Fairbanks' Hidden Gem: River's Edge Resort Awaits!
River's Edge Resort: My Alaskan Adventure (and a Few Hiccups)
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because I’m about to spill the (very hot) tea on Fairbanks' "Hidden Gem," River's Edge Resort. They claim it's a hidden gem. Honestly? They're mostly right. Get ready, because after my trip, I'm still sorting out all the feels (and the laundry - that Alaska cold is brutal on the clothes!).
Getting There & Initial Impressions (and a Slight Panic Attack):
First off, accessibility, kicks in door that's HUGE for me. I’d seen it advertised, and had high hopes the resort lived up to its promise, and it did - mostly. The pathways were generally okay for my wheelchair (though a few ramps seemed a little…steepish), and the elevator was a lifesaver. I was relieved because my pre-trip anxiety was already going into hyperdrive. I had nightmares of being stranded on a muddy path with a view of nothing and no way out, ok?
The resort itself? It's sprawling, which is awesome and slightly intimidating at the same time. The first thing that hit me was the sheer size. Then came the view: the Chena River. Glorious. Immediately felt a wave of calmness wash over me. I needed this. The lobby? Welcoming, with a massive fireplace that just screamed “Alaska." I actually found myself wanting to just plop down and stay planted in front of it for a while.
The Room: My Temporary Fortress (and the Great Towel Caper):
My room! Ah, my room. I went for the "with a view" option. It was spacious, had everything listed as Available in all rooms: Air conditioning (phew!), a comfy long bed, alarm clock, coffee maker, wifi ( thank god for Free Wi-Fi in all rooms!), and even a mini-bar (which, I admit, was instantly raided for its bottled water).
And… the bathtub! Yes. I love a good bathtub. I'm like a giant, wrinkly prune after a long soak. However… where were all the bathrobes? And slippers? I was promised! (Okay, I might have been slightly dramatic there… but after a long day of travel, those little comforts matter!)
Side note: The Blackout Curtains were a DREAM. Alaska's daylight in summer can be intense, and these babies blocked out everything. Slept like a baby every night. Well, except for the first night when I woke up convinced a moose was attacking my window. (Spoiler: it wasn't. Just a particularly gusty breeze.)
The bathroom itself was fine, but the pressure from the shower kind of sucked, and there could have been better ventilation. The water was hot but not scalding. That’s what I want from a shower, let’s be honest.
Dining, Drinking, & Snacking: Food Adventures (and the Mystery of the Disappearing French Fries):
Okay, let's talk food. This is where things get… interesting. River's Edge boasts a few dining options.
- The Bistro: The A la carte in restaurant was OK. I got to try Asian cuisine but honestly I wasn't impressed. They also served a buffet. Asian breakfast isn't for me. The quality was decent but nothing to write home about. I didn’t even make it back to try Western breakfast.
- The River's Edge Bar: Had a decent vibe.
- Poolside bar: Didn’t try it.
- Coffee shop: I did snag coffee a few times.
Breakfast? Breakfast was a Breakfast [buffet] service and was decent. The coffee was good. There was a ton of options. I didn't mind the food. I'm a big fan of the Happy hour, happy hour was good! They did a decent beer and burger combo.
The big problem? Well, my first night I ordered room service [24-hour] and I was craving fries. Classic. They didn't have fries. It made me so sad. I was convinced it was a conspiracy. Where were the fries?! I was stuck with a soggy burger. It ruined my night. (Okay, maybe a slight exaggeration, but still…) I didn't take advantage of the Breakfast takeaway service but I bet that would have been a good option for day trips.
Things to Do & Ways to Relax: Spa Dreams (and the Sauna Seduction):
This is where River's Edge shines. They've got it all.
- The Spa: Oh. My. Goodness. The Spa/sauna was heaven. I was getting a massage ASAP. I'm all about the massage. The pressure was perfect, the oils smelled divine, and I practically melted into the table.
- The Pool: The Swimming pool [outdoor] with a view. Seriously. The Pool with view! The pool wasn’t crowded, but it was cold! No, I didn't swim. I went during the spring. The weather said "sunny and 70," but it was more like "chilly and 55."
- Gym/fitness & Fitness center: Didn't make it.
