Blue Heron Bed and Breakfast

Blue Heron Bed and Breakfast

Quarter Mile Dock Rd, Gustavus, AK 99826-0077
Traveler (35)
Sunset at Blue Heron B&B
Room & Suite (4)
Dining (1)

View prices for your travel dates

Did you already book this hotel?
Tell us so we can help you plan.

About

#2 of 2 B&Bs in Gustavus
Location
4.7
Rooms
4.9
Value
4.7
Cleanliness
5.0
Service
4.8
Sleep Quality
5.0

See why so many travelers make Blue Heron Bed and Breakfast, Cabins and Guesthouse at Glacier Bay Gustavus their bed and breakfast of choice when visiting Gustavus. Providing an ideal mix of value, comfort and convenience, it offers a romantic setting with an array of amenities designed for travelers like you.

Rooms at Blue Heron Bed and Breakfast, Cabins and Guesthouse at Glacier Bay Gustavus provide a kitchenette and a refrigerator, and guests can stay connected with free wifi.

You can also enjoy free breakfast while staying at Blue Heron Bed and Breakfast, Cabins and Guesthouse at Glacier Bay Gustavus. Need a place to park? Free parking is available at Blue Heron Bed and Breakfast, Cabins and Guesthouse at Glacier Bay Gustavus.

If you are looking for a good deli, you may want to check out Sunnyside Market and Deli while staying at Blue Heron Bed and Breakfast, Cabins and Guesthouse at Glacier Bay Gustavus.

We’re sure you’ll enjoy your stay at Blue Heron Bed and Breakfast, Cabins and Guesthouse at Glacier Bay Gustavus as you experience all of the things Gustavus has to offer.

Read more
Suggest edits to improve what we show.Improve this listing
Property amenities
Free parking
Free High Speed Internet (WiFi)
Wifi
Free breakfast
Free airport transportation
Baggage storage
Concierge
Laundry service
Airport transportation
Shuttle bus service
Non-smoking hotel
Room features
Kitchenette
Refrigerator
Room types
Non-smoking rooms
Good to know
HOTEL STYLE
Great View
Romantic
Traveler rating
  • 77
  • 4
  • 1
  • 1
  • 2
Time of year
Traveler type
Language
Selected filters
  • Filter
  • English
Sort by:
Detailed Reviews
ira wrote a review Aug 2024
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Debbie is the hostess par excellence!! A mother hen looking after her chicks. She picked us up at the airport, prepared elaborate breakfasts, reserved our tickets for our tour boat, had coats, hats and boots to choose from to stay warm on the boat, and gave us a ride to a restaurant when nothing was open nearby (not that there are too many restaurants around!). The room we stayed in was bright and airy with a big window and tastefully decorated. And.... She reserved a room for us at another lodge when she did not have room for us for the whole time we were planning on being in Gustavus.
Read more
Date of stay: August 2024
4.0 of 5 bubblesValue
5.0 of 5 bubblesRooms
5.0 of 5 bubblesLocation
5.0 of 5 bubblesCleanliness
5.0 of 5 bubblesService
5.0 of 5 bubblesSleep Quality
Trip type: Traveled as a couple
Room Tip: Reserve early
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Marion and Larr... H wrote a review Jul 2023
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Deb was the perfect host. The room was clean and fresh with a great shower and plenty of hot water. Her breakfasts were more than generous - she happily accommodated our dietary needs. She helped us with great information about things to do and understanding the culture and traditions of the area even providing parkas for our boat trip. She's able to make reservations for activities and arrange or provide transportation to and from. She met us at the ferry at the beginning of our stay and dropped us at the airport at the end; she even helped us be smart about getting through the long line at check-in.
Read more
Date of stay: July 2023
5.0 of 5 bubblesValue
5.0 of 5 bubblesLocation
5.0 of 5 bubblesService
Trip type: Traveled as a couple
Room Tip: Book early. Expect great activities and enjoy some quiet, restful times as well.
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
James W wrote a review Dec 2023
Juneau, Alaska
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Amazing accommodations nestled in strawberry fields of Gustavuas, AK. What a great experience. Within striking distance of all you need to see and do. Superb hospitality. Restorative sleep for sure. Take the TAZ whale watching tour! Deb & Pete are wonderful people.
Read more
Date of stay: December 2023
5.0 of 5 bubblesValue
5.0 of 5 bubblesLocation
5.0 of 5 bubblesService
Trip type: Traveled solo
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Doug C wrote a review May 2012
Barrie, Canada
1.0 of 5 bubbles
Planning our Alaskan Trip of a lifetime, my wife and I checked the reviews for Gustavus B&Bs and thought Blue Heron looked like an interesting place to stay a night or two in mid July. I phoned Deb on April 27 and the phone mesage said they were away for the weekend but would be checking e-mail. I left a phone message and followed up with an e-note. After hearing nothing back, I sent a second note the following Tuesday. On Friday, May 4, I phoned Deb again mid afternoon AK time. The recording said she was out working around the homestead but would phone right back. I tried again at 6:45pm AK time thinking dinner time should be a good time to get a phone answer but no luck. I left a request for a reply to my call but have never heard back from any of my attempts to reach someone at the Blue Heron b&b. Maybe it was my accent, eh?
Read more
Date of stay: April 2012
1.0 of 5 bubblesService
Trip type: Traveled as a couple
Room Tip: Look at one of their competitors.
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
merimedicn wrote a review Jul 2012
richmond, VA
+1
5.0 of 5 bubbles
I do not know where to begin. Deb is the most awesome host. So sweet, so accommodating, and such an excellent cook! There are 3 places to stay at the Blue Heron: 2 absolutely beautiful cabins with stove/oven and small fridge that can sleep up to 6 people and 2 private bedrooms in a separate house. I stayed in one of the private rooms. It was so lovely with beautiful views, big windows and very comfortable. Each of the private rooms has it's own bath, TV, DVD player, binoculars etc.

