Nome, Alaska has a handful of hotels, a couple of B&Bs, some single room rentals, and a beach where you can pitch a tent next to a gold dredge. That’s about it. This is not a city with a Marriott, a Hilton and a Hampton Inn. It’s a remote Arctic town of 3,800 people accessible only by plane, and the lodging reflects that.
Quick Nome Lodging Guide
| Property | Type | Price Range | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aurora Inn | Hotel | ~$200-250/night | Most comfortable option in town |
| Dredge 7 Inn | Boutique Hotel | ~$300/night | Best overall, outside of town |
| The Sluicebox | Boutique Hotel | ~$200/night | Downtown, Iditarod access |
| Golden Sands Stables | B&B | ~$150/night | Budget, communal kitchen |
| Solomon B&B | B&B | From $150/night | Remote, unique history |
| Noxapaga Suites | Rental | $240-350/night | Full kitchen, flexibility |
| Sweet Suites of Nome | Rental | Varies | Privacy, sleeps 4 |
| Nome Nugget Inn | Hotel | TBD | Under new ownership — check status |
| Golden Sands Beach | Camping | Free | Adventure, summer only |
My Nome, Alaska Hotel Experience
Back in the fall of 2020 I spent three months working and living in Nome, Alaska. I was filming a popular gold mining show for the Discovery channel and the production company I was working for put the crew up at a complex normally outfitted for inland gold miners. We referred to the modest digs as “man camp“.
I wouldn’t call man camp the best Nome, Alaska hotel by any stretch of the imagination. We shared stalled toilets, dirty showers, and a group kitchen. Crawling into my single size mattress every night was a good opportunity to reexamine my life choices.
Before I did my time at man camp, I had to quarantine (it was 2020) at the Nome Nugget Inn, which is unfortunately closed as of summer 2023. So while most of my time in Nome wasn’t spent at the lodging listed, I got very familiar with the town, its business, and their operators. I’ve highlighted some of my individual experiences under each listing.
Before You Book: What Nome Lodging Is Actually Like
Nome is not a resort destination. It’s a frontier town of 3,800 people on the edge of the Bering Sea, accessible only by air, and the lodging reflects that reality. If you set your expectations accordingly you’ll have a great stay. If you’re comparing it to what you’d get at a city hotel you’re going to be disappointed.
A few things worth knowing before you book:
- Wi-fi is slower than you’re used to. This is remote Alaska. The internet works but don’t plan on streaming 4K video or running video calls without some patience. Most properties offer it free — just manage expectations.
- Some furnishings are older. The Dredge 7 and Sluicebox lean into this deliberately — the gold mining era decor is part of the charm. The Aurora Inn is the most modern option in town. None of them are going to look like the photos on a chain hotel website.
- Prices are higher than you’d expect. Everything in Nome costs more because everything has to be flown in. $200-300/night for a basic hotel room is normal. Budget accordingly.
- Book early — especially for Iditarod. Nome has roughly 130-150 hotel rooms total when everything is open. That’s not a lot. Iditarod season in March fills the town to capacity months in advance.
- You must be 21 or older to book at the Aurora Inn. Worth knowing before you show up.
The upside: Nome more than compensates for its modest lodging with one of the most genuinely unique travel experiences in North America. Just don’t come expecting the Ritz.
Getting to Nome Alaska
Nome is only accessible by air — there are no roads connecting it to the rest of Alaska’s highway system. Here’s how to get there:
- Alaska Airlines flies direct from Anchorage to Nome daily. The flight takes about 90 minutes. Round trip fares typically run $300-500 depending on season and how far in advance you book. This is your main option and the most reliable.
- Bering Air operates smaller prop planes connecting Nome to surrounding villages and communities in Western Alaska. If you’re coming from Kotzebue, Unalakleet, or other regional points, Bering Air is your connection.
- From Anchorage to the airport: Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport is your hub. Most travelers fly into Anchorage first and connect to Nome. See our Anchorage Airport guide for parking, terminals, and what to expect.
- Taxi from Nome Airport to downtown: About $7 — one of the cheaper taxi rides you’ll find in Alaska. The Aurora Inn also offers a complimentary airport shuttle for hotel guests between 8am and 3:45pm.
Pro tip: Book your Nome flight and hotel at the same time. When Iditarod flights sell out, they sell out completely — and there’s no driving option.