- Other things I skipped: Body scrub, Body wrap, Foot bath, Steamroom.
Cleanliness and Safety: Feeling Safe (and Slightly Paranoid):
I appreciated the effort. Anti-viral cleaning products, Room sanitization opt-out available, and the staff seemed to be following procedures. I saw Staff trained in safety protocol, and they were very careful to maintain physical distancing of at least 1 meter. Daily disinfection in common areas was very obvious.
Services and Conveniences: The Good, the Bad, and the Slightly Confusing:
- The Good: Cashless payment service. Facilities for disabled guests. Car park [free of charge]. And the convenience store – perfect for grabbing snacks and essentials.
- The Slightly Confusing: Sometimes it was hard to find staff. The concierge was helpful when you could find them.
For the Kids (and the Kid in Me):
They had all the listed amenities: Babysitting service and Family/child friendly. I did not use any of these services.
Getting Around and the Airport Transfer: A Smooth Ride:
The Airport transfer was seamless. The Cars are easy to find. The Car park [on-site] was pretty close, and free!
Metadata & SEO Goodness (Because Google Likes This Stuff):
- Keywords: River's Edge Resort, Fairbanks, Alaska, hotel review, accessibility, spa, sauna, Chena River, family-friendly, dining, wheelchair accessible, Northern Lights (because you can potentially see them!), Alaska travel, vacation, adventure, spa treatments, outdoor pool.
- Meta Description: Honest and humorous review of River's Edge Resort in Fairbanks, Alaska! Explore accessibility, dining experiences (and the great fry mystery!), the spa, and overall value. Is this your perfect Alaskan getaway? Find out!
- Title Tag: River's Edge Resort Awaits! Fairbanks Hotel Review - The Good, The Bad, and the Fries (Maybe)
- URL: (e.g., travel/alaska/rivers-edge-resort-review)
My Verdict:
Would I recommend River's Edge? Absolutely. The location is stunning, the spa is divine, and the accessibility is a definite plus. Plus, there's just something about the Alaskan air that makes you feel alive. However, be prepared for a few hiccups – the food (specifically, the fry situation) could be improved, and service can be a little inconsistent. Overall, it’s a fantastic basecamp for exploring Fairbanks and the surrounding area. Just pack your own fries, just in case. And tell me if you find a bathrobe!
Houston Willowbrook Hotel: Unbeatable Deals & Luxury Await!
Okay, buckle up, buttercups. This isn't your sanitized brochure-style itinerary. This is real life, Fairbanks, Alaska style. And frankly, after the last few months, I need this.
River's Edge Resort: A Fairbanks Fiasco (or Fantastic Adventure?)
Day 1: Arrival & Mild Panic (and a Really Good Burger)
- 1:00 PM: Touchdown in Fairbanks. Let's be honest, getting off that plane, I felt like I'd entered a different planet. The air? Crisp. The scenery? Starkly beautiful. My brain? Already trying to calculate how many layers of clothing I'll need.
- 1:30 PM: River's Edge Resort. Okay, first impressions? Cute. Like, a little too… rustic. It has that "charm," you know? The kind that whispers, "We haven't updated this since the Reagan administration." But the river view? Gorgeous. I'm already picturing myself sipping coffee on the deck, reflecting on the meaning of life or something equally pretentious.
- 2:00 PM: Check-in. This is where the "rustic charm" rears its head. The woman at the desk was… well, she probably sees a lot of tourists. I got the distinct feeling she’s seen it all. (And probably heard it all, too.) She gave me my key, a map that looked like it was photocopied from the early 90s, and a look that said, "Good luck, sweetie."
- 2:30 PM: Room check! Oh boy, the room! It was fine. Really. But my brain was already doing the mental gymnastics of what to do when reality doesn't meet expectations.
- 3:00 PM: Decided I'm hungry. Like, ravenous. Found a local place called Fred Meyer and ordered the best burger in Fairbanks. It's a greasy, glorious beast of a burger, and I devoured it with zero shame.
- 4:00 PM: Wandered around the resort, taking in the sights. The river. The RVs. The random moose statue. It's all so… Alaska. And I kinda love it.
