The lodge itself is great. It is exactly what you would want out of a lodge at a National park. Rooms were expensive, but the location was prime. When we booked the room, we asked about differences among the rooms, and they suggested a great one--large with amazing views of the lake (221, if I remember right). They had all of the amenities that you would need and none that would detract from the park experience (no TV, radio, but did have free WiFi). The view from the lodge is quite nice and it looked like there were trails and other viewing points nearby.
The reason for the slightly low (3-star) rating relates to the restaurant within the lodge. The food there was subpar and did not taste fresh at all, though the cost was very high. The entrees that we tried (bison meatloaf and a fish special of snapper that were both around $30) were relatively bland and unremarkable. I couldn't tell that the meat used in the meatloaf was bison, and the fish, a Snapper dish, tasted primarily of the seasoning used on it. Also, there was a steep corking fee of $15 per bottle and a fee to share an entree ($5, I believe). The dessert we had was a three-layer chocolate cake that tasted like it had been frozen. It was dry and unappealing. The problem is that there are really no other dining alternatives nearby. With a monopoly, they will continue to make subpar food at high costs.
I say all this not to rant, but just to recommend that anyone staying at the lodge try hard to bring their own cooler and bags of food to avoid having to eat at the restaurant. You will save money and won't be disappointed.
As an aside, the boating and Wizard Island tours were great. Everyone should visit this park and stay at the lodge at least 1 night (but not eat at the restaurant until they shape up).
After making our reservation one year ago, we were stoked to make a quick visit to Crater Lake Lodge!
Our drive from Portland was about 5 hours. Â That was 2 hours down I-5 to Eugene, then 3 hours of lots of up -and-down along the mostly lonely mountain highways. Â I suggest getting gasoline and food near Eugene, before you leave the I-5 area.
Check-in was excellent and warm! Â Our room was larger than I expected, and very nice. Â The room cost $223.99 + tax $20.16. Â We had room 301.
The views of Crater Lake are just fantastic! Â The lake is such an amazing spectacle, it makes you just stare at it constantly! Â Simply walking along the walkways along the edge of the lake is really something. Â Bring binoculars if you have 'em.
We only had one meal during our brief overnight visit, dinner. Â The prices are somewhat high, but we thought the vegetarian items were very good, I also had an excellent shrimp cocktail that was perfect. Â The service was friendly and had it together! Â Our total for dinner for 2... $80 plus tip.
Don't forget that it can get really cool up here. Â Temps were down to the 30's at night, this was on July 10! Â We also found many mosquitoes when the sun went down, so many that we went inside, to watch the stars out our windows!
We thought we'd enjoy the veranda area, which is rocking chairs that overlook the lake, but this area seemed much like a bar to us. Â Which is cool if you like bars...
Checkout was also uneventful. Â
This is a great experience!
Here's a live photo of the lake:
<a href="/redir?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.nps.gov%2Fwebcams-crla%2Fcamerasinnott.jpg&s=c935b82e6160eba6886e1dd060edd73fdd9a519d9f68222a829a265b9cdc2761" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">http://www.nps.gov/webca…</a>
We are currently staying at the lodge. It is exactly what you would expect of a rustic lodge. We are in a room that has a full bathroom. Â Of course it does not have t.v. Â Who needs it with this view? I am in room 304 and I have Internet access (obviously). My phone also has service. Not sure why people are saying they do not! We have a great view of the lake! Everyone is very courteous and helpful at the desk and the bellhop. Try and reserve early if you can. We booked 6 months ago. I would definitely recommend.
Review Source:During our return visit to the Crater Lake Lodge, we stayed the night. I made a one night reservation months before when we were planning our October trip to the "nearby" Oregon Shakespeare Festival. All we had to do was drive over to Crater Lake from Ashland (via Medford and Prospect) and then drive Home (via Klamath Falls) the next day. It also turned out to be the last weekend that the Lodge was open for the Season.
I reserved a Deluxe Lakeside Queen (with Shower Only). The Room itself was a 3 Star experience at best. It was small, the bed was way too soft, and there was a fair amount of noise from the Lodge's observation deck directly below. It wasn't the kind of room that you would want to linger and settle in. Desk service was also slow, inefficient, and with the exception of the guy who took our bags to the room, surprisingly disengaged. I guess I expected a little more customer service for this rare premium Lodge opportunity.
