Chena Hot Springs Resort: Alaska's Geothermal Wonder

The resort was exactly like one would expect this far out from a big city. We came here to relax and we surely did. The hot springs pool was as wonderful as it always has been. The room was very clean and the beds were comfortable The best part of the restaurant was the clam chowder which was even better than the clam chowder at the Pump House. I believe most of the negative reviews are from travelers expecting this to be a French chalet in the middle of Alaska. Complaining about the Northern Lights not being there? Seriously, you think they have a magic aurora light switch? Their prices are exactly like you’d expect for a resort miles away from any large city. We would definitely stay here again. Thank you staff for making this an enjoyable visit as well as making lifelong memories.

We stayed in the Moose Lodge, which I hear are the nicest rooms. It is close to the lodge, but the rooms are nothing to write home about. Comfortable and functional, nothing fancy. You really come here for the hot springs and it is very nice. It's not large, but when we were there, there was plenty of space to move around. You can move around into hotter spots too. It's really nice to relax in. There is also and indoor swimming pool that is a comfortable swimming temperature and hot tubs. There is an activity center where you can book activities. Horseback ride. bike rentals, dog kennel tour and sled ride, aurora tours. We didn't do any of the activities, but we did visit the kennel to see the dogs. The great thing about the activity center is there is an aurora viewing room on the north side. The room is small, but has large windows where you can look for auroras. there's another door that takes you outside, where there is a large open area that is good for viewing. You can come inside when you get cold, and go outside for viewing and taking photos. There's also a restroom at the center.

We loved our stay. The rooms were nice and clean as was the pool house. The hot springs were great. Staff was friendly and helpful. Food at the café was affordable and the salads were as good as those in the restaurant. Our only complaint was the restaurant was understaffed and not large enough for the size of the resort. We found the tap water to be fine and not too "chemical". None of the negatives I read online were true.

Me and my Father stayed in the Forget-me-not cabin. it was a dry cabin with a private real outhouse. Even though the Cabin had a bathroom, not sure why we weren't able to use it. But, we still had a blast. The food at the restaurant was expensive and some of it was just not at all enticing, due to most of the food was probably frozen. The place is definitely unique and has breathtaking scenery. The staff is actually very helpful and friendly. My father and I felt that since some of the cabins are actually quite a bit of a walk, The Resort, should either let those Guests use a golf cart or provide a ride to those cabins and certain activities. I will say that we were definitely Blessed to have gotten to see and take pictures of the Aurora Lights the first night we were there. The Activities there though pricey, some were definitely worth it. While others were more like gambling. I have to mention the Guy from the Ice Museum that was our Guide of the ATV Ride Made it well worth every cent. It was great to see my elderly father not only look like a teenager again, but made him feel like a teenager again. My very special thanks to him. The Hot Spring was nice to go lounge in and relax, especially after a spectacular hike on some trails where all around you is beautiful of Mother Nature and Great painter of the Galaxy God himself. This place is definitely a must visit on any Alaska vacation.

Made a half day trip of it. Visited the ice museum and hot springs. The ice museum was cool, but they had a mechanical issue that melted a good amount of the attraction. Were we told that before we paid 20 dollars per person plus 20 more for an apple martini? No. Probably wouldn't have gone had I known the issue. The hot springs were nice. It was hot... like real hot. The pictures on the site are very deceptive. It may have been that nice at one point in time, but it no longer is. As much as a tourist trap as it is, and how expensive it was, I would hope for better facilities. In general, ice museum 2 out of 5 stars, hot springs 4 out of 5. So average it out and 3 still feels generous.