The Colony has been accurately reviewed by others, but there are a few things to add.

Although it isn't advertised as an adult environment, with the antiques and the stairs it is a place where children would have to be carefully supervised. There is a park adjoining with nice walking paths but no children's equipment in sight.

The rooms are upstairs. (Downstairs rooms appear to be on display for those who visit the site or go to the restaurant.) All of the rooms have showers and all but two have jetted tubs. One room has twin beds. All of the rooms are individually decorated with a great deal of care.

There is no elevator, so if you need handicapped access be sure to ask before making reservations. The second floor is accessed by either an inside or an outside stair case. There is a parking lot on each side of the building. If you are going up the inside stairs, it is best to park on the side of the building opposite of the outside stairs.

The free laundry, on the first floor, is very rare these days!

The parlor is a cozy place to curl up with a book - in an old wing backed chair near the bay window or the fireplace. There is also free Internet.

The restaurant has odd days and hours, so check before you plan to eat there.

The Colony is a unique space that refreshes and revives...

There's no way this is a 4 or 5 star Inn no matter how you stretch it, but they're not trying to be either. Everything written so far is accurate about you having to get the key at another hotel, they don't always tell you this, they don't give you the wireless network key unless you remember to ask (and yes, the Colony has a nice strong hi-speed connection, there is no front desk which is a little creepy and the rooms are a tad small. All that is true, but it still has lots of character. There is a big ice machine and ironing board and free laundry on the first floor. You can actually open a window to get some fresh air which I like. The bathrooms are more than adequate and the beds are comfortable. It's like staying at a friends house but with the typical hotel features (tv, private bath, fridge) and the rooms are nice and newish looking, not old and tired. I did have to adjust to the staticy sheets (not 100% cotton) but it didn't bother me after the first night. It is really the only game in town and it's a sweet little town with AMAZING views of the mountains. Check out the Turkey Red restaurant for lunch or dinner and for sure Vagabond Blues coffee house (you can walk to both if it's warm).

Most people who visit the small town of Palmer most likely do so when in the area to view the great outdoors; however, I was in town on business, and was there after the tourists had left. When I arrived at the hotel, it seemed deserted, and did not even have a front desk. Luckily another guest arrived, and told me that I had to visit another hotel in town, which was a 2 minute drive away, to register and get a key. When I had called to make my reservations (the Inn does not have a web site or use email!) the person to whom I had spoken had not mentioned this. Once I registered, the room was similar to something you'd find in a B&B. I was on the ground floor, and that made me nervous, because anyone could have come in through the unscreened windows. There also is a second floor, but no elevator. Although the Inn has a restaurant, during the time of year that I was there, it was open only for Sunday brunch. I will be returning to Palmer, and most likely will stay at the Colony Inn again, because it is almost the only game in town.

Like other reviewers, we found this a charming and comfortable place to stay. It is a former residence for teachers of colonists who came to Alaska to start farming in the area during the Great Depression. Viewing an old picture book in the living room of the facility gave us a good idea of the project that brought immigrants from the upper Midwest of the USA to Alaska. A very attractive alternative to the usual motel or hotel.