I like cold. I run hot. I also geocache. And I like extremes. So extreme cold, extreme far northern caches, something different, it's there so why not, yolo, and on and on. All reasons to come to Utqiagvik. But it isn't a cheap trip. In order to save a bit of money I picked this over the other big name in town and I'm so glad I did. I loved the location, being able to walk to it in -25 from the airport is a brilliant introduction to the town in January. I liked that it is in a neighborhood. It was so awesome to look out my window and see the kids across the street come out and play when they got home from school. -25, no worries, get my play on. But best of all is you are treated warmly and given all the information about anything you'd want to know regarding North Slope life. Town info, historic info, crime info, hunting stories, where to eat, what to see, what to avoid, etc etc. I really enjoyed talking to the owner and he provided wonderful information. i don't know if you'd get that personal service elsewhere. No restaurant attached is no problem as all the local ones delivered, and quickly too. No mini-mart (my big concern as I like to stocked up on cold drinks) no worries he's got it on site, and at same or cheaper than at the store. Room was big enough, comfortable for what I needed. Big fan provided to provide noise. I was on first floor and the only issue was the hotel was full of construction workers who had a 0400 wake up call. They were very quiet, but you couldn't help but hear the walking in their boots as they got ready. It sounded like in those instances the hotel is blocked out just for them, but I had already made a reservation. So either ask for upper floor or don't sweat it as others will wake when you do, and even with the construction crew, they left and I could simply roll back over and return to sleep. I mean the sun, if it was coming up at all during my visit, wasn't coming up till after noon :). So I highly recommend a stay there. Enjoyed every minute of it and have been missing it since my return. That town and that way of life, especially in mid-winter, defies description, and you just have to experience to understand…
Utqiagvik (Barrow) is an amazingly surprising and most wonderful place that my wife and I had the privilege and pleasure to visit at the best time of the year, i.e. January 22-24, when the sun first appears over the horizon after a slumber of more than two months. Our visit was enhanced by a great margin because we had the pleasure and privilege of staying at the amazingly surprising and most wonderful Airport Inn, managed by equally amazing and wonderful gentleman Andrew. Airport Inn is a small and totally warm (literally and figuratively) place to stay. The manager and owner Andrew is a most friendly, hospitable, kind and knowledgable gentleman who has amazing stories and huge knowledge about the town, and the Arctic in general, and he is generous to share his knowledge and stories with his guests. He is super helpful and a delight to listen to. He keeps a pristine and very well equipped hotel where one feels completely at home and very comfortable. The hotel is perfectly located, three minute walk from the airport and 15-20 minute walk to just about everywhere in town. And what a town it is! Absolutely spectacular with people who are probably the most friendly and interesting anywhere south of the North Pole!…
Very nice hotel! The clerk was super helpful and knowledgeable about everything in the village and called a cab for us. Everything was sparkling clean and comfortable. I definitely wasn’t expecting such a nice place for the price in the Arctic. Next time we’re in Utqiagvik we definitely will return to the Airport Inn. Just FYI, it’s a bit of a walk to get to it from the RAVN terminal. Not terrible but if you’re not comfortable walking considering calling a cab. It’s $6.
We had the best stay on our vacation very clean will return again great for the family or business trip. The Airport Inn is just across the street from the Airport every were we went everyone was so nice and helpful.
The Inn seemed like a large family we just met. Spend time sharing with your fellow guests in the evening over tea & coffee. Andrews knowledge & tour recommendation greatly enhanced our experience, take their advice and walk. The local museum was a living culture with working craftsmen & artists which closes for lunch. The "Supermarket" just across the street was definitively an experience to have a meal or snack at. Dress in layers. Central to airport & town. Not fancy.
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