed may be a problem mid-week as two of the nights were already booked full. She also checked availability in their other two facilities (Bridgewater Hotel and Sophie Station - also booked full). She was so helpful explaining that there may be cancellations at Wedgewood - we could check daily, but the first four nights would not be a problem. We jumped at the opportunity.
Upon arrival, we immediately noticed the immaculate landscaping, the lawns appeared manicured and the wide array of colorful foliage was postcard worthy. The gazebo area was inviting, and we were SHOCKED at the size of the Alaskan cabbage grown on the premises. You have to see it to believe it.
We opted for lunch at the Bear lodge. Initially, there appeared to be an overabundance of wait staff and a massive buffet spread. We soon found out why; we were actually witnessing a backstage glance at the preparation necessary to handle multiple tour busses on a tight time schedule. Someone announced into the kitchen, “. . . busses are here . . .” and in no time we found ourselves in a monstrous sea of people arriving for lunch. The staff was attentive to the huge number of patrons filling the premises and the many demands that accompany those sheer numbers. Our waitress kept a close eye on us as well; we never once got lost in the crowd of tour bus participants.
Upon check-in, we were given a third floor suite in the Laurel building. The front desk staff almost seemed apologetic about the third floor location, but we didn't mind at all. The configuration of the suites within the building almost guarantees front row parking and easy access for unloading (there are multiple separate entrances). Our suite was wonderful, it was clean (absolutely NO stale smoke smell), spacious, quiet, secluded and located at the edge of the woods. Our sliding glass door opened to a panoramic view of a grassy area with a peaceful forest as a backdrop.
The rooms were well laid out with comfortable furniture all around. With the Midnight Sun in all it’s glory, the blackout curtains in the bedroom were a welcome addition. The internet connection was fast and reliable which proved invaluable as my husband had some work to accomplish in spite of our vacation status.
The full kitchen, complete with a microwave and coffee maker, was a welcome change from constantly eating out. After a quick trip to a local grocery store, we were eventually able to enjoy relaxing meals at our leisure. The appliances were contemporary and full size (not the mini-apartment versions) making preparation much easier.

A daily newspaper was slid under our front door each morning and we never saw the cleaning crew that maintained our suite in immaculate condition.
True to the reservationist’s prediction, there was a cancellation. The staff alerted us to the additional availability and we were able to secure three more days.
When departure time came, we were hoping our flight would be over-booked (don’t laugh - it happens) allowing us a few more days in the spectacular Alaskan interior AND to stay at the Wedgewood Resort.
We will definitely be back as our daughter now attends the University of Alaska at Fairbanks and our first call will ALWAYS be to the Wedgewood Resort.