13 Exceptional Hotels in Homer Alaska on Kachemak Bay
Many hotels in Homer, Alaska provide incredible views over Kachemak Bay, close proximity to bear-viewing tours and fishing charters, and deliver true Alaskan-style lodging. We’ve lived all over the city including in a tent on the Homer Spit, to several local cabins that we rented out for weeks at a time!
We even booked out an entire lodge (which we’ve linked to below) for our entire family during our wedding week in Homer, so we’ve stayed in practically every style of lodging the region has to offer.
From cozy cabins nestled in thick woods to lavish lodges overlooking Kachemak Bay with views of breaching whales, there are plenty of options available for travelers of all kinds.
Homer is a vibrant and picturesque coastal town perched on the edge of Kachemak Bay State Park offering visitors stunning views of glaciers, mountains, volcanoes (did you know that there are volcanoes on the Kenai Peninsula?), and endless wildlife.
The abundance of fishing and outdoor activities here makes it an ideal spot for adventurers, and with its lively bars, restaurants, and art galleries, there’s plenty to do in town, too!
Whether you’re looking for an adventure lodge or simply a budget-friendly Homer hotel, we’ve curated this list to include something for you. We’ve also provided ample information on when to visit Homer, how much time you need in the area, and even how to budget for this often costly city!
13 Unbeatable Hotels in Homer Alaska
🏨1. Kenai Peninsula Suites
We were fortunate enough to rent out the entirety of the Kenai Peninsula Suites cabins for 2 nights in the middle of July for both our families the week of our wedding, and let’s just say it is still at the top of the list of the best places we all stayed in Alaska (only second to Orca Island Cabins in Seward)!
These beautiful log cabins look out directly over Kachemak Bay with a few of them being embedded underground with appropriate names like “Bear’s Den” and “Eagle’s Nest”. Able to sleep families between 4-6, these cabins are equipped with full kitchens, plush beds, and everything you need to feel like you’re in your home away from home.
Also, if you’re looking for Homer hotels with a hot tub, the property has a great one along with a firepit area with wooden stumps for seating, perfect for a night full of stories and s’mores!
The staff were some of the friendliest we’ve met in Alaska and we honestly couldn’t recommend a stay at Kenai Peninsula Suites more as it is easily one of the best hotels in Homer you could pick.
🏨2. Land’s End Resort
The Land’s End Resort isn’t just one of the top-rated hotels in Homer, Alaska for its stunning accommodations… it’s also one of the best things to do in Homer! It’s a restaurant, hotel, and beachfront all in one and welcomes people whether you’re staying guests or not.
Plus, say you want to book a fishing charter or one of the many bear viewing tours in the area, the friendly staff will be more than happy to assist you with finding the right local company for your needs!
Offering arguably THE best views of Kackemak Bay, this picture-perfect hotel is situated right at the end of the Homer Spit! If you’re hoping to be close to town and in the middle of all the action without sacrificing comfort, the Land’s End Resort should be on your radar.
🏨3. Best Western Bidarka Inn
When it comes to pet friendly Homer hotels, the Best Western in Homer is our #1 pick! With affordable rates, friendly staff, and plenty of modern amenities, it’s the ideal spot to stay with your furry friend during your Alaskan vacation.
Plus, it’s right on the water so you can take advantage of all that Homer has to offer! From fishing charters to wildlife tours, there are plenty of activities for you and your pet to enjoy. The Best Western also offers fish packing and freezing services, so you won’t need to travel far to get your fresh catch ready to ship home!
With all of the amenities you’ll need along with family-size rooms available, the Best Western Bidarka Inn is a classic, pet-friendly accommodation that’s sure to keep you comfortable.
🏨4. Driftwood Inn Homer
Set just a 7-minute walk from the beautiful Bishops Beach, the Driftwood Inn in Homer offers the ideal seaside escape to guests seeking modern amenities in a stylish, yet rustic setting!
Charming European-style rooms come equipped with multiple beds and ocean views, while the wifi is free and private parking is complimentary for guests. Perfect for solo travelers and couples, the Driftwood Inn Homer is located just a 10-minute drive from town, making it a great choice for anyone seeking some solitude from the busy downtown area!
Plus, owing to the nature of the Homer Spit, the grocery and liquor stores are located closer to the mainland and the Driftwood Inn! If you want to be close to a supermarket so you can enjoy cooking your own meals, then this inn is a popular choice.
🏨5. Seafarer Suites
Just a 1/3 of a mile northwest of Driftwood Inn sits one of Homer’s only 5-star properties! Seafarer Suites is known for its luxurious accommodations featuring, top-of-the-line furniture while maintaining that relaxing, coastal vibe.
Plush, modern bedding accompanies stunning hardwood flooring, tile bathrooms, and upscale art around every corner. Each suite offers a unique experience with breathtaking views of Alaska’s stunning and diverse scenery.
