is chena hot springs worth it

Its a bunch of half asleep people and some boiling water and a bit like being in a really uncomfortable airplane but with bad snacks, no running water, and no entertainment. From what other guests there said, and online reviews I read afterwards, this place is nearing dump status. However, its super easy to recreate our Chena Hot Springs experience on your own. With high room rates ($200-$350 per night, unless theyre running a special), and extremely high shuttle service rates ($100-130 each way), my main question was: is it worth it? You can drive up to the resort depending on . That seems like an excellent place to start. Just book your Chena Hot Springs accommodations of choice (you can learn more about the different options here), then sign up for a shuttle and your choice of activities. I'd go back! Package prices depended on the number of people in your group. A National Park Service web page about the trail says there is thermal activity throughout the entire area and warns pedestrians to stay on the boardwalk at all times. Where to chase the midnight sun this summer. I think I'm finally getting pushed out of my own hometown. Shooting photos the whole time. However, I dont think the very short dog sled ride is worth the cost. Lastly, since the rooms were advertised as family accommodations and it was not appreciated that the building was 100's of yards from the designated parking lot. At the time of this writing, it doesnt appear that Chena offers any packages. Where the hot water can escape the grounds surface, a hot spring is formed.. Holdmanns questioning eventually led the team to a novel approach: they would use a refrigerant with a lower boiling point as the intermediary fluid for the power cycle. Share your experience and photos below! And the other half comes from actual wells right in the city.. This, along with a thirty-year power purchase agreement signed in August of 2020 by the city of Unalaska, means that Karls vision could soon become reality. Taxes and fees that are shown are estimates only. A seemingly secluded two lane road through some very rustic and pretty forest along the China River ends at the hokie resort. I love soaking at the hotsprings. This one looks to me like a tree nymph pointing to the sky and promising you a night time glimpse of the Northern Lights. Mount Makushin, having most recently erupted in 1995, is the proposed site for a three-phase plan that Karl believes could be the Biden administrations posterchild for renewable energy. The staff was rude or checked out. When compared to China Hot Springs, one would be better off finding a hotel with a pool and spending the afternoon there. Alaska Business 2023 For us though it was a highlight. A geothermal project will probably need to be subsidized in some way if it is not providing a very specific solution to a very specific problem.. Is it worth a day trip? . Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. Also enjoy the cozy pub that has a great menu and drinks aplenty! A common argument as to why geothermal has yet to become a real presence in Alaskas energy mix is centered around the fact that most of the resources are too far from major population centers. My bucket list included seeing the Northern Lights. Guests can enjoy a wide array of lodging options along with hot springs bathing, aurora viewing, dog sledding, and an on-site ice museum. Need a place to stock up on some delicious, warm food after your weekend in these rustic cabins? Its a very good deal for the city, says Karl, comparing the projects anticipated electricity rates to the current rates paid for diesel-generated electricity. But the activities were terrible. Of course, those arent your only options! And naturally, it wouldnt be a Bernie Karl project without a world class hot spring. We had fun but only because we laughed at how awful it was. If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. I will say that a moose did walk from the woods, checked out theAt 56 miles from Fairbanks the only reason to go to the China Hot Springs Resort is the drive. CHENA HOT SPRINGS RESORT - 951 Photos & 306 Reviews - 17600 Chena Hot Springs Rd, Fairbanks, Alaska - Resorts - Phone Number - Yelp Chena Hot Springs Resort 306 reviews Claimed $$$ Resorts, Hot Springs Edit Open Open 24 hours See hours See all 962 photos Hotels & Travel Resorts Chena Hot Springs Resort Write a review Add photo Chena Hot Springs - Fairbanks Alaska - Steam and tree faires wait for Northern Lights. The lockerrooms were small and dirty and had not appeared to have been cleaned in a while. When compared to China Hot Springs, one would be better off finding a hotel with a pool and spending the afternoon there. Tourist dips fingers in deadly Yellowstone hot spring: video | Fort The ground in hydrothermal areas is fragile and thin, and there is scalding water just below the surface, rangers said at the time. By the end of this yearthings are going to look a lot different.. 