Denali Rainbow Village RV Park and Motel

We didn't stay at the motel or campground, but stopped twice with a tour bus at the open air strip mall. It was busy both times, and we were rushed to eat. We wanted pizza on each visit, but the places were closed, so we tried crepes instead. The orders came out promptly despite the crowd. I had salmon, my wife got the campers special, and we shared a banana and Nutella crepe. They accidentally put onions in her order after we asked for none. Still, everything was tasty and filling. A good stop.

The shuttle driver was great both ways, and even pulled over at the national park sign so we could get a picture. We asked for rides to and from the train station, and that was arranged without any trouble. For getting around, the location is hard to beat: everything along the boardwalk is an easy walk, including our two favorite spots, Black Bear Coffee House and Prospector's Pizza. The Denali bus stop across the street was convenient too, especially since we took the train to Denali and used the bus to get into the park. We spent two nights in a motel room. It was bigger than expected, in good shape, and had what we needed. Great stay.

If you're traveling by train and don't have a rental car, the walkable location and frequent buses are a big help. Restaurants and stores sit right beside the rooms or across the street, where complimentary park shuttles run every 30 minutes. The room was clean and spacious enough for three people on a three-night stay. We could leave our luggage on the floor and still hang our wet jackets. The tap water is filtered and safe to drink, thanks to the RV service. Kevin made the biggest difference to our stay. He took time to explain places around town and in the park, and his thoughtful tips helped us plan our activities. We felt very welcome. This was our best experience among all our national park stays, and I'd recommend the hotel to friends visiting Denali.

The best part was how much Kevin helped us make the most of our three days in Denali. He's clearly passionate about his work and gave us plenty of support. The hotel is handy for visiting the park, with a shuttle every 30 minutes from across the street, and restaurants and shops nearby for a quick bite. We stayed at this three-star place, but the experience felt better than that rating suggests. I was also touched by seeing local people helping one another in such a beautiful natural setting. I'd definitely stay here again if I return.