Boasting a homey-style ambiance miraculously balanced with lavish amenities, the Seafarer Suites is the ideal location for honeymooners, couples, and luxury retreats and is certainly one of the best luxury hotels in Homer Alaska.
🏨6. Aspen Suites Hotel Homer
Everyone has their favorite hotel chain that knows how to always do it right, and Aspen Suites Hotel in Homer is just that! It reminds us of a Holiday Inn Express, only with better views.
From its modern décor to the friendly staff, Aspen Suites Hotel offers a comfortable stay with plenty of amenities. With views of the Kenai Mountains and its close proximity to the Homer Spit, guests can enjoy a peaceful night after an adventurous day in Homer.
Whether you’re looking for high-end luxury or just need a place to rest your head for the night, Aspen Suites Hotel is the perfect spot.
🏨7. Otter Beach Lodges
I mean, seriously?! Look at those gorgeous cottages right on the beach! With arguably an even better view than the aforementioned Land’s End Resort (they’re about 200 feet from each other), the Otter Beach Cottages are practically something out of an Alaska Travel magazine.
These vibrant, complete cottages all offer superb ocean and mountain views, full kitchens, numerous bedrooms, free wifi, free private parking, and the ideal location just steps from all of the bars and restaurants on the Homer Spit.
When I say these cottages book up fast, I mean they’re gone sometimes up to a YEAR in advance. If you’re lucky enough to find one available for your dates, do yourself a favor and book it immediately.
🏨8. Ocean Shores Hotel
Situated just as you exit the Homer Spit and enter the mainland, the Ocean Shores Hotel sits on 4 acres of beachfront with on-site barbeque facilities and exciting views of Kachemak Bay!
The rooms are well-stocked with all the modern amenities you would expect. From high-speed Wi-Fi to luxurious beds, everything is provided for your convenience and comfort. You’ll also find a beautiful terrace accompanying each room, perfect for relaxing with a cold beverage after your full-day fishing charter.
Plus, being just a 5-minute drive from the Homer Brewing Company and just an 8-minute walk from Homer town (not the Spit), Ocean Shores Hotel is a popular pick for budget-conscious and no-frills travelers!
🏨9. Beluga Lake Lodge
Conveniently located on Ocean Drive, Beluga Lake Lodge is the most basic of accommodations in town. Certainly not one of the best hotels in Homer Alaska for its modern amenities or luxurious rooms, this is more of a motel with very basic comforts.
It’s quaint, it’s clean, and it’s a good place to rest your head if you want to save some money before or after your fishing charter or bear viewing tour over to Lake Clark National Park.
Each room has a fridge and a microwave, the lodge has an onsite bar and laundromat (which is actually very nice considering this can be hard to find in Alaska), and it’s close to everything you could want to see in Homer. Beluga Lake Lodge is one of the best cheap hotels in Homer!
🏨10. The Lighthouse – one of the best pet friendly hotels in Homer, Alaska
The Lighthouse just may be one of the most beautiful hotels in Homer! Guests can enjoy stunning views of the bay and some of the best seafood just around the corner from Kachemak Drive.
The rooms scream quintessential coastal town with vibrant beach tones, big bay windows properly showcasing the view, a back terrace perfect for dining on a warm summer evening, and it’s even pet friendly!
Not to mention there’s a garden with picnic tables and some rooms even come with a washing machine and dryer to use at your convenience.
The Lighthouse is easily one of your favorites on this list, and we hope you get the chance to see why!
🏨11. Juneberry Lodge
Honestly if you were hoping for a traditional-style Alaskan log cabin, then Juneberry Lodge should be your go-to choice! Though, the Kenai Peninsula Suites are equally as great.
This beautifully kept wooden cabin captures the beauty of Homer, Alaska in one fell swoop! Guests can enjoy a lovely, home-cooked breakfast each morning of their stay while sitting on a lovely terrace complete with comfortable patio furniture.
The rooms are all equipped with private bathrooms and complimentary toiletries in addition to free wifi, so you’ll be able to easily share all of your amazing photos with friends and family while you’re there!
As one of the most locally influenced hotels in Homer, the Juneberry Lodge is perfect for travelers seeking a unique experience on the Kenai Peninsula.
🏨12. Alaska Adventure Cabins
This drop-dead gorgeous (I truly believe there is no better way to describe this place) lodge offers guests some of the nicest views of Kachemak Bay and the surrounding Kenai Mountains in the whole of Homer.
Charming wood-style rooms meet captivating back terrace meet bald eagles soaring everywhere you look. We’re actually convinced this place should be too good to be true… but luckily for us, it isn’t!
