All in all my stay at Totem Inn was very disappointing. We were checked in by a young Native American boy who was not interested in uttering any words. He did not even greet us or told us in which direction to go to our room. The only few words he did say were "Credit card?". I travel around a lot and have tried a huge variety of places to stay at and I would have a hard time remembering any where the attitude at the reception was so nonchalant. It seemed as if they were doing us a favor for letting us stay at their property. The room was cramped, there was very little space left to move around and to put our (small) bags. Although it looked rather new, the room was quite destroyed and not maintained. A metal piece of heater cover was dangerously sticking out towards the bed. The overall cleanliness was marginal. I could not say the room wasn't cleaned before our arrival, but it was done very negligently. We paid 115 USD for this room which is way too much for what we got. When I visit Denali again I will gladly give 20 or 30$ more and stay in a nicer and friendlier property.

While staying in Healy, Alaska, we ate twice at the Totem Inn.

For summer 2005, the Inn has hired a very personable young man who goes out of his way to please customers. The menu is extensive and varied, considering the restaurant must drive TWO HOURS to Fairbanks for their food supplies.

The Totem does an excellent job with breakfasts and lunch, having a great selection of sandwiches, all of which are top rate. There is also a good choice of dessert items. The Totem is an alternative to the higher priced establishments ten miles south, at Denali National Park.

Unfortunately, the same cannot be said for dinner. Four of us ate dinner on Saturday May 29th, and none of the menu items ordered were satisfactory. Especially disappointing were the steak items, far from the quality and enjoyment of their lunch menu.

My stay at the Totem Inn was pleasant. It was what I expected for the price I paid. A nice room, a good meal in the cafe. But the bar was excellant! There was a great band and a friendly bartender who gave me real advice about where to go in the area. She even drew me a map to drive to view old coal mine remains. Real people at reasonable rates!

The service was excellent, the food even better. I would recommend this establishment to everyone visiting the area. It can't be topped!