Whittaker's Bunkhouse — Hotel in Graham

An Unforgettable Family Stay at Whittaker's Bunkhouse. Comfort, Convenience, and Exceptional Hospitality. We arrived at Whittaker's Bunkhouse near Mount Rainier National Park last night, and I must say it has already been an absolutely delightful experience for my family and me. From the cozy accommodation to the delicious coffee they serve, everything has exceeded our expectations. The warmth and friendliness of the staff have made us feel right at home, creating a truly memorable stay for our family. Whittaker's Bunkhouse is a testament to the exceptional hospitality provided by their dedicated staff. The staff members have been incredibly attentive, always ready to assist us with any questions or requests we may have had. The cleanliness of the rooms is worth mentioning. We were pleased to find our accommodations spotless and well-maintained. It is evident that the staff takes pride in their work, ensuring that each room is thoroughly cleaned and prepared to provide a comfortable and inviting atmosphere for guests. Whittaker's Bunkhouse's convenient location near Mount Rainier National Park has been a significant advantage for our family. Being able to access the park easily has allowed us to maximize our time and immerse ourselves in the natural beauty of the area. The staff has been helpful in providing directions and suggestions for the best trails and viewpoints to explore. Their expertise has guided us toward unforgettable experiences within the park. Whittaker's Bunkhouse holds a special place in the hearts of outdoor enthusiasts, as it was founded by the legendary Whittaker brothers, Jim and Lou Whittaker. Their remarkable story and mountaineering legacy add an extraordinary dimension to our overall experience, making it even more special for my family. Jim Whittaker achieved worldwide fame in 1963 when he became the first American to summit Mount Everest, the highest peak in the world. His pioneering spirit, determination, and love for the mountains have inspired countless individuals, and his accomplishment still resonates today. Meanwhile, Lou Whittaker, Jim's brother, is a renowned mountaineer and respected mountain guide. In 1969, Jim and Lou Whittaker joined forces to establish Rainier Mountaineering Inc. (RMI), a company dedicated to guiding expeditions and providing mountaineering services in the Mount Rainier area. As part of their commitment to fostering a love for the outdoors, they created Whittaker's Bunkhouse, a place where families like ours can experience the magic of Mount Rainier and pay homage to the Whittaker legacy. Whittaker's Bunkhouse's convenient location near Mount Rainier National Park has allowed us to fully immerse ourselves in the splendor of the park. The proximity to the park's trailheads, viewpoints, and attractions has made our adventure seamless and has enhanced our appreciation for the natural beauty surrounding us. Additionally, the coffee served at Whittaker's Bunkhouse is exceptional, just like the Whittaker brothers themselves. In conclusion, we wholeheartedly recommend Whittaker's Bunkhouse for families planning a visit to Mount Rainier National Park. The clean and comfortable rooms, the delicious coffee, and the exceptional service provided by the friendly staff create a perfect blend of comfort, convenience, warm hospitality, and a connection to the legendary Whittaker mountaineering legacy. It is an extraordinary place for families to stay, and we are already looking forward to creating more incredible memories here. We are grateful for the outstanding service we have received and look forward to returning...

The bunkhouse is a a collection of rooms and a small cottage east of the cafe. The cottage is called the bunkroom. (I did not stay in the individual rooms and cannot comment on them.) The bunkroom has two levels, main floor and attic, and contains six twin beds, one half bath, and one shower. There is a very small common area with a sofa and a corner table and benches. The mattresses are thick and soft; the beds have a pillow, pillow case, and bottom sheet only. Bring a sleeping bag to sleep in. There is ample heating - small, wall mounted, electric heaters that do not make much noise. The attic room contains four beds, the lower room contains one bunk bed. The bunkhouse is modest but clean and fairly priced. A key is necessary to enter the bunkhouse; do not store valuables in the bunkhouse. Anyone who visits is here to climb. This place is for climbers. The Whittaker's complex also includes a retail store, guide service, restaurant, and cafe. One warning: the shower is old and needs to be replaced. Everything else is very nice.

04/2013 Update: I've stayed in the bunkhouse for the last two years, 2011 and 2012, with no problems. This year, 2013, I had a minor problem with a reservation: I had a confirmed reservation in the bunkhouse for multiple nights but due to overbooking was moved to a (more expensive single) room about 30 days after I made my reservation and 45 days before my arrival. This is not a big deal, but the bunk house is great way to meet climbers coming off the mountain and get up-to-date information on conditions. It is also helpful to meet fellow climbers on your particular climb. If you get stuck in a small tent for a few stormy days and nights, it is easier if you already know your tent mates.

05/2013 Update: I stayed in the bunkroom again and in a single room on this visit. The shower in the bunkroom is much improved. They have a new cleaning team, and they do a great job. The single room was nice. There is an electric heater...

Update: they issued a refund which will take 4-6 weeks. Think on that folks. Subpar and this place is a classic tourist trap. Stains on sheets, holes in towels, pubic body hair in shower and floors, trash in rooms, floors not cleaned, 'backwards' hot/cold water faucets, rotten mold in bathroom floor, extremely worn-out linens that are ripped and so old you can see through them. Bits of trash around the property was clearly seen, nobody picked up a used toothbrush clearly seen under a deck dining table, used food bags, bottle caps and other garbage in the parking lot and flower beds. Splattered toothpaste on mirrors, and the thinnest blanket (throw blanket) I've ever seen in a hotel. It was so gross I took it off the bed. Amenities clearly waver with cost of rooms. Not included: hair dryer, no TVs, microwave, refrigerator, no ice machine on the premises, no coffee/tea service in rooms. The wifi is extremely weak to completely unreliable, and there is NO phone reception otherwise. You cannot get ahold of the hotel management if you can't call them because of lacking cellphone service and unreliable wifi to support wifi calling. I left at night after hearing drunken people yelling outside and people upstairs making so much noise I...