The Adventures of Nicole was hosted by the Silverbow Inn on her most recent journey to Juneau. All opinions are her own.

Silverbow Inn, Messerschmidt Building, Juneau, Alaska, Adventures of Nicole

Why the Silverbow Inn Is One of the Best Places to Stay in Juneau

Why the Silverbow Inn Is One of the Best Places to Stay in Juneau was originally published in 2026

With no roads connecting the city to the rest of North America, there is something uniquely Alaskan about arriving in Juneau. Only reachable either by plane or by water, Juneau is surrounded by mountains that seem to rise straight out of the sea. The weather changes by the hour, and the entire downtown feels wedged between wilderness and the waterfront. It is the kind of place where you want a hotel that feels connected to the character of the city itself, rather than somewhere generic to simply sleep between excursions.

And tucked right into the middle of all of it is the Silverbow Inn, a boutique hotel that manages to feel both cozy and distinctly Alaskan at the same time. After spending a couple of nights there, it became very obvious why it’s a standout accommodation in Juneau. This is not one of those chain hotels where you immediately forget what room you stayed in. The Silverbow Inn has personality, history, rooftop hot tubs, and enough thoughtful touches to make you want to linger even longer in Juneau.

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A Historic Stay in the Heart of Downtown Juneau

Silverbow Inn, Juneau, Alaska, Adventures of Nicole

The inn is located inside the historic Messerschmidt Building, a structure originally built in 1907 as a bakery before evolving over time into the hotel it is today. The building itself feels woven into Juneau’s story, which makes staying here feel more personal than elsewhere in town.

Location-wise, it is hard to beat. Staying downtown means you can easily walk to the waterfront, shops, museums, bars, and tour departures without constantly needing transportation. And in a place like Juneau, where taxis and rideshares can add up quickly, walkability matters.

The Silverbow Inn also strikes that sweet spot between rustic Alaska charm and modern comfort. Think exposed history and mountain views, but also strong WiFi, plush robes, blackout shades, and smart TVs. Very important after a long day playing outside, whether you’re waltzing around downtown, exploring Mendenhall Glacier, whale watching in Auke Bay, or meandering the rainforest-nestled Shrine of St. Therese.

The Rooftop Hot Tubs Are a Real Main Character

Hot tub, Silverbow Inn, Juneau, Alaska, Adventures of Nicole

The Silverbow Inn is home to the only rooftop hot tubs in Juneau, and honestly, that alone deserves attention. The hotel has multiple rooftop decks overlooking the Gastineau Channel and the surrounding mountains, creating the kind of setting that makes you forget the chaos of the outside world for a minute.

Rooftop, Silverbow Inn, Juneau, Alaska, Adventures of Nicole

There is something surreal about sitting in a hot tub while cold Southeast Alaska air rolls in around you and mountains disappear into low-hanging clouds.

The rooftop firepit also adds to the atmosphere, especially during long summer evenings when the midnight sun pays its annual visit.

The Amenities Feel Thoughtfully Alaskan

Breakfast, Silverbow Inn, Juneau, Alaska, Adventures of Nicole

One thing the Silverbow Inn does especially well is making the hotel feel welcoming and accepting.

Breakfast is included every morning, with options ranging from breakfast sandwiches and steel-cut oats to avocado-topped English muffins and vegan-friendly choices. It is the kind of breakfast that actually fuels a day of glacier hikes instead of a carb-loaded meal that leaves you hungry an hour later.

There is also complimentary coffee, tea, snacks, and fresh-baked cookies available throughout the day. And a hidden candy stash in the lobby, which is a fun venture to try to find.

Rooms include thoughtful extras like bathrobes, snacks, toiletries, streaming TVs, and light-blocking shades. Little things, but after long summer days in Alaska, little comforts hit differently.

A Woman-Owned and Run Accommodation

One of the things that makes Silverbow Inn stand out and that immediately landed me in their inbox to try and find a way to incorporate them into my stay is that it is proudly woman-owned and women-run, something that genuinely shapes the atmosphere of the property. The inn was founded by entrepreneur and artist Jill, and you can feel that personal influence throughout the experience. Rather than feeling corporate or cookie cutter, the Silverbow has an intentional warmth to it, from the thoughtful amenities and locally minded touches to the welcoming communal spaces that encourage guests to slow down and settle in. And the amazing women who operate the hotel are incredibly warm and welcoming, adding a flair to the personality of the Silverbow Inn.

There is a strong sense that the inn was created not just as a place to stay, but as a space designed with care for both travelers and the local community. In a time where tourism can sometimes feel very transactional, that personality and sense of stewardship make the Silverbow feel refreshingly genuine.

Dining at In Bocca Al Lupo

Connected to the hotel itself is In Bocca Al Lupo, one of Juneau’s standout restaurants. The restaurant is led by chef Beau Schooler, a multiple James Beard nominee, and focuses on handmade pasta, wood-fired pizza, and seasonal Italian-inspired dishes.

And look, I know recommending Italian food in Alaska sounds slightly random at first. But after spending days eating salmon, chowder, and halibut, sitting down to a genuinely excellent bowl of pasta with a glass of wine somehow feels welcome.

The Silverbow Inn also sits close to several other great downtown restaurants and breweries, making it an ideal base if eating your way through Juneau is part of the itinerary. Which, realistically, it should be.

Why the Silverbow Inn Stands Out in Juneau

Juneau has no shortage of hotels, but many lean heavily toward standard business lodging or cruise-oriented accommodations. Silverbow Inn feels more personal than that. It balances comfort, character, and location in a way that fits the eclectic character of the city itself.

It is the kind of place where you can come back soaked from rain, grab a cookie downstairs, soak in a rooftop hot tub, and still make it to dinner without ever needing a car. That combination is surprisingly rare in most of Alaska.

What makes the Silverbow Inn so memorable is that it feels rooted in Juneau itself.

A Must-Stay in Juneau

Juneau is one of the most unique small capitals in the United States. It is isolated yet vibrant, rugged yet creative, and surrounded by some of the most dramatic scenery in Alaska. Staying somewhere that reflects that personality makes the experience even better.

If you are looking for a hotel with history, excellent food, thoughtful amenities, and genuinely memorable rooftop views, Silverbow Inn easily earns its reputation as one of the best places to stay in Juneau.

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