The Best Dark-Sky Hotels for Stargazing in 2024

Updated October 7, 2024

Choosing a hotel often boils down to amenities; some guests yearn for high-quality gyms, others prioritize al fresco bathtubs. For astrophotographers and stargazers, however, the ultimate deciding factor is stargazing potential. With a surge in astrotourism, fueled by breathtaking northern lights viewings this year, lodges across North America have ramped up their night-sky offerings. But not all dark-sky retreats are created equal. Simply having a view of constellations or proximity to a low-light-pollution park doesn’t suffice. Let’s dive into the crème de la crème of accommodations perfect for catching celestial wonders.

Sky Village at Canyon of the Ancients Guest Ranch

Location: Cortez, Colorado
Hidden within the historic landscape of the Colorado Plateau, the Canyon of the Ancients Guest Ranch is a remarkable locale for Milky Way watching. The recent addition, the Star Tower, offers a stunning view of Sleeping Ute Mountain and is purpose-built for stargazers. Visitors can enjoy amenities reminiscent of the Ancestral Puebloan cliff dwellings found 30 miles away at Mesa Verde National Park.

Daytime activities include park explorations and hiking, but as night falls, the tower’s star-view deck becomes the center of attention. Rates start at $515, and it’s a paradise for anyone keen on cosmic visuals.

oTentik

Location: Grasslands National Park, Saskatchewan
Recognized as Canada’s darkest dark-sky preserve by the Royal Astronomical Society, Grasslands National Park is a haven for aspiring astronomers. Here, you’ll find a series of oTentik accommodations at the Frenchman Valley Campground designed for up to six guests. Each tent features sleeping and living spaces, complete with fire pits for chilly nights.

As daylight gives way to dusk, guests can enjoy sweeping views of the star-speckled sky from their tent. Rates start at $115. Also, close to the Saskatchewan-Montana border, the park is a prime location for aurora sightings practically year-round.

Under Canvas Bryce Canyon

Location: Widtsoe, Utah
Under Canvas has reinvented camping with its luxurious glamping sites adjacent to national parks. The partnership with DarkSky International has put its camp just north of Bryce Canyon on the astrotourism map. The Stargazer Tent, equipped with a zip-away flap, allows guests to look up at the stars from the comfort of their beds.

Featuring guided stargazing sessions and meditative star bathing, the site offers immense value for astrophiles with rates starting at $472 during its operating season from May through September.

Fresh Coast Cabins

Location: Eagle Harbor, Michigan
For those chasing the northern lights across the contiguous U.S., Fresh Coast Cabins is an ideal choice. Nestled on the Keweenaw Peninsula, it offers ten thoughtfully designed cabins with prime north-facing views across Lake Superior.

With minimal light pollution, cabin guests can gather around campfires for evenings of watching auroras and stars. Cabins featuring private porches start at $300. After a long night of stargazing, visitors can unwind in the property’s newly built Takka Sauna.

Four Seasons Resort Lanai

Location: Lanai City, Hawaii
The opulent Four Seasons Resort Lanai offers more than just luxury; it provides an authentic experience for night-sky enthusiasts. The on-site observatory offers clear views of celestial wonders while sharing the rich stories of Indigenous navigators who relied on stars.

Guests can indulge in guided star talks and telescope viewings; activities like themed dinners and starlit meditations enhance the experience. Prices start at $1,500, making it a splurge worth considering for a unique cosmic experience.

Pleasant Acres Reindeer Ranch

Location: Pleasant Valley, Alaska
For a truly unique northern lights experience, Pleasant Acres Reindeer Ranch in Alaska offers igloo-style accommodations that look out onto the sky. Each dome is situated above a reindeer hangout, providing a stunning backdrop for aurora sightings.

With complementary aurora alerts and daytime adventures such as reindeer hikes and dogsled rides, this getaway creates an unforgettable experience. Rates start at $280 for these magical moments under the Alaskan sky.

The Oasis at Death Valley

Location: California
As a Gold Tier Dark Sky Park, the Oasis at Death Valley is a stargazing sanctuary. Spread across 3.4 million acres, its remote desert landscape provides a brilliant display of stars, particularly during the new moon phases.

The property includes two lodging options, the upscale Inn and the more casual Ranch, both offering stellar views. Plan your visit around the Dark Sky Festival in early March for the ultimate celestial experience, with room rates starting from $170.

Rancho La Concepción

Location: Los Manzanos, Mexico
Situated in the wilderness of Baja California, Rancho La Concepción is a sustainable, Wi-Fi-free retreat that boasts Bortle Class 1 skies. Its rustic cabins offer a splendid backdrop for stargazing.

The ranch hosts space-sighting sessions paired with hot chocolate, making for a delightful night-time experience. The nearby observatory, home to Mexico’s second-largest telescope, hosts public events for sampling the universe. Rates start at $130.

Thorny Mountain Fire Tower

Location: Seneca State Forest, West Virginia
This unique accommodation within Seneca State Forest allows guests to stay in a refurbished fire tower, offering panoramic views of the Appalachian night sky. The Thorny Mountain Fire Tower offers rustic charm and 360-degree visibility for stellar sights at high altitude.

Ideal for explorers looking to capture night skies, this quirky lodging starts at $150. Reservations are competitive, so early booking is a must!

Compass Rose Lodge

Location: Huntsville, Utah
Combining boutique charm and stellar visibility, Compass Rose Lodge features its own observatory and invites guests to nighttime guided observations. The lodge’s accessibility to a unique planetary sculpture tour adds to its astrotourism appeal.

Rates begin at $279, making this lodge a compelling choice for both amateur sky-watchers and seasoned astronomers.

Summit at Big Bend

Location: Terlingua, Texas
The Summit at Big Bend offers an unparalleled experience nestled in the world’s largest dark sky reserve. Its glamping accommodations provide stunning views of the starry desert skies.

The stargazing domes are designed for comfortable night-time sky watching, with amenities that enhance the outdoor experience. Rates start from $159, and the property provides plenty of opportunities to engage with the night sky.

Embrace your inner astronomer and explore these spectacular lodgings, each crafted to provide exceptional experiences for those drawn to the stars. Whether it’s witnessing the northern lights in Alaska or gaping at the Milky Way from the deserts of Texas, these accommodations cater uniquely to your cosmic pursuits.