Driftwood Lodge
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About
#11 of 17 hotels in Juneau
Location
4.3
Rooms
3.2
Value
3.7
Cleanliness
3.6
Service
3.7
Sleep Quality
3.5
Indigenous-owned
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We are a centrally located hotel with spacious rooms and friendly customer service. Short walk to dock, grocery store and Alaska State Museum. Onsite restaurants and convenience store. Shuttle service provided during regular business hours 8 am - 5 pm. Please inquire within.
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Property amenities
Free parking
Free High Speed Internet (WiFi)
Wifi
Baggage storage
Convenience store
Non-smoking hotel
Self-serve laundry
Room features
Housekeeping
Room types
Non-smoking rooms
Good to know
HOTEL CLASS
Star ratings are intended to indicate the general level of features, amenities, and services to expect. This property is classified according to Giata.
HOTEL STYLE
Centrally Located
Mid-range
Languages Spoken
English
Location
435 W Willoughby Ave, Juneau, AK 99801-1786
Getting there
Good for walkers
Places to stay are graded on a 0-100 scale. The higher the grade, the easier it is for travelers to find restaurants and things to do within walking distance.
Grade: 90 out of 100
90
Juneau Intl Airport
6.9 mi•
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Excursion Inlet Seaplane Base Airport
38.4 mi•
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Rental Cars
33 Restaurants
within 0.3 miles
Reviews
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Detailed Reviews
This hotel is in a perfect location, close enough to walk to downtown attractions, restaurants, and shops, but far enough away from the cruise ship area that it is quiet and not so busy. The property offers comfortable rooms with a master bedroom and queen bed, as well as 2 single beds and a couch. The rooms also have a full kitchenette. The hotel also offers a free shuttle to the airport. On the other hand, there is no 24 hour front desk and no housekeeping offered for stay over rooms. There are a lot of vagrant people hanging around the property, so it may not be the safest place to hang out around outside the room alone after dark. There is no breakfast offerings whatsoever, not even juice, or coffee, or water. The bathroom towel rack was broken. There was dirty underwear from a previous guest in the room upon check in, but otherwise the room was very clean. It is obvious that the property has seen many years of use without any kind of renovations.
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Date of stay: September 2022Trip type: Traveled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We had a wonderful stay at the Driftwood Hotel! The staff was over the top helpful from the airport shuttle (they just ask you to schedule at least 24 hours in advance) to tips on excursions and getting around without a rental car. The beds are comfortable and shower was hot. Like others, we had a hard time sleeping with the temperature being high in the room; 74-76 degrees even if we left the window open on a 50 degree day. We’d keep the door open when we were in the room, but closed it at night and the temp would climb again. Hopefully, they will get more help soon to fix the issue. Our area is also having a worker shortage with people living off unemployment, so we were not bothered by the limited front desk hours (closing at 4pm). We worked with the hours grabbing ice and asking questions before they closed. Also, some have complained about not having their rooms cleaned daily- I don’t know anyone who washes their sheets and towels daily at their own home, let alone cleans their house daily, but you can request fresh towels daily and your room will be cleaned.
The Sandpiper Cafe on site has huge portions and great service; the later you arrive the longer the wait because it’s great. There’s also Sacred Grounds kitty corner from the Driftwood with smoothies, espresso drinks, and grab n’ go hot and cold menu. Downtown, the Humpback Statue, and hiking are steps away. We enjoyed eagles overhead, seals a block away, and great food and people everywhere.
The Sandpiper Cafe on site has huge portions and great service; the later you arrive the longer the wait because it’s great. There’s also Sacred Grounds kitty corner from the Driftwood with smoothies, espresso drinks, and grab n’ go hot and cold menu. Downtown, the Humpback Statue, and hiking are steps away. We enjoyed eagles overhead, seals a block away, and great food and people everywhere.