I stayed 2 nights and each morning was treated to a warm delicious home cooked breakfast that was served in the beautiful sun room off the back of her private residence. This area is open to the guests at all times and it is the best place for wifi signal. It's very cozy. Her coffee was excellent and I consider myself somewhat of a coffee snob : ) She grinds her own oats for the oatmeal she serves each day and I can't tell you how yummy it was. She has the complete oatmeal fixins too. She made me a gourmet omelet the 2nd day I was there that was to die for. Fresh fruit and sweetened rhubarb from her garden. My mouth is watering as I remember how tasty this was. My only regret in staying there was that I did not get her to make me a rhubarb pie while I was there which I'm sure she would have if I would have asked.

Deb has lived in Gustavus over 30 years and is an excellent tour guide. She has all the connections for making your Alaska adventure intimate, personal and REAL. I live in Angoon, AK and have been wanting to see Gustavus for some time now. I see whales frequently so I decided to save the money and not do a whale watching trip. BIG MISTAKE! I wish I had listened to her. That is one of my main regrets that I did not get to experience that trip with her guide. My advice is listen to her for your adventures she will help to ensure you have the best experience. She also has probably over 100 heavy coats in different sizes and thickness, rubber boots galore, hats, gloves, mittens, scarves that are free for guests to borrow. Several bicycles are also available. I am a walker so I did not use them but they looked really nice.

Take the Glacier Bay Day trip tour. It's about $200 but well worth it. You get to see a lot and trip is really beautiful. The captains of these boats really go out of their way to ensure you get great pics. For example, if they see a bear or mountain goat they will almost stop the boat so everyone has ample time experience the sight and get good quality pics. They will point out sights ahead and encourage you of what to look for. They have continental breakfast in the morning, snacks throughout the day and a good lunch plus all the soda, coffee, tea, juice you want. Ask for a spicey redheaded cider or a lemon marain tea. These are drinks I designed for them while I was on the cruise.

If you want to fish, let Deb help you with this. She knows the captains and will assist you in getting the best Alaskan fishing trip you can get.

She has a vast array of DVDs to choose from for night time entertainment. There is not much to do at night in rural AK so this is a good option. If she doesn't have what you want, her place is right across the street from the town store and they have an excellent up to date collection for rent.

FOOD: Eat at the Black Dog. It is a small camper that is parked in front of the hardware store across the street from the Blue Heron. Fish tacos are really good and guacamole is AWESOME!

Fireweed Cafe: This is a quaint coffee shop/eatery but the greatest thing about this place is the gift shop. They have loads of local art work and hand crafted jewelry, Tshirts etc. If you buy suvenires please be sure they are Alaska made. It really helps support the local communities and you'll get original work. If you're not sure if it was made in AK, just ask. Merchants are very knowedgeable about the products they sell

Glacer Bay Lodge: We ate lunch here and I was NOT IMPRESSED. Food prices were average for here (I had a ribeye steak sandwich with fries $14) and the food was fair. We all ordered 1/2 and 1/2 sweet potato/regular fries and they actually sent them from the kitchen almost burnt. I felt really embarrased for their chef. I can't believe they allowed something like that to come out of their kitchen. We sent it back and requested fresh which were very good when they brought them out. Some other people that were staying at the Blue Heron ate there a couple of days before I did and their son got a mild case of food poisoning from a chicken cesar salad. Considering all I have said it does not appear that this kitchen takes much pride in what it puts on a plate.

