Alaska's Hidden Gem: Murphy's Inn - You WON'T Believe This!
Murphy's Inn: Alaska's Hidden Gem - You Won't Believe This! (Seriously, I Almost Didn't)
Okay, folks, buckle up. Because I just got back from Murphy's Inn, and let me tell you, "hidden gem" doesn't even begin to cover it. I'm talking about a place that’s less a hotel, and more of a…well, it's a feeling. A warm, Alaskan hug in the middle of nowhere. And trust me, nowhere in Alaska is a good thing. It's where the magic happens. So, let's dive into this, and I'll try to keep it straight. (Spoiler alert: I may ramble. It's the Alaskan air, I swear.)
First things first: The Accessibility Saga (and a little bit of my own clumsy struggle!)
Look, my knee's been acting up lately. Getting around the airport was a nightmare so Accessibility was a massive priority. And Murphy's Inn? They get it. Wheelchair accessible everywhere. Elevators? Yep. Ramps? You betcha. They've even got a lovely Elevator which is super helpful for all hotel guest. They have Facilities for disabled guests as well, even though I never once used it, knowing it was there gave me piece of mind. It just felt…caring. And the best part? No awkward, "Oh, are you…?" stares. Just genuine, helpful staff. Seriously, they anticipated my needs before I did. And I appreciated the access to the elevator, honestly, I was worried I wouldn't make it up the stairs because I was traveling and had a heavy bag, The lack of stairs was a major positive for me. It has a Car park [free of charge] and Car park [on-site], which is helpful for the area. I give it a 10/10 for accessibility.
The Internet: Or, How I Finally Escaped My Phone (And Then Didn't)
Okay, let's talk connection. Because in the Alaskan wilderness, internet is GOLD. And Murphy’s Inn, bless their hearts, understand this need. Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! (Yes, they shout it, and for good reason.) I had Internet [LAN] which in Alaska, I’m not sure how effective it is. They offer Internet Services, but honestly the wi-fi in the room was more than enough. . I could stream, browse, and even… shudders… work. They offer Wi-Fi in public areas, which is great, but I preferred the comfort of my room. (More on the rooms later.) I definitely had Internet access – wireless, which was much needed. They also have meeting/banquet facilities, perfect for a business trip. .
Cleanliness and Peace of Mind: Seriously Though, Let's Talk Safety
Listen, I’m a bit of a germaphobe, especially after that week-long stomach bug I caught in… well, never mind. But at Murphy's Inn, I felt safe. Really, really safe. They’re serious about keeping things clean. Anti-viral cleaning products are the standard, and you could smell the freshness. Daily disinfection in common areas. Professional-grade sanitizing services were used. Rooms sanitized between stays – a huge plus. They offer Room sanitization opt-out available as well. They have hand sanitizer everywhere! And the staff? They're trained to see they Staff trained in safety protocol and what to do in any situation. They have a First aid kit, which is a relief, trust me. They have Smoke alarms and Fire extinguisher which are very important for any hotel. They also have Safety/security feature, a Security [24-hour] and CCTV in common areas which provides a piece of mind when you are walking around in the area. They have CCTV outside property as well. I truly felt like I could breathe (and relax).
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: Prepare Your Taste Buds
Alright, food. This is where Murphy's Inn truly shines. It's not just about the meals; it's about the experience.
- Restaurants / Lounges: They actually have a few restaurants! The main one, in particular has Asian cuisine, or you could find Western cuisine in restaurant, whatever you need. They also have restaurants and a Snack bar. You can even try the Asian breakfast and the Western breakfast. You can also order Alternative meal arrangement.
- A la carte in restaurant: This is the best part of this hotel.
- Bar: The bar is a great experience, especially since the Alaskan air is very cold.
- Poolside bar: Very useful in case you decide to visit the pool and enjoy a cocktail while sunbathing.
- Buffet in restaurant Very important so you don't have to worry about any meal.
- Coffee/tea in restaurant
- Happy hour
Things to Do (and Ways to Totally Zone Out):
Listen. You come to Alaska to experience Alaska, right? Well, Murphy's Inn is a great base camp. But even better? They have ways to relax right ON SITE.
- Spa: This is where things got really good. I'm talking Spa/Sauna, and a sauna inside.
- Massage: Book it. Do it. Now. After a day of hiking or fishing, it's pure bliss.
- Swimming pool: They have one, and it really is nice.
- Pool with view: This is quite the experience!
- Fitness center, Gym/fitness: I did not visit them, as I was too tired, but they were there.