Situated on Baycrest Hill, the elevated location of this dreamy lodge provides exceptional views of Cook Inlet and Mt. Augustine Volcano. Plus, every accommodation features a full kitchen and complimentary wifi.
While you’re there, be sure to check out the rail car and the beautifully docked ship on the property. Each cottage and room is completely unique, making the Alaska Adventure Cabins one of the best Homer, Alaska hotels for people of all ages!
🏨13. Brigitte’s Bavarian Bed und Breakfast
If you’re hoping to stay as close to nature as possible on your trip to Homer, then Brigitte’s Bavarian B&B is the place to go. It’s also one of the best bed and breakfasts Homer has to offer!
Breakfast is made fresh each morning of your stay using mainly locally sourced ingredients and can include everything from king salmon to perfectly risen sourdough and even fresh, homegrown eggs. Let’s just say it will likely be the only meal you’ll need all day!
It’s also uniquely located over by Miller’s Landing, so you’ll only be a short drive into the Homer Spit as well as the Homer Brewing Company and my favorite wine spot in Homer, Bear Creek Winery!
FAQ
In this section, we’ve answered some important questions regarding the best time to visit Homer, how expensive the city is, and how long you need to get the most out of your visit.
Is It Worth Going to Homer, Alaska?
Homer, Alaska is without a doubt worth visiting! It has some of the best views we’ve been fortunate enough to see on the Kenai Peninsula, rivaling Seward and even the Kenai Fjords National Park.
The Homer Spit is surrounded by the Kenai Mountains on all sides creating this 360° skyscraping, snow-capped panorama coming out of the ocean that you rarely get to see no matter how deep into the untamed wilderness you go.
Plus, from the end of the Spit where you’ll find Land’s End Resort, on a clear day you’ll get uninterrupted views of the beautiful Mount Augustine Volcano!
Not to mention all of the amazing seafood restaurants you’ll find, local bars (Salty Dawg Saloon is one of our favorites), and endless fishing charters making their way in and out of the bay come sunrise and sunset.
Combine all that with soaring bald eagles and the sound of float planes taking off in the distance and you have yourself one of the best places to visit in Alaska!
How Many Days Do You Need in Homer, Alaska?
For most travelers, 2-3 nights in Homer is enough. However, depending on how many outdoor activities you want to include on your visit, 4-5 nights may be necessary to ensure you have enough time in case of delays or cancelations due to weather.
Homer is well known as the “halibut fishing capital of the world”, so if you plan on taking a full-day fishing charter out of Kachemak Bay, then you’ll need 2 days for that in case the ocean conditions are too rough to go out on one of the days (which happens relatively often in Homer!)
Additionally, if you’re looking to take a flight over to Lake Clark or Katmai for a bear-viewing tour, then you’ll want to schedule an extra day or two for that, as well.
The Homer Spit also has a ton of great things to do which could easily take a day in itself, so how much time you’ll need will vary a bit depending on your interests.
What Airport Do You Fly Into to Get to Homer, Alaska?
Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport is the closest international airport to Homer, and the Kenai Municipal Airport is the closest domestic airport to Homer.
You can choose to fly into Anchorage and then take a second flight over to Kenai before renting a car and driving down to Homer, but most people opt to land in Anchorage, rent a car, then enjoy the scenic ride along the Seward and Sterling Highways.
Is the Drive from Anchorage to Homer Worth It?
You can drive from Anchorage to Homer along the Seward Highway followed by the Sterling Highway, and we absolutely believe the journey is worth making. Car rentals are abundant at ANC, so you should have an easy time reserving your vehicle as long as you book in advance.
The journey takes about 4.25 hours to travel 223 miles according to Google Maps, but don’t let that fool you. We’ve driven the Seward Highway nearly two dozen times at this point, and have never even once NOT hit major construction traffic requiring all cars on both sides of the highway to wait for a pilot car to bring them around the roadwork.
Factoring in the possible delay of road construction and the guarantee of wanting to stop for pictures at Beluga Point and all around Turnagain Arm, plan to spend 5-5 1/2 hours driving from Anchorage to Homer.
Don’t let this turn you away from attempting the journey, however. It’s among the most scenic drives in the world, so it is absolutely worth the time it takes to drive from Anchorage to Homer!
Bring some snacks, grab a coffee at the Alaska House of Coffee in Anchorage (our favorite coffee spot in the city), and make sure your camera is fully charged for the journey.
✈️ Pro Tip: Once you reach Girdwood, fill up on gas and stop at Alpine Bakery for one of the best brownies you’ll ever have in your life!
Why is Homer Famous?
Homer, Alaska is famous for being the halibut fishing capital of the world!
With its close proximity to prime fishing spots in the Gulf of Alaska and Kachemak Bay, it’s no surprise that Homer has become a popular destination for anglers around the world looking to catch some of the biggest trophy halibut and rockfish in the Pacific Ocean.