Bear Track Inn: The atmosphere was lovely, warm and inviting. The owner seemed very sweet but the food I give 3/5 stars. My chicken was over done, it was served with the oil separating from the cream sauce and the samon chowder had almost no flavor. They will pick you up from the B&B but it will cost you $20 round trip (which is cheaper than a taxi at $30) Plan on spending about $45 for a 3 course meal. My advice and what I WISH I had done was go to the Gustavus Inn. It is within walking distance from the B&B and dinner is about $50 but from what I've heard from several people around town and read in reviews the food is divine. If you have the time, hey try both.

Just a side note: PAY NO ATTENTION TO THE REVIEWER THAT GAVE DEB A SCORE OF 1. He didn't even stay at the B&B. Deb is too gracious of a host to make any excuse for herself but I will tell you (and she would share with you as well), she had just had a VERY SIGNIFICANT loss in her life. Everything the other 13 reviewers and I have said is the absolute truth. Doug C is most likely someone who is used to having everyone jump when he says so and wrote that review because he felt he didn't get his way. After meeting Deb and getting to experience her above and beyond hospitality it really irks me that he damaged her rating by being so unfair. Try the Blue Heron and I promise you will NOT be disappointed. Have a blessed day.
Read more
Date of stay: June 2012
5.0 of 5 bubblesValue
5.0 of 5 bubblesRooms
5.0 of 5 bubblesLocation
5.0 of 5 bubblesCleanliness
5.0 of 5 bubblesService
5.0 of 5 bubblesSleep Quality
Trip type: Traveled solo
Room Tip: If you're a family, definitely a cabin if your a couple or single person like me; one of the...
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
SebastopolGeoff wrote a review Oct 2005
Sebastopol, California
5.0 of 5 bubbles
My wife and I stayed at the Blue Heron for three nights last summer. Deborah and Charlie are great hosts who have alot of information about Alaska in general. They make it a point to see that your stay is comfortable in every way. Be prepared that Gustavus is a verrrry laid back place to come and relax at. We called earlier in the year and were convinced to spend an extra day in Gustavus...we're glad we took the advice, if not for anything else, the relaxation value of Gustavus. Deborah and Charlie also served as resourceful local travel agents and insured that all of our needs were cared for from taxi service (quite expensive unfortunately), dinner reservations, to day trips out to Glacier Bay. In fact, the morning we took the day long Glacier Bay Boat tour, they made one of their first class gourmet breakfasts (as they did all three mornings) and it was waiting for us at 6:30AM. In fact, they even supplied my wife and I with warm parkas to wear on the boat ride as we were underdressed. A great way to spend the day is to take one of the cruiser bikes supplied by the Inn from location to location. Our room was clean and comfortable--not necessarily exquisite--but more than adequate, especially for the fair price being charged. No complaints from us and we would have no qualms about returning again some day. Enjoy!!!
Read more
Date of stay: August 2005
5.0 of 5 bubblesValue
4.0 of 5 bubblesRooms
5.0 of 5 bubblesCleanliness
5.0 of 5 bubblesService
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
starotter13 wrote a review Jan 2013
Fairbanks, Alaska
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Deb Woodruff the owner of this B&B goes above and beyond the duties of an average innkeeper. You will literally feel like family when you arrive. She greets you at the airport, provides any information and books events, cooks the best breakfasts (literally the best), and is always willing to help out in any way. The rooms are so cute, clean, and the best that I have ever seen at any b&b.The location is right in town and there are bikes you can borrow. I wish there were more than 5 stars because this place really deserves it.
Read more
Date of stay: July 2012
5.0 of 5 bubblesValue
5.0 of 5 bubblesRooms
5.0 of 5 bubblesLocation
5.0 of 5 bubblesCleanliness
5.0 of 5 bubblesService
5.0 of 5 bubblesSleep Quality
Trip type: Traveled with friends
Room Tip: There are family rooms with kitchens and even a bunk-bed for children and rooms for just couples.
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
MollyStein wrote a review Aug 2012
5.0 of 5 bubbles
We stayed at the Blue Heron for one night upon our arrival in Gustavus, prior to our kayaking trip in Glacier Bay. Deb picked us up at the airport and gave us an impromptu tour of the town as only a 38-year Gustavus local could. Our room was quiet, comfortable, nicely appointed and relaxing, and the property was in a beautiful location and thoughtfully arranged. Deb has thought of everything -- bikes and helmets available for guests' use; every kind of tea, coffee and hot chocolate waiting for you when the mood strikes; and a breakfast for which she and her team went the extra mile (made to order omelettes, fresh sweet breads, and homemade rhubarb sauce, oh my!). Not to mention, every reference book, video and map of the area one could possibly need.

