Alyeska Hostel

I've stayed at this hostel a few times since 1991 and just stopped in for a shower last month. This little hostel has fine character, just the place to hang out after a long day of hiking or skiing (or driving, but not much parking space). The building (an A-frame-like structure) is small, but the kitchen and living area are large enough for a group to prepare lunch and dinner. Nice atmosphere. It appears that the host and the visitors take care of the place and keep it quite clean. If you want to socialize, there are places nearby in town for that, but this place is more suited to update your journal or read a good book.

I agree it isn't a party place but a very comfortable house where you can happily sit in the lounge with the others and RELAX. If you want to party, go down to Hi 5 or Maxine's, 2 bars a few minutes walk away where everyone hangs out. The area is amazingly beautiful and as long as you're an adept of hiking and outdoors this is THE place for you!!!

My stay was very excellent. The hostel was well run, and kept up. The sheets were clean, and they provided some blankets. It has a fine kitchen, and a cozy living area with a fireplace. It also provides informational brochures on Alaska and has several good tourist books. Its location is great. I was skiing for a week on spring break, and the mountain is right at your doorstep. Although it is a mile or so walk to the day lodge, and that's a 10-20 minute walk. The local store is nearby, about a 10-minute walk. The resort offers a shuttle from the day lodge to the hotel, and can drop you off at the market if you request. It can even drop you off at Timberline Drive. That makes for about a 5-minute walk. Overall, this has opened the door to hosteling for me, and it was very good experience.

I have stayed at the Alyeska Hostel many times. It is one of my favorite locations in Girdwood. There is a four-star ski resort out the front window and a wilderness sanctuary out the back. There are often moose in the yard in the winter and in the summer I love hiking behind the hostel and exploring the moss-covered forest floor. Very few know, it seems, that Girdwood is the northernmost tip of a 2500-mile stretch of old-growth rainforest beginning in Washington State. It ends right behind the hostel! There is a beautiful, tranquil, and paradoxically wild glacier-fed river flowing by about 100 meters behind the hostel. Be careful. It can sweep you away. Giant cottonwood trees abound there, as do black spruce and the occasional giant white spruce. There are also porcupines, beaver, eagles, ravens, and many other creatures that live there. Explore and discover this treasure of Alaska and please, "leave this place better than you found it." Sincerely, David Lakota AlaskaWildSchool.com

It was clean and comfortable, but not a party place. I never saw the host, but it seemed well run. I would stay again.