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Date of stay: July 2021Trip type: Traveled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Our room had all the necessities, but some things needed improvement. Room size was good enough, the sink and bathroom were in separate spaces, and bed was comfortable. The location of the hotel was fine, with two eateries next door (breakfast and lunch only), and downtown, a 15 minute walk. The staff was reachable by phone and helpful. One lent me an umbrella without my asking and it came in handy. Suggested improvements: a coat of paint on the outside, need a light blanket in addition to the comforter which was too hot. Furniture looked old but all was functional.
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Date of stay: August 2024Trip type: Traveled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We booked two different stays at the Driftwood and canceled the second one when we arrived for the first. The hotel made a big deal about how they pick you up from the Airport and took all the information about my flights and that I would have a shuttle to the Ferry... We got an email the day before we were to arrive to say they no longer had any shuttles except ones that were on a first come first serve basis like twice a day to only the airport. Really messed us up... Our confirmation clearly lists all the details about the shuttles they had agreed to provide. This is why I picked the hotel. The room was dirty, smelled of mold and just all around very well run down.
Good points are you can walk from there into town and they had laundry which we used. Only one washing machine was working but luckily we were the only ones who wanted to use it. Would not recommend.
Good points are you can walk from there into town and they had laundry which we used. Only one washing machine was working but luckily we were the only ones who wanted to use it. Would not recommend.
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Date of stay: August 2023Trip type: Traveled as a couple
Value
Location
Service
Room Tip: I would assume there's no shuttle that you can use.
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Driftwood Lodge, Owner at Driftwood Lodge
Responded Oct 3, 2023
Hello 1234Valerie1234, Thank you for your email. We are sorry to hear that the 4 different set airport pickup/drop-off shuttle options did not work for your travel. We are the only lodging located downtown that provides a courtesy shuttle but there are of course other modes of transportation including taxis, ride app services and public transportation. The ferry shuttle is no longer in operation and we sincerely apologize that was not clearly communicated to you. We take great pride in keeping our vintage property meticulously clean and providing the most affordable for Alaska rates in Juneau. Unfortunately we do not have a record of your room concerns as we would have been happy to accommodate you with a move to a different room or additional cleaning. The staff are top notch and kind. We are glad that you were able to utilize the onsite laundry as there are no public laundries available nearby. If you booked directly with the hotel, please do send your confirmation with ferry shuttle details so we may address any refunds due to reservations@dhalaska.com. Shuttles are a courtesy we do extend to our guests. If you booked through a third party, we do not have control of those reservations so will not be able to address your comments further. If we should be privileged enough to have you visit again, please do let us know your concerns in real time so we may address promptly. We wish you well on your future travels.
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
These reviews are machine translated from their original language. Show machine translations?
The building is old and the rooms are not clean.
The walls are thin, so you can hear the voices next door and it's difficult to sleep.
It's far from tourist spots such as the airport, ferry terminal and Maidenhall Glacier.
Airport shuttle is only provided four times a day, which is too few, and requests are not accepted.
The staff are poor.
The satisfaction level is not commensurate with the cost performance, and there is nothing that makes me feel good about my stay.
It's not a popular motel so you can stay on the day without making a reservation, so there's no need to go out of your way to stay there.
The walls are thin, so you can hear the voices next door and it's difficult to sleep.
It's far from tourist spots such as the airport, ferry terminal and Maidenhall Glacier.
Airport shuttle is only provided four times a day, which is too few, and requests are not accepted.
The staff are poor.
The satisfaction level is not commensurate with the cost performance, and there is nothing that makes me feel good about my stay.
It's not a popular motel so you can stay on the day without making a reservation, so there's no need to go out of your way to stay there.
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Date of stay: August 2023Trip type: Traveled solo
Value
Location
Service
Room Tip: メイデンホール氷河目当てなら空港側のホテルに滞在した方が、時間的にもコスト的にも良いです。空港までの送迎は日に４回のみで、本数が少なすぎてスケジュールに合わない(利用できない)と考えた方が良いで...
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
This establishment is sadly the most unreasonable I have ever encountered.
Whilst I understand cancellation policies, I was physically unable to visit because the ferry from Bellingham to Juneau was completely CANCELLED.