On the other hand, the Lodge's Livingroom (especially the Fireplace part of the Lounge) was comfortable, cozy, and relaxing, with the handsome interior architectural accents. Gayle loved it. We also enjoyed several relaxed conversations with various other guests and agreed that this setting would be even better if it was snowing outside. So why isn't this place open in the Winter?
Then there's the Neighbourhood and the stunning Lake view out our window and on the Lodge's deck. I'll never get tired of the blue water contrasted against the walls of the caldera and Wizard Island. We're not sure when we'll be back this way again, but Gayle and I both agree that our short stay at the Crater Lake Lodge was worth the splurge, warts and all.
They have a monopoly on hotel with view of crater lake and thus charged a higher than expected price. I don't mind it since the view out of the bedroom and bathroom windows were out of this world. The room however was tiny and have no TV! Now I understand that I'm in a national park and should be one with nature. But I ended up missing Da Bears beat the snot out of Tiny Romo (5 ints!) as a result.
Review Source:Loved it! This is what going to a national park is all about. Â The room had a loft area with a grand view. Â Loved the fresh air coming through the windows, especially at night! Â It was nice to not have a tv in the room. Â This was the most relaxing stay. Â Being on the rim of Crater Lake was so wonderful. Â We walked on the trails around the lodge. Â The views are awesome. Â Wished we could have stayed more than 1 night. Â I had booked my room more than 6 mos ahead of time, so I would suggest that you would do that since there is not a lot of rooms in this lodge.
Review Source:After reading several reviews about the possibility of not getting your own private bathroom, I was terrified. Â We booked a year in advance, and got the deluxe two queen room (even though we didn't need two beds!) because the rumor is that the larger rooms have their own bathrooms.
We got room 303, which thankfully, had a full size bathroom! Â The room was rustic with gorgeous views of the lake. Â The sink was in the bedroom, which was a little weird. Â The bed was comfy. Â Most importantly, the room and bathroom were both clean!!! Â Definitely not your typical highway motel.
No wifi, tv, phone, or hair dryer (but you can get one from the front desk). Â There's an alarm clock and that's about it.
It is hard not to love the Crater Lake Lodge. Â It is a classic example of the grand lodges of the national parks, and it is in a phenomenal setting. Â We love the national parks, and we enjoy staying the the national park lodges. Â Like with so many other lodges, you are definitely paying top dollar for the setting, the building, and the history. Â Also like many great lodges, the service is just OK, the food unremarkable, and the pipes and floors creek. Â There is no AC in summer, but that's to be expected in a historic lodge.
If you can look at the price as a donation to one of our beautiful Nat'l Parks, and if you have a realistic expectation of the services, then you'll enjoy your stay. Â Take plenty of mosquito spray and you can't beat the view from the rim patio as you sip the drink of your choice! :-)
Calling to check availability does help - I was so fortunate when I called less than a week ago inquiring about a room for this weekend. Â He didn't laughed at me, and proceed to check day by day if there's a room available for either the lodge or the cabins. ONE room left! I'll take it! Â This is after checking the online reservation site, that shows every single day booked til the end of Sept.
We got a deluxe lake side room for a not-so-cheap price of $230, but I was splurging since I was taking my mom to see Crater Lake for her very first time. Â Room was nice, probably not nice if you compare to a $230 room in the city, but considering it's the only hotel within the park, it's worth it. View from the room was awesome... if it were not for the smoke from the fire South and North of us.. oh well... I knew there's no TV or phone, so getting free WiFi was definitely an unexpected surprise for me. Â Limited to 2 devices only though. The free coffee/tea in the morning @ the lobby is a nice touch. Â You can enjoy that while sitting in one of the rocking chairs on the veranda overlooking the lake.
They weren't kidding when they remind you to make dinner reservations. Â I made mine the day before and the first available time is 8:30pm! Â It's not too bad if you're not hungry, because that's right after sunset. Â Dinner was what I expected from these kind of places. Â Considering they're the only one serving dinner in the park, it's actually not bad.
Bottom line, if you want to splurge while visiting Crater Lake, staying in the lodge is recommended!
