Talon Lodge & Spa — Hotel in Apple Island

A Captivating Escape in the Wilderness: Talon Lodge - A Five-Star Gem in Sitka, Alaska!

Nestled amidst the awe-inspiring beauty of Sitka, Alaska, Talon Lodge is an absolute treasure waiting to be discovered. My recent stay at this remarkable lodge was an experience that surpassed all expectations, leaving me utterly mesmerized. From the moment I arrived until the day of departure, every aspect of my stay at Talon Lodge was truly exceptional.

First and foremost, the location is simply breathtaking. Set against a backdrop of majestic mountains and serene waters, this secluded lodge offers a slice of paradise. The pristine natural beauty that envelops the lodge is awe-inspiring, creating an idyllic atmosphere for unwinding and immersing oneself in the wonders of nature.

The accommodations at Talon Lodge are nothing short of luxurious. The well-appointed cabins exude rustic elegance and provide a perfect blend of comfort and charm. My cabin boasted stunning views of the surrounding wilderness.

The staff at Talon Lodge deserves special mention for their warm hospitality and attention to detail. From the moment I stepped foot on the property, I was greeted with genuine smiles and a level of service that exceeded my wildest expectations. The entire team went above and beyond to ensure that my stay was nothing short of perfection. Their knowledge of the area, combined with their enthusiasm and passion, added an extra layer of magic to my experience.

Now, let's talk about the activities and adventures that await you at Talon Lodge. Whether you are an avid angler or simply seeking to explore the Alaskan wilderness, this lodge has something to offer for everyone. The guided fishing excursions were an absolute delight, allowing me to experience the thrill of reeling in the prized Alaskan salmon while surrounded by breathtaking landscapes. Additionally, the lodge offers a variety of other activities, such as wildlife tours, kayaking, and hiking, ensuring that there is never a dull moment during your stay.

Food aficionados will rejoice at the culinary delights served at Talon Lodge. The expert chefs create culinary masterpieces utilizing the freshest local ingredients, showcasing the flavors of Alaska. Each meal was a gastronomic adventure, featuring delectable seafood, perfectly prepared meats, and decadent desserts. The dining experience was further elevated by the stunning views from the lodge's restaurant, where I could indulge my senses while savoring the delicious creations.

Lastly, I must mention the overall ambiance and attention to detail that makes Talon Lodge truly stand out. Every aspect of the lodge has been thoughtfully designed to create an atmosphere of tranquility and indulgence. The communal areas are inviting, providing the perfect space to relax, socialize, or simply take in the magnificent surroundings. The meticulous attention to detail is evident throughout the lodge, ensuring that every corner exudes elegance and comfort.

In conclusion, my stay at Talon Lodge was an unforgettable journey that exceeded all expectations. The combination of stunning natural beauty, exceptional accommodations, warm hospitality, thrilling activities, exquisite dining, and attention to detail make this lodge an absolute gem. If you seek a captivating escape in the wilderness, Talon Lodge is the perfect destination. I wholeheartedly give it a resounding five-star rating and cannot wait to return for another...

We recently stayed @ Talon Lodge in The Spruce House, a lovely 3 bedroom 2 bath with kitchenette. There’s a huge leather sectional in the front room with dining table & chairs. Four sets of rain gear were neatly hung on the wooden pegs each with our names on it. Wooden bench with cubby holes for extra shoes was underneath & the 4 rubber boots for each of us, again with our names & shoe size on them. The accommodations were perfect! The upstairs bedroom, where we slept had 2 full beds with a stunning view of the ocean & the eagles. I need to find out where they get their pillows from, there soooo soft. The towel warmer in the main bath was just another added bonus! I now want one in my house.😁 The other 2 bedrooms are downstairs & again front bedroom has the view looking to the ocean. The guys chose the back bedroom for its cozy darkness. They had coffee ready to brew & cream in the mini fridge. The hot tub is a short walk from the rooms & perfectly tucked off the walkway so you can watch the sunset & the boats going by the dock. Fresh towels right next to the hot tub. I can’t tell you how relaxing your stay is @ Talon Lodge, you have to try it for yourself & I guarantee you won’t be disappointed. The owners & staff have thought of everything, you are pampered from the minute you step off the boat onto the island. Their outside bar has a pool table, there’s multiple portable heaters to keep the chill out. Another deck outside the bar has a open fire pit & comfy overstuffed chairs. The bartenders take great care of if you. They serve complimentary wine & beer, or if you need a special cocktail their well stocked. While your enjoying your cocktail, a chef is preparing fresh fish appetizers, then if that isn’t enough…..he does a tutorial on how you can make these at home. His rockfish tacos & halibut sliders were beyond delicious! The massage rooms are secluded & amazing! Entire side is open to the ocean, that’s what you listen to as you relax in the warm bed with heated blankets. It doesn’t get any better than this. Dinner is 5 🌟 wine is paired with each meal, freshly baked rolls are served, then appetizers, then the main course. The chef explains each dish. The pastry chef was incredible, her fresh strawberry cheesecake with fresh berries inside & topped with a pink glazed was THE BEST!! Before I turn this into a book, I need to mention the fishing. After breakfast you head to your boat & the fun begins. All of the boat captains & the deck hands are excellent & ocean savvy. Safety is number 1 & we fished our hearts out. We took home king salmon, halibut, rockfish & ling cod. Thank you Phil & Gwen & all the staff for an amazing vacation! We’ll be back😁....

I was part of a party of five that stayed at Talon Lodge in late July, 2023. Our experience was a mix of good and bad. The lodge is ideally situated, a short 10-minute boat ride to from Sitka. Most of the staff is very accommodating, and a few who fell short. Several requests were made that required supplies from town, however those commitments went unfulfilled despite several reminders and promises. We spent 3 days fishing, and our captain and deck hand were of the highest professional grade. The daily fishing trips start at 7:00 AM and return around 4:00 PM, with about 75-minutes of travel each way. Having been ocean fishing for more than 40-years, I can say honestly that this was the finest crew I've ever seen at work. They happily worked hard every day to bait our hooks, net our fish, and make our experience as enjoyable as possible. Back at the lodge, the facilities were clean and comfortable with amazing views of the bay and surrounding mountains. Where things went south for our party was with the food and meal participation expectations. Every night before and during the dinner, we were expected to loudly yell at the owner and chefs for the "mojo" and "juju" per the lodge owner's demands if we want to catch fish the following day. When we refused to participate, the owner called us out on the spot. For what we paid for our accommodations, nobody in our party was expecting to be part of an interactive dinner experience. We were under the impression this was our trip, not the owner’s ego building session. Combined with unwanted daily shoulder rubs from the owner, it made the dining experience awful. By the last night we opted to avoid the dining hall altogether, which earned us sarcastic comments and sour looks from the staff. The quality of the food was hit or miss. About half of the courses were delicious, and the other half were outright inedible as the chefs opted for bizarre recipes and ingredient combinations. One memorable night occurred when the visiting chef from Montana served "Montana Wagyu Beef". For those who've eaten real Wagyu Beef, this was anything but. Overall, it was our time away from the lodge on the fishing boat that we enjoyed, however returning to the island every night...