Late Post Aug 23’ Mt. McKinley princess wilderness lodge was pretty but the weather wasn’t cooperating so it was hard to do anything. Clearly, if you are staying here one would like to enjoy the outdoors and sadly, we only stayed less than 24 hours since it was part of our Alaskan cruise and land tour. We did the cruise then land, BIG NO, NO if you plan this do the land then cruise tour. Land is not all inclusive, when you are on the cruise everything is taken care of assuming you got the highest package (drink) After our Princess Cruise (Itinerary – Vancouver, Ketchikan, Juneau, Glacier Bay, Skagway and Whittier LAND – Mckinley Lodge, Denali Lodge, Fairbanks River lodge) we were scheduled for a land tour which included an Alaskan 3-hour train tour to Talkeetna and 1 hour bus ride to the Lodge. The tour pressed us to stop in Talkeetna because the influx of other passengers, it was a better choice, (if we decided to go straight to the lodge our room probably wouldn’t be ready) it was a cute little town but I could’ve done without because it was a very long commute! We were up at a up at 5am to disembark by 630am (Whitter, Alaska), of all the days we were on our cruise this was the only day it rained, so I guess we were unlucky in a sense… It was hard to sleep on the train even though it was moving fairly slowly. We didn’t get to the lodge till after 4pm, with our keys in hand we headed straight to our room and took well needed nap, went to dinner at 20,320 (Check out my review). This particular lodge has 3 onside restaurants 20,320 Alaskan Grill, North Fork Restaurant and Base camp bar As for the lodge itself, it was ok the room was dated, plain…. if you’re from California the lodge is reminiscent of those near the Redwoods, or Yosemite somewhat if you get my drift. The customer service was good and it was very convenient that we were able to text. Not sure why they make everyone check out at 11am and have them wait around till 2pm for the next bus and another 2-hour drive. Ughhhh! Bring cards to play with! Would I come back? Yeah, I would like to see Mt McKinley on a clear day or the Aura lights. I would suggest a minimum stay of 3 days and 2 nights to get to be able to see and do things only if the weather cooperates! FYI – The lodge is seasonal check dates when booking. No Gym =(

Stayed here as part of a Princess land/cruise tour. Room nice enough but resort itself by mid September is woefully understaffed for the number of guests. Room was not available until after 8pm.because of too few cleaners. Restaurants had long waits due to the lack of servers. If you visit come in June- August when resort is staffed correctly as it is a nice facility.

The location is beautiful, with views of McKinley on a good day. There are walking paths and a treehouse to explore on property. The rooms have no AC nor internet. Cell service is spotty at best. Most buildings are 2 story with no elevator when we arrived we were assigned an upstairs rooms that was a problem but were told the hotel was sold out so we would need to figure it out. It’s a large property with a free shuttle to go from the rooms to main building, it was raining for the time we were there and the shuttle will keep driving unless your standing outside (rain or shine waiting for it.). The staff seemed overwhelmed and unhelpful. The closest town is an hour drive, they offer a shuttle for $10.00 round trip that runs till 7pm. There are 3 restaurants on property, there is usually a long line to get in early, but if you go late they have run out of many items. There is a breakfast buffet, the food was not great, the other option is to wait 30 minutes in line for the coffee shop. Just coming off the princess cruise where everyone was wonderful and the rooms were comfortable and ADA compliant this was a huge disappointment.

Not impressed! Stay longer at Denali If on a Princess Cruise land tour. This place left a bad taste in my mouth! When management does nothing other than pass the buck elsewhere, don’t waste your money staying there! customer service or safety and sanitation are not a priority at this resort. Not is quality of the food for the price. There are much better options for the money!

A botched choice for Princess Cruise lines. Hotel claims it has WI-FI— only in the main lodge. You are isolated and local needs for personal illness cannot be met . Rooms do not provide AC that would keep a hotel room from being humid. You must make reservations for two of the three restaurants, Rooms have leftover items. The hallways are scattered by debris and containers. All I am thinking about is that I paid a very rich dollar to have so much fun. D.. capital D… Disappointed.