“McKinley Chalet Resort - nice compliment to Denali NP Park visit”

Arrived by train. Staff was waiting at depot with checkin packet and shuttle. Property was nice. I liked the more spread out, wooded space and lodge feel. Room was clean. Staff was friendly and very helpful. Property had good on-property and off-property shuttle services. Nice location overall, close to many walking trails and even to Denali Visitors Center if you'd rather enjoy a 3-mile hike instead of riding the shuttle. Everything seemed well organized with getting the various groups together for tour departures and on-property events. Dining on property was more expensive, basically starting at $15/person minimum and up quickly. But local food shops are conveniently located walking-distance across the hwy for the more budget minded. Room was simple. Only negative was the beds/mattresses were well worn, not great comfort, maybe even 'rustic' quality. Overall, I personally liked the more outdoorsy feel of this hotel property as compared to others nearby.

“Very nice and clean”

I was wonderfully impressed with this hotel. It was centrally located in the middle of the town and close to the park entrance. Our room was very clean and located amongst a beautiful forest atmosphere. There are several different buildings within the property that have hotel rooms on the ground level and second floor. We loved our second floor room, but those with physical limitations should ask for a ground floor room. The buildings are very woodsy-like and do not have elevators with entrances from the outside. There is also a shuttle to transport you around the property if needed. Overall, I was extremely happy with our stay at this hotel and would definitely stay there again.

“Very Alaskan”

Very Alaskan & very beautiful main area. Rooms are rustic & alaskan.

“Great Denali Hotel”

The location, service, and style are perfect as a base for exploring Denali and the surrounding area. There are plenty of nearby shops and restaurants. The hotel restaurants tend to have slightly inflated prices for what you get, but the quality is good and similar to other Aramark run Park hotels in the lower 48. Take advantage of the trails along the river bank and the views of the Nenana from the main lodge. The hotel is also popular with cruise ship tours and other group organizations. The walls and floors are a little thin, so you will hear footsteps, etc. Parking is also limited near the main cabins. They run a shuttle until about midnight from the main parking lot. You should be able to park overnight in some of the spaces that are marked for staff.

“Friendly with a great bar overlooking the river”

The only complaint we had was on the breakfast. It was the worst meal we had on the whole trip. They need to work to improve.

“Expensive, but good location”

The biggest plus for McKinley Chalet is that it's near Denali National Park. I probably paid the most I've ever paid for a hotel room at this place and the accommodations, while fine, were certainly not the best I've ever had. One double and one twin bed, no closet (rack), no drawer space. Small living room and small bedroom plus bath. Many rooms (including ours) were in very nice log cabin buildings with 6 units upstairs and six downstairs. The buildings are spread out over a fairly large area and you take a shuttle to and from the main lodge. We had three people with two rooms and even though they were reserved together months in advance, we were put into different buildings which was somewhat inconvenient. When we objected to being in separate buildings upon check-in, they acted like it would never occur to them to put people traveling together in the same building. Most visitors appear to be part of cruise/tour packages. We were not. Rooms were clean and neat and it's located along the Nenana River which is beautiful. Staff was pleasant and friendly. The Courtyard Cafe buffet breakfast was good, although expensive for breakfast. Be prepared for a little trek to get luggage from your car to your room (you don't park very close to your door).

“fair stay”

A nice stay at a very nice place.

“OK but overly expensive for whay you get”

When arrived at room after check-in towels from previous user were still hanging in bathroom. Late in the evening on the next day the room had not been cleaned. We waited over 15 minutes after calling the front desk and finally went to the front desk to get someone to bring clean towels

“McKinley Chalet Resort”

As long as you are not expecting a 4-5 star hotel for the money you spend, this hotel is an ok stay as it is close to the entrance of Denali National Park.

“Not bad for Denali”

The hotel is well located and the service was curteous and efficient. It is very big and the common areas are always busy. We had a room close to the main building which was convenient. The rooms are dated and the carpet looked old but the room was clean. It did smell musty and could get warm but I suppose this is what is to be expected from a Chalet that only opens for 4 mths of the year. From reading the reviews I did not expect much from the room so I was pleasantly surprised that it was clean and comfortable enough. When I booked this was the only hotel available but I doubt that much better can be done in Denali. I travelled with the other 3 members of my family and while the sleeping accomodation was adequate the room is small for 4 persons. We ate in the main restaurant and the food was good. The breakfast buffet was well stocked and good value. Yes it is expensive but everything in Denali is more expensive than anywhere else we went in Alaska ( i.e. Anchorage, Seward and Whittier). If your expectations are realistic you would be more than satisfied with this Resort. It is a convenient and comfortable location to start and end your day.