Glacier Bay Lodge

Frommer's Review

This is the only place to stay in the park (although Gustavus, 10 miles down the road, has some of the most attractive accommodations in Alaska). The wood-paneled rooms have a bit of rustic charm, but they're mainly just comfortable lodgings in a pleasant setting. They have phones, a rarity in such a remote setting. The buildings sit in the soothing quiet of large rainforest trees and are reached from the main lodge by boardwalks and steps.

The restaurant has huge windows looking onto Bartlett Cove and has recruited talented chefs in past years. The menu includes a wide variety of dishes, including fresh fish. Many visitors enjoy dining -- or just having nachos and beer -- on the deck, where an international social event lasts all summer among campers and lodge guests watching for whales. A patio menu is served there 11am to 10pm daily. The indoor restaurant serves breakfast as early as 6:30 to 8am, lunch 11am to 2pm, and dinner 5:30 to 10pm.

The lodge also provides public showers and a convenience store for the free park service campground, about 1/4 mile away. The campground lacks running water but has a warming hut, firewood, and bear-resistant food caches. You have to cook in a fire ring in the intertidal zone and observe other bear-avoidance rules the rangers will explain. Get a camping permit at the ranger station when you arrive; the campground is almost never full.

Facilities:
Restaurant; bike and fishing gear rental; coin-op laundry

Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.

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