Vacation Rentals by Owner

A Little Gem Near Denali NP

Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 08/01/11 Review Submitted: 08/13/11

My wife and I are just completing a two week stay in this delightful place and couldn't be happier with our choice. Clean, bright and spacious, the apartment was everything we hope for when we book self-catering accommodation. Hostess Lisa is a delight to talk to for information about the park and the surrounding area. Located in a private development well off the Parks highway, the apartment affords plenty of privacy and yet is only 10 minutes from the Denali Wilderness Access Center - gateway to the park and the departure point for the various shuttle and tour buses. It's also only 20 minutes from Cantwell and the western end of the Denali Highway - one of the prettiest drives in the state. Denali State Park, itself an unappreciated little gem of a place, is only an hour and fifteen minutes away. We found several terrific hikes there and stunning views of the mountain while hiking around Byers Lake on a sunny day. With forest all around and numerous trails leading off into the surrounding hills, we didn't even have to leave the neighborhood to enjoy some great hikes, or to pick the ripening blueberries for the morning pancakes. Might also add that although we had a few rainy days during our two week stay, the apartment was so pleasant that we didn't mind staying "home" in this comfortable little nest to wait out the weather. It really is a destination in its own right. Do recommend stocking up on provisions in Anchorage or Fairbanks. This place is really delightful. We recommend it highly.

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Ah! What a Wonderful Place to Stay! Spotless! Better than the Description!

Guest: McBolt (Lafayette, CO)
Date of Stay: 07/20/11 Review Submitted: 08/02/11

If you want to get away from the hustle and bustle of the tourists in Denali and you want a clean and comfortable vacation spot, this place is for you. We found this to be a very comfortable, clean and well maintained place during our two weeks in Alaska. During that time, we stayed in a total of five different places, and this was by far the best. We would recommend this property to anyone visiting Denali. It's very close to the 229 Park Restaurant where we had to excellent dinners. Lisa, the property owner, is cheerful, full of life and entertaining. We saw her when we arrived and the evening before our departure. She respected our privacy while also offering a few tips for viewing the park. Lisa gives off a ton of positive energy. She introduced us to her sled dogs and we enjoyed their infrequent but delightful singing. We applaud this VRBO property owner! This was a true retreat! Thanks for delivering everything that was promised!

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Wonderful in All Respects

Guest: Kansans (Topeka, Kansas)
Date of Stay: 07/08/11 Review Submitted: 07/19/11

We cannot describe in words how wonderful the apartment and location were. Just wish we didn't have to leave.

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Beauty with Friends

Guest: The Honeymooners (Remsen NY)
Date of Stay: 05/29/11 Review Submitted: 06/21/11

We knew from the moment we saw the pictures of this rental that we just had to stay. Judging from the pictures, it was just the cozy and quiet setting we thought it would be. An occasional (and we mean rarely occasional) sled dog barking was actually a treat, as we missed our dog at home. Here in Central NY where the tallest mountain would be considered a hill as compared to those in Alaska, the views of the snow covered mountains from the windows were surreal. The property was clean, well maintained and most importantly free of clutter. The herbs and spices in the cupboards were absolutely ideal. With our Alaska Milepost in hand, we traveled at least 150 miles everyday to make sure we didn't miss anything. Returning "home" everyday continued to be everything we expected. If one feels the need to socialize, just down the road past Denali NP there are a couple of Pubs and restaurants. Lisa was extremely knowledgeable about the area. She didn't bother us or offer any unsolicited advice without us asking. Her library of books to read are very interesting, the most interesting of which is her book. In it, Lisa shares a life that one cannot imagine beginning at 40! Lisa, Keith and I would like to say Thank You for sharing your piece of heaven with us. We have heard and lived by "there are no strangers in the world, just friends we haven't met". Thank You Dear Friend it was our honor and pleasure to have gotten to know you.

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, pet owners, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

BEST RENTAL YET!

Guest: Becky Barnett (Charlotte, NC)
Date of Stay: 05/23/11 Review Submitted: 05/29/11

During out week in Alaska we stayed in 5 different hotels and this house. Obviously this place was our favorite by far!! The place is very convenient to the park and we LOVED visiting with the dogs (best host and hostess to date!). Definitely a great idea to get groceries/food BEFORE you leave Anchorage or Fairbanks! We would love to visit again!

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Absolutely wonderful in every way!

