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Thunderbird Lodge Chinle: Traveler Reviews

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Average price*: $109 (year-round)
TripAdvisor Traveler Rating: 3.5 based on 48 reviews 48 Reviews
5.0 of 5 stars
11
4.0 of 5 stars
18
3.0 of 5 stars
12
2.0 of 5 stars
4
1.0 of 5 stars
3
TripAdvisor Popularity Index: #1 of 3 hotels in Chinle
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  • Hotel class: 1 of 5
  • Rooms: 72
Description: Small Lodge & Motel authorized by National Park Service, situated on Navajo Indian Reservation. This description is based on information provided by the hotel.
Address:
Box 548 (1/2 Mi South Of Canyon De Chelly Visitor Center)
Chinle, AZ 86503

TripAdvisor Traveler Reviews

Reviews of Thunderbird Lodge Chinle

( 2-6 of 48 )
“Excellent choice for us!”

Thunderbird Lodge Chinle

Jul 16, 2008
1/1 found this review helpful

Thunderbird Lodge was just what we were looking for. Local flavor, clean and neat and quiet, really made us feel like we were experiencing life in the southwest, not in a chain hotel that could be anywhere USA. The people were nice, it was so convenient to Canyon de Chelly where we rode horses the next day. This is an old, historic motel and doesn't look like a Hampton, but it is well maintained and we had no problems with anything.

We ate in the restaurant one night: nice buffet in a booth surrounded by Navajo blankets on the walls. Good meal, reasonable price. The next night we went to the Best Western in Chinle and had a good meal, also reasonably priced. Best rooms are the ones looking out onto the grass courtyard next to the giftshop tho ours at the front was pleasant, too.

The highlight of the trip was the 6 hour ride with Gabriel from Totsoni Ranch down through the canyon and back up the unbelievably steep trail to the top. We ride horses wherever we go and this ride was incredible!

  • This TripAdvisor Member:
    • Liked — The ambience, local historical flavor
    • Disliked — quite a walk to the ice bucket!
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
GomomgoTennessee's Summary
Date of Stay: June 2008
Traveled with: Spouse / significant other
Visit was for: Hobbies / interest / culture
Age group: 50-64
Member since: July 04, 2007
  • My ratings for this hotel are:
    • 5 of 5 stars Value
    • 4 of 5 stars Rooms
    • 5 of 5 stars Location
    • 4 of 5 stars Cleanliness
    • 3 of 5 stars Check in / front desk
    • 3 of 5 stars Business service
Would I recommend this hotel to my best friend?
absolutely!
I recommend this hotel for:
An amazing honeymoon, A romantic getaway, People with disabilities, Older travelers, Families with young children, Families with teenagers, Tourists
I selected this hotel as a top choice for:
Museums / Cultural / Historical sites, Outdoor / Adventure
Was this review helpful? Yes No
“Good Place to Stay”

Thunderbird Lodge Chinle

Jul 15, 2008
1/1 found this review helpful

This seems to be the right place to stay in Chinle, given its proximity to the Canyon. The other hotels are not favourably-positioned. The rooms are more than adequate. They are comfortable without being in any way 'flashy'. The cafetieria is basic but serves reasonable food at a very economic price. The service is good. The Thunderbird tour is excellent value and extremely interesting. You can also buy gifts during that tour. (The shop is a little pricey so might be best avoided). The night skies - including thunderstorms - are a wonder.

  • This TripAdvisor Member:
    • Liked — Proximity to the Canyon de Chelly
    • Disliked — Not applicable
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Rambler55's Summary
Date of Stay: July 2008
Traveled with: Family with teenagers
Visit was for: Quality time with family
Age group: 50-64
Member since: July 15, 2008
  • My ratings for this hotel are:
    • 4 of 5 stars Value
    • 3 of 5 stars Rooms
    • 4 of 5 stars Location
    • 4 of 5 stars Cleanliness
    • 4 of 5 stars Check in / front desk
    • 4 of 5 stars Service
Would I recommend this hotel to my best friend?
most likely
I recommend this hotel for:
Tourists
I do not recommend this hotel for:
Great pool scene
I selected this hotel as a top choice for:
Museums / Cultural / Historical sites
Was this review helpful? Yes No
“Good location, well maintained”

Thunderbird Lodge Chinle

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3 of 5 stars
San Diego
Jun 2, 2008
3/3 found this review helpful

This older motel style accommodation is well maintained and quaint. Perfect for a stay in a national park. We had two queen beds that were comfortable, everything in the room worked, the shower had plenty of hot water and water pressure and the staff was pleasant. Although the rooms lack hair dryers and irons, they are available for loan at the front desk.

When we first pulled in to the lodge to arrange a jeep tour, I was skeptical about staying there because I'm not a fan of motels....(The Westin is more my preference.) So, instead we went over to the Holiday Inn to check it out (there aren't many choices in Chinle!) The room we were shown there was so ordinary and sterile that it made the Thunderbird seem like a better choice -- its in the park, its quaint and just seemed more like the rustic kind of place to stay when visiting an Indian reservation/national park.

