So it appears that my review left last July 2019, has somehow been removed. I have my suspicion of whom may be responsible, so the spirit of keeping it real, I submit my review once again. Original review: If the exorbitant cost at Kenai Riverfront Resort, Soldotna has not persuaded you to look elsewhere for lodging, perhaps my family's experience with Jim, the owner, will. An unusual and unfortunate encounter that soured what should have been a nice family vacation. Bottom line: the owner is extremely controlling, belittling, impersonal, hot-tempered and disrespectful, and should not be in the hospitality business. Details follow: I had family coming into town from the lower 48 and planned to spend the week fishing and relaxing down in the Kenai Peninsula. I found this place through a web search. My interest peaked due to their ability to accommodate both RV (for us) and room lodging (for my parents) on the Kenai. After a long talk with Jim regarding the specifics, this seemed to be a great option for our family, and although the cost was extremely steep, it kept my family together. Jim sent a mailer regarding all the amenities and procured full payment. While in route to the resort, I called Jim to confirm my arrival time and inquired about the size of refrigerator in the "suite." I couldn't recall the fridge size and we intended on stopping by Costco needing to ensure we had enough cold storage between the camper fridge and what was available in the "suite." Instead of simply stating that we have a large fridge, Jim responded with "go to the website and read about it." I was driving and my parents are not the most reliable web searchers with an iPhone. Jim then asked if I would like him to read us the entire room amenity list. I asked again that all I needed was the fridge size. He proceeded to read us the entire list. We thought this was strange, but did not think much more about it once we got the information needed. Upon arrival, events simply turned odd. Jim and his boys greeted us at the entrance, backed me into my RV site and before I could take a breath was immediately presented with a detailed rules and liability agreement that literally covered one full page in a tiny font that all adults were required to sign. As we walked through the resort, Jim was very thorough when discussing use of the various amenities. His approach was a bit insulting and set an unwelcoming tone. We closed with a walk-through of the $450.00 a night "suite," which was simply a small room with 2 beds, pull-out couch, standard fridge, bathroom, microwave oven, limited dishes, and a "private" patio that connects directly with the owner's home deck. Once finally settled, we got to fishing, with my dad catching the first. Once I netted the fish, we walked it up to where we were allowed to stun it with the wood club. I turned the net over to my dad while I went along to retrieve my fillet knife. While I was away, my dad asked one of Jim's boys for the wood club. The son responded with "say please." It was not much longer after that interaction I returned with my knife. In my absence, my dad stunned and gilled the fish, placing it along shore before heading back to his room to get his filet knife. I missed this interaction but from what I can gather, the son informed his dad of my dad's perceived lack of manners. While I was at the cleaning station, Jim returned to the spot of where my dad fished finding some blood and a few fish scales on steel/aluminum, open grip, anti-slip stairs. He proceeded to tell my mother over and over on how to properly clean the area. My mother kindly stated that she would let my dad know. By that time my dad returned from his room. Jim then accosted my dad about the blood and scales left on the stair, going over AGAIN on how to clean the area. I could see the frustration with dad's demeanor, so I quickly told my dad to grab his fish. Jim interrupted, stating that he would grab the fish but I had to "say please." I was speechless. He said it again, and again until finally he grabbed it and nearly threw it on the table in front of me. With other guests present, Jim proceeded to come after me stating that I had said nothing nice since arriving and that guests book years out to stay at his resort, and we were lucky to book on such short notice. More was said, but I was extremely upset that I had been aggressively confronted for reasons beyond my comprehension. My only response was that we need to talk offline. Jim's responded with, "we'll talk offline when I'm ready to talk offline!" Unfortunately, Jim and I never had that offline conversation. In conversation with other guests, we learned of similar stories. Perhaps you'll have the opportunity to read their stories should they choose to submit a review. As a disclaimer, I am not in the hospitality business, I am on active duty and in medicine, and deal with a variety of personalities every working day. Jim's approach was completely inappropriate. I'm sure that Jim has his side of the story and will respond in kind. Too bad he lacked the courage to provide me that while I was there.…
It's a shame that this owner, Jim was so rude and overbearing. Because the location was pretty and we loved the group campfire area. The owner constantly paced the property and hovered over all of us. I understand it's his property but maybe you shouldn't own an establishment for camping and families if it stresses you out so bad. Also note that this is basically a house with camp spots in their yard. Definitely not a typical campground. We paid $200 to camp in someone's yard. I'll definitely not recommend this place!
DO NOT WASTE YOUR MONEY AND GO SOMEWHERE ELSE!!!! WISH WE COULD GIVE 0 STARS!!!! We were excited to spend one last camping weekend for this season at this "resort" ... we felt like camping in somebodys backyard scared to do anything. We got yelled at by the rude owner and did not appreciate that he raised his voice at our kid. His twin boys are nice but the controlling rule following dad should retire and stay away from people because he obviously does not like people at all. we paid over $200 bucks for 2 nights for an electric hook up spot in somebodys yard who did not want us there plus it was off season. If you are a family that wants to be outside and let the kids play, do not waste your money and go somewhere else who appreciates you. If you are old and grumpy and just want to be in your camper or rv and watch tv, this is your spot. This place should not be called a resort and should not be campground. Retire old man and move to the country far away from people. Thanks for partly ruining our last camping weekend of the season with friends and family from out of state.…
My kids and I took an 80-day roadtrip this summer from Chicago to Alaska. We spent most of our time in national parks and saw all the big ones along the way in both the US and Canada. We had some pretty amazing experiences along the way. But when asked what my favorite place was on this epic trip, I say without hesitation that it was Kenai Riverfront Resort. The whole family (my wife joined us for the Alaska portion of the trip) spent only two nights there but Jim and Cindy (the owners) and their sons TJ and CJ made us feel like family pretty much from the moment I called to see if they had a space available for us. The silver salmon season had just started and it was very challenging to find a space anywhere in the towns along the Kenai Peninsula’s rivers. But we were given a great spot—the back window of our travel trailer was maybe ten feet from the beautiful Kenai River. Jim is not only an excellent campground host he is also an excellent teacher and showed both me and my kids the “flipping for red salmon” ropes, helping me catch my first Alaskan salmon—something I’ve wanted to do since I was a kid. In two short days there were countless examples of Jim and Cindy going above and beyond but really, I don’t think it’s above and beyond for them, it’s every day. It’s clear they love what they do and the magical place they’ve created for their family and for all those lucky enough to pass through. I can’t say enough how great an experience we had except that this is the first TripAdvisor review I’ve ever written. I didn’t want to leave, but commitments elsewhere and a desire to finish our tour of this great state of Alaska made us push off—perhaps prematurely. When I come back to Alaska, I’ll be spending some serious time here and in all seriousness, would come back just to visit Kenai Riverfront Resort.…
I had the best time of my life here fishing, relaxing by the fire, and more fishing! The location is the perfect place to catch amazing fish, and is easy even if you havent done it before. I caught lots of sockeyes, a king, a silver, and a dolly vardon! The property was absolutely gorgeous and breathtaking. The Nelson family was so kind and generous to me, and helped me have an incredible experience! It truly fulfilled the Alaska dream and I couldn't have been happier with my stay! If there is one place to go in Alaska its Kenai Riverfront Resort!
Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.
Claim Your Listing