Wow, this place is really amazing. Â Every room has a view of the lake and there is nothing like watching the sunset and sunrise from the comfort of your own room. Â I found the rooms to be clean big and very comfortable. Â Our friends booked a whole year ahead of time so just plan ahead if you want to stay here. Â I think I want to make this a yearly excursion. Â Crater Lake is take your breath away beautiful. Â The veranda overlooks the lake and there are tons of rocking chairs to sit in and take in the view and have a cocktail.
Paradise in our own backyard!
For such a old, historic place it was fabulous for what it was. Rooms are very clean. We had a double because that came with a full bathroom and the space was larger. It is not fancy, it is a lodge so it's cozy and warm and inviting. I would recommend staying here on a trip up the Crater Lake for the convenience factor alone. As I am not a camper so staying here was fabulous because the drive up and down the mountain to ANY civilazation is over 3 hours.
Seeing the lake while having cocktails outside as the sunset and waking up to the beautiful lake in the morning was some of the most tranquil moments of my life.
Stay here if you're too booshy to camp like I am.
We dined at the Lodge on July 31. Â The atmosphere and service were excellent. Â The salad was perfect and tasty as were the martinis and dessert. Â However, the main courses (Roasted Rainbow Trout, Hazelnut Chicken Breast, Bison Meat Loaf and Halibut were all overcooked and dry. For an average price of $30 each, they were not worth it. Â We have dined at the Lodge for several years and always come away not satisfied with the main courses when price is considered.
Review Source:Stayed here the night of 10/16/2010. Last night of the season. The room was pleasant and comfortable. We've stayed at many National Park Lodges and this one was ok. Perhaps we're spoiled with Yellowstone. Anyway, the room was good and the check-in staff was pleasant. No TV's in the room and this was nice.
Went to the bar area for a nightcap and to relax after a long drive down from Portland. Ordered a drink and two scoops of ice cream. I believe the end of season was getting to our server, Heath. He just didn't have much enthusiasm.
Breakfast in the morning was great. Â Our server, Joy, was very pleasant. Â They were out of bacon and weren't expecting a delivery until next May. Â We did without.
We drove around the lake and essentially had the park to ourselves. Â Had a great time.
BOOK EARLY!
Yes, it's a little pricey and the accommodations aren't luxurious, but there's nothing like watching the sun rise over Crater Lake from your bedroom! Plus, you really don't have many other options unless you want to stay in a cabin or camp.
I highly suggest making a reservation months in advance and calling back daily to check for cancellations if they're booked. You should definitely call, as the rep on the phone was able to find me a room despite the website telling me they were sold out.
The restaurant greatly exceeded my expectations. The prices are reasonable despite the lack of competition, they try to use local sustainable produce, and the food is excellent. I had the orange glazed duck with saffron risotto which was wonderful.
I'd stay here again in a heartbeat.
This review is for the logde excluding the restaurant.
The lodge is old and rustic. It is I should say overpriced for the size and the amenities included in the room.There is no tv,wifi,telephone in the room.
We stayed on the 3rd floor and upon stepping out of the elevator there is a musty smell of something old.The room is facing the parking lot and at night it is total darkness out there.
Room was stuffy and lacks the much needed comfort.
The room  and the hallway feels haunted to me. Actually, the entire lodge feels haunted to me. I have a very restless night and couldnt fall asleep.
I'm rating this lodge for the overall experience of staying here at Crater Lake. Â The lodge is quaint and charming and sits on the edge of the Crater Lake rim. Â The views are spectacular and everything here is so peaceful. Â
The lodge itself is charming and preserves a lot of the features of the original lodge after it was extensively remodeled 20-some years ago. Â There is a lot of wood used inside with large fireplaces in the main rooms. Â To a person, the staff was friendly and professional and went out of their way to make our stay pleasant.