2022 Beyond the Yellow Brick Road | Privacy Policy. When we arrived the staff was very helpful in addressing our questions and orienting us with the facility. She recognized that the difference in temperature between the hot water and the cold water resource available at the springsthe two main factors in a successful geothermal equationwas actually similar to other small geothermal plants in the Lower 48. CHENA HOT SPRINGS RESORT - 961 Photos & 309 Reviews - Yelp Many people use their visit to Chena as an excuse to disconnect, but I didnt mind paying $12 for fairly reliable internet service around the resort. And the hot springs? A Park Service web page about Silex Spring encourages visitors to consider how the hot water arrived at the surface to begin with. Alaska is home to 79 natural hot springs. Also, theres no internet or cell reception, so if staying connected is important to you, get ready to pay $8 per day for their (spotty) WiFi. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. After waiting over two hours our food came out and the meat on the burger raw, really! This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. Our skate rental and dog sled rides were particularly disappointing. 4. The Best of Aurora package made my first trip to Alaska so easy and provided an excellent introduction to winter in Alaska. The staffs relentless asking for tips got old really quickly too. Water was very warm and nice to be in. Who's been to Chena Hot Springs? These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously. Ask Loraine36 about Chena Hot Springs Resort, So much potential - such a disappointment, Ask akmarmot about Chena Hot Springs Resort, Candlewood Suites Fairbanks, an IHG Hotel, We compared the lowest prices from 10 websites, We compared the lowest prices from 9 websites, Clarion Hotel & Suites Fairbanks Near Ft. Wainwright, Westmark Fairbanks Hotel and Conference Center. Today, Chena Hot Springs Resort continues the Swan Brothers legacy of welcoming visitors to the remote mountain river valley. For instance we got there around 11 am when we went and we did the Ice Museum, the Hot Springs and ate at the restaurant and we were finished by 3 pm. Prices are the average nightly price provided by our partners and may not include all taxes and fees. We just left and enjoyed the scenery on the ride back. We tried the restaurant to try and salvage something for the hour plus drive, but that too was unpleasant. It certainly would have been appropriate to keep a transaction fee, but the whole amount is certainly a bad business practice. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. 16 Reviews Fairbanks, United States 10 hours (approx.) Raser hasnt offered any indication as to its development plans, but it isnt difficult to imagine that Mount Spurrs potential for mixed use, coupled with its proximity to a major population center, was a factor in pursuing the lease. Your email address will not be published. Only 80 miles west of Anchorage, the volcano has been a focal point in the states geothermal discussion for years. If Alaska State Troopers issue a travel advisory for cold weather, the Elliot Highway may be shut down and access to the trailheads could be closed, so do keep this in mind while planning and upon the day of your arrival. At that time, Chena offered this three day/two night package for the entire Alaska northern lights season, which runs from late August through early April. The water pressure was very low and I am sure that the water pressure does not meet the minimum pressure required by healt departments for a regulated public water system. Want more information to plan for your trip to this unique hot spring in Alaska? On one hand, I love all sorts of hot springs and hot tubs, and it would a nice trip. The rock hot springs pool is surrounded by snow covered trees. All rights reserved. Chena Hot Springs is open all year, and is ideally located for all manner of outdoor activities no matter what the season. It feels run down and the showers feel dirty. Staff was nowhere in sight except at the front desk taking your money. Many people believe that by bathing in the water, skin conditions such as psoriasis, muscular pains, and arthritis may be relieved. It wouldve been lovely to just be woken up when it was shining overhead. Theyve developed their renewable energy resources and have been able to attract industry, but it was based on a commitment to long-term, cheap power for those industries, she explains. