I was warmly welcomed by Pete the owner who was helpful getting me set up, giving me tips and directions to the hiking trails. I received a heads up email a few days before my stay about the restricted food choices in town which was also very helpful. Cottage 9 was really big with 3 beds in an upstairs room, a vast living / dinning room with full kitchen and large bedroom. The only problem if you have enough people to fill all the beds you are still left with a single bathroom. The place was clean but could use a serious refresh, the furniture and equipment are very dated except for the windows and doors that have been upgraded. A good coat of paint would help in some area and most importantly the mattress, that will make or break your stay...... definitely broke me. Hard as a rock with a pronounced sagging, felt like an old 20 old mattress, I ended up sleeping on the large sofa where I finally got a couple hours of sleep. The other thing that I've noticed that need attention was the back and front porch, both full of spider web. (see pics).
Separate from the Alpine Motel review here are a few observations about the town/location. There's not much to do in Franz Joseph and my recommendations is one night only unless you are doing the long 8hrs trails. Lacks food options, isolated, plan accordingly.