Chena Hot Springs Resort Aurora Observation Point

I would never recommend it to anyone or my friends. I stayed one night. The air in the room was 16 Fahrenheit, the heaters were not working. The authorities did not care. I had to sleep in the cold room until the morning. The hot springs were very bad. The bottom of the water was mud like a swamp.

a month ago

It was a great ride up to the post and was definitely an experience that I believe everyone should take part of at least once. Though it is a bit pricey, it was well worth it. Probably worth it more in the winter time.

5 months ago

First, this is the aurora tour viewing area, not the resort itself. Second, I don't want this review to be about the tour, but it's hard because it's the only way to get here. The tour gets full easily, so book in advance if you can, but that's a bit of a gamble since you want to know the weather before you book. When you're here, there won't be any considerable light pollution except from the people in the tour. It's perfect for aurora viewing. So please be considerate when you're here. Shame on you, you who brought a light source that is probably 1 foot long! The ride to this viewing spot is called an SUVS, and they have 4 of them. Each can seat 10 confortably with space for a few more for overflows. It's a bumpy 30-minute ride, but it's quite tolerable. We were very lucky when we went. The aurora is already visible before the sun is even fully set, so right then, we knew we were going to be treated with a great show of aurora lights, especially on a night with no moon. Less than an hour later, the sky had a streak of light from one end to the other and stayed for at least three hours straight! It was amazing! I only wish the sky was clearer - no visible clouds, but the sky was a little hazy or foggy. Still, during the intense times, and there were many, the area was lit green! It was unbelievable! We had so much time to take pictures that lots of people went inside the yurt with the light show still going on. In fact, people have asked to go home early even though the sky is still lit with aurora! SMH Don't get me wrong, the aurora moves and transforms the whole time, so there's always a reason to take pictures every now and then. I guess they've had their fill already, but I would've stayed there until sunrise. With our experience, I would give this 10 stars or even 100! I wish you all the same luck we had if you go, except without the annoying people who brought huge lights. :)

11 months ago

The rooms are a little rough but the water and northern lights were great. The restaurant was very good overall.

6 months ago

The lights did not disappoint! They look great on a photo if you have the latest iPhone or a good photo camera device. A caterpillar takes you up the mountain where there are Mongolian style yurts that are warm inside. The only thing I didn't like was the length of the tour. I went with the 9:30 pm group and everyone was done with aurora viewing by midnight. The last two hours we were all just sitting inside yurts, waiting to go back. It's worth the $80 tour fee several times over. Bring your warmest clothes, including ski pants. You'll be outside with seriously low temperatures. I saw no children on this tour.

2 years ago

Nice rustic resort. It is not a luxury resort. Lots of outdoorsy activities. Rooms are bare bones but comfy. No frig, microwave or room service. Housekeeping by request after 3 day stay. A good restaurant but very busy. If you choose to bring food, bring non perishables. The owner is an eccentric, innovative, warm storyteller. All of the employees are friendly and helpful. The hot springs are very nice. We enjoyed every activity we participated in.

a year ago

This was a cool place to stay a couple nights. It took too long to check into the hotel(they were having technical difficulties with computers and internet, but it took over an hour). The rooms desperately need some investment and updating. Wifi worked okay, but there wasn't really any selection for TV channels. Hot springs were great but the guy working the desk was rude. The shopping area was super useful to get drinks and water but they need to add fridge/microwave into the rooms. They had washer/dryers on site but didn't get a chance to try them. The hotel restaurant was shockingly good and staff was ultra friendly there. We would come back for northern lights sometime and hope they invest into the rooms... and bring some way to hook roku to the tv. relaxing getaway for a couple.

a year ago

We took the ride up to the top of Charlie Dome and it made some of us nauseous. Once we got up there it was spectacular! We asked one of the guides to take a photo of us with his professional camera. The yurt had a bunch of folding chairs, heat, and they had oatmeal, hot chocolate, cider, and cup of noodles. The views were amazing and we saw all different colors with the northern lights, green, purple, yellow, orange, and red.

2 years ago