Guest: Hoosiers (Middlebury, Indiana)
Date of Stay: 09/12/10 Review Submitted: 10/01/10

We spent a marvelous week in mid-September and our only downside was that it went by so quickly! Lisa is a gracious and generous host and shared lots of ideas to help make our visit even better. We spent every day hiking in Denali and came back to that wonderful, relaxing, cozy little nest in the woods every evening. Hearing the dogs "singing" at night and watching the northern lights was beautiful beyond description. The weather was clear all week and we could watch Dall sheep on the mountains through our front windows (with binoculars). At the park we saw moose, bear, wolves, coyotes, golden eagles, lynx, snow shoe hares and lots more. The fall colors were gorgeous and Mt McKinley/Denali was in full view every day! We had planned this trip as our 35th anniversary gift to each other and it was all we hoped it would be and more!

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

If going to the park, you will love this place

Guest: Dalenali (Seattle)
Date of Stay: 08/16/10 Review Submitted: 08/26/10

We are two couples who needed a place to stay while we visited Denali park for several days and did not want to stay at a big cruiseline hotel or in the park itself. This place was awesome and as nice as the pictures suggest. It is light-filled, nicely appointed, clean and in a great setting. It is just ten minutes south of the park entrance. We highly recommend it to one or two couples or a family of four. We think you would be very comfortable here. There is a large screen flat panel TV and selection of DVDs including topics related to the local area that we found interesting. The kitchen is well equipped and there is a nice washer and drier. We hiked some on the local paths and collected blueberries enough to last the rest of our trip. Waiting for you in the fridge will be some sourdough starter and an interesting history that goes along with it. The starter is available for a nominal cost as a dried coating on a packaged wooden spoon you can take home and reconstitute. We enjoyed the Salmon Bake restaurant a couple of times. It is just north of the park entrance and the grocery store next door to the south is well stocked.

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Denali Retreat

Guest: Judy C. (Nebraska)
Date of Stay: 08/01/10 Review Submitted: 08/15/10

The apartment is as described, but words don't really do it justice. The space is beautifully laid out and is bright and cheerful. There is a great built in computer/desk space and loads of outlets. The internet access was fast and very convenient. We spent 2 weeks enjoying this peaceful place. It is just 10 miles to Denali National Park and Canyon Village is just a bit futher. Lisa is a friendly and congenial hostess. Sourdough starter is available for making bread and/or pancakes. It's a good idea to do major grocery shopping if you plan to prepare meals before arriving as the local grocery is quite small. At the end of our activities in the park it was a wonderfully quiet retreat. We hated to leave.

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, sightseeing.

This place IS the real deal!

Guest: Helene (Centennial, CO/USA)
Date of Stay: 07/16/10 Review Submitted: 08/07/10

The sight of Denali Park Place was most welcome after a long drive from Seward. We found the accommodations to be excellent. The place is filled with artifacts and local artwork and plenty of information about the area and Alaska in general. The kitchen is fully equipped, full size stove, large fridge, microwave, dishes and utensils. There is a new washer and dryer in the laundry room that includes a large clothes rack and area for storage. The living room is comfortable and includes a large TV we were able to connect to our cameras to view photos we had taken that day in the park. Our 25 year old son accompanied us on our trip and slept on the sofa sleeper and did not complain, can you imagine that? The bedroom was very comfortable. I usually don't sleep well away from home but had no trouble here. Our host, Lisa, a true local is wonderful. A real source of info for what to do where to go in the area. Be sure to try her sourdough starter in the fridge for pancakes. Yummy! All this and Denali too? You can't go wrong!

Recommended for:Sightseeing

Marx's Alaska vacation

Guest: n/a (Benicia, California)
Date of Stay: 07/03/10 Review Submitted: 07/16/10

This place is the very best. So many gorgeous views from all of the windows, so many little cozy touches, great art and artificats - perfect as a "home away from home". We really enjoyed our stay - the serenity, the beauty, and last, but not least, the dogs. We definitely recommend this place to anyone going to the Denali Park area. Jim and Nancy Marx

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, sightseeing.

