Ketchikan Hostel

Ketchikan Hostel is the cheapest accommodation option in town, the main drawback being the daily lockout from 9 a.m. (8:30 a.m. Sundays) until 6 p.m., although some flexibility may be negotiated with the volunteer in charge. For example, if she is in the building she may agree to admit checked-in guests as early as 4 p.m., and we were able to arrange collection of luggage from the hostel at 1 p.m. for an afternoon ferry departure.

The Location

This hostel is easy to find. It is located close to downtown just beyond the commercial area and at the start of a residential district in the First United Methodist Church at 400 Main Street at the intersection with Grant Street. The closest city bus stop is at Eagle Park one block away close to the cruise ship dock at the corner of Grant Street. During the day, half-hourly buses take around ten minutes to reach the Alaska Marine Highway, Inter-island and Airport ferry docks and the A&P and Safeway grocery stores. There buses also connect with various out-of-town attractions including some hiking trails. The post office is within reasonable walking distance, and the IGA grocery store is approximately thirty minutes' walk away. On-street parking is limited to two hours up to 5 p.m. on weekdays, bust it is possible to arrange to use the church parking lot.

Rooms and Bathrooms

The dorm rooms have neither locks nor lockers. There are usually six or seven non-stacking beds in each of the two single-sex dorms, which are situated on the second floor in separate sections of the building. There are also "overflow" dorms for use during high-season peak periods. Guests may use their own sleeping bags and towels or rent bedding and towels from the hostel. There are no private rooms, and couples are always split up between the men's and women's dorms. The showers are of good quality, and there is adequate space for one person to change and hang up his or her clothes or lay down soap, but the toilet only has a curtain separating it from the rest of the bathroom.

Common Spaces

The spacious, spotlessly clean kitchen is located in the basement, and there is a large dining table and chairs in the middle. Cupboards that are solely for church use are clearly marked. There is unlimited free coffee, and the volunteer in charge usually purchases food items such as milk, eggs, bread, and potatoes for free use by guests. There is no outside seating.

The lounge, which has comfortable seating, is on the second floor near the women's dorm, and free coffee and cookies are provided. There is a television and book exchange, and books and numerous tourist leaflets about Alaska are available. In various rooms including the dorms there is a large library of books on religious subjects, which guests who are interested are welcome to read on the premises. When guests ask about luggage storage, they are asked to leave their backpacks in the narthex of the church, which may not be the best place to leave exceptionally valuable items.

There is no computer available to hostel guests, but visitors may use a fifteen-minute computer in the public library during library opening hours. This is far from being a "party" hostel. It appeals to a wide range of age-groups, especially those who like a quiet environment. When we visited, there was a wide range of interesting, sociable visitors, including amateur fishermen, prospectors, and students. Smoking and alcohol are prohibited on the premises.

Summary

We liked the hostel -- especially its low rates, the interesting company provided by the guests, and the fact that the volunteer in charge takes a keen interest in visitors from other states and countries and is very friendly and helpful.

— Exclusive Hostelz.com Review
July 2009