I am planning a 17 day trip to Alaska for summer of 2005. I have chosen some lodging but was wondering if the fodorites could provide any pro or con on the following:

Tara Dells B & B/ Palmer
Ridgetop Cabins/ Healy
Kellys Country Inn/ Delta Junct.
Blessing House B & B/ Valdez
Carriage House B & B/ Girdwood

My main concern is a clean place with private bath and not too expensive. Thanks for any help you can provide.

We stayed at Alaska Garden Gate B&B in Palmer which looks to be a bit more expensive than Tara Dells for a private bath
http://www.gardengatebnb.com/
Karen's home is fairly new and designed as a B&B. She serves wonderful breakfasts. The public room is very large and the place is immaculate. I would double check about what you get for breakfasts because we got cold bagels or muffin, a bottle of juice, and coffee at two other places where we stayed. I like joining the other guests for breakfast which isn't always an option since some b&bs are just a room over the garage that is rented out.

If you are planning on staying at the Blessing House in Valdez bring your own cleaning supply. This place needs some good scrubbing.

I agree with dfrostnh on Alaska Garden Gate in Palmer. This has to be one of the top 10 in Alaska, you won't be disappointed. In fact the next time I go to Alaska I will stay there instead of Anchorage.

Hey nkd...thanks for the tip. You just never know from a website about cleaniness unless a former guest will help. I really appreciate your comment.

And dfrostnh...I looked at the Garden Gate and am still considering it. I think the thing that led me to Tara Dells was the 3 day cancel policy. Garden Gate had 14 days. Since it is my first stop, I was a little concerned due to the fact of an elderly parent whose health is so/so now but planning so far ahead is difficult.

You bring up a tough subject. I'm going on a long weekend escape with 3 friends and we bought trip insurance in the event an elderly parent had health problems. Since I didn't do the trip planning, I'm not sure just what the insurance covers but the deal is supposed to be if one has to cancel the trip is off for all of us. We were on a cruise once when a couple were notified of a unexpected death. They had to wait a few days before they could fly home. This may sound insensitive to some but I told my sister NOT to call me if anything happened during our three week trip to AK this year. Of course, we were visiting family we hadn't seen in months so maybe I can be forgiven. It's hard when you have to book so far ahead. I would consider calling Karen at Garden Gate and ask if she can make an exception if you have to cancel your trip because of your relative. However, maybe Tara Dells is just as nice. Good luck!

dfrostnh: I understand your comments completely. I am aware of trip insurance and am researching my options there. I too have been on tours where a member of the group has had to return home. It is a hassle and until the arrangements are made, you just continue touring with the group when it may be the last thing you want to do. That is the main reason I am planning this trip on my own.

But in another light, I subscribe to the philosophy that you can't put your life on hold...you have to live (and enjoy) your life. Every year my DH and I travel for 3-4 weeks usually to the Pacific NW. It renews my spirit and refreshes my outlook on life and difficult situations. So I am continuing to plan Alaska for Summer 2005 and greatly looking forward to it.

Anyone ever stayed at Ridgetop Cabins in the Healy area? I read a review in Country Discovery Magazine and it was very good. As long as I don't hear any negatives about it, I guess I will give it a whirl.

Thanks for your comments.

Hi Beckydoodle, I promise I'm not lurking in this space for travelers to share comments--a guest who just booked a 2-week stay said she saw mention of my B&B here, so I thought I'd check it out. It would be no problem to waive the 14 cancellation deadline due to your parent's uncertain health. Hi Donna!! I enjoyed having you here this past summer! -Karen

For Karen. Glad to see you helped out. I am sidepockets, we stayed with you in June. Ron/Ruth/Stephen. Have a good day.