The cafeteria is open early if you must have your coffee fix first thing. Didn't really sample the food there but I suspect it is the typical cafeteria food.

We took the 1/2 day jeep tour and really enjoyed it. Our guide was great, the stops were interesting (lots of ruins) and would definitely recommend it. Wish we had had time for the full day jeep tour.

  • This TripAdvisor Member:
    • Liked — location
    • Disliked — lack of amenities in room
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Debkatie's Summary
Date of Stay: May 2008
Traveled with: Spouse / significant other
Visit was for: Other
Age group: 50-64
Member since: June 11, 2004
  • My ratings for this hotel are:
    • 4 of 5 stars Value
    • 3 of 5 stars Rooms
    • 5 of 5 stars Location
    • 3 of 5 stars Cleanliness
    • 4 of 5 stars Check in / front desk
    • 3 of 5 stars Service
Would I recommend this hotel to my best friend?
most likely
I recommend this hotel for:
People with disabilities, Older travelers, Families with young children, Tourists
I do not recommend this hotel for:
Young singles, An amazing honeymoon, Girlfriend getaway, Great pool scene, Pet owners, Families with teenagers
I selected this hotel as a top choice for:
Outdoor / Adventure
Was this review helpful? Yes No
“Great location and tour!!!!”

Thunderbird Lodge Chinle

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3 of 5 stars
Puerto Rico
May 19, 2008
1/1 found this review helpful

This hotel is located inside the Canyon De Chelly. The visitor's center is within walking distance. We arrived Friday (May) at 4pm without reservations and we were able to get the last room. My only complain with the room (actually it is called the Adobe House) is that the facilities need a little restoration. The mattress was awful and the pillows very old.

I loved the food in the cafeteria where you can get anything from a cheeseburger to a navajo taco. We also booked the half day tour with them and it was GREAT!! Our guide was Vincent Ambrose. Not only will you get beautiful pictures but you will get to learn a lot of history of the navajo nation.

  • This TripAdvisor Member:
    • Liked — The tours and the location
    • Disliked — the bedrooms
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
mripoll's Summary
Date of Stay: May 2008
Traveled with: Spouse / significant other
Visit was for: Other
Age group: 35-49
Member since: March 14, 2008
  • My ratings for this hotel are:
    • 3 of 5 stars Value
    • 2 of 5 stars Rooms
    • 5 of 5 stars Location
    • 5 of 5 stars Cleanliness
    • 5 of 5 stars Check in / front desk
    • 5 of 5 stars Service
    • 5 of 5 stars Business service
Would I recommend this hotel to my best friend?
most likely
I recommend this hotel for:
Girlfriend getaway, Older travelers, Pet owners, Families with young children, Families with teenagers, Tourists
I do not recommend this hotel for:
Young singles, An amazing honeymoon, Girlfriend getaway, Great pool scene, Pet owners, Families with teenagers
I selected this hotel as a top choice for:
Museums / Cultural / Historical sites, Outdoor / Adventure
Was this review helpful? Yes No
“Nice room, great value”

Thunderbird Lodge Chinle

Save Review
4 of 5 stars
Belle Vernon, PA
May 18, 2008
1/1 found this review helpful

Stayed at the Thunderbird Lodge while visiting Canyon de Chelly. The rooms were nothing fancy, but well kept and had all the basics you would find at chain hotels with the exception of a coffee maker. The location was great if you are interested in visiting Canyon de Chelly, and the price is right. Did not eat at the restaurant, so no review for that.

  • This TripAdvisor Member:
    • Liked — Location
    • Disliked — No coffee maker
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
jdkbv's Summary
Date of Stay: April 2008
Traveled with: Spouse / significant other
Visit was for: Honeymoon
Age group: 25-34
Member since: May 18, 2008
  • My ratings for this hotel are:
    • 4 of 5 stars Value
    • 3 of 5 stars Rooms
    • 5 of 5 stars Location
    • 3 of 5 stars Cleanliness
    • 3 of 5 stars Check in / front desk
Would I recommend this hotel to my best friend?
absolutely!
I recommend this hotel for:
Young singles, An amazing honeymoon, A romantic getaway, Girlfriend getaway, Older travelers, Families with young children, Families with teenagers, Tourists
I do not recommend this hotel for:
Young singles, An amazing honeymoon, Girlfriend getaway, Great pool scene, Pet owners, Families with teenagers
I selected this hotel as a top choice for:
Museums / Cultural / Historical sites, Outdoor / Adventure
Was this review helpful? Yes No

Reviews of Thunderbird Lodge Chinle

( 2-6 of 48 )
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Thunderbird Lodge Chinle Address

Box 548 (1/2 Mi South Of Canyon De Chelly Visitor Center), Chinle, AZ 86503