Thunderbird Lodge

Hotels
8.3 (2851 reviews)
Bia Indian Route 7 , Chinle , us

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Free
Children allowed

Facilities

WiFi available
Free WiFi
Parking
Free Parking
Non-smoking rooms
Air conditioning
24-hour front desk
Restaurant
Business center
Heating
See all facilities

Review Highlights

Pros:
Excellent location very close to Cañón de Chelly
Authentic historic property and Navajo staff/guides
Responsive and accommodating staff (upgrades, friendly service)
Enjoyable guided sunset canyon tour
On-site coffee/nearby restaurant options
Cons:
Room problems: bedbugs, cigarette smell, ozone generator, poor maintenance
Perceived poor value/overpriced and extra charges
Limited amenities in places (no ice/beer, flies, inconsistent AC)
Safety and emergency-protocol concern during a tour vehicle breakdown
Food service limitations (cafeteria closed early; skimpy/expensive breakfasts)

Categories

Cleanliness
6
Multiple guests reported cleanliness problems: bedbugs, cigarette smell in an assigned room, and complaints about toxic ozone generator and sand/dust in rooms.
Service
10
Service is frequently described as responsive and accommodating (staff upgrades, helpful front-desk and on-site staff); local Navajo employees and guides receive strong praise for authenticity and personal effort during a tour disruption.
Location
10
Consistently highlighted as excellent — very close to the Cañón de Chelly visitor access and picturesque setting; many reviews cite location as the primary positive factor.
Room Quality
5.8
Room quality received several negative reports: rooms described as 'awful', issues with deadbolt, cigarette odor, ozone generator, sandbags blocking doors and layout/condition inconsistencies between rooms.
Amenities
9.6
Mixed notes: positive mentions of an on-site coffee machine and unique historic facilities/tours, but some guests noted limited conveniences (no ice/beer, flies, occasional AC not pre-cooled). Overall amenities are strong for the property's historic/remote character.
Value for Money
6
Several guests felt the property was overpriced for what was offered, mentioning extra room charges and that it was 'caro' / 'over rated over priced'.
Food and Beverage
9
Food experiences are mixed: a liked nearby restaurant and generally acceptable breakfasts are mentioned, but the lodge cafeteria closing early and skimpy/expensive breakfasts were noted; overall F&B seen as satisfactory given location.
Overall Experience
10
Overall sentiment skews positive due to unique historic setting, excellent location and memorable guided tours; however there are notable caveats (safety/protocol concerns on a tour and room issues) that some guests raised.
* This sentiment is summarized by AI based on user reviews.
Updated at: 2026-08-13 09:08

Property Description

Luxurious Accommodations
Stay in comfort at Thunderbird Lodge with each guest room equipped with a flat-screen TV, satellite channels, and a microwave. Enjoy the convenience of a private bathroom in every room.

Convenient Amenities
Benefit from free WiFi throughout the property, a business centre for your work needs, and a fitness centre to stay active during your stay. Indulge in Native American cuisine at the on-site restaurant.

Nearby Attractions
Explore the wonders of Canyon de Chelly National Monument just 19 km away, and make sure to visit Petrified Forest National Park, located 161 km from the lodge.

Book your stay at Thunderbird Lodge now to experience a blend of comfort, convenience, and culture.

Important information:

Guests are required to show a photo ID and credit card upon check-in. Please note that all Special Requests are subject to availability and additional charges may apply.
A deposit may be required at the property.

Check-in and check-out hours:
Check-out: 11:00 AM
Airport code: ABQ

Location

Guest Reviews

8.3
Based on 2851 reviews
Cleanliness: 6
Service: 10
Location: 10
Room Quality: 5.8
Amenities: 9.6
Value for Money: 6
Food and Beverage: 9
Overall Experience: 10
A
Ann-Mary • solo_traveller • us
7
A really nice getaway to see Canyon de Chelly.
Pros:

The property was in good condition, well cared for and pleasant. There was even daily room service which is such a rarity these days.

Cons:

The beds and pillows were very hard. I have arthritis in my shoulders and hips and could not get comfortable enough to stay asleep.