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc. Read on to learn more about our experience with Chena Hot Springs Resorts Best of Aurora package. We decided to call get an Uber and he helped us and took us there. I'm getting in late at night on a Sunday, and need to meet up with my group trip at 4pm the following day. For a quick drop-off, there is a public access airstrip approximately one mile from the cabins, and there may be a single tie down for a plane. Does it smell? As well as creating electricity from hot water or steam, geothermally heated water can also be used directly as a heating source. Again, no staff anywhere in sight. Are there any hot springs resorts in Alaska? West of Dutch Harbor on the island of Unalaska lies one of the most historically active volcanoes in the Aleutians. I decided to give it a try for two nights. The recreation area is home to some of the best hiking, canoeing, public-use cabins, and fishing in the area. So I just started asking: Why?. The healing water of Chena Hot Springs has been compared to mineral waters found in hot springs in the Czech Republic formerly known as Bohemia. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The building is dire need of refurbishment, amenity and safety upgrades to warrant the premium that is charged to stay there. Since they own the gift shop, restaurant and lounge, youre stuck with their sub-par food unless you think ahead and bring your own ready-to-eat options. What is the farthest North you can drive on paved roads? While we had a fantastic stay, Im here with an unbiased review that highlights both the good and the not so great aspects of our time at Chena Hot Springs Resorts. Ounalashka Corporation, which owns 51 percent of OCCP, issued the joint venture more than 7,000 acres of land to move the project forward. A post shared by TouronsOfYellowstone (@touronsofyellowstone). It is difficult to tell if the cleanliness can be attributed to the lack of regular cleaning or the perception that the facility has not been upgraded and maintained for a very long time. This meant we spent a night in an airport hotel before traveling on to Chena and then spent the better part of a day homeless at Chena in between checking out of our room and waiting for our evening shuttle back to Fairbanks. I would never stay there again. Going to be in Fairbanks in September to drive the Denali road lottery. Reddit, Inc. 2023. Thats enough power to run all of Unalaska, and progress on the project is well underway. I'm going to be in Fairbanks for a day before a backcountry trip. It does not get more natural than that. It's in a very remote area, so the restaurant is pretty much the only game in town. As far as activities during your stay, I highly recommend the Aurora Ice Museum and the Aurora tour. by Danny KreilkampMay 17, 2021Energy, Magazine. Another perk, in my opinion, is that Fairbanks in particular seems to be a city with a learning curve because of the harshness of the climate. Functional cookies help to perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collect feedbacks, and other third-party features. Join more than a million of the worlds best travelers. The food is mediocre, at best. They never bother to tell you it is over crowded and that the two indoor hot tubs and one large outdoor hot tub are taped off and unaccessable. How to get from airport to Alaska Railroad station, 24 Hours of sunlight/dog sledding/ice fishing/glaciers, Accommodation suggestions outside Fairbanks in Dec/January, Fairbanks in early September-recommended tours. Subscribe to the Daily Wander newsletter. Chena Hot Springs, first discovered by settlers in 1905, is renowned for its healing waters as well as the resorts outdoor activities. And Iceland has perfected the use of geothermal resources for both electricity production and direct use., During a trip to Reykjavk, Rose saw firsthand what a society running on renewables can look like. We stayed in the Moose Lodge at Chena Hot Springs and were able to enjoy the hot springs every day of our visit. Kids under 18 are not allowed in the hot spring, but that didn't stop the parents with their undiapered children. And when we dont have a strategy around a long-term energy portfolio, its really difficult for anyone to make those kind of investment decisionscertainly not the private sector.. It would begin with the construction of a 30 megawatt plant at the base of the volcano, fueled by Makushins 397F temperatures. It seems easy to get hired there (ironically, I can pass the drug test), and although the wage is low, they offer room and board. Once you arrive, youll either have paid for the rooms or have to pay for a day pass. The hot tubs are exposed to all of the elements, so jumping in and out in the winter is part of the experience! Karls Chena Power teamed up with Ounalashka Corporation to form OCCP. Mother Nature at her best is the colorful dancing lights that can be seen in this Alaska wonderland. The best hidden gems and little known destinations - straight to your inbox. Bad business practices. Shes spent two decades as a freelance writer. The Little Known Hot Springs in Alaska That's Worth The Winter Trek Book online! Staff was nowhere in sight except at the front desk taking your money. Well develop that very tastefully to be the most beautiful hot spring in the world.. However, the entire womens locker room was covered in at least two inches of sitting water, while lights overhead were broken, flickering, or straight up had open wires handing down. There are four