The Cannery Lodge

The views and fireplaces are amazing, and the setup work for the fireplaces is impressive. We like the privacy, and the rooms are very nice. I first stayed here on a business trip, then returned for a mini-vacation with my sister and cousin from the Midwest. On that trip, I asked for the kitchen connecting rooms we’d had before. We were told we’d get them and charged for them, but we couldn’t use the kitchen. There doesn’t seem to be anyone stationed in the office, though someone on the grounds is always around to check you in. The cleaning lady was helpful, and so was the maintenance guy who chops the wood and prepares the fireplaces; he also got us into our rooms. Most amenities are still closed since COVID, but it’s an inviting place. We chose it for a training and are looking forward to having the run of the place then. I’d definitely stay again.

The cleaning woman was wonderful and the rooms were very clean. The door lock broke and left our truck keys inside, but she came to our rescue. As for the rest, check-in was a mess. Nobody was around at the set check-in time; a note said they’d be back shortly and gave us a number, but it rang in the empty office. We waited, then found the cleaning woman, who checked us in. On the way to our room, a woman came out and rudely asked if I was looking for someone, as if I shouldn’t be there. Yes, I’d been looking for you about 40 minutes earlier. Warm welcome. The property is remote and, to me, way overpriced for renovated job trailers. The Wi-Fi didn’t work, and the kitchenette mentioned in the listing isn’t automatic; you have to call and arrange it in advance, which the listing doesn’t make clear. Things are haphazardly placed around the property, and I don’t think the restaurant is open to the public. With so few staff and no one explaining what’s available, it’s hard to know. This is a remote place, and you pretty much have to drive to Soldotna for anything. It gave us a sketchy, money-embezzling kind of vibe, like something odd might be going on. If remote, overpriced trailers and subpar service sound good to you, this might suit you. We’d rather stay in a tent next time we come back.

The manager laughed when we asked how they planned to resolve things, and never owned up to the mistake. We’d reserved online months ahead, called twice to confirm, and arrived with the printed confirmation. We were in their computer, but they still refused to honor the reservation and said they’d given our room away. The reservation was under my sister’s name. The manager blamed us for booking online, told us to call a local hotel, and wished us luck. Staff on site were nice, but the manager wasn’t there. They were apparently so pleased to have rented the entire complex to a returning group that they didn’t care how it affected us. We did find somewhere to sleep and had a great trip to Alaska, but The Cannery Lodge is a place I actively tell people to avoid when they visit the Kenai Pennisula. I’ve been all over the world and never had this happen.

You can see the Kenai river from the rooms and pretty much anywhere on the property. Someone’s clearly put a lot of time and love into the place. The staff were attentive and very helpful, both while arranging the reservation and during our stay. We didn’t get to check out the bar, but the cute continental breakfast spread was great. With everything crazy going on, we couldn’t have asked for better lodging or more accommodating staff. The Cannery Lodge is top notch, and I’ll recommend it and stay here again when I’m in Kenai.