We thoroughly enjoyed our stay at the Aurora Express B&B in Fairbanks - our only regret was that we stayed there just one night and not longer. The train cars are so unique - we were lucky enough to be able to see each of them up close to appreciate the detailed love and care that went into each room. We stayed in the Bordello room, which was great and provided the best night's sleep we've had in who knows how long. The breakfast the next morning was terrific and plentiful and Susan was very attentive to all of our requests and questions, including giving good advice on where to eat, etc. If you are looking for a place to stay in Fairbanks that isn't a standard run-of-the-mill motel in town, this is it!

The stories are so fascinating that it is difficult to know where to start. From how a complete train (diesel to caboose) got to the side of the mountain, the decorating of the rooms, the hosts’ lives, life in the winter, to Fairbanks itself, the stories are endless!

Susan has decorated four of the cars. Note worthy were the painting of the ceiling in the Gold Rush room that blended perfectly with the wall paper and the painting of the eagle in the dining car. The eagle was always looking straight at you no matter what angle you were looking at the painting.

Mike was the cook and each night he did the preparation work for the next morning’s breakfast. As he was preparing the breakfast, he told us stories about the train, the pipeline and life in Alaska. Every breakfast was different and special. Susan was one of the few females that actually worked on the construction of the pipeline. Her stories also included life in the 1964 earthquake, a polar bear attack, acquiring items to decorate the train cars and many more.

1st day – Tok Banana toast (French toast baked in syrup with strawberries and bananas), baked egg dish
2nd day – pancakes with construction workers plus croissants baked in a custard with peach jam, baked egg dish w/ cheese, home-fried potatoes, and baked stuffed mushrooms
3rd day – Apple Tundra toast (French toast baked with an apple mixture), eggs, bacon, potatoes, and grapes

We fell in love with the Aurora Express - the views, the train carriages, the comfort, breakfast and most especially with the hosts - Mike and Susan. Both of them are one of a kind - we could have spent hours talking to them - this is why we wanted to come to Alaska - to meet people like them.
The setting is stunning - up on a hill overlooking the river, the views are gorgeous. We stayed in the Golden Nellie Caboose and can totally recommend it. The bed is extremely comfy and the carriage such fun.
Thank you both for a memorable stay - we loved it :o)

I found this place by browsing and I am so pleased that I saw it. We spent 2 nights on the National Emblem and what an experience. 80 foot long pullman carriage. The four of us had a cosy sleeping compartment each and it was the best sleeps we had in all of Alaska. It was such fun. We were very impressed with the hosts Susan and Mike. Both were extremely friendly. We were their first guests from Scotland so we did some talking. We were so lucky in that we were able to see inside each accommodation and they are amazing. Susan and Mike certainly deserve credit when you learn of the trials and tribulations it took to get its present stage.
The breakfasts were so scrumptious especially the French Toast it was yummy.
All in all this was a Bed and Breakfast that we will talk about on many occasions and remember it with affection.