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Alaska Island Hostel – reviews, photos

805 Gjoa Street, Petersburg, AK 99833 (Formerly Petersburg Bunk and Breakfast)
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4.0 of 5 stars 6 Reviews
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6 reviews from our community

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Kennebunk, Maine
Senior Contributor
47 reviews 47 reviews
Reviews in 38 cities Reviews in 38 cities
85 helpful votes 85 helpful votes
“Best hostel in Alaska I stayed in”
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 29 August 2010

Unfortunately I stayed only one night in this hostel. It was the best hostel in terms of cleanliness, organization, homey atmosphere that I encountered. The hostel is a few blocks from the ferry terminal - an inexpensive taxi ride if luggage is heavy. The hostesses have everything figured out. Shoes off, thick towels used only once then laundered, duvets on comforters are removed and laundered when you leave, women's 6 bed dorm had lockers built into the walls, very comfortable beds with mattress pads, made up beds with nice linens. Bathroom and kitchen immaculate. Dishes are hand washed then sanitized in the dishwasher. The night I was there homemade cookies appeared in the evening and oatmeal was shareable at breakfast time (treats are not every day). The kitchen, dining, living room combo was inviting, had nice furniture and friendly hostelers. I would have enjoyed a longer stay in Petersburg because of this hostel. A large grocery store is within walking distance. Main street and the harbor is down the street an easy walk. When arriving at the hostel I saw deer grazing on a neighbor's lawn. Petersburg's main industry is fishing - salmon, halibut (not tourism). Fishing is a big, lucrative business here. Sea lions rest on harbor buoys. This is not a big cruise ship stop as the channel is very shallow at low tide and must be carefully negotiated. There are few restaurant and lodging options. Cold Storage sells coffee and salmon or crab sandwiches and large homemade cinnamon buns.

  • Stayed June 2010, travelled solo
    • 5 of 5 stars Value
    • 5 of 5 stars Location
    • 5 of 5 stars Sleep Quality
    • 5 of 5 stars Rooms
    • 5 of 5 stars Cleanliness
    • 5 of 5 stars Service
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Merida, Yucatan
Senior Reviewer
7 reviews 7 reviews
Reviews in 5 cities Reviews in 5 cities
3 helpful votes 3 helpful votes
“Gracious, friendly comfort”
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 23 June 2009

This hostel is located in a residential area of Petersburg, Ak, which is a fishing town in southeast Alaska.
The rooms are well-kept, the kitchen is excellent and everything is impeccably clean.
The owner provides all the information you need for a wonderful stay in Petersburg and for further travels in Alaska.

These comments and the spaces below are geared to a hotel. This is a small, peaceful hostel. No restaurant but a lovely kitchen to cook your own meals.

  • Stayed June 2009, travelled solo
    • 5 of 5 stars Value
    • 4 of 5 stars Location
    • 5 of 5 stars Rooms
    • 5 of 5 stars Cleanliness
    • 5 of 5 stars Service
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Ask salsunny about Alaska Island Hostel
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC
Juneau, Alaska
Reviewer
3 reviews 3 reviews
Reviews in 2 cities Reviews in 2 cities
“Get your reservation in writing”
3 of 5 stars Reviewed 17 May 2009

My review of the hostel is short, only because I didn't get to have the full experience of staying there. On the surface, it looks like a nice place, separate dorms for the guys and gals, with one room for a family. The upstairs was a communal room with a full kitchen for preparing food. Wifi was available, but sporadic. The only thing I would advise is that you make sure the owner, Ryn Schnieder, remembers you are coming. She neglected to write me down in her book, and when I arrived, was told that there wouldn't be a problem. I returned after a night out during festival to someone in my bunk and all my gear stuffed into an unlocked locker. I was forced to find other accomodation in town for the duration of the festival.

  • Stayed May 2009, travelled solo
    • 5 of 5 stars Value
    • 2 of 5 stars Location
    • 3 of 5 stars Rooms
    • 4 of 5 stars Cleanliness
    • 3 of 5 stars Service
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Ask Ryn1276 about Alaska Island Hostel
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1 review
“Most Hospitable Hostel!”
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 27 July 2008

Owner Ryn Schneider has thought of all the extra touches to make guests' stays wonderful. Internet and phone access, a kitchen stocked with coffee, half and half, spices and other extras for cooking--you just supply the main ingredients.

The whole place is extremely clean which encourages guests to keep it that way. All three rooms have four comfortable bunks. Can do laundry for $3.00/load.

Ryn gives great advice/suggestions and goes out of her way to be helpful.

  • Liked — Owner; location
  • Stayed July 2008, travelled with family
    • 5 of 5 stars Value
    • 5 of 5 stars Location
    • 5 of 5 stars Check-in / front desk
    • 5 of 5 stars Rooms
    • 5 of 5 stars Cleanliness
    • 5 of 5 stars Service
    • 4 of 5 stars Business service (e.g., internet access)
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Ask triplover2 about Alaska Island Hostel
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Dublin, NH
1 review
4 helpful votes 4 helpful votes
“Best Place in Town”
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 8 January 2005
4
people found this review helpful

I visited Petersburg this summer. I stayed in town on a couple different occassions. I found an incredible place, well kept, clean and with more comfort and character than any other places I've stayed in town. It's called the Bunk and Breakfast and is hands down my favorite place in town.
You will not find a more friendly and helpful owner. Ryn (owner), has videos, books and an in depth knowledge of Mitkof island and the town of Petersburg. She has a beautiful home, and arriving at the bunk and breakfast feels like visiting the home of a long lost friend. The atmosphere is friendly and comfortable. When I stayed there was always a mix of young and old and we had great meals and shared lots of laughter.
I have travelled in Central America and Europe and would have to say the bunk and breakfast is in a class of its own for the price and accomodations. Do yourself a favor and spend at least one night here before you book rooms at other places in town. I've been to them all and you can't beat this place.
The island by the way is beautiful. Rent a car if you get a chance and head south on the island.

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Additional Information about Alaska Island Hostel

805 Gjoa Street, Petersburg, AK 99833 (Formerly Petersburg Bunk and Breakfast)
Price range (per night):* INR1,393

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