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Thunderbird Lodge

3.0 of 5
Highway 191, Rural route 7, Chinle, AZ 86503
Hotel amenities
Thunderbird Lodge
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310 reviews from our community

Traveller rating
    49
    125
    87
    35
    14
See reviews for
Families
100
 
Couples
108
 
Solo
10
 
Business
5
 
Rating summary
  • Location
    4.5 of 5 stars
  • Sleep Quality
    3.5 of 5 stars
  • Rooms
    3.5 of 5 stars
  • Service
    3.5 of 5 stars
  • Value
    3.5 of 5 stars
  • Cleanliness
    4 of 5 stars
Date Rating
Asheville, North Carolina
Top Contributor
76 reviews 76 reviews
9 hotel reviews
Reviews in 17 cities Reviews in 17 cities
18 helpful votes 18 helpful votes
3 of 5 stars Reviewed 23 May 2013 NEW

Now called the Sacred Canyon Lodge, this is a good basic spot to use for a short stay near the fantastic Canyon de Chelly. Rooms are old fashioned but spacious and there is wi-fi (contrary to what Fodors will tell you) which is especially useful as neither of our phones could get service. Bed was soft. cafe on site, which... More

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Corvallis, Oregon
Contributor
20 reviews 20 reviews
3 hotel reviews
Reviews in 7 cities Reviews in 7 cities
8 helpful votes 8 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 15 May 2013

AND, right at Canyon de Chelly - wouldn't stay anywhere else if I go back. Makes visiting the Canyon so easy - we took a very short drive up to a lookout on South Rim to watch the sunset after arriving. Unpretentious place, quiet - car can be parked close to building - cafeteria a short walk away. Nice grounds... More

Was this review helpful? Yes 2
See 3 more reviews by 414gottago for Chinle
Senior Contributor
30 reviews 30 reviews
5 hotel reviews
Reviews in 9 cities Reviews in 9 cities
9 helpful votes 9 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 7 May 2013

This is the best offering in Chinle. It is also a pleasant throw back to old time motels - the good kind. Very well kept, great help, and a nice cafeteria with Navajo theme that isn't overtly commercial. The grounds were nice and nicely kept. It is very close to Canyon de Tsegi. The rooms have beamed ceilings with fans... More

Was this review helpful? Yes 1
Houston
Senior Reviewer
7 reviews 7 reviews
4 hotel reviews
Reviews in 5 cities Reviews in 5 cities
8 helpful votes 8 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 7 May 2013

Well...I am shocked to find that the Thunderbird Lodge of yesteryear is undergoing changes--I knew it was coming but don't have high expectations. If you ask me, The View/Monument Valley take-over is a very bad sign...in it's day the Thunderbird Lodge provided the best overall experience at Canyon de Chelly--especially the staff, gift shop, tours and the older, smaller rooms... More

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Roswell, Georgia
Contributor
13 reviews 13 reviews
5 hotel reviews
Reviews in 5 cities Reviews in 5 cities
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 5 May 2013

We stayed one night here. It was very charming;older but I loved the atmosphere. All rooms are street level with parking in front of the room. There were several different buildings so it didn't feel like just a motel.The grounds were very nice, peaceful and relaxing. Horses were grazing in a pasture across the road from the lodge. There was... More

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See 5 more reviews by Ann S for Chinle
Vancouver
Senior Reviewer
10 reviews 10 reviews
6 hotel reviews
Reviews in 6 cities Reviews in 6 cities
9 helpful votes 9 helpful votes
3 of 5 stars Reviewed 18 April 2013

Decor and amenities definitely ’older’ but the room was spacious and clean. TV, phone and wifi worked well. Staff were pleasant and the location is an excellent base for exploring the area. The cafeteria food is pretty awful so I’d avoid that and eat in Chinle. Thunderbird has recently changed hands -- we were told long-standing staff were laid off... More

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See 3 more reviews by cantpickaname for Chinle
1 review
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 17 April 2013 via mobile

We stayed Easter weekend and were quite happy. We had everything we needed plus a great location. The cafeteria was the best part, ate and enjoyed all our meals there. The tacos on fry bread are still calling my name. If you need something fancy, go somewhere else. This place works just fine.

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Lititz. PA
Reviewer
3 reviews 3 reviews
Reviews in 2 cities Reviews in 2 cities
1 helpful vote 1 helpful vote
1 of 5 stars Reviewed 14 April 2013

This place should be bulldozed! It is 50 years past its prime, the staff untrained in customer service and the only food available is a cafeteria, where the food is of very poor quality. I would rather camp in a tent. We spent one night there (April 3, 2013) and would strongly suggest that anyone visiting Canyon de Chelly find... More

Was this review helpful? Yes 1
Senior Contributor
25 reviews 25 reviews
6 hotel reviews
Reviews in 10 cities Reviews in 10 cities
9 helpful votes 9 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 8 April 2013 via mobile

We stayed at lodge with some concerns due to reviews in this media. However our fears were erased. The room we had was comfortable and staff were professional it was quiet all day. We ate at their dining room which was a cafeteria setting but food was good and inexpensive. The gift shop was small but nice. The location of... More

Was this review helpful? Yes 2
Islander in Canada
2 reviews
Reviews in 2 cities Reviews in 2 cities
3 helpful votes 3 helpful votes
1 of 5 stars Reviewed 6 April 2013

Outdated, dreary, do not bother with this one. Also if you need Internet you will not get it here! Biggest mistake on our trip was to stay at Thunderbird Lodge...all our other stays have been exceptional.

Was this review helpful? Yes 1
BEST WESTERN Canyon de Chelly Inn
Great value on a similar hotel
Chinle, AZ
4 of 5 stars 377 Reviews
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Hotel Summarization (Beta)

What travellers say

  • Bright angel(6)
  • El tovar(5)
  • Gift shop(3)
  • First floor(3)
  • South rim(3)

Additional Information about Thunderbird Lodge

Address: Highway 191, Rural route 7, Chinle, AZ 86503
Region: United States > Arizona > Chinle
Amenities:
Free Parking Restaurant
Hotel Style:
Ranked #2 of 2 Speciality lodging in Chinle
Price range (per night): 179 AUD - 313 AUD
Hotel Class:3 star (3*)
Official Description (provided by the hotel):
The only accommodations inside Canyon de Chelly National Monument. ... more   less 
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Also Known As:
Thunderbird Hotel Chinle
Thunderbird Hotel
Thunderbird Lodge Grand Canyon

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Thunderbird Lodge
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