Comfortable House With Kitchen On The Chena River. Family Friendly.
Comfortable House With Kitchen On The Chena River. Family Friendly.
About this house rental
Situated in Alaska, this charming house for $150 per night is a great choice for your next trip. While the unit is advertised for a number of people, it is great for a couple as well. We bought a two bedroom log cabin in the 60's. In 1974 we built a two story addition to accommodate our six children. At the time we wired and plumbed one bedroom so it could someday be a kitchen. The downstairs of the addition consists of a double garage, sun room and dining room. The upstairs is where guests are welcome. It has four bedrooms, sitting area, kitchen and porch. We have rented it monthly for many years but this time it was vacated we decided to do it as a VRBO. We live in the cabin downstairs. Also on the property is a cabin that the original owner built for his parents and a barn that we built for our children and converted to a house when they were grown. We did bed and breakfast in them in the 1990's. At the time we registered the name Riverside Retreat. After a few years we decided to rent them on a monthly basis to have more time to play and travel. We can no longer do some of the things we used to do so are doing VRBO in the cabin too. We enjoy marrying people. We also enjoy sharing the space we have taken for granted for so many years. It really is a special spot.
Amenities
Pets allowed
Kitchen / Kitchenette
Internet / Wifi
Smoking allowed
Parking
Laundry
Balcony / Patio
TV
Garden
Family friendly
Map of Alaska
Nearby attractions
Reviews
4.7/5.0
Outstanding(159 Reviews)
3.0
Very quirky rental in a great location on the Chena River. Close to UAF and town. Everything is dated, which isn't an issue. It was tired and didn't feel sanitized. The smell of cigarette smoke wafted upstairs because the space is not fully separated. Not pleasant. On the plus side, we could see the Northern Lights from the house!
5.0
We are great stay. They couldn’t have Ben more gracious
5.0
Quiet, little place with lots of privacy. I would stay again.
5.0
A cool rustic property with a great host. We hope to stay again in the future!
1.0
I was hoping to be able to post pictures of how dirty this place was upon my arrival. I feel bad leaving such a bad review but I feel that future guests should know this: Stained bed covers, dirty pillow cases, dirty carpeting, dirty kitchen (floor, table, counter), dirty washroom (everything - had to go to store to purchase cleaning supplies), entire place smelled like cigarette smoke, getting to the laundry room was scary and a bit disturbing. Again, I wish I could post pictures so you can see for yourself. My advise: look elsewhere
2.0
Location's wonderful. Beautiful yard. Lovely host. However.....the accomodations are so dingey, uncomfortable, and dated. There's no living room. The carpets are incredibly dirty. The shower barely works. Half the kitchen sink was unusable. Dirty dishcloths in sink. Old food in fridge. The bedding, sheets, blankets, pillows and bedspread, kind of creepy. Children's highschool posters overhead.Most of all DEAD animals and hides everywhere. That was especially disconcerting to wildlife lovers who have spent years living in and exploring Alaska. We dont mean to be mean or insulting. We thought a lo about not saying anything. It just needs a lot of help and love before we'd ever return
5.0
Very nice place to stay fit 6 guys well. Had all the amenities one could ask for. It is alaska if you expect the Hilton stay in the lower 48 or just find another place. This place will fit your every need kitchen and separate bed rooms if i come back i will definitely stay here again. Thanks to the host.
5.0
Exactly as advertised. Great host, great place.
5.0
We loved the place! Our host was very accomodating and their home is full of Alaskan character.
5.0
Lovely setting on the River very quite, clean and comfortable. The Beds were better than mine at home.
3.0
Marty is a wonderful old woman. I sincerely wanted to not leave a less than good review, but….
Biggest thing is the cigarette smoke smell. It hits you when you first walk in. It kinda wanes a bit when you leave all the windows and door open, but then it comes back. It seems to be both from someone actively smoking downstairs, and also from who knows how many decades of it being in the carpets and walls.
It also only sleeps 8, not 10 like the listing says.
The location and view of the Chena River is great. Even though it’s old, it makes it quaint and very ‘Alaskan’…that being said, I would never stay here again.
The price was pretty cheap, and now I know why.
5.0
This is a great location and close to everything. We were a few minutes from Fort Wainwright and access to downtown Fairbanks.
Martha was great, and we fell in love with her sweet dog who wanted so badly to come upstairs and play.
