The First Time I Stayed in a Container

Fishing and lodging operations in remote Alaska depend heavily on comfortable and reliable lodging for their guests.

I still remember vividly the first time that I stayed in a converted shipping container.

I was up in Alaska, moving between fishing destinations, just figuring accommodations out as I went. I spent long days on the water in between bouncing from one place to the next. I ended up in Dillingham Alaska and booked a night at a small bed and breakfast right on the water. The bed and breakfast was Silver Fin Lakefront Bed & Breakfast situated right next to Lake Aleknagik, prized for it's salmon runs, dolly varden and world-class rainbow trout fishing.

The owner had mentioned their newest lodging option was available and that it was a converted 20 ft shipping container. I'll be honest, at first, I wasn't sure what to expect. Then I saw it and stepped inside.

The space was warm, clean and incredibly well thought out. You could tell you were in a container, but the interior was professionally finished and very nicely done. It was comfortable and welcoming, a great place to relax after a long day afield. Key features were a comfortable bed, quality touches, great lighting, as well as a scenic natural view.

The Stowaway Nest at Silver Fin Lakefront Bed & Breakfast. (Not a Boma Properties Model)

The next morning after a chat with the owner I was really able to understand the versatility and practicality of such a unique accommodation. The container unit allowed her to add more lodging without the same cost and timeline of a traditional build. In a place like remote Alaska, it makes all the sense in the world.

Beyond that, containers are built for long-term ruggedness. They're designed to handle brutal weather, constant moisture, and the kind of remoteness where maintenance and repairs aren't always simple. It's a smart, durable solution that holds up beautifully.

This experience had stuck with me. Many years down the road when I had the opportunity to join Boma Properties and work on developing some of our latest outdoor models, I didn't hesitate. I had already seen what this could be in the real world and how something outside the box can create a comfortable and memorable stay in remote locations with simplifying part of the process and logistical challenges for material and implementation.

Just to be clear, the container unit featured here isn't one of ours. It's the one I stayed in in Alaska, and all the credit goes to the owners for their craftsmanship and vision with their build.

If you ever find yourself in Dillingham, do yourself a favor and check out Silver Fin Lakefront Bed & Breakfast. You won't regret it.

.