Though many people associate igloos with Alaska, guests wanting to stay in an ice structure will have trouble finding such accommodations in the state. Construction finished on the Igloo City Hotel in Cantwell, Alaska, more than 30 years ago but it never opened due to fire regulations. The Aurora Ice Hotel in Fairbanks experienced the same problem when proprietors attempted to open the hotel in 2003. Instead of abandoning the idea, the owners turned the hotel into a museum and built the Chena Hot Springs Resort.
Located at the Chena Hot Springs Resort, the Aurora Ice Museum is the remnant of what would have been Alaska's first igloo hotel. Now this museum is the largest year-round ice building in the world, housing ice sculptures carved by world champion ice carvers. It features an ice crystal chandelier, an observation tower and bedroom chambers designed for the museum's original purpose. The Aurora Ice Museum is also home to an ice bar, where guests sample the resort's drinks in ice carved glasses.
Guests at the Chena Resort stay at the Moose Lodge or at the resort's RV and camping area. The Moose Lodge offers 40 rooms, with eight suites featuring two separate bedrooms and exterior entrances. Camping and RV sites are rustic with no electrical hook-ups, though water and dump stations are available. The resort is also home to seven Mongolian yurt tents, each including three cots and tables with chairs. Pets are welcome at the Moose Lodge and all camping areas, with some restrictions and a deposit.
Other amenities at the Chena Hot Springs Resort include natural hot springs tubs for soaking and healing purposes. The water is chlorinated geothermal water and an indoor swimming pool containing this mineral water is available as well. The resort is also home to the Chena Hot Springs Restaurant, a full service eatery featuring fresh produce grown in the resort's own greenhouses. The Trails End Lounge offers imported and Alaskan beverages. In addition, the Chena Resort operates an on-site dog kennel, consisting primarily of rescue dogs from local organizations.
The Chena Hot Springs Resort offers a number of discounted packages for both overnight stays and day excursions. The Romantic Package features overnight accommodations at the Moose Lodge, as well as dinner and breakfast, a tour of the Aurora Ice Museum, unlimited use of the natural hot tub and more. The Day at Chena is a seven-hour tour offering tours of the resort's attractions, mineral tub soaks, lunch at the Chena's restaurant and shuttle transportation to and from the resort. Other customizable packages are available seasonally, like the Santa Adventure Package.
