The Cantwell Lodge or otherwise known as the Runway House, is a little B&B located right in the small roadside town of Cantwell, Alaska...conveniently just 30 miles away from famed Denali National Park. I stayed here for 2 nights and 3 days and used this cozy house as my "home base" for traveling to and from Denali. It cost $90 per night for accommodations which was rather cheap in comparison to the minimums I discovered for choosing lodging in and around Denali at $150 per night. So overall, I didn't really mind driving the 30 miles each way as the sceneries in the area were picturesque with mountains set all around in the background. This Cantwell Lodge was pleasant and charming. I got to meet other tourists traveling around Denali as well who were staying in the B&B too. Also cool about the stay here was that right across the train tracks within a short stroll from the lodge was a blue collar, all-American restaurant called The Longhorn Saloon. After both days of hiking around Denali, I returned back here to Cantwell and one night had fish tacos at the saloon and the 2nd night I had a regular old-fashioned hamburger. It was nice to have such an accessible eating establishment situated right next door to the B&B. Another interesting aspect to my experience was there being a real Active Runway for planes to depart and land, right in between the lodge and the restaurant. Sort of crazy, eh! What an out of the ordinary spot to have a runway! So, each evening on my way towards the saloon restaurant, I was actually crossing the runway. Good thing no planes were flying by, lol. Some extra notes about this Cantwell Lodge/Runway House... - I never met the host. She emailed me instructions for accessing my bedroom and all the accommodations. - My room was set up to feel perfectly welcome. It was as if I were returning home each day while staying with family. - The bathroom/shower is communal. But...it was clean and well maintained. - You were allowed to use any of the kitchen appliances or relax in the living room. The house was open to everyone though from my recollection it was just myself and 2 other couples/families staying at the lodge. It never got crowded at any point in terms of having to wait for anything. - During my visit in the middle of June, it was absolutely frigid outside with tough rainy conditions, but the B&B inside was well heated and stayed warm. - Btw, outside of resting my head at the lodge and eating dinner at the saloon, there was really nothing to do in Cantwell. You can basically drive past it without even noticing anything is there. - From here in Cantwell, myself and most folks were headed south towards the Anchorage area. In total, discovering what Denali was about and then coming here to the Cantwell Lodge/Runway House B&B to rest and recuperate, I had a fulfilling experience. You get this under the radar town like Cantwell being far enough away from your typical touristy spots, but close enough to all the action. And for the itinerary I designed throughout my 2-week journey from Fairbanks down towards Seward, it fit in quite well for my first ever visit to Alaska. read more

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I would not consider this a hostel as yelp does. Also not really a B&B. It's all in 1 building but has 6 apartments with their own bathrooms. They are small and the decor is outdated but the beds are amazingly comfortable. It's convenient that it's located in the same building as the saloon and you can have drinks or food right down the hall. The food isn't very good though and it's expensive but there aren't many other options. The breakfast was amazing! We had no idea it would be offered and were so happy to get food before a long day in Denali. If youre ok with simple - comfortable bed and a place to shower, this is for you. If you're looking for upscale, this is not it. read more

Best kept secret in Alaska! Gotta look this quirky joint up. From the clean well stocked room to the convenient restaurant/bar. The bartenders were real sharp witty dolls! Oh the free breakfast was great! This was an unexpected treat.....authentic Alaskan adventure! read more

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