I could not even get to the town. However, this hotel insisted on charging the full rate, despite the fact that I simply could not be there. I even discovered that they blocked out weeks of unavailability either side of and including the night I was supposed to stay. I wonder how many other people's money they took whilst having no intention of actually providing a service.
Do not book this accommodation.
It is a real shame that the owners/managers have chosen to be so unreasonable; I flew directly to my intended destination of Fairbanks instead, and every Alaskan I have encountered is warm and friendly.
This hotel would not even take my calls.
I do understand cancellation policies. But when the traveller has had their plans completely changed due to transport no longer operating, especially to a remote location such as Juneau, one would expect a certain level of understanding and decency.
Whilst I understand cancellation policies, I was physically unable to visit because the ferry from Bellingham to Juneau was completely CANCELLED.
I could not even get to the town. However, this hotel insisted on charging the full rate, despite the fact that I simply could not be there. I even discovered that they blocked out weeks of unavailability either side of and including the night I was supposed to stay. I wonder how many other people's money they took whilst having no intention of actually providing a service.
Do not book this accommodation.
It is a real shame that the owners/managers have chosen to be so unreasonable; I flew directly to my intended destination of Fairbanks instead, and every Alaskan I have encountered is warm and friendly.
This hotel would not even take my calls.
I do understand cancellation policies. But when the traveller has had their plans completely changed due to transport no longer operating, especially to a remote location such as Juneau, one would expect a certain level of understanding and decency.
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Date of stay: February 2023Trip type: Traveled solo
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Driftwood Lodge, Owner at Driftwood Lodge
Responded Jul 25, 2023
Under new management as of Feb. 9, 2023.
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Beware of a bait and switch. The hotel website, even 24 hours before booking an airport shuttle transfer advertises a 24 hour in advance reservation for airport pickup. They seemed to have all of a sudden changed their policy even though I made the room reservation 3 months in advance. They refused to reimburse me for the taxi fare I incurred getting to the hotel. I do not recommend this hotel.
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Date of stay: June 2023Trip type: Traveled with family
Value
Location
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Driftwood Lodge, Owner at Driftwood Lodge
Responded Jul 25, 2023
Hello Wizbillw, Thank your for your comment. The shuttle information listed on the website and in reservation confirmation emails prior to 6/24/23 directed guests to call at least 24-hours in advance for shuttle reservations. Our policy has changed in that we no longer require nor request advanced reservations. This update was posted on our website 6/24/23 along with specific shuttle time information which had not been posted prior. However, for those still calling in advance we gave out shuttle times as listed below…now for a first come/first serve basis rather than a reservation list. We did and indeed continue to have scheduled shuttles available at: Driftwood dept: 6am | Airport dept: 7:00am Driftwood dept: 11am | Airport dept: 11:30am Driftwood dept: 3pm | Airport dept: 3:30pm Driftwood dept: 9:30pm | Airport dept: 10pm We are sorry that you choose not to avail yourself of the shuttle services provided. Shuttles are a courtesy that we happily extend to guests and are not included nor charged in our lodging agreements. There are other options of course for transportation which we are glad you could choose according to your personal preference. Our staff graciously explained this to you upon your request for reimbursement for your personally chosen transportation expense. We also followed up with a private email response to you. We will try to be even more clear in our communications going foward, so that expectations are properly set. We wish you well on your further travel adventures. Gunalcheesh, Driftwood Lodge Staff
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
I did my booking through booking.com and it said free transportation shuttle between the airport and the ferry and that's why I booked my room. Several days later I get a confirmation stating that additional information is needed for the shuttle which is fine. Then it says off-season you have to pay $12 for the shuttle and that was nowhere stated in the offer at all this is very deceptive and bad business practice. Now I have to cancel the room and try to find another room with limited options at this late date.
