Fairbanks is a town in Interior Alaska, 1488 miles from the start of the Alaska Highway in Dawson Creek, BC. It is the second-largest city in Alaska and, being a junction of several major highways, will be a likely stop of most visitors to the state.

Fairbanks proper may be like a lot of towns in the lower 48. There's a Wal-Mart, a Home Depot and a McDonald's. Don't let this fool you, The greater Fairbanks area are true to their roots.

Hotels, Motels Lodge information

Pike's Waterfront Lodge, 1850 Hoselton Rd. Fairbanks, Alaska (907) 456-4500, fax (907) 456-4515. Rates vary wildly depending on specials, day of week and time of year. Great art collection, free wireless, free airport pickup, fridges and microwaves in all rooms. 208 rooms. Has cabins.

Super 8 Motel, 1909 Airport Road, (907) 451-8888, Fax: (907) 451-6690. Very much like every other Super 8 Motel in America. Rates average about $130 per night in the summer, and about $70 per night in the winter.

Comfort Inn, 1908 Chena Landings Loop, (907) 479-8080, Fax: (907) 479-8063. Another national chain, this hotel offers an indoor pool and free breakfast. Rates around $160 per night in the summer, $80 per night in winter.

7 Gables Inn & Suites, 4312 Birch Ln, (907) 479-0751?.

Billies Hostel / B&B Around $30 per night, clean, spacious and friendly. Only downside is the distance from the center of town. Close to the rail and airport though. Good Internet access with free wireless and a few desktops scattered about. Each bed is assigned a daily chore.

Fairbanks Exploration Inn : Welcome to our beautiful, newly renovated, historical 16-room Inn located in downtown Fairbanks. Fairbanks Exploration Inn 505 Illinois Street Fairbanks, AK 99701. Tel: (907) 451-1920.

Pikes Waterfront Lodge : Our hotel is minutes from the airport, next door to famous Pike's Landing restaurant. Features include an exercise room, business center, steam and sauna room, and a free shuttle to the airport or train station. Also, Pike's has 8 wheelchair accessible rooms with roll-in showers. 1850 Hoselton Drive Fairbanks, AK 99709. Phone  (907) 456-4515.

Ranch Motel : Ranch Motel, a one-story 31 unit motel where you can park right in front of your door, is located at 2223 South Cushman Street, convenient to restaurants and tourist attractions. 2223 S. Cushman St. Fairbanks, Alaska 99701 phone 1-907-452-4783.

Regency Fairbanks Hotel : Our 129 Guest rooms include a mix of traditional suites with 2 queen beds, standard or executive suites. All rooms feature kitchenettes with stoves, microwaves and full size refrigerators, many suites feature either standard or double whirlpool tubs.

Westmark Fairbanks Hotel and Conference Center : Enjoy the best steaks in Fairbanks at the Red Lantern Steak & Spirits. Choose from a mouth-watering selection of aged beef, tempting appetizers and delectable desserts with a glass of fine wine or your favorite brew. 813 Noble Street Fairbanks, Alaska 99701-4977 Phone: (907) 456-7722