Since this is Mt Rainier "basecamp" and one of the few properties around, they seem to charge a high price for what you get. Spartan rooms, no refrigerators ore microwaves, no heater in bath room, no hairdryer. there is a cafe on site serving microwave breakfast, coffee, etc. no other meal options on site. Internet(not free). Rooms are not sound insulated and could hear neighbors.

The charm and ambience of the cottage was great. It was quiet,clean private and away from noise. The three beds were beyond uncomfortable. The two twin beds were uncomfortably "Lumpy". In my double could feel the wire of the box springs every time I moved. No one slept.UPGRADE YOUR BEDS !!!! They are way past their prime!!!!

This is a remodeled ( and moved) bunkhouse built for loggers years ago. The room we had was very nice and very large. Very reasonable rates. The folks at the Coffee/ice cream shop where one checks in were very cheery and helpful. Many people staying here are climbers. They have dormitory accommodations as well as private rooms.
My husband loved the bed. But for me it was like sleeping in a marshmallow. We found the room to be very clean with a rustic look. Beautiful hardwood floors. As we spent much of our time at Rainier, we were not in our room or the town very much. Would have like another day even considering the squishy bed and pillows.

Its proximity to Mt. Rainer NP clearly is a major selling point. With all the best and highly recommended places long since booked, this was one of our few options for a 3 night stay in Ashford to explore the park. We checked in to The Cottage which is a small cabin about 1.5 miles up the road towards the park. No wifi or any other internet connection there. At a rate of $165 per night for 4 people, given its location, it's certainly not expensive. Unfortunately some of its key lodging characteristics were below par. Most dramatically: the very poor quality, worn out mattresses. Two twins and a queen should sleep 4, but we had a hard time getting ours. If the proprietors would consider upgrading the sleep hardware this basic cabin accommodation would certainly benefit.
The whole place could do with a thorough cleaning, just some good old TLC would go a long way (had to replace 3 light bulbs myself). But that seems to be the stumbling block: nobody cares at Whittaker's Bunkhouse. Certainly not the young ladies that run the front desk. For them it's just another summer job it seems. No hospitality atmosphere, communication is kept to the bare minimum to the point of being rude. They make good coffee though, I'd recommend it.
No housekeeping at the The Cottage by the way. Had to share 3 towels between the 4 of us for 3 days. It may be cheap, but that's not cheerful anymore.
Again, put some love in the place, get the essentials right (beds) and the location sells itself, you could even consider charging a little more.