Our best vacation rental ever

Guest: The Churchman Family (Millis, MA)
Date of Stay: 06/16/10 Review Submitted: 07/17/10

Our first impression of Denali Park Place was how clean, bright and spacious it was. The kitchen was well-stocked with appliances, cooking utensils, dishes, glasses, silverware, and even extra food. We especially appreciated the smooth top range, the dishwasher and the full-sized refrigerator. My husband loved the huge television; although we were so busy while we were there that we did not have time to watch it much. We spent most of our time in Denali National Park, although we did go to Fairbanks one day. We saved a lot of money on food by eating or preparing most of our meals at the apartment. I especially appreciated the washer and dryer, and the desk (and WiFi) for my computer. There were even office supplies and local menus in the desk. The pictures and other decorative touches were perfect for the place and for Alaska. There was a beautiful view out every window. Denali Park Place was even nicer than the photos show. The location was quiet, but close to Denali National Park. Every care was taken here to think of what would make people on vacation comfortable and welcome, and it was provided. We made the best pancakes we've ever had using Lisa's sourdough starter, and bought several "Alaska's Golden Spoon"s to share with friends and family. Lisa couldn't have been more friendly or helpful. I recommend Denali Park Place to everyone who will listen. I would love to return there and spend more than a week next time. We have stayed at other vacation rentals over the past several years, and this one is the best.

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, pet owners, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Guest: The Schwantes family (Snohomish, Washington)
Date of Stay: 02/06/10 Review Submitted: 02/06/10

We had a wonderful stay at Lisa’s. The apartment over the garage is spacious and beautiful, with lots of homey decorating touches, incredible views of the Mountains and arboreal forest in all directions, and a kitchen stocked with extra food supplies in case you have forgotten something; all a reflection of Lisa’s great hospitality. She is an incredible, adventuresome hostess, business woman and authoress who loves the sled dogs; be sure to ask her about her own experiences running the Iditarod and training 4 time Iditarod winner Jeff King’s dogs. She also works for the park service; driving one of the park school buses that take you through the park, so she can answer any questions that you may have regarding the park. We really appreciated being just 10 minutes from the entrance to Denali, but far away from the noisy, bustling cruise ship crowds and large hotels. Couldn’t be a better vacation spot for when you visit Denali.

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Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 10/24/09 Review Submitted: 10/24/09

Lisa, I want to thank you for your hospitality. This is the nicest vrbo rental we've ever stayed at, and the location was perfect....can't wait to come back, we loved Alaska and Denali was the highlight especially with your home/condo so close and convenient. Thanks again for everything.

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Guest: Van, Pam and Raeann Mettler (Piedmont, SD)
Date of Stay: 10/23/09 Review Submitted: 10/23/09

Lisa's Denali Park Place is the perfect vacation rental near Denali National Park. It has "everything" you could possibly need in a spotlessly clean, comfortable, beautifully decorated apartment. The setting is beautiful and peaceful. Our only regrets are that we did not have more time to stay there and time to get to know Lisa better! The sourdough starter was a wonderful bonus which we continue to enjoy at home. Don't look any further if you plan to visit the park as this is the place to stay!

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Guest: Gene Worth (Decatur, GA)
Date of Stay: 08/25/09 Review Submitted: 08/25/09

Our four-night stay was so special. All we could see from the garage apartment was the spruce forest and the distant mountains, with a glimpse of the dog pen beside the place, if you tried. The owner trains sled dogs for the Ididarod. She will be pleased to introduce you to some of the dogs and tell you about them. The short drive off the George Parks Highway along a gravel/dirt street to the apartment was a little bone-rattling in our tiny Kia rental car, but I remember it fondly. Denali NP and its attractions are just a few miles away. We even made a day trip up to Fairbanks. There are good places to eat nearby - we ate twice at The Perch Restaurant. Altogether a memorable experience

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Guest: The Monje Family (Chandler, AZ)
Date of Stay: 07/13/09 Review Submitted: 07/13/09

Be Lisa's neighbor if you can! We spent 3 nights as her guests in June. She's a wonderful host and a wealth of information about Denali. The apartment is beautifully furnished. Everything you need is here. We highly recommend the Denali Park Place.

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Guest: The Denke Family (Scottsdale, Arizona)
Date of Stay: 07/01/09 Review Submitted: 07/01/09

We absolutely loved our stay with you! We always look for more "off the beaten path" things to do and places to stay. It was so wonderful at the end of a long day to be able to come “home” to such a great place! Very cozy, very clean, loved the videos, creative woodworking, and great views. Wish we could have stayed longer! Thank you for providing such a wonderful little haven in the woods. I absolutely recommend this place to anyone visiting Denali. Take care and thanks again for all you did to make our Alaska experience so wonderful!

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Guest: Lisa Frederic/owner
Date of Stay: 04/28/09 Review Submitted: 04/27/09

I named my business Raven About Alaska because it is what I always seem to be doing, and this summer has been great so far! Everyone loves the place and I already have a list of new friends to visit when I go south next winter. Very fun and I love that since most people are staying three days I get to visit alittle!

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