separate ways of winter access onto the property. Theres no extra cost to you. Staff was nowhere in sight except at the front desk taking your money. When you purchase something through these links, I receive a small commission that helps me create this blogs content. The dog died from its injuries. There is also firewood outside, although the wood may need to be cut to the right length. For those who like their accommodations a little more toasty, Chena Hot Springs also offers a variety of cabins to lodge rooms, including pet friendly options. Luckily, a handsaw is provided. Spectators stand and watch from the boardwalk as the tourist crouches down on her hands and knees right at the edge of the spring and reaches her hand out to touch the steam boiling from its surface. Also, because the prices of everything are going down so fast: batteries have come down 85 percent in the last decade, solar has come down almost 90 percent everything is moving in a direction where we need to go., Projects like these require investment and commitment over long periods of time. Karl envisioned the hotel would serve as a calling card to his resort at Chena Hot Springs. All activities are an additional charge (except a tour of the geothermal power plant). There were only five chairs to sit in for a parent and monitor their child and overall it was unwelcoming. I grew up going to Chena Hot Springs, and IMO it isnt a must do, unless youre desperate to do it, and I didnt get that impression. When a hotel made of ice opened near Fairbanks in 2004, Forbes described it as the dumbest business idea of the year.. By clicking Accept All, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. Viewing the Northern Lights in and around Fairbanks. Despite the obvious, long-term benefits of swapping hydrocarbons for hydrothermal, the upfront investment needed to kickstart these projects continues to hinder their progress especially without a clear energy strategy in place. I regretfully can say that was very disappointed with my visit for the following reasons: The Pedro building is very run down. But if this is common knowledge and the tech is readily available, then why hasnt the state been able to capitalize on this opportunity? Its a baseload resource that you can use directly to heat buildings, to heat sidewalks, to heat swimming pools, or greenhouses, he continues. With the exception of perforated floor mats, perhaps a new paint job, insulated panels over the windows, and the conversion of the hot pool into a Koi pond, the pool house hasnt changed. I know I'm repeating what many others have said, but let that be your warning. According to Karl, 60 percent of all fish in the United States comes from Dutch Harbor, and hes hoping to address the industrys emissions by producing 65 million gallons of liquid hydrogen per yeara zero carbon alternative fuel when produced from renewable sources like geothermal. Do notI mean seriouslydo not expect much if you do the aurora tour or ice museum. The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional". Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet. At 56 miles from Fairbanks the only reason to go to the China Hot Springs Resort is the drive. Its ranks have included legendary adventurers from Teddy Roosevelt to Charles Lindbergh to Buzz Aldrin, so having members on a sub journeying to the Titanic wreck site was not that unusual. We went with our family for the hot springs and pool and found an old overpriced and dirty place that does nothing to live up to its advertisements. We were able to purchase shower shoes and rented towels. Interest in Alaska's Geothermal Resources Is Heating Up The Hot Springs are worth it - Review of Chena Hot Springs Resort Prospector brothers Robert and Thomas Swan discovered the natural hot spring near the north fork of the Chena River. It does not store any personal data. The water is composed of a variety of different, identified minerals. Projects like these require investment and commitment over long periods of time, says Holdmann. I will say that a moose did walk from the woods, checked out the At 56 miles from Fairbanks the only reason to go to the China Hot Springs Resort is the drive. We went with our family for the hot springs and pool and found an old overpriced and dirty place that does nothing to live up to its advertisements. Yes, even in those Alaskan cold months. Members who are knowledgeable about this destination and volunteer their time to answer travelers' questions. After it was established that the hydropower resource wouldnt meet the resorts desired output, Holdmann steered the project in a different direction. The lockerrooms were small and dirty and had not appeared to have been cleaned in a while. And nobody seemed to care. see: https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g12176291-d2186131-Reviews-Chena_Hot_Springs_Resort-Chena_Hot_Springs_Alaska.html. Talk about an accident waiting to happen. It is drained weekly, cleaned and refilled. The use of them