- 5:00 PM: Settled into the room, unpacked, and spent an hour staring out the window at the Chena River. Pure bliss, even with the slightly dodgy carpet stain.
- 7:00 PM: Casual dinner. It was something basic. But by the end of the meal, I had a great feeling about the trip.
Day 2: Dogsledding Dreams (and a near disaster)
- 8:00 AM: Breakfast - hotel breakfast is bland, but the bacon had a certain charm, like everything here. Ate it.
- 9:00 AM: The moment of truth: The dog sledding tour. I'm a HUGE animal person, so this was the thing I was most excited about! Drove to the dog yard. Met the dogs. They were adorable. The dogs were ready to go! I was on the sled behind the musher!
- 9:30 AM: Disaster! My brain gave up and I fell off the sled into the snow. My first thought was "Well, at least I didn't get run over by a pack of dogs." I was fine, a bit muddy, and the dogs were totally fine. They kept going!
- 10:00 AM: After wiping the snow of my face, I decided to just… let the experience sink in. I was so excited, and now I felt a little… defeated.
- 11:00 AM: After the adrenaline wore off, I took a hot bath and relaxed.
- 12:00 PM: Ate the most amazing lunch, it was a local soup shop with amazing food. So good it was like a dream! Amazing!
- 1:00 PM: Went to the gift shop, got a few souvenirs.
- 2:00 PM: Relaxing by the Chena river.
Day 3: Aurora Hunting & Deep Thoughts (and a bit of boredom)
- 8:00 AM: Woke up. Ate the worst breakfast in the world.
- 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM: Spent the morning aimlessly exploring the resort and town. It's a weird space between "charming" and "slightly dilapidated". I found the public library though, and it's heaven.
- 1:00 PM: Decided I needed a walk to get out of the duldrums. Walked by the river. It's beautiful, but after a while, the scenery starts to blur.
- 4:00 PM: The whole point of this trip: Aurora hunting. I booked a tour, shivering in anticipation of seeing the Northern Lights. Fingers crossed the weather cooperates!
- 9:00 PM: The tour! Out into the cold, dark Alaskan night. Hours of waiting. Hours of checking the sky.
- 11:00 PM: And then… it happened. The aurora borealis. The most beautiful display of colors. The pictures don't do it justice. I was crying.
- 12:00 AM: Back to the hotel, speechless.
Day 4: Farewell Fairbanks (and a lingering sense of peace)
- 9:00 AM: One last mediocre breakfast. Packed my bags.
- 10:00 AM: One final stroll along the river. I'm gonna miss this place.
- 11:00 AM: Check-out. Said goodbye to the lady at the desk (who, surprisingly, smiled this time!).
- 12:00 PM: Head to the airport, ready to go home.
- 3:00 PM: On the plane. I'm exhausted, overwhelmed, and strangely, incredibly content. Fairbanks wasn't perfect. It was messy, imperfect, and at times, a little boring. But it was real. And maybe, just maybe, that's exactly what I needed.
So, there you have it. A trip. A truth. And hopefully, a few good stories to tell. If you're planning a trip to Fairbanks, embrace the mess. Embrace the imperfections. And definitely, definitely, try the burger.
Escape to Flagstaff: Mountain View Inn's Unforgettable Arizona Getaway
River's Edge Resort: Fairbanks' "Hidden Gem"? (Let's See...)
Okay, so what *IS* River's Edge Resort, exactly? Sounds fancy.
Alright, picture this: Fairbanks, Alaska. You're kinda out there, right? River's Edge is... well, it's more than just a hotel. It's a sprawling complex right on the Chena River. Riverboats, a little strip mall, a bunch of lodges, and... a *lot* of potential. Think of it as a mini-village for tourists and locals alike. It's where you get the *idea* of Alaskan adventure, maybe before you actually *DO* Alaskan adventure. (And trust me, that distinction matters later.) My first thought? "Whoa, this is way bigger than I expected." And then, the slight existential dread kicked in... "Am I ready for this much... resort?"
Lodging options – spill the tea! Cabins? Standard rooms? Are they *actually* clean?
