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2-star hotel Check-in 15:00 · Check-out 11:00

Uncle Nicolai's Inn

Stay at Uncle Nicolai's Inn, a 4.2-star pet-friendly inn in Copper Center, AK. Close to Wrangell-St. Elias Visitor Center with 70 guest reviews.

200 Copper Center Loop Rd, Copper Center, AK 99573, United States View on map
8.4/10
Very Good Based on 70 recent guest reviews
Pet-friendly
What recent guests emphasize

Guest feedback offers a well-rounded perspective

Reviews highlight a mix of genuine local charm and practical considerations for visitors seeking an authentic Alaskan experience near notable attractions.

Guests often praise

  • The historic cabins and unique local atmosphere, including memorabilia and the distinctive bar area with a miniature train display.
  • Friendly, knowledgeable, and accommodating staff who share local stories and enhance the stay.
  • Clean, comfortable rooms with useful amenities like kitchenettes, coffee makers, microwaves, and refrigerators.
  • Pet-friendly policy and convenient location for outdoor activities such as fishing and hiking.
  • The on-site bar and food truck offering local drinks and snacks, adding to the overall experience.

Worth knowing

  • Bathrooms are shared and located outside the rooms, with code access to ensure privacy; some rooms advertised as private bath actually share facilities.
  • Breakfast availability is inconsistent and may not always be provided despite advertising.
  • Some guests found the property somewhat outdated and undergoing renovations, particularly in common and RV parking areas.
  • Rooms can be small and basic, which might not suit those expecting modern hotel standards or luxury.
  • Price perception varies, with some feeling accommodations are overpriced relative to what is offered.

Best for

  • Travelers seeking an authentic and rustic Alaskan lodging experience with a strong local character.
  • Visitors with pets, as the inn welcomes dogs and has suitable outdoor areas.
  • Outdoor enthusiasts interested in fishing, hiking, and exploring nearby natural attractions like Wrangell-St. Elias Visitor Center.
  • Guests who appreciate historical settings and informal, personable service rather than standardized hotel features.
  • Those passing through who want a convenient, no-frills stopover with some added charm and a unique bar scene.
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About this property

Welcome to Uncle Nicolai's Inn

Uncle Nicolai's Inn is a modest inn, hostel, and RV park located along Copper Center Loop Road in the heart of Copper Center, Alaska. It offers a rustic, local experience with accommodations ranging from small cabins built in the early 1900s to simple rooms featuring basic kitchenettes. Although some rooms provide private baths, others rely on clean, shared facilities secured by access codes, reflecting the property’s no-frills approach.

The inn’s standout features include a lively on-site bar with a unique miniature train and city setup, a food truck that operates until late, and a friendly atmosphere largely shaped by the owner’s deep local roots and knowledge of Alaska’s history. Guests traveling with pets are welcome, but there is no airport shuttle service. Check-in begins at 3 PM and check-out is by 11 AM.

Location-wise, the inn is well-suited for travelers interested in outdoor activities and sightseeing. It sits near the Wrangell-St. Elias Visitor Center, a favored local destination, and offers convenient access to fishing spots and hiking trails. The nearby Merle K. (Mudhole) Smith Airport provides regional flight service, supporting travel logistics.

Guest feedback varies, with some praising the authentic Alaskan setting, cleanliness, affordability, and welcoming staff, while others express concerns over discrepancies in advertised amenities such as private baths and breakfast service. This makes the property a practical choice for visitors seeking a genuine local experience rather than full-service hotel comforts.

Summary compiled by GoHotelly editors from verified guest reviews, partner descriptions and editorial notes.
Facilities & essentials

What's on-site and what you should know before you arrive

The short version: what's available day-to-day, and the key practical details most travelers search for.

Most popular facilities

Pet-friendly

Not available at this property

Airport shuttle
Verified guest reviews

What recent guests are actually saying

Reviews from travelers who stayed here in the last 12 months, grouped to help you spot the pattern quickly.

