Unreal place to stay. Rooms are great, location is perfect, food is unreal and the overall service is top notch. Staff goes out of their way to take care of everyone staying at the lodge. I would certainly stay here again

If you're looking to stay away from the madness of all the tourist hotels near Denali, then beautiful Tonglen Lake Lodge is the answer. The staff is welcoming and caters to your every need. The delicious food and snacks (available 24 hours) are included in the pricing and they go out their way to accommodate your needs. Please note however, that alcohol is additional. Our schedule was very hectic, but they made every effort make sure our meals would be available when needed. The grounds are spectacular with hiking trails and a beautiful lake. We stayed in the North Wing of the Guest House (shared with the smaller South Wing), which included 3 bedrooms, 1 full bathroom and 2 half baths. While you share some space with another family, that was never an issue during our stay. In addition, they offer private cabins which also seemed lovely. The only "downside" is that you will need your own transportation to get to the Lodge and around Denali, unless you book a small group tour that utilizes Tonglen (Alaska Wildland Adventures, for example). Tonglen was a great place to relax after exploring all that Denali has to offer.

We loved our experience. Friendly staff, amazing food, and comfortable accommodations. The lodge and cabins were VERY clean. Conveniently located close to park. We loved the bakery that always had fresh pasteries and coffee. Would not change a thing.

We stayed here recently as part of a small group trip to Alaska. The lodge and grounds are beautiful, serene, peaceful and cozy. This lodge has a real Alaskan feel, which is quite nice. When we arrived at the property, we were weary after a long day of travel. The owner welcomed us warmly. We were then subjected to a lodge “briefing” that was far too long and tedious. The owner built the lodge, which is quite an accomplishment. But we did not need to know the name and number of every artisan who crafted every element of the lodge upon checkin. It was far too much information for tired travelers to take in. Then, just when we thought we could retire to our cabins, we received another lecture about the rules of the lodge. This was overkill at this point. Soon after we checked in it was time for dinner. Our dinners at the lodge each included a lecture about Alaska-specific topics. While the lectures were interesting, they attendance seemed “forced”. It would have been very rude to leave during the lectures, since they started during the meals. And while I enjoy learning during my vacation, it should be my choice whether or not to attend a lecture after a long day. The food itself was very good. Vegetarians and special diets are accommodated nicely. The lodge has a nice selection of wine and beer (not included in room rate). The service during meals was very good. The cabins are nicely appointed and the bed was very comfortable. There is a large sink and vanity area. Photographers - there is no table for your photography gear, so we used the futon. The water was nice and hot, and everything functioned well. There is no wifi in the rooms - not an issue. There is a cafe which is open for breakfast and for coffee. The coffee choices were excellent, as were the freshly baked pastries. The owner seems to raise and train dogs on the premises. There were puppies in an area just outside of the cafe. We asked to play with the puppies and mama, and we were told that this was ok. The owner then scolded us for running in the field with the mother dog. Apparently we weren’t playing with the dogs “properly”. This could have been handled differently. Overall, this is a very nice lodge. It is cozy and comfy and sits on a beautiful property. I get the feeling that the owner would rather not have to deal with guests, but I could be wrong. Everyone is entitled to off days.

My wife and I stayed at Tonglen Lake Lodge as one of the stops on our 40th anniversary trip to Alaska, which is where we met. Tonglen Lake Lodge is a beautiful, off the beaten path resort that exemplifies the passion of the owner to build a place "...where I would want to stay." This passion is portrayed from the detail in the precise joinery of the log structures on the property, to their effort to make sure you have a good hike in Denali by loaning you a pair of binoculars. We stayed in one of the cabins that are situated a short distance from the lodge in an easily walkable circular path. The staff graciously handles your luggage from the car park lot to your cabin. The cabins are cozy, quiet, and the bed is quite comfortable. The cafe is open 24 hrs for guest convenience; although not staffed late. Good coffees, fresh baked pastries, an OK breakfast, and a bag lunch to go. Our dinners were a mixed bag. The shrimp etouffee was nothing close to an "etouffee". BUT, we brought some halibut that we had caught, and the chef made a very memorable dinner from it. Superbly prepared! After your day's wanderings in and around the park, you can enjoy a glass of wine, a beer, or a limited choice of cocktails made from Alaskan made spirits. Which leads to my primary beef with Tonglen. After scouring their website, that claims your stay is "all-inclusive", with nothing that states alcoholic beverages are not included in the "all-inclusive"; we were rather highly disconcerted that the "cocktail hour" they invite you to where you can "Enjoy this magical time of day when guests share stories over Alaskan-brewed beer, fine wine, and cocktails." are not included in your stay. So much for "All-inclusive"! All-in-all, if you're wanting a more upscale, off the beaten path and away from the crowds place to stay near Denali, Tonglen Lake Lodge is worth considering.