Accommodations

Lodging is reasonable in Palmer [1]—at least by Alaska standards. Visit the Mat-Su Bed & Breakfast Association’s website (www.alaskabnbhosts.com [2]) for links to local places, including a daily vacancy listing in the summer.

Located downtown, Valley Hotel (606 S. Alaska St., 907/745-3330 or 800/478-7666) has been here since 1948. Forty-three remodeled guest rooms go for $85 d, and a few larger ones with two queen beds are $110. Downstairs you’ll find a 24-hour café plus a lounge and a liquor store.

The Colony Inn (325 E. Elmwood Ave., $100 d) is one of the older buildings in the valley, built in 1935 as a teachers’ dormitory for the Matanuska Valley Colony. Today this historic structure has been transformed into a 12-room hotel with a central sitting room containing a fireplace and wingback chairs. Most rooms contain antiques, quilts, and jetted tubs; all are nonsmoking. It’s managed by the Valley Hotel, where you register.

Located a mile west of Palmer [1], River Crest Manor B&B (907/746-6214, www.rivercrestmanor.com [3], $100 d) is a quiet colonial-style bed-and-breakfast with an extraordinary view of Pioneer Peak and the Chugach Mountains; private baths, Wi-Fi, and full breakfast are included.

Set on 15 acres backdropped by Pioneer Peak, Alaska’s Harvest B&B (907/745-4263 or 877/745-4263, www.alaskasharvest.com [4]) is an exquisite place to relax. Five guest rooms ($100 d) have private or shared baths and kitchenettes, and the 900-square-foot suite ($135 d) includes a king bed, a day bed, a kitchenette, and a private bath. All guest rooms are stocked for breakfast, and a guest computer and Wi-Fi are available.