The Aurora Inn
The Aurora Inn is the closest thing you’ll get to a hotel in Nome, Alaska. While the architecture of this Nome, Alaska hotel looks like a plantation house with two turret towers on either end, the interior is a nice reprieve from the disheveled streets of downtown Nome. There are 52 rooms, all clean and well kept, some come with a full kitchenette.
The Aurora Inn is located just southeast of downtown, right off of Front street, across the street from the Bering Sea and next door to the University of Alaska Fairbanks Northwest Campus. From time to time our production would rent cars from the Aurora Inn, and going to pick them up from the pristine lobby would always make me jealous because I wasn’t staying there.
Free coffee, a sauna, and complimentary wifi are included. Rates typically run $200-250/night depending on season. The Aurora Inn is the closest thing Nome has to a proper hotel — book early for Iditarod season.
Dredge 7 Inn
When I was in Nome working for the Discovery Channel, this was the hotel that crew members would book when their significant others would came to town for a visit. It’s the nicest place in town and just a pleasant oasis in a town that can sometimes be… less than pleasant.
This Nome Alaska, hotel is chock full of gold mining decor, and aptly so, the Dredge #7 Inn is owned and operated by a mining family with four generations of Nome Alaska mining ties. The swanky(for Nome) digs are located just outside of town, right off the Nome-Teller Road, in the middle of the arctic tundra. It’s not uncommon to have a herd of Muskox graze by the hotel.
There are a handful of rustic yet charming suites, most come a kitchenette, all come with a private bath. The common areas are comfy and filled with leather couches, wooden accents, lacy window drapes and old school decor.
Book online for a 10% discount. Rates hover around $300/night. Book here.
The Sluicebox
An extension of the Dredge #7 Inn just up the road, The Sluicebox is more than just an overflow option when looking to book a Nome, Alaska Hotel. The rooms are just as charming and outfitted with similar gold mining decor. There are fewer suites, but they all come with private bathrooms, TV, and a refrigerator.
And unlike its big sister, this Nome, Alaska hotel is centrally located in downtown; right next to the Nome Recreational Center. It’s easily walkable to anywhere and makes a great base for the Iditarod race in March. (7 night minimum during the event). 3 people to a room max, pet friendly, free wifi.
Nome Alaska Hotels: Bed & Breakfasts
Golden Sands Stables & Lodging
Golden Sands Stables & Lodging has four individual bedrooms and an overflow room on the other end of town. The four main rooms are finished with wifi, Roku tv, memory foam mattresses, and seasonal decor to reflect the names of each room; spring, summer, fall, and winter.
Everyone shares a bath and a half, a living/dining area, and a communal kitchen that is stocked daily with a continental breakfast. There’s a coffee machine, cooking utensils, dishwasher, stovetop, microwave, and some basic spices.
The rooms are located in downtown, while the stables are 6 miles outside of town. They offer horseback riding lessons for local students and plan to offer trail rides for guests in the near future.
Check current availability on Google before booking.
Solomon Bed & Breakfast
Located 34 miles east, down the Nome/Council Highway, this Nome, Alaska hotel is a bit out of the way; but so is freak’n Nome in general! And that’s nothing compared to the journey this Nome bed & breakfast took to get here.
Solomon was originally an Inupiaq Eskimo fish camp that transformed into a gold rush town. Then in the 1940’s & 50’s it reverted back to its original Alaska Native identity and the Bureau of Indian Affairs built a schoolhouse. In 2006, the abandoned schoolhouse was reconstituted into the present day Solomon Bed & Breakfast. So yeah, whats another 34 miles?
There are four private guest rooms, each with its own bathroom and patio access. Shared spaces include a fully equipped kitchen, dining room, and conference area. There’s a snack shop complimentary canoes, kayaks, and wifi. Rates start at $150/night.
We recommend confirming they’re still accepting guests before making the drive — the booking link may be outdated.
To book click here.
Nome Alaska Hotels: Single Room Rentals
Noxapaga Suites
Noxapaga Suites has quietly become one of the best places to stay in Nome — and that’s not faint praise given the competition. Two locations spread across town, both with full kitchens, smart TVs, in-unit laundry, high-speed wifi, and thoughtfully decorated rooms. It’s more like a high-end short-term rental than a traditional hotel — check-in via smart lock, quiet neighborhood vibe, and the kind of amenities that make a week in Nome actually comfortable. Rated 9.2/10 on Booking.com based on 20 reviews. Rooms range from $240-$350/night.
