Our family of four with 2 teenagers stayed at the Spyglass Inn for two nights. We had the two rooms on the lower floor, which worked great. We had a private entrance on the lower level that allowed us to come and go, and having the two rooms next to each other was very convenient. One is very spacious, the other a bit smaller but very comfortable. We came to Homer to go flightseeing to see the coastal bears in Lake Clarke (amazing!), and staying with Pat and her husband farmer Bob was a terrific choice. We had to be at the hanger at 6 am, and Pat made us a fabulous breakfast to go, which she placed together with drinks in the downstairs fridge next to our rooms the night before. In addition she set the timer for the coffee maker such that we could have the coffee we so need in the morning. The homemade granola (we got the recipe from Pat!), homemade bars, and sandwiches were terrific and our kids had finished them by the time we reached the hangar. Pat and Bob are very knowledgeable about Homer and are happy to share it, but at the same time they give you all the privacy you want. After coming back from Lake Clarke we ate at the Little Mermaid on the Homer Spit. All four of us agree this was hands down the best meal of our two weeks in Alaska. The restaurant uses farmer Bob’s tomatoes and they were delicious, juicy and full of flavor. Pat’s breakfast for us the second day was an incredible spread of pastries, pies, homemade jams, eggs, bacon, and more. In all a highly enjoyable stay and Diego the poodle was also a hit with our kids.

There aren't many lodging options in or around Homer, and most seem to be fairly plain. The Spyglass is very well located for all activites and offers some partial views of the islands and glaciers. The rooms and baths are very comfortable and well-appointed; however, the Fireweed room ($145/night) is really too small for a couple unless they have virtually no luggage. The proprietor, Pat, installed a gas stove rather than baseboard to heat the Fireweed. The stove takes up so much space that there is only one nightstand beside the bed, one too-big chair and no shelving, dresser or desk. This might not bother you if you don't mind putting your personal belongings on the floor or window sill or use only an ebook reader. But the more annoying problem is that the Fireweed is below the kitchen and dining room, and Pat begins to prepare breakfast at 6:45. If you sleep later than that, this room isn't for you. As for "visiting your aunt," how much you might like Spyglass depends on what you expect from a B&B. There are outside deck sitting areas but no inside living room or other space solely for guests. Pat's dining room doubles as her office, and her living room is strewn with her personal mail, papers and collectibles. Pat sat down to eat her breakfast with us, which we do not expect at a B&B. We expect the proprietor to eat earlier or later and maybe circulate (pour coffee, pass plates, etc.) and chat with us while we sit. We would rather converse with the other guests. The breakfast itself is just OK - a decent variety but no special egg dishes, pancake dishes or the like. Pat offered simply scrambled eggs the first day and oatmeal the second day, along with breads, jams and granola. Only macadamia milk and plain yogurt are offered for the cereal.