in these areas is forbidden. Yes! This took me to the Chena Hot Springs Resort located an hour outside of Fairbanks, Alaska (the address is WRONG on the map). The accommodations are ugly. Many of things included in our package, like the hot springs pool pass and geothermal tour, are available to all Chena guests free of charge. And a big piece of that picture was 40 miles of pipeline connecting a geothermal powerplant to the city: Its not sophisticated insulation and they hardly lose any temperaturehalf the buildings and sidewalks are heated with geothermal water from the powerplant, he recalls. A seemingly secluded two lane road through some very rustic and pretty forest along the China River ends at the hokie resort. The Instagram user who originally posted the video wrote in the caption that they would have called these people in, but they couldnt find a ranger and didnt have cell service. Chena Hot Spring? Skip or must do? - Fairbanks Forum Pro: Some truly unique and unforgettable experiences. We just left and enjoyed the scenery on the ride back. There are cooling fountains within if you get too hot. There most certainly are! I just wish they made the effort worthwhile by serving decent food. Drive back to Taste of Alaska and stay there, dog sledding with Paws and a great local meal at The Turtle Club! document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Your email address will not be published. Relying on his earlier analogy, he adds: As people get excited about wanting to harness geothermal energy to address climate change, its worth remembering that it will likely cost more than existing energy demand solutions, at least in the short to midterm. It is much more than an automobile museum, as it showcases the fashions that match the vehicle, you see the garage where the vehicles are kept running, and they drive around town, also lotsa historical displays. With a grand total of 79 known natural hot springs all over the state, there are several that have had resorts built up around them. They took us to the top of a dome with a yurt, filled with folding chairs and PACKED with people (mostly not masked) and it was hot and wreaked of propane. His response was whatever man. They had already booked the entire amount to my credit card. Get the most out of your time on Bostons Freedom Trail walking path. Much like the ice hoteltoday operating as the Aurora Ice Museum, despite early skepticismgeothermal wasnt always the obvious answer. Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors. I laughed far too hard when we arrived, because whoever markets this place as a resort knows thats a straight up lie. Not worth the drive - Review of Chena Hot Springs Resort Given your timing, I agree you can give it a miss. Enjoy this story? Doesn't allow for appropriate cancellation. Investigators think the foot belonged to someone who fell or went into the Abyss Pool the morning of July 31. Shuttle service to and from the Fairbanks Airport, Two nights lodging in the Moose Lodge (a standard two queen hotel room), Pass to the Hot Springs Pool Area (valid for 48 hours), Two dinners, two breakfasts, and one lunch in the restaurant. We tried the restaurant to try and salvage something for the hour plus drive, but that too was unpleasant. LIke you, I was considering staying at Chena, but was torn by the huge range of reviews. I went back online to check and it was in such small print, it was almost unreadable. Although there are year-round residents in the area, Chena Hot Springs Resort is a privately-owned, 440-acre, year-round resort. Did you love it or hate it? Frankly, is was a dirty and gross experience. For privacy, the tubs each have their own deck and are located 200 feet from each other. Frankly, is was a dirty and gross experience. Gratuities Be warned, the staff members arent shy about asking for them. A tourist ignored another visitors warning and dipped her fingers into a deadly boiling spring in Yellowstone National Park, video shows. There were thick clouds, there was no way we were going to see the aurora, but they kept us there until 3am. The aurora tour started late. You will be happier if you pack your own. Theres a lot of movement and momentum, partly because of the administration and congress has changed, says Rose on the push towards sustainable energy. OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. Chena Hot Springs - Travel Alaska There is also a glassed-in indoor 90 F . Look no further, as we have your next weekend winter experience right here. Pool desk can be reached at (907) 451-8104 ext. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. We got there and we were so hungry and it so happens they actually have a restaurant on site so we got very excited. You get what you pay for or maybe not even that at CHS. We politely informed the staff. We had only two days to see the northern lights and travel to Chena hots springs, but our tour got cancelled due to the weather.

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