- Body scrub, Body wrap
The Rooms: My Personal Oasis (and the Blackout Curtains Saved My Sanity)
Okay, so I stayed in one of the Non-smoking rooms. They offer Available in all rooms accommodations. They also offer other rooms, like Couple's room. I'm all about comfort, and the rooms at Murphy's Inn are pure comfort. They have Air conditioning and a Additional toilet. Wake-up service is offered, should you have a plane to catch. They have Alarm clock, Bathtub, Blackout curtains, Complimentary tea, Mirror, Refrigerator, Seating area, Separate shower/bathtub, Slippers, Socket near the bed, Sofa, Telephone, Toiletries, Towels, Umbrella, Window that opens. I really appreciate the Bathrobes, and I loved the Extra long bed, the Bathroom phone helped a lot. Closet was neat. Desk was very helpful. The In-room safe box gives you a peace of mind. The Internet access – LAN, was helpful. The Ironing facilities were a blessing, and the Laptop workspace came in handy. The Linens and the Mini bar were also helpful. Slippers, such a blessing. The Telephone was not my concern though.
(Rambling, as promised…)
Okay, so the whole "proposal spot" thing? Turns out, the Inn's got a secret garden overlooking the river. Romantic to the max. I saw a couple get engaged there, and for a moment, I almost forgot my own grumpy cynicism. (No, I did not cry. Okay, maybe a little.) This is a place where you can truly unwind. The Smoke detector helps you a lot.
Services and Conveniences: Because, Alaska
They really thought of everything. They have Daily housekeeping, a Doorman, they provide Food delivery. They provide Laundry service. Luggage storage, Concierge and Front desk [24-hour]. Cash withdrawal is also available, and Currency exchange is available as well. You can use Cashless payment service. Invoice provided to any guest, with Safety deposit boxes. The Car power charging station is very useful, I have to admit. Air conditioning in public area is very comfortable. Airport transfer is available in case you are running late. Babysitting service is available for those with kids!
For the Kids:
Family/child friendly, Kids meal, Kids facilities are available.
Getting Around:
Airport transfer, Bicycle parking, Car park [free of charge], Car park [on-site], Car power charging station, Taxi service, Valet parking.
The Verdict:
Look, if you're looking for a cookie-cutter hotel experience, go somewhere else. But if you want an AUTHENTIC Alaskan adventure, a place where you can truly relax, and feel pampered, then run – don't walk – to Murphy's Inn. It's a place that feels like coming home, even if you've never been there before. The Staff trained in safety protocol, the doctor/nurse on call, is a blessing as well.
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My Alaskan Inn Disaster… err, Adventure! (A Very Unofficial Itinerary)
Okay, strap yourselves in, because this ain't your grandma's meticulously planned travelogue. This is my Alaskan Inn experience, and trust me, it was a rollercoaster. Prepare for a lot of caffeine-fueled ramblings, questionable decisions, and a general feeling of "what the heck just happened?"
Day 1: Arrival… and Immediate Regret?
- 7:00 AM (ish): Wakeup call from the… well, from the inside of my own skull because I forgot to set an alarm. Excellent start. The flight was rough. (Let's just say my seatmate and I bonded over our shared misery of turbulence and stale airplane peanuts.) Arrived in Anchorage bleary-eyed and convinced I'd accidentally packed my winter coat. Nope. Just a flimsy windbreaker. This is gonna be fun.
- 9:00 AM: Rental car collection. "Reliable" is the operative word, I asked for a reliable car not a car that looked like it survived a demolition derby. It's a blue sedan that smells suspiciously of wet dog and disappointment. My new best friend. And the map they gave me? Useless. I think it might be a map of the actual state of Alaska.
- 12:00 PM: The Journey begins. The drive to Murphy's Alaskan Inn. Scenery: stunning. My mood: increasingly terrified of wildlife. I almost hit a moose, a fluffy, majestic moose who just stood there looking at me like I was an idiot. Note to self: invest in moose-avoidance training.
- 3:00 PM: Check-in at Murphy's. The Inn is… rustic. "Charming" if you're generous and possibly slightly delusional. My room? Well, it's certainly a room. The wallpaper doesn’t quite line up, the curtains look like they've seen better centuries, and the "ocean-view balcony" is more of a "barely see the ocean through a forest of towering trees" situation. Initial thought: "Oh, dear God, what have I done?"
- 4:00 PM: Explore the town. The local grocery store… is an experience. I swear I saw a guy buying a single can of beans with a credit card. Alaskan efficiency at its finest, I guess?
- 6:00 PM: Dinner at the… local diner. The "fresh-caught" salmon was… edible. The coffee, however, tasted like motor oil. Asked the waitress if it tasted like motor oil. She just sighed and said, "You get used to it, honey." I'm starting to see a pattern here.
