Location
Talkeetna, Alaska
Talkeetna Alaskan Lodge, a TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence winner, sits atop a bluff above the rustic hamlet of Talkeetna on the south side of Denali, offering magnificent views of "The Great One" and the Alaska Range. Talkeetna has long been the jumping-off point for climbing expeditions to Denali, and the historic town retains a rough-and-tumble charm. But the lodge itself, situated on 640 acres, provides a luxurious respite from the Alaskan wild. Guest rooms are located in three different lodge buildings, all constructed with massive timbers and stonework—160 tons of rock collected from the Matanuska River are incorporate throughout the lodge's design and decor. The central feature of the main Great Room is the 46-foot tall river rock fireplace, and various animal designs have been crafted in stone in the pillars at the lodge entrance. The enormous logs in the Great Room are from beetle-killed spruce trees from the Ninilchik area, and the ceiling is constructed of knotty pine. Throughout the lodge, the trim is crafted using birch from Trapper Creek.
Spacious 364-square-foot guest rooms have two queen beds or one king, a private bath, hair dryer, writing desk, coffee maker, satellite television, telephone, and optional wireless Internet. Fine food and drink is available in the Foraker Dining Room, while casual fare is served at the Base Camp Bistro and Lounge. The Tokosha Coffee & Gift Shop in the main lodge carries a variety of souvenirs and authentic Alaska Native art, as well as your favorite espresso drinks.