Where to Stay in Valdez: 4 Nice Hotels in the Land of Waterfalls
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Alaska is a big, wild, beautiful place – and each Alaska traveler I’ve met has a different list of places they want to go, things they want to experience, and memories they want to bring home. For some folks, escaping the crowds and cruise ships is essential, and research quickly shows that Valdez is a great option if you’re willing to take the journey and have the time.
If you can believe it, despite growing up in Alaska, I had never visited Valdez before my trip with John Hall’s Alaska. Since I often got questions about it and was unable to help, I was very glad to finally visit in August 2021 and begin putting together the expert travel resources you know and trust.
Based on my experience visiting Valdez, I took a look at all your accommodation options in Valdez and pulled together a sublist of the ones I recommend. This isn’t a comprehensive list of every hotel, inn, and bed and breakfast in Valdez, but instead, ones I’ve A) stayed at and/or B) carefully scrutinized to ensure they meet the standards of where I’d recommend to family and friends (which you now are, dear reader!).
In any case, let’s get to it: there aren’t a ton of options for where to stay in Valdez, but there are good ones on the admittedly short list. Here are my picks for the best hotels in Valdez (plus inns and B&Bs too!).
In this post, I promote travel to a destination that is the traditional lands of the Alutiiq (Sugpiaq) and Ahtna Nenn’ peoples. With respect, I make a formal land acknowledgment, extending my appreciation and respect to the past and present people of these lands. To learn more about the peoples who call these lands home, I invite you to explore Native Land.
Totem Hotel & Suites
Totem Hotel & Suites is Valdez’s newest hotel. Hugged by the Chugach Mountains, the Totem has quickly escalated to becoming one of the top places for where to stay in Valdez; it’s where I stayed during my trip to Valdez in 2021, so I can attest firsthand that it’s a great option.
The rooms are big and clean and include a (mini) fridge, a couch, and a desk for those who need to work or check emails during their stay. All rooms also have a small outside terrace/porch for some outside reading or just simply enjoying the views. Its location in the dead center is also very convenient to access most needed amenities or restaurants and shops in the city.
The only con is that, though the nightly rate includes breakfast, there’s no restaurant in the hotel for other meals… (But I have a list of where to eat in Valdez, so there are plenty of options within a short walk.)
Book on Hotels.com or directly on the hotel website
Keystone Hotel
If you’re trying to stretch your budget, Keystone Hotel is a great place to call home for a day or two without crushing your wallet. The hotel checks the most important points: rooms are clean and have showers with great pressure and temperature range, the hotel has a good location, and every day is welcomed with a hearty breakfast and piping hot coffee.
Keystone Hotel is in the heart of Valdez, just a short from the Alaska Marine Ferry Terminal and the city’s restaurants. As a heads up, Keystone Hotel is a basic hotel and they’re upfront about that from the moment you read their website. This said, keep your expectations realistic if you book a room here.
Book on Booking.com or Hotels.com
Best Western Valdez Harbor Inn
The Best Western Valdez Harbor Inn is a great option for where to stay in Valdez if you want a comfortable stay. Highly rated by locals and travelers alike, the hotel sits right next to the harbor, overlooking the quiet fishing port.
In addition to being a recognizable hotel brand name, this Best Western has tons of perks for Alaska travelers especially. There’s a well-equipped laundry and a delicious restaurant bar that serves amazing seafood paella. The rooms, while basic, are spacious, clean, and very comfortable. Each one has a workspace and a shower. The hotel also includes breakfast in the price.
Book on Booking.com or Hotels.com
House on the Rock B&B
Booking House on the Rock B&B is like staying in your own home – on vacation – in the best way possible.
A family-run property, House on the Rock B&B is an Alaska-themed B&B with excellent continental breakfast, free laundry, and super nice staff. The property is one of the best hotels in Valdez for families. Rooms are nice sized and well-appointed, featuring all the basics. Each one comes with a queen bed and a twin bed, a private bathroom and shower, cable TV, and wifi. (Everything you need!)
One thing to notice though: while nothing’s far in Valdez, this B&B is a little off from where everything is compared to other hotels mentioned in the list.
Book on Booking.com or Hotels.com
If you’re able to snag a stay at one of these Valdez accommodations, I’m confident you’ll have a nice time – and it will serve as a good base for your adventures in this part of Alaska. Have any questions about where to stay in Valdez – both these properties or other ones you’re considering? Let me know in the comments below.
Valerie
I was born on the East Coast and currently live in the Midwest – but my heart will always be out West. I lived for 15 years in Alaska, as well as four years each in California and Washington. I share travel resources and stories based on my personal experience and knowledge.