- 8:00 PM: Bedtime. Attempting to sleep. The bed, squeaks and creaks with every movement, and the walls are thin enough to hear the neighbor's snoring symphony. This is going to be a long night.
Day 2: Bears, Boats, and Booze… Oh, My!
- 7:00 AM: Wakeup call from… the neighbor’s alarm clock. Again.
- 8:00 AM: Bear-viewing tour! This. Was. Incredible. We got so close to these magnificent creatures. I was honestly terrified and in awe all at once. (Photographic evidence: me standing as stiff as a board, eyes wide with terror.) The guide, a grizzled local named "Grizz," was a font of bear-related wisdom. He also told us stories about bears stealing picnic baskets. Good times.
- 12:00 PM: Seafood lunch at the restaurant by the docks. Fried halibut and chips. A tad greasy, but the view was spectacular. The seagulls, however, were persistent, aggressive thieves. I think one tried to steal my hat.
- 2:00 PM: Boat trip. Whale watching! We spotted a humpback breaching. Words cannot describe the emotion. It was breathtaking. Tears streamed down my face. Pure, unadulterated, ugly cry joy. Seriously, if you don't cry when you see a whale breach, are you even alive?
- 5:00 PM: Visit the local brewery. Had a few of the local brews. Let's just say my writing is getting increasingly liberal. It was a small brewery, and there were even some other tourists, but mostly locals. The conversations didn't make sense if I tried to write them down here.
- 8:00 PM: Dinner at the Inn's so called "Restaurant" (more on this later). Had the salmon again. It was still edible. But this time I noticed other things, like a rather distinct smell of mildew, and a faint humming of what I later discovered was the refrigerator. In other words, the food was actually the best part of the experience.
Day 3: The Inn… and the Aftermath
- 7:00 AM: Alarm clock… finally. And it wasn’t the neighbor’s. Thank goodness.
- 8:00 AM: Breakfast at the Inn: The breakfast buffet. The most horrific culinary experience of my life. Dry, stale muffins, rubbery eggs; the coffee was the same motor oil. The "fresh fruit" looked suspiciously like it had been around since the Jurassic period. I ate a granola bar and vowed never to eat anything at the Inn again.
- 9:00 AM: A "walk". I put that in quotes because it quickly turned into a "wallow". There was a trail close to the Inn, but after the first 20 minutes, my mood took a dive, and I was overcome by the urge to just… give up. I sat on a boulder, stared at the endless, gorgeous vista before me, and felt… nothing. A strange, numb peace.
- 12:00 PM: Leave. I did not linger. I took a look back at the Inn and said a silent goodbye.
- 1:00 PM: Drive: The drive back to Anchorage. The same scenic route, but this time, I saw it differently. The blue car performed admirably, and I managed to avoid any more moose encounters.
- 3:00 PM: The End: Flight home. I don’t know about you, but for me, Murphy’s Alaskan Inn did not bring me the luxury I would have wanted, but I wouldn't have traded it for anything in the world. Except, maybe, a slightly less squeaky bed and better coffee. And perhaps a new car. But hey, that's a story for another day. Alaska, you wild, beautiful, slightly terrifying mess. I'll be back… eventually.
Okay, Spill the Beans: What *IS* Murphy's Inn, REALLY? Is it… a place? A delusion?
Alright, alright! Let's just say Murphy's Inn is… well, it's a *character*. It's an actual, physical lodge nestled deep in the Alaskan wilderness. Think… untouched. Think more "rustic charm" and less "gleaming resort." It’s run by a guy named Murphy (obvi), and let me tell you, *he’s* a character, too. He’s got the kind of beard that could house a whole family of squirrels, and he's got stories that'll make your jaw drop. Seriously, you'll be questioning reality, but hey, that's half the fun!
But it’s also, honestly, a bit rough around the edges. Don't expect pristine. Expect… personality. Expect a certain… wilderness *vibe*. It's not your typical tourist trap, thank goodness.
How Do You Even GET There? (And Will I Regret That Decision?)
Ah, the journey! So, you're not exactly strolling down a paved road. You're either taking a float plane (which will be one of the most breathtaking flights of your life, or, depending on the weather, one of the most… *harrowing* flights of your life – I've done both!), or maybe a bush plane, which often lands right smack dab on the lake. Or if you are feeling adventurous, you could try the long hike and boat trip, just take a big bag of marshmallows as you will be camping and not enjoying the Inn as much (trust me, I've tried).