In addition to its fame as a fisherman’s paradise, Homer also draws in visitors with its artsy vibe and vibrant shops on the Spit.
With galleries, stores, and restaurants all lined up along the waterfront, you’ll find yourself magnetized to its charm regardless if you’re looking for an epic fish story or want to take in the views of soaring eagles and bush planes!
Is Homer, Alaska Expensive?
Homer, Alaska can be considered expensive, but it depends on your budget and what you define as “expensive.”
The cost of accommodation in Homer varies widely, with options ranging from budget-friendly lodges and campsites starting as low as $20 per night to more luxurious hotels and vacation rentals well exceeding $300 per night.
Eating out can also vary in price due to the large range of high-end seafood restaurants offering fresh local catch and casual eateries like breweries and food trucks. When we first visited on a rather tight budget, we bought primarily food truck food and groceries from the local market (Safeway) which helped keep food costs down immensely.
Activities like fishing charters and tours can be quite expensive typically averaging $400 per person, but if you’re looking for an authentic Alaskan experience, then we think they’re definitely worth budgeting for.
Overall, while Homer can be pricey especially during peak tourist season, it’s quite comparable to visiting the rest of the 49th state. Unfortunately, this means that the state of Alaska as a whole is quite expensive, but there are plenty of ways to cut back on costs.
Is Homer a Nice Place to Live?
Having lived there ourselves, we can honestly say that Homer is a wonderful place to live most months of the year. Of course, you may think differently depending on what you consider to be important aspects of a home, but we found Homer to be adventurous, beautiful, and quite relaxing!
It’s an excellent spot to live if you’re looking for a small community atmosphere combined with plenty of outdoor activities. The nearby state parks, glaciers, and beaches offer endless opportunities for recreation while the town itself has some really great restaurants and bars too!
We will mention, however, that Homer, Alaska is very much a summer destination. Come early fall, the entire town shuts down until the following May. The locals leave since there’s no work between the storefronts and fishing charters and tourists have gone to explore the northern reaches of Fairbanks and Denali in search of the northern lights.
We also enjoy cooking, which became rather difficult in Homer since we had to work with just the one remote grocery store that sells food at exorbitant prices compared to major cities like Anchorage or Juneau.
If you were hoping to start fresh and seek employment in Homer, it will be essential that you keep your income streams diverse. Many locals will pick up construction or woodworking among other skill sets in the fall and winter after the cold weather hits to ensure they have enough money to support themselves year round.
🏠 For a more in-depth review of what life was like living in Alaska, check out Is Alaska a Good Place to Live? The Pros and Cons of Living in the 49th State!
What is the Best Month to Visit Homer, Alaska?
The best month to visit Homer is typically July, though June and August are equally as rewarding.
During the summer months, fishing is at an all-time high in Alaska with the salmon run lining up with trophy halibut charters across the Kenai Peninsula.
If you’re looking to try your hand at becoming an Alaskan angler, you’ll want to watch current fishing trends in the months leading up to your trip, but late-June through early August typically has the highest success rates in terms of bringing home fresh catch.
But, if you don’t care for time spent reeling in big fish and would prefer to enjoy the local art scene, then the summer months are also the perfect time to visit! These months are also perfect for wildlife spotting whether it be land or marine animals you’re hoping to see.
Which is Better to Visit Homer or Seward?
Both Homer and Seward are some of the best places in Alaska to visit with each being “better to visit” for different reasons! We may be a bit biased here, but both of these coastal towns offer stunning views and a unique Alaskan experience.
The main difference between Seward and Homer is that while Homer offers more of a small community atmosphere with some of the best fishing in the 49th state, Seward is known for its Kenai Fjord Tours and its unique location on the border of the iconic Kenai Fjords National Park.
In Seward, you’ll find yourself surrounded by glaciers, rugged mountains, kayaking tours, and the ever-popular Exit Glacier, while in Homer you’ll find yourself immersed in the fishing culture, endless beaches and marsh trails, and delicious local restaurants.
So depending on what type of experience you’re looking for, either Seward or Homer can offer something special. If national parks are more you’re style, head to Seward. If you prefer to fish for trophy halibut or go on a bear-viewing tour, then head to Homer!
In our opinion, it’s absolutely worth visiting both towns if you have the chance.
Homer, Alaska provides a remarkable experience with its stunning landscapes, fishing opportunities, vibrant art community, and endless chances to observe wildlife.
Fortunately for travelers wanting to make the most of this charming seaside town, there are plenty of accommodations to keep you cozy and comfortable! From homey bed and breakfasts to pet-friendly hotels and even cheap stays, there are plenty of hotels in Homer, Alaska to choose from.
You can read more about visiting the 49th state with our Essential Guide to Traveling to Alaska!
