Have you ever had a wonderful experience at a modest little B&B because of the great hospitality? Well, the Inn at Tern Lake is just the opposite. It's a nice place in a nice setting, but we felt more like intruders than guests .

When we arrived, we had to yell out to get someone to help us. We were shown to our rooms and reminded to take our shoes off in the entryway (a fair request since the carpet is off-white). That was the end of the hospitality.

The web site mentions a hot tub and sauna. I never saw the sauna, and the hot tub was covered, with no note on how (or even whether) guests can use it. One thing about it felt just like home -- if you don't make your bed or leave a towel on the floor, it will be just like that when you get back. Not having maid service is not normally such a big deal, but having paid $350 for two nights, I expected a bit more service. Oh, and don't forget to bring those little bottles of shampoo from one of the other places you stay, because you won't find any here.

Breakfast was also disappointing. A breakfast casserole and a pot of coffee (no decaf) was left out on the counter, which the guests could reheat in the microwave. If you're expecting a more substantial breakfast (a little sausage maybe or even a glass of juice), you're out of luck. There was some bread on the counter and some milk in the fridge, but no word on whether it was for the guests or not.

If you're just looking for a place to crash and stash your stuff while you explore the Kenai Peninsula, then this place will do. For the money, however, I think you can do better. I believe the same people own the Spruce Moose, so I wouldn't expect things to be much different there.