Thank you for a great start to our Alaska trip, Deb. We will be back!
Read more
Date of stay: July 2012
5.0 of 5 bubblesValue
5.0 of 5 bubblesRooms
5.0 of 5 bubblesLocation
5.0 of 5 bubblesCleanliness
5.0 of 5 bubblesService
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
NAspy wrote a review Aug 2008
Los Angeles, CA
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Gustavus, Alaska is the "gateway" to Glacier Bay National Park, and the Blue Heron is a wonderful place to experience the wild beauty of this area and also to get to know the "town" and its people. It is a hidden gem within a hidden gem and so is extra special.

We were a family of four and by the end of our first day in Gustavus we had learned the local custom of waving to all travelers on the road, met probably most of its residents, and had the Blue Heron as a great base of operations for taking in the grandeur of Southeast Alaska.

We found the B&B online and after one conversation with Deb I knew we were in good hands with our 4 days of actiivites being arranged well in advance. She is full of excellent advice, including booking us a private plane to Gustavus out of Juneau so we could avoid waiting around for Alaska Air's once a day connection. The convenience added at least an extra day to our stay, which was great.

At the airport Charlie was waiting to take us to the Blue Heron after giving us a tour of the town, and sharing a bit of history and folklore with us. There are about 20 bikes at the B&B you can choose from to wheel around in and if you're fit enough you can bike to Glacier Bay National Park, around 10 miles away. Or Deb will arrange a car rental from the only dealer on the island. Don't expect a car that does anything other than drive however....our Chevy Lumina had 192,000 miles on it, was filthy inside, had a cracked windshield, locks that malfunctioned and iit burned oil. It worked though and was waiting for us when we needed it and was taken away when we were done.

We had a very exciting kayaking with whales experience (if you have kids under 12 I would recommend you stay on the catamaran and have the experience from there as the water in the Icy Straits can turn rough when the wind kicks up, making paddling difficult for little ones) that Deb arranged. Our own catamaran took us out to Point Adolphus, the prime feeding area for humpbacks, sea lions, and occasionally orcas (which we also saw). Truly a once in a lifetime experience.

The glacier tour was booked through the Park Lodge and our trusty rent a wreck got us there for a trip back in time to the Ice Age.

We loved Gustavus. The advantages of staying at the Blue Heron are that you get an amazing breakfast to start your day, with fruit salad, pancakes, or omelets to order, or french toast, with ham, sausage and oatmeal, not to mention great coffee and juice. She did fruit smoothies for our kids each day which they loved.

We had just come from a week in Kenai at a great lodge with all inclusive meals and it was a nice change of pace to sample some of the wonderful restaurants that Gustavus has to offer. They really are great!!! The Three Bears is a husband and wife operation (she's the chef, he's a bit of a surly waiter) that serves wonderful food, but we really enjoyed the Homeshore Cafe with its homemade pizzas and wonderful salads and the ice cream shop next door. Most of the nicer places to stay in Gustavus are "all-inclusives," so you really miss out on the unique character of this wonderful town if you don't leave your hotel. The Blue Heron gives you the freedom to explore and experience Gustavus and Deb knows everyone and everything that is going on. We also ate at the Glacier Bay Country Inn (another all-inclusive hotel near the park) which was a good deal at $30 for a 3 course prix fixe meal.

