Valdez Journals

Had to Get to Water

An August 2006 trip to Valdez by jadednomad

Quote: Weekend in Valdez.

Had to Get to Water

Overview

Quote:

Richardson Highway, Worthington Glacier, Horsetail and Bridal Veil Falls, looking across the Bay at the Terminus of the Alaska Pipeline.

Quick Tips:

bring a raincoat, preferably light and impermeable, and a happy attitude.

Dress in layers.

Absolute Must-Have for any road trip in Alaska: Get the Milepost!!

Don't let the gas tank get lower than 1/2 tank, just to be on the safe side.

Best Way To Get Around:

rental car, if not plane.

Cheer!
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Best Western Valdez Harbor Inn

Hotel | "Best Western"

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Recently renovated (2003), fairly run-of-the-mill Best Western, no smoking odor tho! :)With this being the downturn toward the end of tourist season, the pretty much standard rate here is about $140 for 2 doubles.Location is great, rt on the Harbor. If it weren't so rainy for the past week, I'm sure it'd be a lovely view of the glaciers and the waterfalls and the harbor.Atmosphere: pleasant, subdued, welcoming and even restful. Decor: standard American hotel, with a bit more warmth and more than a passing nod to the abundant wildlife in Alaska and spec Prince William Sound.First impression: wonderfully dry (it rained all the way fr the Thompson Pass, incessantly)...Read More

Member Rating 3 out of 5 on August 20, 2006

Best Western Valdez Harbor Inn
100 Harbor Dr.
Valdez, Alaska 99686
(907) 835-3434

Cheer!
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Alaska's Bistro

Restaurant

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moderately well-lit, two level restaurant right at the Harbor, can watch all the sea vessels coming and going. Even got to see an otter float around on its back. Located within the Best Western Hotel. Touts itself as among Alaska's best, but falls short.Decor: casual maritime. Don't come too close to closing time (10pm); was basically ignored by 2 waitstaff while at the hostess' post. Was noticed finally when another waitress went to attend to someone else's bill. After that tho, service was exemplary.The calamari was okay, not rubbery nor was the breading too heavy or oily, the clams were also good, tasted fresh, not sandy or gritty, but altogether very...Read More

Member Rating 2 out of 5 on August 20, 2006

Alaska's Bistro
100 Fidalgo Dr.
Valdez, Alaska 99686
(907) 835-5688

Cheer!
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Alaska Halibut House

Restaurant | "Halibut House"

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fried seafood/ fast foodheard about this place fr locals, called to see if they were open for late lunch (2pm on a Saturday, and yes). Staff very efficient, very friendly and very helpful (great directions), and come to find out, fairly young. Was pleasantly surprised to find such personable, friendly and polite youthful staff. My order was ready when I got there, and fr our phone conversation, they had put together a 1/2 basket halibut & 1/2 salmon so I could try the 2. The halibut was definitely the better, but now is not the best time for the best salmon either. The fish was fresh and breading was crisp, not greasy. Good flavor, and definitely didn't smell fishy (always a good ...Read More

Member Rating 4 out of 5 on August 20, 2006

Alaska Halibut House
208 Meals St.
Valdez, Alaska 99686
(907) 835-2788