BF
Bev Flowers Apr 09, 2026
10

We found the accommodations over priced, not as represented. Private bath was a community bath. No breakfast was provided when advertised as having breakfast. Staff was not helpful and inconsiderate.

JT
Jeffrey Toole Mar 18, 2026
10

Loved this spot! We stayed in a cabin built in the early 1900s that had a tv and satellite. A lot of decent fishing spots and hiking trails in the surrounding area. Located just off the main road, it was perfect for our 3 dogs after a long hike and having a bar on the property is pretty sweet. It’s full of some amazing history, great local photos, a pool table and good drinks(blueberry mojito). The miniature train and city setup above and throughout the bar is definitely worth taking some time to check out too. Don’t be shy with the owner, he has roots in the area that stretch quite a ways back and has some great stories to share. Super friendly and accommodating, be sure to get there when the food truck is open, not a lot of food options in the area but they’re open till 9.

SH
Shawnn H Mar 13, 2026
10

Great place to stay in the area. A real local Alaska experience. Stayed one night passing through, the area is beautiful and I would stay longer another time. The room was clean and comfortable, having a kitchenette was very handy. The bar is great and host is knowledgeable and friendly.

EM
Elizabeth M Mar 04, 2026
10

My fiance and I came to Copper River for a fishing charter, looking for a good place to stay, checked with a couple other locations and we choose Uncle Nics for location and price. This quiet, off the trail hotel was perfect. We choose room #1 which was equiped with a shower, a full and twin bed, coffee maker and private bath. With needing to wake up early for the charter, the coffee maker was perfect! Highly recommend for anyone traveling through or staying a few nights!

NG
Nicky Gerrits Feb 25, 2026
10

Not sure why this is rated two stars, this place is great!!! Room was very clean and smelled good. It has its own bar and food truck. Everyone staying here was very nice as is the staff. Price was good too.

T
Traveller Feb 10, 2026
10

We stayed at this motel for one night as a midway stop on our round trip from Fairbanks to Anchorage. The motel was decent, offering basic amenities like a microwave and refrigerator. The rooms were small but clean. The bathrooms were located outside and shared among guests, with access controlled by a code, ensuring only those staying in the rooms could use them. The bathrooms were also clean and there were 2 separate bathrooms for men and women which were very big and they had a bath tub, washing machine and the dryer. The staff were friendly and explained all the things.

TD
Trena DuBois Jan 04, 2026
8.0

This place is awesome. Iam am an alaskan resident and even this place impressed me. They are going through a bit of renovations outside in the common area and the Rv parking area. But it was a 100% alaskan experience. If you are looking for a true alaskan place to stay this is your place. If you are looking for unicorns and fart rainbows then this isn't it for you. Go to a Hilton

F
Freespirit Dec 29, 2025
10

At the doorstep of Wrangler this hotel/hostle/guesthouse is worth the trip on its own. We stayed in room 5 which was actually a 1900s hut. It was super cozy and you could see how much thought went into bringing it to the property. The shared facilities were clean and the staff clearly take pride in the establishment. The owner was lovely and he knew everything and anything about the history of the region and Alaska. The train set and villages are amazing, and the thought and care that has gone into the bar area is fantastic! The continental breakfast is the perfect start to the day and the coffee available in your room as well as the bar is great! My only complaint is that I couldn't stay longer due to the length of our time in Alaska!

Location & neighborhood

Where you'll find Uncle Nicolai's Inn

Copper Center, Alaska, USA

Based on sightseeing, recreation, and getting around

  • Merle K. (Mudhole) Smith Airport invalid time Car
Things to do nearby

Worth the walk or a quick ride

Curated spots travelers usually pair with a stay in Alaska. Distances are rough real-world times, not straight-line.

Wrangell-St. Elias Visitor Center 360 reviews

Wrangell-St. Elias Visitor Center

104 Richardson Hwy, Copper Center, AK 99573, United States

4.7 · Visitor Center
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