Chena Hot Springs in Alaska?
#2
Join Date: Apr 2003
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Yes, I have been there twice, first time the prior management was grossly superior to the current management. Don't expect luxury. And take an old suit, it tends to change funky colors. For me, I have no desire to return. There are some nice B&B's much closer to Fairbanks that I would consider instead for my aurora priority. They have offered a shuttle from Fairbanks in the past, very necessary if the road is iced, otherwise allow plenty of time to drive the 60 miles- like 3 hours.
Stock up on everything before you leave, very limited and costly there.
Stock up on everything before you leave, very limited and costly there.
#4
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Join Date: Oct 2006
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Thank you! Anything else you could recommend as an alternative? We wanted aurora viewing, XC skiing, snow-shoeing, and maybe snowmobiling (will borrow from a friend, I think). And I especially loved the idea of the hot springs.
#5
Join Date: Jan 2007
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Hi Everyone (from Sydney Australia),
Am currently planing my Alaska itinery for Aug 2007. Was planing a Chena Hotsprings stay but, from what I've read - I shouldn't bother about the o'night stay. Is it better to do as a day trip.
What is a short (<1hr) walk we can do in the Chena State Rec Pk ? Could we take our own picnic ?
Budget Queen,
What are the names of some of the nice B&B's closer to Fairbanks please ?
I'm also hoping to see the Aurora Borealis (Northern Light) ... Is this possible early Aug ?
Regards
Am currently planing my Alaska itinery for Aug 2007. Was planing a Chena Hotsprings stay but, from what I've read - I shouldn't bother about the o'night stay. Is it better to do as a day trip.
What is a short (<1hr) walk we can do in the Chena State Rec Pk ? Could we take our own picnic ?
Budget Queen,
What are the names of some of the nice B&B's closer to Fairbanks please ?
I'm also hoping to see the Aurora Borealis (Northern Light) ... Is this possible early Aug ?
Regards
#6
Join Date: Apr 2003
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Nope, not a chance of the aurora early August.
I would not even bother with Chena Hot Springs as a day visit unless you have the extra time.
As for the Chena State Park, it is right downtown, there is a day use fee and certainly nice for a picnic, but so is the "free" Fairbanks universary at the botanical gardens, or on the grass on the hillside.
Minnie St. B&B is extremely nice. So is Fox B&B.
I would not even bother with Chena Hot Springs as a day visit unless you have the extra time.
As for the Chena State Park, it is right downtown, there is a day use fee and certainly nice for a picnic, but so is the "free" Fairbanks universary at the botanical gardens, or on the grass on the hillside.
Minnie St. B&B is extremely nice. So is Fox B&B.
#7
Join Date: Dec 2006
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I've been to the Hot Springs twice. The first time I was very disappointed. It wasn't my idea of a "resort" at all! It's been remodeled since then and believe it or not has vastly improved. Last time we went we went into the Hot Springs but stayed overnight somewhere else. The Hot Springs were wonderful (hot, warm, and relaxing) ahhh..... The people working at the Hot Springs were not friendly and we couldn't believe it, on top of the admission to get in, we had to pay about 5 bucks to borrow a towel! You'd think the admission price would include a towel, and it was a ratty old small towel. If you can get past the rude staff you would enjoy the hot springs. It's not fancy though and kind of run down even though they've made improvements.