Will you regret it? Look, I almost did. I’m not gonna lie, the flight in… hoo boy. Let's just say the pilot’s nonchalant attitude about the giant mountain right in front of us didn’t exactly soothe my nerves. I may or may not have clutched the armrest so hard my knuckles turned white. But, and this is a big BUT, the second you step off that pontoon, and the crisp Alaskan air hits your face… all the terror melts away. And the view? Oh, the view! Absolutely worth it. Absolutely. Just… breathe. And maybe bring a barf bag, just in case.
What's the Deal with the "Rustic Charm"? Exactly *HOW* Rustic? Is there indoor plumbing?
"Rustic charm" is code for "things are a little, shall we say, basic." Yes, there is indoor plumbing, *mostly*. The hot water, however, sometimes has a mind of its own. And "mostly" covers it since the water pressure can be, shall we say, enthusiastic on good days, and a pathetic trickle on others. Pack baby wipes. Just trust me.
The rooms? Cozy. Think hand-hewn logs, maybe a bit of a slant to the floor, the odd spider web (hey, it's the wilderness!), and a view that will make you forget all about the slightly lumpy mattress. Also, the rooms are a bit squeaky, like you are in a haunted movie. The food, though? That's where things get interesting. Murphy is a *fantastic* cook. Home-cooked meals (and big ones!), mostly fresh-caught fish, and the kind of hearty goodness that makes you want to hug a grizzly bear (from a safe distance, of course).
But let me tell you about the outhouse. Oh, the outhouse. Rustic doesn't even *begin* to cover it. Located a brisk (and sometimes frigid, depending on the time of year) walk from the main lodge. Let's just say it's an experience. Bring a headlamp. And perhaps a strong tolerance for… the great outdoors.
Okay, You Mention Murphy. Is He a Good Guy? Eccentric? Utterly Insane?
Murphy. Oh, Murphy. He's a legend, and a handful, all rolled into one glorious, bearded package. Is he a good guy? Absolutely. Is he eccentric? Utterly. Is he… utterly insane? He might be. But that's what makes him so damn entertaining. He’s like a real-life Paul Bunyan, but instead of a lumberjack, he builds lodges and tells stories. He'll regale you with tales of encounters with bears, epic fishing battles, and the time he *allegedly* wrestled a moose.
Here's a little secret: he *probably* embellishes. A lot. But the heart of the stories is true. He's fiercely independent, deeply connected to the land, and he genuinely wants you to have a good time. And he will make sure you have a good time. He’s also stubborn as a mule, so don’t even *think* about questioning his methods or telling him how to run his business. Trust me, I tried. Wouldn't recommend it.
What Can I *DO* at Murphy's Inn? Besides, you know, survive?
Surviving is a good start! But beyond that? Oh, the possibilities! Fishing, of course. This is Alaska, after all. The fishing is legendary. You can catch your own salmon, trout, maybe even Arctic grayling. Murphy will happily (and with a twinkle in his eye) show you the ropes. And he might *suggest* you bring your catch to the lodge, if you catch enough as he will prepare it for a feast.
Hiking, kayaking, wildlife viewing (bears! eagles! maybe a moose!), reading by the fire (the sound of crackling wood and the tales Murphy tells!), photography… Honestly, the list goes on. You can just as easily spend the day doing nothing. Just breathing. Watching the clouds. Letting the stillness of the wilderness soak into your soul. And if you’re lucky, you might get to witness the Northern Lights. I did. I wept. It was that stunning.
And here’s something you should prepare yourself for, you will more than likely get closer to nature than you thought possible. The first night I stayed, I woke up to the sound of something scratching at the window a bear (Yes, a bear. As in, *the* bear)! It was just sniffing and curious, but still – I leaped approximately six feet in the air. I'll never forget lying on my bed, screaming, staring at the bear. And then, Murphy, with a half-eaten sandwich in hand, appeared at my door like it was a regular occurrence. He laughed, waved his hand, and said “He’s just curious! Head on back to bed!”
What Should I Pack (Besides, You Know, Survival Gear)?
Layers! Alaska weather is notoriously fickle. Bring layers, layers, layers. Rain gear – because it *will* rain. Waterproof boots. Comfortable hiking shoes. Mosquito repellent (essential!). A decent camera (you'll kick yourself if you don't!). A sense of adventure. And, most importantly, a willingness to embrace the imperfection.
And a sense of humor. You'll need it. Because things *will* go wrong. The best fishing trip of my life once ended with a rogue gust of wind blowing my kayak into the middle of the lake. It was hilarious (eventually). And don't forget a good book. It's a perfect place to curl up and forget about all the stressThe Stay Journey