King Studio Apartments
A solid no-frills option for solo travelers or couples who want their own space in Nome. This ground-floor studio at 302 E King Place comes fully equipped — kitchen with oven, stovetop, microwave, and coffee maker, plus free wifi, washing machine, and private bathroom. Located 1.2 miles from Nome Airport and within easy walking distance of downtown and Nome’s restaurants. For a self-contained, affordable base in Nome, it’s a strong option.
Staying in Nome During the Iditarod
The Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race finishes on Front Street in downtown Nome every March. It’s one of the most iconic sporting events in the world and it transforms a town of 3,800 people into something completely different for about two weeks.
If you want to be in Nome for the Iditarod finish, here’s what you need to know:
- Book six months out minimum. This is not an exaggeration. Nome’s 130-150 hotel rooms get reserved by February for the March race — sometimes earlier. Many people plan their Nome Iditarod trip a full year in advance.
- Expect minimum stay requirements. The Sluicebox requires a 7-night minimum during Iditarod. Other properties have similar policies. You can’t just book two nights around the finish — most operators require you to commit to the week.
- Prices spike significantly. Normal rates at Nome properties run $150-300/night. During Iditarod expect rates to be higher — sometimes significantly. Budget accordingly.
- The experience is worth it. Watching mushers arrive on Front Street after 1,000 miles of Arctic wilderness, with the whole town gathered to cheer — it’s one of those experiences that’s hard to replicate anywhere. The dark, the cold, the headlamps coming in off the trail. If you can get there, go.
- If you miss the hotels — check Airbnb, VRBO, and the private rental options in this article. Nome locals sometimes rent out spare rooms and entire homes during Iditarod season. It’s worth looking even if the hotels are full.
No Nome Alaska Hotels? Go Camping!
Camping in Nome offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the wilderness of Alaska’s northern frontier. With limited lodging options in town, pitching a tent can become a charming and adventurous choice for some.
One standout camping destination is Golden Sands Beach, where you can set up camp along the shores of the Bering Sea and listen to the rhythmic lullaby of gentle waves and gold dredges as you sleep under the Arctic sky. Another draw to camping could be the wildlife, as it isn’t uncommon to see beluga whales right off the beach.
While I was working in Nome, one of our on camera contributors was mining and camping on Golden Sands Beach for the summer. By the end of it he looked pretty haggard, but for a few nights in the summer I’m sure it’s an adventurous option for younger folks without a disposition for cleanliness and general life comforts.
If you didn’t get your beach body into shape by the time you arrive in Nome and aren’t into a sandy vacation, head inland and just choose a spot. Nome allows you to pitch your tent most anywhere outside of town, excluding private property and active gold claims.
Nome Nugget Inn — Under New Ownership
I first traveled to Nome in August of 2020, six months into the covid pandemic. It was a weird time everywhere, and Nome, Alaska was no exception. While the state of Alaska approached the pandemic with, shall we say a more laissez-faire attitude, the production company I was working for DID NOT.
Upon arrival I had to quarantine for a week at the Nome Nugget Inn. The room was tiny and barren of any decor, but I did have a window that looked out to the Bering Sea. It was a run down cheap motel in the heart of Nome, but it was next door to a good bar restaurant, and for a while it was home.
Unfortunately, the adjacent bar/restaurant Bering Sea Bar and Grill burned down during a terrible storm in 2022. The Nugget, while saved from the fire, has been closed since then due to damage from Typhoon Merbok.
The good news: as of early 2024 the inn has new owners who have been working to reopen it. They’ve repaired stairs and boilers, redone windows, and painted the rooms. The City of Nome’s city manager publicly stated the hotel is “clearly needed” in the community. As of our last update the certificate of occupancy was still pending with the Alaska State Fire Marshal’s Office — but it appears they’re close.
The Nugget is a Nome institution — 47 rooms, ocean views, Gold Rush and Iditarod memorabilia in the lobby, right on Front Street at the Iditarod finish line. If it’s open when you’re planning your trip, book it. Check their Facebook page for the most current status before booking.
Nome, Alaska Hotels Map
What to Pack for Nome Alaska
Nome’s climate is genuinely Arctic — cold, windy, and unpredictable. What you bring matters.
Year-round:
- Waterproof outer layer — Nome weather changes fast. A good rain jacket is essential any time of year. Columbia rain jacket →
- Warm base layers — Minus 33 merino wool base layers are what we use on remote shoots. Never cotton in the Arctic.