Okay, the lodging... it's a mixed bag. They got a bunch of different options. The standard rooms? Honestly, they're probably fine, I've never done the standard room personally. But I will be honest, the cabins? Oh, the cabins are where it's at. I stayed in a cabin, and I LOVED the cabin. Rustic charm, fireplace, the works. It's the fantasy, you know? Like you're a lumberjack (or lumberjill!) of leisure. But… and this is a HUGE but… cleanliness can vary. I mean, I walked into mine and it was spotless, truly. The next time, uh... let's just say the cleaning crew might have taken a day off. Dust bunnies the size of Arctic hares. (I swear I saw one blinking at me). It's a gamble, folks. Bring wipes! Ask for extra towels! Consider it part of the 'adventure'. And pray to the cleaning gods.
What's the deal with the riverboats? Tourist trap or a legit experience?
The riverboats. This is where things get… interesting. Look, you *have* to do it. It's part of the Fairbanks experience, you can't avoid it. And hey, the boat itself is pretty cool, right? Big ol' paddle wheeler. The scenery is beautiful; I'm talking lush green scenery, the trees and the water make you feel amazing. The stories are… well, touristy. But, you know what? They *are* interesting. They make you feel like you can connect with alaska. I remember one time, a guide pointed out a bald eagle's nest so high up that there was no way I would have seen it without him, it really was amazing. Plus, if you get lucky, the food on board isn't half bad. But… it's a lot of other tourists. So, manage your expectations, bring your patience, and remember: it's all part of the fun, even if the fun feels a little… organized. And if you have a heart for history, it *is* worth it.
Food! What's the grub situation like? Any recommendations that aren’t... chain restaurants?
Okay, food… this is where River's Edge starts to… well, it depends. They have a few restaurants on-site. Some are better than others. My advice? Scope out the local scene. Fairbanks has some hidden culinary gems. Honestly, I'd probably mostly eat off-site, but you know, the occasional meal is fine. The quality is what you'd expect honestly.
Things to do *besides* just lounging around...
Alright, beyond the riverboat (which *is* a major activity), what else ya got? Well, the resort itself has a few things. Gift shops (duh!), some walking paths, and that general Alaskan *vibe*. The river's right there, so you can stroll along it. And from River's Edge, you can easily access other Fairbanks attractions. The ice museum, the dog sledding tours, the Aurora Borealis viewing (if you're lucky with the timing… and prayed to the weather gods, the latter is important) are close by. It serves as a good basecamp. Or, like me and my friends, you can just hang out in your cabin, drink beer, and debate the merits of various Alaskan beers. That's an activity, right?
Is it family-friendly? Like, actually? Or mostly for grizzled adventurers?
Family-friendly? Mostly, yeah. There's enough space for kids to run around (though keep an eye out near the river!). The riverboat is generally okay for kids, even thought they might get bored with the stories. There's a pool as well. The cabins, if you're staying in one, have more than enough space to accommodate an entire little family! It's not *excessively* geared towards kids. River's Edge is more like… a comfortable jumping-off point for family adventures. You'll probably have a fine time. No matter how old you are.
What about the staff? Are they, you know, *helpful*? Or just over it?
Staff… This is always a gamble, isn't it? Honestly though, I've mostly had decent experiences with the staff. They're generally friendly and helpful, even if they’re a little preoccupied. Remember, they're dealing with a whole bunch of tourists all the time. Keep a smile on your face, be polite, and you'll probably get good service. And hey, if someone’s having a bad day, give ‘em a break. We all have ‘em! Plus, you *are* in the middle of nowhere after all.
Okay, final verdict: Is River's Edge actually a "hidden gem"? Or just… a place?
"Hidden gem" is a *strong* term. I wouldn't quite call it that. It's more like… a solid, functional, slightly quirky basecamp for exploring Fairbanks. It's got its flaws, and honestly, sometimes those flaws were a bit annoying. The whole "resort" thing can feel a little… manufactured. But the cabins are nice, the river is cool, it is in walking distance to many other attractions. I wouldn't say no to going back, but I wouldn't go in with the expectation of discovering some secret Alaskan paradise. It's a *good* option. And honestly, sometimes, "good" is good enough. But, that's just my take. You might love it! That's the beautyOcean View Inn
Post a Comment for "Fairbanks' Hidden Gem: River's Edge Resort Awaits!"