This will definitely be a place to stay at again when we go to Fairbanks.
5.0
Great view of the river! Cozy home feel.
5.0
We had a great visit to Fairbanks. The accomodations were perfect for my family of 5 (three teens and two parents) and additionally two grandparents. We were all comfy, warm, and had plenty of room and kitchen space for our needs. We didn't spend much time in the unit because we were out exploring Fairbanks but everything was great when we were there.
4.0
Served our needs for a week. Needs a through clean and refresh. Kitchen was well equipped with utensils. We were able to prepare breakfast/brunch daily.
5.0
All nice and clean. Cool place to stay
5.0
We had an amazing time on our trip! Lovely home and in a great location, perfect and homey for our trip. We were even able to see the Northern Lights a couple of nights from the bedroom windows! We would love to visit in the spring or summer to see the river as it was covered in snow. Even kind enough to let us do a load of laundry while we were there. Would recommend to all family and friends!
4.0
Loved the house, and the property...BUT there is a cigarette smoke smell that cannot be ignored. The owner lives downstairs and there is a vent in the stairwell that allows the cigarette smell to waft upstairs. Other than that, the property is great! Price is excellent, the location was perfect, and the owner is very nice.
5.0
Amazing location in winter for Christmas and New Year’s. Perfect host who went out their way to look after us and make us feel welcome. Genuinely so friendly. Unforgettable positive experience. Highly recommend.
5.0
As always a perfect place for us to visit the grandkids. Plenty of room and cozy. Owner is so accommodating and being able to do laundry is a big plus. Our place to stay when we fly up here.
5.0
6 women traveled to alaska for a weeks adventure- Martha’s home was a perfect home base for our weeks stay. We enjoyed the cabin feel and decor, an authentic experience! We loved the porch overlooking the river and Mardees hospitality was expectional! We plan to visit and stay here- it was perfect!
5.0
A wonderful Alaskan experience to show off my home state to my in-laws visiting from overseas, they loved it! A great space, very adaptable rooms and beds, overall just a delight.
5.0
Such a wonderful place to stay
5.0
A wonderful place for our kids. The view from the balcony was so wonderful for my morning coffee and evening reading. Martha was so accommodating for when we needed to do our laundry, letting us hang out a bit while waiting for our flight, and lending us some of her coffee our first morning when we forgot to grab it on the way in. Plenty of room and outside toys for kids. It could use a little cleaning, but nothing that would have kept me from renting it.
5.0
Highly recommended, Mrs. Arlene was very helpful and nice!
5.0
We stayed for 4 days, 3 nights.
Best thing: location on the river. We had a party down by the riverbank. The property has a firepit, wood for the fire, benches, and picnic tables. We had a magical evening hanging out and eating s'mores and other campfire goodies and skipping stones on the Chena River.
The home itself is spacious, with 3 bedrooms, 4 beds, and a nice kitchen. It's an older property and one can sense a bit of mustiness, but clean. It is decorated with animal furs and taxidermy, which is very Alaskan.
5.0
Excellent location, wonderful hoast
5.0
Such a cute place! Very good attention to detail! Martha had everything we needed. The beds were comfy and everything was clean. Would definitely recommend and we would stay there again!
5.0
Great location, kid friendly and close to town. We mostly just used this as a place to sleep and was just what we needed. Yard and big and a great place for the kids to run around. Wish the weather was better so we could have used the fire pit. Would stay here again!!
5.0
We came in to Fairbanks few days early for to group trip. Or group came in over a couple days they were more than accommodating to our needs. Everyone one loved the house
5.0
River retreat is awesome
The place is super cool with lots of Alaska history. Martha is a wonderful person and made us feel right at home. I will stay again and highly recommend this property.
5.0
Great decore
We came in to Fairbanks few days early for to group trip. Or group came in over a couple days they were more than accommodating to our needs. Everyone one loved the house
5.0
This was the perfect landing spot for us as we arrived in Alaska! Mardee was a gracious host and encouraged us to feel at home during our stay. Loved that we all had our own space/room and the beds were all comfortable! The kitchen had just about everything we needed and Mardee gave us use of her grill as well. Mardee was always quick to reply to emails and when our flight got changed to an earlier arrival, she did not mind us coming in sooner than planned. It’s a beautiful, peaceful spot overlooking the river! We really enjoyed our stay! Thank you, Mardee for sharing your home with us!