- Sturdy waterproof boots — Xtratufs are the Alaska standard and perfect for Nome’s muddy summer streets and beach
Summer (June-August):
- Bug protection — Nome mosquitoes are serious. Ben’s bug wipes are worth having
- Sunglasses — midnight sun means more UV exposure than you’d expect
- Light layers — Nome summers average 50-60°F but can hit 70°F on good days
Winter/Iditarod season (March):
- Serious cold weather gear — Nome in March averages 0-15°F with wind chill. This is not the place for a light jacket
- Hand warmers — pack more than you think you need
- Insulated, waterproof boots rated to at least -20°F
- Balaclava and neck gaiter — the wind off the Bering Sea is brutal
Nome Alaska Hotels FAQs
How many hotels are in Nome Alaska?
Nome has a small but functional lodging scene — two boutique hotels (Dredge 7 Inn and The Sluicebox), one larger hotel (Aurora Inn), the Nome Nugget Inn which is under new ownership and working toward reopening, a couple of B&Bs, and several private rental suites. Total capacity is roughly 130-150 rooms when everything is open — tight by any standard, especially during Iditarod season.
When should I book hotels in Nome Alaska?
As early as possible for Iditarod season in March — rooms sell out months in advance and some properties have minimum stay requirements during the race. For summer visits book at least a month out. Nome has very limited lodging and popular properties fill quickly when any major event is happening.
What is the best hotel in Nome Alaska?
Dredge 7 Inn is the nicest property in Nome — boutique suites, gold mining decor, kitchenettes, and muskox occasionally grazing outside. It’s located just outside of town on the Nome-Teller Road. For downtown convenience the Aurora Inn is the best option — 52 rooms, clean, sauna, free coffee, and across the street from the Bering Sea.
How do I get to Nome Alaska?
Nome is only accessible by air, there are no roads connecting it to the rest of Alaska’s highway system. Alaska Airlines flies direct from Anchorage daily. Flights take about 90 minutes. Bering Air operates smaller prop planes connecting Nome to surrounding villages. Budget for flights — they’re not cheap.
Is Nome Alaska safe to visit?
Nome is a working frontier town and should be approached with the same awareness you’d bring to any remote Alaska community. It has a higher-than-average crime rate for Alaska, concentrated mostly around alcohol. Just don’t be mean or an idiot and you’ll be fine.
What is the Iditarod and why does it affect Nome hotels?
The Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race is one of the most famous sporting events in the world — a roughly 1,000-mile race from Anchorage to Nome, finishing on Front Street in downtown Nome. It runs every March and brings thousands of visitors to a town normally served by 130 hotel rooms. If you want to be in Nome for the finish, book lodging six months out minimum.
Is there an Airbnb or VRBO in Nome Alaska?
Yes. Noxapaga Suites and Sweet Suites of Nome both function similarly to short-term rentals with full kitchen access and more flexibility than a hotel. Check Expedia and Booking.com for current availability on private rentals. Options are limited but they exist.
What is there to do in Nome Alaska?
More than most people expect. Gold panning on the beach, wildlife viewing (muskox, reindeer, polar bears in season), the Iditarod finish, aurora viewing in winter, excellent birding during migration, Nome-Council and Nome-Teller road drives, the Carrie M. McLain Memorial Museum, and the general experience of being in one of the most remote and historically significant towns in North America. Nome rewards curiosity.
Can you camp in Nome Alaska?
Yes. Golden Sands Beach allows camping along the Bering Sea shore. It’s free, genuinely beautiful in summer, and gives you a real frontier experience. Beluga whales are sometimes visible right from the beach. Nome also allows camping most anywhere outside of town excluding private property and active gold claims. Bring serious bug protection for summer.
What should I know before visiting Nome Alaska?
Manage your expectations on lodging — this is not a resort destination. Wi-fi is slower than you’re used to, some furnishings are older, and the town has a rough-around-the-edges character that’s part of its charm. Bring cash — not all businesses take cards reliably. Book everything well in advance. Dress for Arctic conditions even in summer — Nome weather is unpredictable. And go — it’s one of the most genuinely unique destinations in North America.
More Nome & Arctic Alaska Guides
- Nome Restaurants — where to eat while you’re there
- Can You Drive From Alaska to Russia? — Nome is the closest point to Russia in Alaska
- Boroughs in Alaska — Nome is in the Nome Census Area
- Best Places to Live in Alaska — Nome gets a mention
- Famous People From Alaska — Jimmy Doolittle grew up in Nome
- 100 Fun Facts About Alaska — Nome has some of the best Alaska facts
- Anchorage Airport Parking — you’ll fly through Anchorage to get there