A Fjord View Without Leaving North America
To those unfamiliar with Washington State in the U.S. Pacific Northwest, Hood Canal sounds more like an industrial channel near the Port of Seattle than a setting that befits a comfortable resort. But Hood Canal is actually a glacier-carved, mountain-framed fjord separating the Kitsap and Olympic peninsulas west of Seattle and Tacoma. For generations, it has attracted wide-eyed visitors to its shores.
Few arrivals at Hood Canal enjoy a more relaxing stay than those who book at Alderbrook Resort and Spa.
If lounging isn't your aim, play the nearby golf course, which is rated among the top 25 in the region, sign out a kayak or organize a sand volleyball match.
Alderbrook also hosts conference facilities and a highly-rated restaurant where creative cuisine, gorgeous views and excellent service are the standard fare.
Prices are not modest for food and spa service. In the spa, treatments begin at $50 USD and quickly reach $130 or more.
From all of the above, daily room rates of $500 or more could be assumed. Although rates here frequently exceed the comfort zones of most budget travelers, read on -- because there are sometimes nightly rates as low as $129/night for those willing to look.
Rooms with Views and Cottages with Fireplaces
You won't always find nightly rates under $200 at Alderbrook, but with some careful planning there are nights when it's possible to splurge here without breaking the bank.
Alderbrook features deals and packages on its Web site, so check for any offers that might fit your itinerary.
In the main building, guests book rooms on the waterfront, with canal views or garden views. Queen and king beds are available, and some rooms have day beds that allow you to sit in the window, read a book and look up once in a while to see the view.
Cottages are also available on the grounds. These come with a front porch overlooking the canal, a full kitchen, living room with fireplace, and either one or two bedrooms. These accommodations can run into some serious money, but with package deals they are sometimes available at less than $300/night.
Check to see if a creek view room with two queen beds is on special. On a recent search, it came up at $129/night. That is a true bargain when you can get it.
Shop well in advance of intended dates, especially during the popular summer months.
Families and Newlyweds
Alderbrook is the kind of place where you can spend quality time with loved ones. There are scores of recreation opportunities on the property and in the surrounding area.
It's possible to rent a kayak, paddle boat or canoe at the resort's marina. Alderbrook has 1500 feet of linear dock space. You can also swim in the indoor heated pool.
Fitness classes, hiking trails, golf and tennis are also offered on the property.
But if you simply want to relax and enjoy the views, this is a great place to recover from a few days of hiking in nearby Olympic National Park or some hectic Seattle touring. In fact, residents of Seattle-Tacoma arrive for long weekends throughout the year.
Hood Canal is renowned for oysters, and you can actually gather them along the waterfront through much of the year (except summer).
The resort's restaurant offers top quality dining with views to match. Just recognize that it is definitely a splurge for most budget travelers. But if you've saved your money, this is one of those dining experiences that could become a highlight of your trip.
The Oven Roasted Pacific Halibut ($29) I had here was done perfectly and served with pan-fried potatoes and English peas. Entrees range from $21-45. Desserts are rich, decadent and delicious (most are under $10).
One big disadvantage for those watching their money is that there are no convenient dining alternatives in the surrounding area. So you must budget for the higher food costs. One strategy is to eat your main meal at lunch, when entrees are about half the dinner prices.
Back to Alderbrook
According to management, Alderbrook hosts about 65 weddings each year. Why not? If the weather cooperates, there aren't too many more fitting backdrops for such a milestone in life.
Tongue-in-cheek, management also offers an "Elope to Alderbrook" package for $1000 that includes ceremony, minister, spa credits, $200 dining credit, wedding cake and luxury accommodations.
One suspects the resort doesn't make a huge profit on such a deal, but it is a way to ensure return customers for anniversary celebrations in the years to come.
Many of Alderbrook's patrons are repeaters.
It's the kind of place you'll not want to leave. Although many budget travelers will balk at some of the prices, places such as this are within the financial reach of many budgets if you plan other parts of the trip carefully.
Please note: As is common in the travel industry, the writer was provided with complimentary accommodation for the purpose of reviewing these services. While it has not influenced this review, About.com believes in full disclosure of all potential conflicts of interest. For more information, see our ethics policy.