Our room was on the fourth floor and part of the ceiling followed the slope of the roof which made for charming dormers and a window seat overlooking the parking lot and the snow-covered fields beyond (no lake-side rooms available for us). Â The bathroom was really cute and had a genuine claw-footed bathtub instead of a shower. Â It was kind of fun to take a bath again like when I was a little kid. Â Thankfully there was plenty of hot water to be had. Â They also have a collection of board games you can play sitting inside in the great hall, enjoying a drink or perhaps an appetizer. Â
Some features I really enjoyed about this place was the sustainable food choices on the menu, the free coffee in the morning, and perhaps surprisingly, the lack of television, cell phone reception and music throughout. Â The place was quiet like nothing else. Â If you stood outside for a moment the only thing you could hear aside from perhaps another guest was the birds chirping and the wind in the trees. Â If you need a peaceful retreat this is the place to go. Â
The only downside I can think of was that the mattress wasn't firm enough and I ended up with a backache. Â The natural beauty here is truly stunning and the veranda outside the lodge offers rocking chairs perfect for just sitting back and enjoying the lake. Â
Overall I've stayed in nicer hotel rooms and had better food in a hotel restaurant but put together this was a great place and a stay I really enjoyed.
We went here without reservations and without any plan what so ever. Â We were pretty ill-prepared, but damn lucky. Â
Strike of Luck #1: Â We entered the park on August 25th, which is like "National Parks founding day" or some holiday like that, so we didn't have to pay admission. Â
Strike of Luck #2: Â We were able to park close to the lodge, considering the quantity of cars in the parking lot. Â
Strike of Luck #3: Â The lodge was booked, except for the manager's suite. Â So, we got the manger's suite for the same price as a normal room (like $150-$170). Â
The manager's suite was a sweet room. Â We actually have two separate rooms, so I don't have to hear Mongo snore in the opposite side of the room as I sit with headphones blasting music to sound out the snoring. Â Since it's for the manager, it's above the kitchen, so you get a tantalizing smell as well as loud noises around dinner and breakfast time. Â Also, the room faces away from the lake, but it didn't matter since we arrived at the lodge when the sun was setting and had dinner as the sun set. Â
Now, for the restaurant! The place gets really packed in dinner time, so making a reservation when you book your room is crucial. Â I mean, there's no other restaurant for 50 miles, so I guess you're SOL if you want something else. Â Fear not, though, the food actually wasn't too bad. Â Not the best, but certainly the best food I've ever had at a National Park. Â I remember the crappy cafeteria food in Yellowstone. Â The food took a while to cook, but the service was generally prompt. Â Bring a bank truck, since the food was pretty expensive. Â They do take advantage of their monopoly. Â The view of the lake is fantastic and we actually were bold enough to go outside after the meal and enjoy the stars. Â Since the closest civilization with light-pollution is Kalamath Falls, about 50 miles away, the view of the stars were crisp and clear. Â It was also a perfectly clear day and the wind was blowing the smoke from a nearby wildfire a different direction. Â It was definitely chilly. Â Don't wear shorts, even in the middle of August. Â It can reach the 70s in the day, but it dips down to the 20s at night, due to the high elevation.
Three stars for breakfast.  We didn't stay at the hotel, though we found the staff  unhelpful.
Though we copped out on camping and slept in the car, we did save ourselves a hefty $18 campsite fee and an even heftier $170 reservation at the Crater Lake Lodge. Â And while we did not partake in the amenities of the historic hotel, we thought it appropriate to treat ourselves to a proper breakfast before embarking on our 3-hour hike. Â
We both opted for the Blue Lake Breakfast ($7.75), which is nothing more than your standard two eggs, bacon/sausage/or ham, grilled potatoes, and your choice of a biscuit or scone. Â One of us got bacon and the other, sausage. Â One had their eggs poached; the other, over-hard. Â He chose a biscuit and I chose the scone. Â It was a fairly basic affair, but incredibly gratifying after a week-long diet of peanut butter and jelly. Â I also made the mistake of paying for tea when it was readily available in the lobby "For Hotel Guests Only."
We spent the rest of the morning enjoying the sweeping views afforded by the Lodge's prime location on the caldera's rim. Â We took photos, reclined in the outdoor rocking chairs, warmed up at the fireplace, and got our fill of the complimentary "For Guests Only" coffee and tea. Â
A note on the hotel services: Â If I were paying that much money to stay in the lodge, I'd expect a certain level of service from the front desk and concierge staff. Â However, most of the Lodge's employees are temporary workers from abroad who have little service experience. Â When asked about local breweries and restaurants, we were only given blank stares and I-don't-know shrugs*. Â It's certainly not the Ritz-Carlton, but I suppose that you're only paying for the view after all. Â
* If you're looking for more helpful service, try the Steel Information Center where the Park Rangers will even look things up on the internet for you.
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