I recently returned from a 10-day Earthwatch Expedition (Climate Change at Arctic's Edge) that started at MP 222 on the Canol Trail. Travel-wise, I needed to be in Whitehorse the day before and needed to stay the night after returning. In between were a couple of really cool 1+ hour flights to and from via Tintina Air on their Cessna Grand Caravan.
There were 10 volunteers on our Expedition (including the principal investigator) and fully half spent their 2 nights at a local hostel (Beez Kneez) of which the price was certainly right. I prefer a nice hotel room, with the Whitehorse challenge being price and comparing reviews. Whitehorse is the main (and only) City in the Yukon with a population of ~28,000 out of ~45,000 folks within the entire Territory. Most of the good weather occurs in the 3 summer month, which of course is considered high season. There are also no Hilton, Marriot, Hyatt, Holiday Inn, or most any chain you can think of within the City limits. So my research took a little more work.
Based on the reviews and pictures, I picked the Raven, even though I thought that $200+ a night was a little dear. And I would definitely come back if I ever return, maybe via driving the Alaska Highway?
Here were my Pros and Cons:
CONS
None Really
+/-
- Hallways were very bright both color and light wise.
- Odd AC or Dehumidifier window set up in room.
- Weird code system to get in elevator and room. But it works as long as you remember to keep the card they provided handy.
- You get a small soap/shampoo bar for wash up purposes. The thing does the job, but considering the room price, I would have expected a little better product.
PROS
1. Nice restaurant (Gather) across the street with tasty Mexican fare and an impressive craft beer selection.
2. Very attractive and popular Hotel restaurant (Railwork Lounge).
3. Cool glass blowers shop (Lumel Studios) across the street and connected to Gather.
4. My room was clean and and spacious. It offered comfortable beds, good WIFI, good work space and storage, and a nice hot shower. The later was especially welcome after 10 days in the bush with limited wash up opportunities.
5. The Raven was a manageable walk to downtown and surprisingly quiet considering that nearby 2nd Avenue is a main thoroughfare.
6. Friendly and helpful front desk staff, chatty housekeeping employees, plus really diverse clientele coming through. read more