My son and I stayed at the River Raven for six nights. Our trip was taken on the spur of the moment and we had little time to research what we would do when we got there. All that we knew was that we wanted to fish and see wildlife. The owners, Dick and Stevie Erkeneff, have lived there year round for many years and know the area like the back of their hand. We took Dick's advice on where to go and what guide to use (if and when we used one) and had a wonderful time. Every day was perfect and unlike the day before.

The whole lodge is very clean and neat. Our room was very comfortable. In the traditional B&B spirit, we had long and interesting talks with the owners and the other guests.

In summary, this is a very clean, comfortable, and welcoming B&B. The married couple who own it live there themselves and they will go to great lengths to assure that your time in Alaska is well spent.

We stayed at the River Raven once before, and had a great experience. When I return to a place I really enjoyed, I worry if it will live up to my memories. No need to worry when it comes to the Kenai River Raven. We were welcomed back like returning family. Stevie and Dick are such warm loving people, that you immediately feel like home.

The Raven is just as I remember it to be. I would like my house to be nearly as clean. I would defy anyone to find a spec of dirt, despite its location right on the Kenai River. When I mentioned this to Dick, he told me of the pains they take to keep the rooms spotless, including washing all the bedding (including quilt, blankets and mattress pad) after each guest leaves. Stevie personally inspects each room before any guest arrives.

If you want to fish, Stevie and Dick will set you up with guides. We did this twice, and had great fishing. On this trip, it was cold, and the river was low. The guides could not get the boat all the way to shore for us to get on. Suddenly, there were two men there giving us piggy back rides to the boat, so we didn’t get our shoes wet. I have a neck problem and had trouble casting. Rubin, the guide, was always at my side to help. We couldn’t have had a more fun experience. If you want to see nature, they will tell you the best locations for spotting bear, moose, or whatever you want to see.

I could just go on and on about this place. I have read the last review of this quaint B & B, and am shocked by the impressions left by the reviewer. If you choose to stay here, you will not regret it.

I'm writing a fair review for this accommodation. While this place is convenient and situated along the Kenai river, there are some negatives associated with this establishment. I believe the owners are well-meaning, however, they are disorganized. They do not handle a full load with ease and grace.

As noted previously, the window treatments do not at all block out summer light which is 24 hrs. We had eye shades...but be warned. They are great in accommodating early fishing times regarding breakfast, but the food is very basic. If you are used to B and B's, the breakfast might pale in comparison.

The owners were alerted before arrival that 3 people would inhabit a room to which they implied was no problem. We arrived to disorganization and confusion. The 3rd person, my sister, had to stay in an alcove (nice for the darkness), on a blowup mattress left by a previous customer (given to us flat, but ultimately was blown up after some discussion).

Upon leaving, my sister left a hat in the room that the owner had admired during our stay (it was left under the blow-up mattress). We called the owners on the way back to Anchorage to ask if the hat was there, to which they answered, "yes, just give me your email when you get home." My sister and I have since both e-mailed and I have called the inn and the owner's cell phone. It has been 2 months with no return of hat (I offered her my credit card for shipping costs). Finally, the owner replied after calling her cell phone, after several weeks of trying to contact her, saying she was too swamped to mail it..."please, be patient." My patience has run out... and I'm pretty patient.

To sum it up, I understand why some people may like this place. However, nobody in my group would stay here again.

PRO: Location: *****
Great, Great, Great!
This is located in the cute town of Soldotna, off of Sterling Highway. The food places in the area make for a great location: AK Reel, Sal's Klondike Diner, The Loose is Moose Bakery, Mykel's. The town is cute, and everything is close by but makes you feel like you are in Alaska and not some town by your home. Seward is about 2 hours away, Homer is about 1 1/2 hours, Russian River Falls is about 45 minutes, Anchorage is about 3 hours, and lots of other sights are nearby. Great fishing all over. Wildlife Refuge center is practically across the street. More importantly, they have a dock in the back of the lodge on the Kenai River. Many people fish there, and it is beautiful.

CON: Location: ** (sleep quality)
One downfall is that we had a room on the floor, facing the street (not facing the river). There was a bit of traffic noise all night long (cars, trucks, and airplanes!) constantly.
Also, they window blinds do not block out light--- not a good thing in Alaska in the summer.

PRO: Staff: *****++
Owners Dick and Stevie are the best! Great, Great, Great!!! They are super warm and fuzzy and went out of their way to make our trip and stay in Alaska great. They lent us waterproof gear (boots, pants, jackets) when they saw it was raining, when we were leaving to go for a float trip we had planned on the Kenai River. Dick's homemade breakfasts were fantanstic (loved the blueberry pancakes) and prepared with love! Dick sat with us in the morning while we ate and chatted. Maggie and Magee (the two black labs) were an added bonus!!!!!!

PROS: cute, quaint, like home, friendly, walk to river, fishing, very comfortable bed, jacuzzi bath in all rooms (ask for some bath salts), location!!!! NON- COMMERCIAL!

CONS: noisy in room facing parking/street (traffic, cars, planes), no drawers or closets in the room!!!!, no view of river from room, need light blocking shades for window (blinds let in light), 2nd floof was difficult carrying up luggage.

Overall, I would HIGHLY recommend this lodge!!!!! You have to take off your shoes at the door :) and the entire place is cute! Try and see about getting a room on the first floor or second floor facing the river to avoid traffic noise, bring a eye-mask to block out the light if it bothers you, and be prepared for no drawers or closets. Otherwise, great, great, great!!!