Talkeetna Chalet
Friends suggested the idea of a quiet getaway in a part of Alaska we hadn't explored yet. We weren't sure we would join them as most cabins are pricey. We learned only a portion of the payment is taken at booking, and the rest is charged the day before check-in. This was not something we remember reading anywhere before the booking process. It would have made us more likely to book when someone suggested these cabins a year ago, knowing the total cost isn't due immediately. Affordability is always a draw!
We had a nice weekend, though we were hardly in the cabin during our stay, so it was a fairly neutral experience overall--pros and cons to follow.
Pros:
**Minutes away from Talkeetna proper.
**Military discount.
**WiFi.
**Plenty of outlets for charging devices.
**Pets allowed (though we don't currently have any) @ +$25 per pet.
**The cabin is small but uncomplicated; ideal for 2-4 people.
**There was a cute personalized welcome sign by the front door upon arrival.
**There was a lovely patio set for two that would be fun to enjoy if the weather accommodated.
**It was beautifully quiet. (Minus the occasional train horn and the sounds of vehicle doors belonging to other guests at nearby cabins.)
**The heat worked well
**Open closet/storage shelf and stowaway luggage rack +4 hangers.
**Comfortable queen-sized bed with soft sheets and a futon for sitting/extra sleep space.
**Kitchenette with mini fridge, microwave, electric kettle, Keurig coffeemaker, and drink options provided for each. Some dishware was also available for use, and a 2-seater bar/eating space.
**A nice full bathroom with a glass-enclosed shower and a plethora of towels, as well as a towel warming rack and space heater. The shower also contained a dispenser with shampoo, conditioner, and liquid soap. (Brand labels would be valuable for anyone with sensitive skin/allergies.)
Cons:
**Dust bunnies on the ceiling beams and cobwebs stretched between track lighting and the ceiling. We avoided using the ceiling fan for fear of displacing more dust when our allergies were already flaring. Dust lined the bottom shelf of the storage space and luggage rack. There was also a dried-up contact lens adhered to one of the bedside tables.
**One of the open closet/storage shelves was loose, resting on the bottom one, so we lost a little storage space. We also wished there were more hangers for coats and sweaters.
**Excessive pillows and area rugs/mats.
We brought our pillows, so managing the 8 pillows on the bed, +futon pillows, felt like an imposition. There was also some sort of stain (oily in appearance?) on the sheets.
We tucked away 2 of the more decorative mats during our stay (after slipping on one) because they were hazardous vs. practical without a slip-proof pad underneath.
**There was more dust and web strings on the bathroom nightlight. We were excited by the luxurious towel warming rack, but it is mounted so low it seemed dangerous to put wet towels on as they'd rest right on the plugs. Using anything lower than the top rung caused the towel to sit on the floor.
**Cabin kitsch. No disrespect intended, as everyone has their style, but this was a little overwhelming, particularly the number of wall hangings and patterns. It detracted from the cabin's existing charm and architecture.
To reiterate, it was a nice weekend, though we were hardly in the cabin during our stay, so it was a fairly neutral experience overall. read more