Juneau hotel deals become easier to find as tourist season winds down heading into fall. That means that the best hotel prices and other travel expenses for seeing the area are about to get far more affordable. May and September are what they call the shoulder season for travel in Alaska. This describes the months close to tourist season but just outside of the season, when tourism is starting to pick up in May and starting to drop off in September.
As a locally run hotel, Frontier Suites has deep expertise in the times of year to visit Juneau for the best hotel deals. We’ll outline some factors to consider when booking travel for the shoulder season.
An Overview of Juneau’s Travel Seasons
First, let’s get to know Juneau’s travel season, why tourists gravitate toward this time of year and what to expect if you travel outside the traditional travel window.
Peak Travel Season
The most expensive time of year to visit Juneau is June through August. During these months, cruise ships bring tens of thousands of visitors to the docks each day. One reason for that influx is due to the weather. You’ll experience mild temps that hover around the upper 60s and there is plenty of daylight to get the most from your outdoor activities.
On average, hotels are aproximately $300 per night during this season and flights might be more crowded and expensive as well since they are in higher demand.
Shoulder Season
In May, the temps are beginning to warm, you’ll find more excursion companies open, and the shops will start extending their hours. But the streets won’t be so packed yet that it feels hard to move about. And the prices for a hotel will be lower.
In September, the weather tends to include more rain than during June, July and August. But with good waterproof gear, you can still hike and explore comfortably.
Off-peak
October through April are the quietest months of the year in Juneau. During these months, there is often significant snowfall and the days are shorter, making it more challenging to explore for hours on end.
But you’ll also get the best hotel prices during these months with prices being up to 50% lower than they are during tourist season.
The largest setback for travelers during the off season is that few excursion companies are open and many shops, brewers, and restaurants have very limited hours.
Tourists looking to ski, hike or view ice caves might not care as much about excursions or shopping, and might appreciate the low hotel and flight prices they can snag during this time of year.
Travel Tips for Finding Juneau Hotel Deals
Regardless of when you choose to visit Juneau, there are several tips you can use to save money on your travel. Here’s a look at several travel tips that can help make your whole trip more affordable.
1. Book Early
The earlier you book your travel plans, the lower price you’ll likely pay for your travel. For the best Juneau hotel deals, you should book your travel no later than January. This is especially true for travelers visiting June through August. You’ll have more hotel and room options as other travelers might not have completed their travel plans just yet.
2. Be Flexible on Travel Days
If you don’t have a specific reason or event you’re traveling to Juneau for, try to be flexible on your travel days. Traveling mid-week tends to cost more than traveling on a Monday and the same is true of hotel costs per night. The closer you get to the weekend, the more expensive an overnight at a hotel will likely be. This is even true during summer.
3. If You’re Booking Late, Try to Get Last-minute Discounts
Later bookings are not impossible to secure. In fact, they might get you some serious cost savings. When your travel is flexible, a last-minute booking could cost less than it would have if you booked a few months in advance.
This obviously comes with some risks, namely that there won’t be any availability when you thought you wanted to visit the area. You might be able to get unpublished specials if you call the hotel and ask for options in the next few days.
4. Stay Longer
When you stay at a hotel for more than seven nights, you might get bulk discounts. This can mean enjoying a longer trip to Juneau at the same price as going for only a few days.
The full kitchen inside every Frontier Suites accommodation also helps you save money by reducing dining costs. October through April are the most common months you’ll find discounts on longer stays at Juneau’s hotels as the companies look for ways to keep income high.
5. Call for Booking
While using online tools can help you compare rates for many hotels at once, calling your hotel of choice and asking about specials could help you save even more. For example, the hotel might offer discounts for military personnel.
Plus, if you book directly with the hotel, it might cost less since the hotel isn’t having to share a portion of the sale with the booking site.
LOOKING FOR A NICE HOTEL IN JUNEAU?
We offer full kitchens in every suite.
Frontier Suites is Your Ideal Accommodation no Matter the Season
Frontier Suites offers guestrooms with a full kitchen, Wi-Fi and Satellite TV. You’ll find flexibility and value in every booking, whether you’re just passing through for a few nights or staying for a full week.
During the fall and winter, we have specials that make the hotel even more affordable. And even during tourist season, you can enjoy an extended stay discount.
Frontier Suites is located near the airport to make traveling convenient and stress-free. You’ll also be staying close to some of the best hiking trails, making your Juneau adventures even more convenient.
Our staff can help you find local entertainment opportunities, budget-friendly activities, tours and local events. You’ll never be bored in Juneau or while relaxing in Frontier Suites. Come pan for gold, experience a rain forest, explore fjords, get up close to a massive glacier, and more. Don’t delay booking what could be one of the most memorable experiences of your lifetime. Check rates and availability for Frontier Suites now and begin planning your ideal trip no matter the season or your travel goals.
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