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Date of stay: February 2022Trip type: Traveled solo
Room Tip: Don't stay at this hotel during the off season because you get charged for their free shuttle
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
If you are on a tight budget and not concerned about amenities then this might be ok ..some things to keep in mind..There are no elevators and we had to haul our luggage to third floor. We stayed 4 days and even though we left the service room sign on door our bed was never made or sheets replaced. We had to go to office to get fresh towels. The shower/bathroom was so small you have to stand sideways to close the door. The bed squeeked so this indicated new mattress needed. Also so you know there are several resident Alaskan Ravens that are worse than Roosters so expect the squaking to wake you pretty early everyday. They also require a 500.00 deposit on your card which they say you get credit back . Next time I am in Juneau I will definitely pick another option for a place to stay.
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Date of stay: May 2021Trip type: Traveled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
If you're looking for a clean, comfortable no-frills hotel within walking distance of downtown Juneau this may be your place.
The room was spacious but had pretty old looking decor and was dark. There was a living room, a short passage that contained a basic kitchen to the bedroom and then a bathroom. Everything was very clean and the bed was really comfortable.
The bathroom was ready for an update but it had the most amazing water pressure.
Wifi was good and there was a great cable or satellite TV service.
It's also close to the Sandpiper for a great breakfast.
The room was spacious but had pretty old looking decor and was dark. There was a living room, a short passage that contained a basic kitchen to the bedroom and then a bathroom. Everything was very clean and the bed was really comfortable.
The bathroom was ready for an update but it had the most amazing water pressure.
Wifi was good and there was a great cable or satellite TV service.
It's also close to the Sandpiper for a great breakfast.
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Date of stay: August 2022
Value
Cleanliness
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Yes, its on the same property as the hotel. We have two restaurants Zen's and Sandpipers.
The hotel offers a 24 hour free shuttle to the airport aND ferry terminal. Just be sure to schedule at least 24 hours in advance so we can plan to pick you up.
Our Two Bedroom Suite would be the best option. The first bedroom is open to the kitchen/living room areas. Some rooms have a short hallway, while others have the kitchen in the hall. The bathroom is in this first bedroom. The second bedroom has a door that separates it from the first bedroom.
About one third of these rooms have a queen and two twins, with the two twins being in the second bedroom. Some rooms have hide a bed in the living room, but we can also provide a roll away bed or make up the couch for the fifth person.
We can provide a room with plenty of sleeping space for the whole family, but I like to advise our guests to consider whether they will be comfortable with this layout before they book. It usually works well for families, but is a bit less ideal for couples traveling together. Some people find the location of the bathroom and the fact that the first bedroom is open to the living area uncomfortable due to lack of privacy.
I hope this description helps when it comes to making your decision. Feel free to let us know if you have any more questions.
Yes, we have one very large one and a smaller one located in guest services. Donna
Our Hotel offers a free shuttle to the airport and to the ferry terminal in Auke Bay. We do however require 24 hours notice. I recomend contacting the hotel by email or by phone as soon as you have your travel plans so we can get you set up with the shuttle.
"Walls are not sound proof I had a fan running still could hear the guests snoring all night!!!!!!!!"Read full review
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ALSO KNOWN AS
driftwood hotel juneau
LOCATION
United StatesAlaskaJuneau
NUMBER OF ROOMS
62
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Frequently Asked Questions about Driftwood Lodge
Which popular attractions are close to Driftwood Lodge?
Nearby attractions include Alaska State Museum (0.04 miles), Juneau-Douglas City Museum (0.2 miles), and Mendenhall Express Rides (0.2 miles).
What are some of the property amenities at Driftwood Lodge?
Some of the more popular amenities offered include free wifi, free parking, and self serve laundry.
What are some restaurants close to Driftwood Lodge?
Conveniently located restaurants include Sandpiper Cafe, Tracy's King Crab Shack, and Salt.
Is Driftwood Lodge located near the city center?
Yes, it is 0.2 miles away from the center of Juneau.
Are there any historical sites close to Driftwood Lodge?
Many travelers enjoy visiting Alaska State Museum (0.04 miles), Statue of Patsy Ann, the Dog (0.4 miles), and Alaska Governor’s Mansion (0.1 miles).