Cape Fox Lodge

The hotel itself was nice, especially for Alaska, with a warm atmosphere and large, clean rooms. Most of the staff were friendlier, but seemed afraid of the front desk manager. She was curt and dismissive, and the whole tone toward guests felt irritated. There were around two dozen people waiting to check in, yet we were told we had to wait until exactly 3 pm. It was the most inefficient check-in system I’ve seen in decades of travel. The bathrooms were already key-locked, but there were at least four all-caps signs saying only guests could use them, along with several other signs banning things. It was ridiculous. Management needs sensitivity training.

We took the one-minute furnicular up from the harbor. It was fine, at $3 US per person each way. The attendant at the top came across as businesslike rather than friendly. One of us got a key to the lodge restroom, but the rest of us were refused access and sent outside to the public restrooms, which were clean and good. Because of that, we decided not to eat at the restaurant.

The view was the only good part. The front desk guy was cranky and no help. It cost $3 to ride the tram up and another $3 to come back down. The restaurant was out of one thing after another, again and again, but at least they had French fries.

As an Alaskan, I’d avoid this place. We live remotely and booked a room online, paying in advance because weather meant we might have to change our travel plans. Alaska Airlines changed our flight, so we no longer needed to stay overnight in Ketchikan. I called before 10 am to cancel and was told the fee would be the full room price, $191, for a room I wouldn’t use. Way to treat a fellow Alaskan. I’ve never had trouble with The Landing when plans change, and I won’t book with cape fox again. Gunalchéesh.