5.0
Lovely spot on the river!
This was the perfect landing spot for us as we arrived in Alaska! Mardee was a gracious host and encouraged us to feel at home during our stay. Loved that we all had our own space/room and the beds were all comfortable! The kitchen had just about everything we needed and Mardee gave us use of her grill as well. Mardee was always quick to reply to emails and when our flight got changed to an earlier arrival, she did not mind us coming in sooner than planned. It’s a beautiful, peaceful spot overlooking the river! We really enjoyed our stay! Thank you, Mardee for sharing your home with us!
5.0
Great Alaskan experience
This rustic 4 bedroom second floor rental was perfect for our family of 6. The wildlife decor added to the photographic experience.
The rental was proximal to all and met all our families needs. Would recommend to all.
5.0
Loved the place. Great place for kids to play. Host was wonderful
Great place
3.0
Mardee was a lovely host who has put lots of love and years into this property. The location was very convenient- close to town, the highway, and right on the river. Loved sitting out on the porch in the evening. Living space and kitchen weren’t large but were sufficient for our group.
The property could have been cleaner. Unfortunately, we were very put off by the initial smell of cigarette smoke coming from the attached home below. It was quite strong a few days. We were able to dilute the smell with air fresheners and a box fan. In general, the home didn’t feel very clean- we did surface cleaning when we got there and there was dirt buildup on several surfaces, and the bedding was old/worn/sticky in places as well.
Unfortunately, we likely would not stay again. It was a good size/location/price for our group, but next time I will pay more for a more tidy space/
3.0
Location was great. Home was just okay.
Mardee was a lovely host who has put lots of love and years into this property. The location was very convenient- close to town, the highway, and right on the river. Loved sitting out on the porch in the evening. Living space and kitchen weren’t large but were sufficient for our group.
The property could have been cleaner. Unfortunately, we were very put off by the initial smell of cigarette smoke coming from the attached home below. It was quite strong a few days. We were able to dilute the smell with air fresheners and a box fan. In general, the home didn’t feel very clean- we did surface cleaning when we got there and there was dirt buildup on several surfaces, and the bedding was old/worn/sticky in places as well.
Unfortunately, we likely would not stay again. It was a good size/location/price for our group, but next time I will pay more for a more tidy space/
5.0
Everything was great kids had a blast outside
Thank you for renting us your property
3.0
I seldom leave less than 5 star reviews but I think it's important to disclose the experience we had. First of all, the house is in a beautiful location and the upstairs rooms, kitchen, bath, etc. were roomy and reasonably comfortable. We had good communication and were able to check in easily. But there were several things that were really not up to the standards we come to expect from a VRBO. First of all, neither the bathroom or kitchen were very clean. One of our family members got up the first morning and removed the bath mat to clean under it (there was soap scum and hair) and she also had to thoroughly clean the sinks. The kitchen was cleaner but the dishrag and sponge in the sink were dirty. We had to get new ones. There were old coffee grounds left in the (ancient) coffee maker and there were old take-out containers in the refrigerator. The worst thing, which other reviewers have mentioned, is that at times there's a strong sense of cigarette smoke in the house. Someone downstairs smokes and the smell drifts upstairs. Fortunately the weather was ideal so we were able to leave the windows open and the ceiling fans running. But, again as others have mentioned, this should be disclosed in the description.
If I had to do it over again I probably wouldn't book this stay.
FAQs
How much does this house cost compared to others in Alaska?
The average price for a rental in Alaska is $180 per night. This rental is $30 less expensive than the average.
Is parking included with this house?
Yes, parking is listed as an amenity at Comfortable House With Kitchen On The Chena River. Family Friendly.. For more information, we encourage you to contact the property about where to park.
Is there a pool at this house?
We didn’t find pool listed as an amenity for this house. It may be worth double checking if a pool is important for your stay.
Is Comfortable House With Kitchen On The Chena River. Family Friendly. pet friendly?
Yes! This house is pet-friendly. For more information, we recommend contacting the booking provider about animal policies.
What amenities are available at Comfortable House With Kitchen On The Chena River. Family Friendly.?
We found 10 amenities for this rental. This includes pets allowed, kitchen / kitchenette, internet / wifi, smoking allowed, and parking.
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