Chena Hot Springs Resort

17600 Chena Hot Springs Rd, Fairbanks, AK 99712, Fairbanks, United States

3-star hotel

Guest rating: 4.2 / 5

Overview

Chena Hot Springs Resort is a 3-star, century-old rustic lodge and resort complex set in remote wilderness at 17600 Chena Hot Springs Rd, Fairbanks, AK 99712—about 61 miles northwest of downtown Fairbanks. Its setting is a major draw for travelers seeking seasonal views of the Aurora Borealis. The property holds a 4.2/5 public rating from 5,901 reviews.

Rooms & Suites

Accommodations are described as unfussy, with standard rooms and 2-bedroom suites decorated in traditional Alaskan style. Rooms include TVs and coffeemakers, and some rooms do not have phones. Cabins are also referenced by guests as an on-site lodging option.

Amenities & Recreation

The resort’s standout facilities center on its hot springs, with additional wellness and recreation options including a heated indoor pool, hot tubs, an ice museum, and a massage center. The Aurora Ice Museum is extremely close (about 110 m away), making it an easy on-foot visit from the resort complex.

Dining & Drinks

On-site dining includes the Chena Hot Springs Restaurant (about 59 m away) and a lounge. The casual restaurant serves produce grown in the resort’s on-site greenhouse.

Location & Nearby Outdoors

Beyond the resort complex, nearby points of interest include Angel Rocks (about 7.0 km away) and the Angel Rocks Trailhead (about 8.7 km away) for hiking access, plus Chena Dome (about 19.3 km away). For air travel, Fairbanks International Airport is about 88.7 km away and Central Airport about 82.9 km away.

Best for

This property best suits travelers who prioritize a remote Alaskan wilderness setting and seasonal aurora viewing over an urban, amenity-dense hotel experience. It’s also a strong fit for leisure stays built around soaking in the on-site hot springs, visiting the Aurora Ice Museum, and using the indoor pool, hot tubs, and massage center. Outdoor-focused visitors can use it as a base for nearby hikes such as Angel Rocks and the Angel Rocks Trailhead.

Travel tips

Plan transportation in advance: the resort is about 61 miles from downtown Fairbanks, and round-trip shuttle service from Fairbanks and its airport is available for a fee. If in-room phone access matters to you, confirm room features before arrival, as some rooms do not have phones. For easy on-foot sightseeing, the Aurora Ice Museum is roughly 110 m away and the on-site restaurant is about 59 m away.

What guests say

Guest feedback commonly emphasizes that the resort’s remote location is the main reason to stay, especially for the overall setting and seasonal aurora appeal. The hot springs experience is a frequent highlight, and guests also mention staying overnight in cabins. Service impressions can be mixed: while some note good service overall, dining experiences at the on-site restaurant are a recurring pain point in excerpts, including dissatisfaction with food quality, long waits, and inattentive service. Overall, reviews suggest a destination-driven stay where expectations around dining and service can shape the experience.

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