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Two new Interior hotels have opened in recent weeks, others have been expanded and renovated, and a couple more are on tap for next summer. In addition, a pair of Fairbanks condominium projects are in the works, although one is on hold at least until next year.
The 112-room Denali Bluffs Hotel opened May 15 at Mile 238.3 of the Parks Highway. The hotel is adjacent to the entrance of Denali National Park and Preserve.
Construction on the project began in April 1995, said hotel manager Frank Rose, and rooms were 90 percent booked upon opening. Hotel design was by Oregon architect Ken Paulson, with owners (Jeff) Barney & (Bill) Berglin Inc. of Fairbanks handling their own general contracting.
Hotel rooms feature televisions and telephones, uncommon for the area, Rose said, as well as stocked mini-refrigerators. Rates range from $95-$155 depending on the season, for a double room. The hotel will be open summers from mid-May through mid-September, and employs a staff of 30.
"Probably our most distinguishing mark is the fact that we're located up on a bluff and that the views are terrific," Rose said.
The 74-room Comfort Inn Fairbanks opened May 18, just eight months after construction began at the site, on Phillips Field Road across the Chena River from Alaskaland. According to Mary Bartlett, regional director for owner J&B Management (Joe Mathis and Bill Lawson) of Spokane, the hotel was built by A&A Construction.
Also in Fairbanks, Fountainhead Development Inc. openedthe 157-room Bear Lodge at Wedgewood Resort on May 14. The lodge includes a restaurant, lounge and gift shop, and makes the Wedgewood the largest hotel in the city, with 432 units in all. Tri-General Construction Inc. of Fairbanks was the contractor for the new lodge, and Ron Price and Associates, also of Fairbanks, served as architect. The resort maintains 100 hotel rooms September through May, wfiile the remainder are rented out as seasonal apartments. During the summer, Wedgewood is geared toward group travel, according to marketing director Theresa Becker, with space available for individuals.
Work on the Mount McKinley Princess Lodge, inside Denali. State Park on the banks of the Chulitna...