When we arrived at the Denali Backcountry Lodge, there were about a dozen staff members (lead by the General Manager and her Assistant) there to greet us. The General Manager jumped on the bus, welcomed us gave us a very brief introduction, adding “Dinner will be in 20 minutes at the Main Lodge (pointing to the Lodge building) and we will give you full introduction when you are having dessert”
...yummy
In the mean time the asst Manager organized the baggage. As long as the bags had names they were already in the respective rooms before we got there. The dozen or so staff members really hustled. Compare that to the airlines!!!
As we dis-embarked, GM gave us our assigned room number; most of the bags were already there. We were all set; there wasn’t the usual check-in process. By the way, all the rooms were unlocked. We wondered about the key, which is what you normally get at the check-in. So we asked. The response was, we will be glad to provide you one but generally we don’t lock anything around here. This was very refreshing. The level of trust is amazing. Later during the dessert, along with the full introduction, the manager also explained the lock and key process.
The manager said the main lodge with all various snacks and beverages was always open too. We were welcome to come take a snack any time we felt like having one.
She did say, “There are only two places that are locked here, any one want to guess?” One of us came up with the Bar. That was correct she said, and other is the liquor storage room. She added, those are not locked for any fear of loss but simply because ‘it’s the Law’ and we don’t want to violate any Laws.
This was an experience I will never forget. A great welcome by very friendly and efficient staff and the level of trust!!!
Sam Mature