Denali lodging

[mdwfolsom1]

I'd like some opinions if people prefer Princess lodge in Denali or McKinley creekside cabins. Anyone with experience with both? Thanks in advance.

[Budget Queen]

I've seen both, but not stayed in either. They are completely different. Will you have a car? If so, I would stay away from Princess, since you are independent. It is an extremely busy lodge with endless buses coming and going and a lot of milling around people. (maybe this is an attraction for some?)

[mdwfolsom1]

Thanks again for the info. We will have a car and I agree I don't like tons to people to have to contend with.

[Northern Aurora]

I have stayed at the Princess several times, but not at the McKinley Creekside Cabins so I can't offer a comparison.

While it has been at least a decade since we've stayed at the Princess, each time we were there it was at the end of the season when we had won road lottery tickets(to take a private vehicle into the park). So the facility was starting to close for the season and wasn't as full as would be mid-season. The Princess is a large complex of similar buildings, and the rooms were a very generic hotel type similar to what you would expect in a Hilton.

[donaldsc]

Originally Posted by mdwfolsom1

I'd like some opinions if people prefer Princess lodge in Denali or McKinley creekside cabins. Anyone with experience with both? Thanks in advance.

Since you have a car, I would stay away from any lodging with a cruise company name on it like the plague. We stayed in these cabin - Parks Edge Log Cabins - in Healy which is maybe 10 miles from Denali. They are neat, clean, had kitchen facilities and were priced reasonably. Check out the cabins category on Trip Advisor.

DON

[mapleleaves]

If you're looking for options ... this list is from the Denali Chamber of Commerce. (hotels, B&B's, cabins, even a hostel).
http://www.alaskaone.com/_dcc/accommodations/

[deepwater]

We like Denali Lakeview Inn in Healy. We stayed there 3 years ago and will be there again in late May.

[rachelfran]

Originally Posted by deepwater

We like Denali Lakeview Inn in Healy. We stayed there 3 years ago and will be there again in late May.

Booked this just a couple of days ago for us in July!

[azevedan]

Anyone stayed in Denali Touch of Wilderness B&B in Healy? I just booked there.

[Budget Queen]

Originally Posted by azevedan

Anyone stayed in Denali Touch of Wilderness B&B in Healy? I just booked there.

YES- my top recommended B&B. I also have stayed here in the winter. Barb- will have a packed breakfast ready for you, if you have an early shuttle bus, plus she has a bagged lunch selection.

[Budget Queen]

Since recommended lodging is being mentioned- for budget lodging, I highly recommend Denali Park Hotel. Large clean basic rooms, microwave and fridge.

A couple years ago they started offering shuttle service which really is a great service, but having a car is a lot better in my opinion at Healy locations.

[azevedan]

Originally Posted by Budget Queen

YES- my top recommended B&B. I also have stayed here in the winter. Barb- will have a packed breakfast ready for you, if you have an early shuttle bus, plus she has a bagged lunch selection.

Thanks - that's good to know. It looked like a great place, and had a rec on a B&B site. Would've liked to have stayed in the Park, but no lodging there in May.
Getting psyched for our trip! 9 nights on the Pacific Catalyst II (12 pax!), followed by a week roundtrip from Anchorage to Denali in a rental car.

[Budget Queen]

Originally Posted by azevedan

Thanks - that's good to know. It looked like a great place, and had a rec on a B&B site. Would've liked to have stayed in the Park, but no lodging there in May.
Getting psyched for our trip! 9 nights on the Pacific Catalyst II (12 pax!), followed by a week roundtrip from Anchorage to Denali in a rental car.

I've been knocking around a Lindblad trip for a couple years. My priority are their naturalists. They have awesome one way Ketchikan/Juneau trips. I occasionally get some great discount offers. Just haven't jumped to the 6++ times costs of a cheap cruiseship.

You'll have a great trip.

[azevedan]

Originally Posted by Budget Queen

I've been knocking around a Lindblad trip for a couple years. My priority are their naturalists. They have awesome one way Ketchikan/Juneau trips. I occasionally get some great discount offers. Just haven't jumped to the 6++ times costs of a cheap cruiseship.

I would do them if they ever got cheap enough. Pacific Catalyst is a private company; owners/operators of the one boat, and a naturalist doubles (as the cook, I think). They also do one-ways on Juneau/Ketchikan run. We caught A&K deep discount for a trip to Egypt & Jordan, and boy did that spoil us forever.