After a long dirt road drive, this place far exceeded our expectations. From the pick up at the bridge, to the welcoming staff, to the some of the best meals of our trip, to the fabulous panoramas of the glaciers, moraine, and the old Kennicott Mining Operation, we truly loved our stay. It takes awhile to get there but it is really worth it. The Wrangell-St. Elias is a fabulous unit in the National Park system. We would gladly stay again and again.
First, if you're coming to Wrangell-St. Elias NP, you really need to stay a few nights at least to truly capture this area. This lodge is historical, very clean and well-maintained and managed, and what it may lack in frills is compensated by tranquility, the feeling of being comfortable in a seemingly isolated location, and surrounded by natural beauty. Without exception, every staff member was friendly and went out of their way to be helpful. The lodge and Wrangell Mountain Air work well together, and your shuttle from the plane ride as well as the shuttle back to the airstrip are well organized. The lodge can help you organize flightseeing trips on WMA (highly advised!!!), and two excursion companies have offices at the foot of the Kennicott steps for hikes or tours. We had a room in the south wing with a private bath; we might suggest a first level room there. Ours was top floor which was very quiet and had a nice view, but took longer to cool because direct sun was hitting it up until late. We just opened our windows and front door, and the breezes came through to cool it, but others not wanting to do that may prefer the lower floor. Be sure to check out the common rooms of the lodge, take an evening meal on the deck, enjoy a few quiet moments in the adirondack chairs appreciating the view, and take some strolls around the immediate area. We selected to have breakfast included in our stay and have dinner a few nights at the lodge so we could also try out other options; ex: Meatza food truck nearby and by taking the shuttle to McCarthy for The Potato and the bar The Golden Saloon (best fries ever!). The breakfasts at the lodge were buffet style and had many tasty options to choose from. We also loved that this is a family owned and operated lodge; if you've ever stayed in other np lodges, you know they're usually handled by an off-site management company. The level of attention, hospitality, and care given to the Kennicott lodge and its patrons were much more effectively executed and provided that personal touch.…
The lodge is in the heart of the Wrangell St. Elias National Park. There really is nowhere else to stay. Don't bother with McCarthy. The lodge is in the middle of Kennicott right across the street from the National Park visitor center, the tour offices and a shop. The lodge is nice and clean, but it is not what you would call a fancy or high class resort, although it is pricey. We stayed for two nights. The bed was not very comfortable. We did not have our own bathroom, but that was okay. Did not have to wait for use of the shower, but did sometimes have to wait to use the bathroom. Wifi service was horrible but this was not unexpected. We went on the meal plan. Although expensive, the food was surprisingly good. Even the "To-go" lunch was good and filling. If you decide to go to the National Park, then I highly recommend this place.…
The Lodge is a must stay if you are visiting Wrangell-St Elias NP. The location is spectacular and unique. The Lodge is steps away from the starting point of various actvities (mill tour, glacier hikes, etc). Everything from transfers from the air strip to meals exceeded our expectations. We stayed in the South wing with a private bath, and found the room clean and spacious. All staff members were courteous and eager to please. It was one of the best stays ever in any National Park. We hope to return one day.
What a wonderful, unique experience. The lodge is situated in a one of a kind setting and provided such tranquility. Every employee we encountered was friendly and genuinely happy to be there. We stayed in the South Wing, so had a private bath. Our room was spacious and very clean, and, being on the first floor, the veranda with rocking chairs were right outside our door. We got the meal package, and were very satisfied with the meals! I would highly recommend!
The Lodge is pretty nice, basic and comfortable. I mean really basic, no hair dryer, no mini-fridge, which given the price is a missing amenity. Mostly quiet. The Lodge will pick you up at the pedestrian bridge if you drive or ride the shuttle.
We took a room without an en suite bathroom. The room was very small, with a sloping ceiling above the bed so you get hit in the head when you get up. But it was clean. The toilet and shower were in the hallway and they too were very clean. Breakfast was rich. The staff was nice, but demanded a tip in a way that could not be refused, and it was embarrassing.
We are from Alaska and had the opportunity once again to stay at the Kennicott Glacier Lodge, (This is our 7th stay over the past 12 years). The meals and desserts were the best we had yet. We later learned their was a new chef that was a chef in Antartica and he made incredible mouth watering desserts. The fresh bread each day was the best. We had our personally made sandwiches which we ordered the night before in our sack lunch the next day to take for our hike. As always the service was impeccable. It is a very clean and well maintained lodge and were so happy to do trip back once again. I refer locals to the Kennicott Glacier Lodge every chance I get. Sue and Fred, Anchorage residence since 1970. .
We loved our two night stay at the lodge. The food was delicious and the service amazing. It was truly a magnificent view. I would definitely stay here if you are in the area to see Wrangle St. Elias National Park. It was close to everything. There was a wonderful store with local artist work like jewelry, clothing, wood products, etc. We really enjoyed the atmosphere at the lodge. It is clear that the owners and staff work really hard to make this place great and they do a wonderful job.
It takes some effort to go to the KGL, but well worth it. If you're driving, just head down the 60-mile McCarthy Road (unpaved, potholes are quite the obstacle in the rain!). Make sure your car rental company allows the drive (Ours did! "Rent-A-Subaru" in Anchorage is the name---great prices, great service and a great car!). At the end of the road, you park in the designated KGL lot. Grab your bags and walk across the 50 yard footbridge. On the other side, you are met by a cheerful KGL shuttle driver for the 5 mile trip up to the lodge---more potholes, but someone else is driving. Now, about the lodge...Two buildings, main and new. If you like being close to the lobby/dining hall, stay in the main. If you like having a private bathroom, stay in the newer building. Either way, the staff and service are impeccable. A lovely place to sit and relax, either on the shared balcony or on the lawn between the buildings. Great views, and lots of quiet. One small sour note: I'm vegetarian, and the dinner is one entree-fixed. The chef was very (overly) ambitious and cooked a strange melange of vegetables one night, and a so-heavily-marinated portobello mushroom the next night that I was glad I bought some snacks! Note to chef: pasta. The breakfasts and lunches were great. And the staff was very, very attentive.…
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