Sven's Basecamp Hostel — Hotel in Alaska

Rustic. The one word you need to describe this place. If you are a seasoned backpacker and camper you will not be phased at all. If this is your first hostile (an accurate typo) experience, skip this place. Sven’s primary function is to serve as a fueling up point for people headed into the Arctic Circle to hike for months at a time. The vibe is crunchy, to say the least. They boast to have an on-site coffee shop, though I never saw it open. They have various options for accommodations ranging from a treehouse to several tents to a more permanent wooden structure, but unless you call and book over the phone, there’s no way to know which room you’ll end up in. The tents they provide are large and permanent, with actual wooden doors and they sleep five people. There is also a little area off to the side where you can pitch your own tent. The kitchen is bare-bones, but provides all the pots and pans you could need. The showers you have to put quarters in in order to have water run. The sinks have free drinkable water though, so if you’re not there for long you can get around paying for a shower by doing sponge bathing in the sink. There are three toilet and three shower stalls and it’s all coed communal for the entire property. Definitely somewhere I would recommend staying with a friend or a partner and not solo. It’s perfectly safe, the staff aren’t very friendly or very present if you have questions, you have to hunt them down. It’s also not in an accessible location. There is a bus stop right outside, but the Fairbanks bus system is limited at best. That bus stop only sees a bus once an hour and it doesn’t run for very many hours throughout the day. The next nearest bus stop is about a 25 minute walk away. Though the walk is on paved sidewalk, leading up to Sven’s you will have to walk in the road so walking is not the safest option. Ubers are also very expensive, though that might be your best option for getting into downtown Fairbanks. Not the place to stay if you want to see Fairbanks proper. It’s very out-of-the-way, and while is the cheapest option of the two hostels in Fairbanks, it’s really meant for backpackers gearing up for, or returning from, massive wilderness expeditions. The property is also not...

Highly recommend if you like hostels and camping!

The canvas tent we had had 1 couch, 1 bunk bed, and 1 queen bed. It was exactly as described. We visited in August and had no issues with being too hot or cold. Sleeping bags and pillows were provided by Svens. Definitely would have stayed longer.

The atmosphere is relaxing with a fire going each night and many pine trees around. Great if you like to sit outside in the evening or have kids that like to run around. If you like to meet people on your travels, this is the place.

Kitchen isn't the cleanest, but it is what's expected in a community camping kitchen. There is plenty of space to make your meal, running water in the sink, a hot water maker, group refrigerator and many picnic tables.

There are three restrooms with a door and toilet paper, then one outdoor sink or an option of a female/male sink with a big mirror. Showers are available for quarters - and you can exchange cash at the front desk for quarters.

Not too far from airport, and an uber was available within 10 minutes of order at 7am.

BRING: Eye mask as the Canvas tents let in light and AK summers only have a few hours of darkness. Ear plugs in case there is a loud group by the fire or people speaking in tent up late. Food to make in kitchen, unless you have a car to drive to restaurants. Nothing within...

We were SO happy with our entire stay. I was a little weary of my first time staying in a hostel and first time visiting Alaska. Well I can now say that it will certainly not be the last time. The personal communication from Sven and crew right after I made the booking was amazing. Always prompt and professional, yet very personable. Our Musher unit was clean and modern, the heat worked well, the beds were super comfy, nice location, nice lighting, etc. The showers, bathroom areas, and common kitchen space were amazing. The kitchen had all kinds of little perks like an area where others had left behind items that were "free" like extra rice, seasonings, etc. The fridge also had "public use" condiments, the cupboards were well stocked with anything you might need for cooking. A little area to borrow books and board games, and even rent out bear spray. Every staff that we encountered were so friendly and just a blast to get to meet, along with the other guests. The VIBE was amazing, through and through. I cannot give it enough stars, oh and super reasonable in price. There is a Guest book that so many people have written in over the last summer and summers before, all echoing the same. Thank you Sven, thank you all staff, thank you...