This is one of the newest hotels in the area. The hotel is very difficult to get last minute reservations, even in the winter low season. I believe that the prime reason for its popularity is based on the level of service, quality of amenities, and proximity to everything that you need in the area.

For the property itself, I have to say that hands down it’s all about the location, location, location. It’s in the heart of downtown, right on the Chena river, and very close to most everything that you need except for the airport; in relative terms, the airport is only 10-15 minutes away with heavy traffic. There are many dining and entertainment establishments within walking distance, even in the –20F temperatures that I experienced in February; most are closer than the court house parking structure that I will get to in a moment.

The rooms are typical Marriott décor, that is to say that they are all very well appointed, clean, and well maintained. There is a small pantry/business nook with a refrigerator, microwave, coffee maker, and two free bottles of water in the room when you arrive. A threshold separates the pantry from the main area. If you are a Marriott rewards member, there is a small welcome assortment of snack type refreshments. They have free high-speed Internet that is truly high-speed; this is a standard amenity in the lower 48, but is a significant perk for the Fairbanks area.

If you stay in a double twin room, it has two TVs with one in a larger sitting area that has a couch and a chair, with the pantry and nook more clearly defined from the main area. The standard King room has just one TV (you can’t watch two) in the main sleeping area with a small couch, a chair with ottoman, and a bed.

The Marriott chain has by far the greatest beds of all the majors. I have no idea what the manufacturer is, but I would love to have one in my home. The linens are obviously higher quality than average hotels 400-600 thread count at a minimum; I have 600 and 1200 at home and have become spoiled so I truly appreciate quality bed linens. The amazing quietness of the area will ensure you a wonderful nights sleep.

The staff is always very cordial and warm when they greet you. The front desk attendant even remembered me on sight, not by name, when I checked in this afternoon after I checked out over a month and a half ago. When I had a problem with the heat in my room today, it was less than 4 minutes from the time that I called the front desk until a technician showed up to my room and reset the electronic switch in the heating unit and less than 10 minutes until I had to turn down the heat.

The hotel serves a continental breakfast that I think is a little poor based on the level of other Marriott breakfasts; not a single hot item except for coffee or oatmeal. With that said, the best restaurant in the area, Lavell’s, happens to be located in the lobby of the hotel. The quality of the meal served for dinner more than makes up for the lack of breakfast fare.

When I first stayed here, I thought that the price was a little steep, but after eating in several other area dining establishments, I realize that its just a bit more expensive to eat in Fairbanks than it is in the lower 48. Lavell’s also has a great wine cellar if you are into wine, I am not, but their bar is fully stocked with finer quality spirits.

The parking is quite a disconcerting situation that clearly displays the lack of planning on the part of the property designers. If you come to Alaska in the winter, you will find out that you have to plug in your rental car into an electrical outlet in order to keep it from freezing solid. No kidding! There are less than 30 parking slots on site at the property, and you have to get a pass in order to park here. You can park across the street, but there is no place to plug in your vehicle if the weather is below –10F you may have problems starting in the morning.

If you show up to the hotel after 5 PM you may end up having to park nearly a block away at the court house parking structure and will have to walk (slip and slide on the ice/snow; look into shoe chains, no kidding again) through the bone chilling cold in order to get to and from your vehicle; there is an additional charge but the hotel will validate your ticket so you won’t pay the cost unless you forget to get it validated.

Obviously, since I am choosing to pay the premium price for the area the pros far outweigh the cons. Other than the parking and the difficulty getting a reservation without a month advance notice, you should definitely stay here for your business or vacation needs.