Some of the extras provided by the Blue Heron are really invaluable: great selection of DVDs for the TVs in the rooms, and a fantastic selection of parkas, winter hats and gloves and rubber boots for the whale trip and the glacier trip. Not having to pack Parkas or rubber boots on this trip was really a great advantage. And the stuff is nice and well maintained -- really almost new clothing. There isn't any "maid service," other than an emptying of your wastebaskets, so you'll have to make your own bed, but this place is a wonderful value and so homey and welcoming you'll wish you'd booked more time there.
Read more
Date of stay: August 2008
5.0 of 5 bubblesValue
5.0 of 5 bubblesRooms
5.0 of 5 bubblesLocation
5.0 of 5 bubblesCleanliness
5.0 of 5 bubblesCheck in / front desk
5.0 of 5 bubblesService
3.0 of 5 bubblesBusiness service (e.g., internet access)
Trip type: Traveled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
mimisora wrote a review Aug 2008
Colorado
5.0 of 5 bubbles
I chose to stay in Gustavus to be away from the tourist crowds and the cruise ships. I wasn't disappointed. Deb and Charlie go the extra mile to make sure their guests have a great Alaska experience. They provide a tremendous breakfast with hand rolled oatmeal, omelette's, berry pancakes, French toast and fresh fruit. And the coffee is the best in town. We stayed nine days and nights at the Blue Heron and each day was delightful. We had free access to bikes for riding to the beach and town (also a short walk away). Deb planned all of our side trips for kayaking, whale watching, Glacier Bay, fishing and a float plane to Admiralty Island. She knows who provides the best service and value so there is no guess work - and she does not take a commission, which is so rare these days. We stayed in the fire weed cabin and the blue room, both of which were clean and well appointed with beautiful quilts and art work. Based on what other places charge, this is the best value and the best experience offered in Gustavus and well worth the destination. I would suggest staying more than the typical three days and relaxing in this great get-a-way town.
Read more
Date of stay: July 2008
5.0 of 5 bubblesValue
5.0 of 5 bubblesRooms
5.0 of 5 bubblesLocation
5.0 of 5 bubblesCleanliness
5.0 of 5 bubblesCheck in / front desk
5.0 of 5 bubblesService
5.0 of 5 bubblesBusiness service (e.g., internet access)
Trip type: Traveled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
…
Answer from DT35
Canandaigua, New York348 contributions120 helpful votes
Hi, our experience was that Deb, the B&B owner, picked us up at the airport and gave us a tour of the community (it's very small- about 400 people!) on the way back to the B&B. She also dropped us off at the airport for our return flight. Her partner Pete gave us a ride to the lodge for the day boat tour. We rode the lodge's bus back to the intersection close to the B&B (at her suggestion). The kayak rental outfit picked us up & dropped us off. Basically she will drive you around if she can do so (considering she has other guests and stuff to do). If she can't drive you, she has free bikes you can ride and can give you the number for a local taxi service (which we never had to use). One way or another, she will take care of you!
ira wrote a tip Aug 2024
5 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
"Reserve early"
Read full review
Valerie from PA wrote a tip Sep 2023
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania16 contributions1 helpful vote
2.0 of 5 bubbles
"Very few services in and around town. Bring food for lunch and snacks!"
Read full review
Marion and Larr... H wrote a tip Jul 2023
12 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
"Book early. Expect great activities and enjoy some quiet, restful times as well."
Read full review
Lasrman wrote a tip Aug 2018
Williamsburg, Virginia229 contributions113 helpful votes
5.0 of 5 bubbles
"They are all good but there's a second floor room with an eagle nest view."
Read full review
Sue S wrote a tip May 2018
Linthicum Heights, Maryland3 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
"Our room had a kitchen, porch, and comfortable beds."
Read full review
Not the right property for you?
There are more places to choose from in the Gustavus area.
LOCATION
United StatesAlaskaGustavus
NUMBER OF ROOMS
20
Prices are the average nightly price provided by our partners and may not include all taxes and fees. Taxes and fees that are shown are estimates only. Please see our partners for more details.
Is This Your Tripadvisor Listing?

Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.

Claim Your Listing

BLUE HERON BED AND BREAKFAST

Frequently Asked Questions about Blue Heron Bed and Breakfast
What are some of the property amenities at Blue Heron Bed and Breakfast?
Some of the more popular amenities offered include free wifi, free breakfast, and free parking.
What food & drink options are available at Blue Heron Bed and Breakfast?
Guests can enjoy free breakfast during their stay.
Is parking available at Blue Heron Bed and Breakfast?
Yes, free parking is available to guests.
What are some restaurants close to Blue Heron Bed and Breakfast?
Conveniently located restaurants include Glacier Bay Country Inn Restaurant, Excursion Restaurant at the Bear Track Inn, and Fireweed Gallery, Coffee and Tea House.
Does Blue Heron Bed and Breakfast have an airport shuttle?
Yes, Blue Heron Bed and Breakfast offers an airport shuttle for guests. We recommend calling ahead to confirm details.
Does Blue Heron Bed and Breakfast have airport transportation?
Yes, Blue Heron Bed and Breakfast offers airport transportation for guests. We recommend calling ahead to confirm details.
Is Blue Heron Bed and Breakfast located near the city center?
Yes, it is 0.6 miles away from the center of Gustavus.
All Gustavus HotelsGustavus Hotel DealsHotels near Blue Heron Bed and Breakfast
Things to DoRestaurantsFlightsVacation RentalsTravel StoriesCruisesRental Cars