The Aurora Inn in Nome is one of two hotels available for visitors to the city (the other is the Nugget Inn). With its convenient location on Front Street, shops and businesses of interest to the tourist are within walking distance. The Aurora also houses the affiliated Stampede Vehicle Rentals, which makes it a great location for those wishing to explore Nome’s road system in a car.

Rooms are clean and comfortable. While not large, there is plenty of room to spread out. Four room types are available, ranging in price from $130-$225. These are average prices for accommodations in Alaska, though one might argue that the rates are a bit steep given the limited amenities. Coffee and tea are available in the lobby, and vending machines in the conference room, but there is no continental breakfast as in similarly priced hotels in Anchorage. A sauna and laundry room is available for guest use, as is wireless Internet.

I recently stayed at the Aurora for a week. The staff was friendly and helpful and the rooms were made up promptly each day. We stayed in a room with a kitchenette, which included built in cabinets with a small refrigerator, microwave, coffee maker and adequate dishes and bowls for our needs. Both regular and decaf coffee was provided, as well as hot chocolate, tea, and microwave popcorn. The extra fifteen dollars for this level of room ($145/night) was worth it, given the high price of eating out in Nome. We brought a cooler from Anchorage and picked some bottled water and a few other item at the local grocery store. The water was highly chlorinated – I let it sit overnight before making coffee and tea in the morning.

Beds and linen were comfortable, and the room was quiet during our stay. Bathroom towels are of standard hotel size and quality. Small bottles of shampoo, conditioner and lotion were provided, as well as bars of soap.

With sixty-eight rooms available, The Aurora Inn is frequently booked, even in winter, as it is the most modern accommodation in town. Reservations are a necessity. You can call them at 800-354-4606, or check their website (see link below).

For a comfortable, convenient and clean environment at a reasonable rate, I recommend the Aurora Inn in Nome.