2026-09-04 • via Nuitee
M
Maribeth • extended_group • us
8
2026-09-03 • via Nuitee
L
Lois • couple • us
5
It worked for what we needed it for.
Pros:

Location to canyon and points of interest. Refrigerator and microwave.

Cons:

Poor air conditioning, no king size beds, extremely small bathroom, poor airflow.

2026-09-02 • via Nuitee
M
mathieu • couple • fr
8
2026-09-02 • via Nuitee
K
Kowalski • solo_traveller • us
10
Pros:

Great lodge on site of Canyon de Chelly NM. Lovely, spacious clean room. Managed by Navajo Nation

2026-09-01 • via Nuitee
E
Elizabeth • couple • us
8
The location was on the reservation and very close to the canyon. It is rustic and beautiful. The staff were friendly an
Pros:

It was a great location near the rim and accessible to the tour into the canyon.

Cons:

There were several buildings. My building was one of the older ones. The furniture was well worn. The cafe was ok- lots of flies, but the food was satisfactory.

2026-08-30 • via Nuitee
J
Jennifer • couple • us
10
Pros:

Loved the location and the restaurant. Bed were comfortable and everything was clean.

2026-08-29 • via Nuitee
A
alexandra • couple • fr
6
Hôtel correcte pour 1 nuit pour faire le parc MESA VERDE
Pros:

Proche MESA VERDE, 1ere chambre très moche avec une petite fenêtre vue sur un mur et avec une mauvaise odeur …. La dame de l’accueil nous a changé de chambre sans soucis. La 2eme était correct et propre

Cons:

Manque le petit-déjeuner, possibilité de le prendre au restaurant en supplément, comme le repas du soir. Malheureusement les photos ne sont plus représentatives de l’aspect qui est plus vétuste et mal entretenu, sans parler de la piètre qualité des aliments servis. Pas eu trop le choix de s’y rendre car la ville de CHINLE n’est pas du tout attirante

2026-08-27 • via Nuitee
C
COLIN • couple • gp
10
Belle étape
Pros:

Très bel hôtel et typique avec un emplacement très proche du canyon , chambre spacieuse, lit confortable, Équipement parfait , possibilité de faire des lessives . Personnel charmant et Clim silencieuse ( très rare )

Cons:

Rien

2026-08-27 • via Nuitee
S
Shirley • couple • us
10
rustic, cafeteria food was great
Pros:

rustic and scenic

Cons:

difficult to find the check in office after dark

2026-08-26 • via Nuitee
B
Barbara • solo_traveller • it
8
2026-08-25 • via Nuitee
P
PAOLO • couple • it
10
2026-08-25 • via Nuitee
J
John • couple • de
10
Superb location and very comfortable stay
Pros:

Superb location directly in the national park, great check-in. Room was very quiet and comfortable, we really enjoyed staying here.

Cons:

Rooms are older but well maintained. On-site restaurant is cafeteria-style

2026-08-25 • via Nuitee
P
Piotr • family_with_children • pl
5
Pros:

Całkiem dobry wybór dań W kafeterii

Cons:

Zakurzony pokój.

2026-08-25 • via Nuitee
S
Steve • couple • us
9
2026-08-23 • via Nuitee
T
Thorsten • family_with_children • de
3
Cons:

Die Klimaanlage kühlt das Zimmer nicht, obwohl sie auf maximaler Leistung läuft.

2026-08-23 • via Nuitee
S
Sven • extended_group • de
7
für die Durchreise in Ordnung
Pros:

waren auf der Durchreise - für eine Nacht ok, kostenloser Parkplatz

Cons:

Muffig und abgelebt

2026-08-21 • via Nuitee
E
Emmett • couple • us
9
2026-08-21 • via Nuitee
J
Jean mi • solo_traveller • fr
7
Pros:

Ras

Cons:

Le petit déjeuner n'est pas compris.

2026-08-20 • via Nuitee
V
Valentina • couple • it
10
Hotel ai piedi del parco di Chinle
Pros:

La camera è molto pulita ed ha molti comfort.

Cons:

Purtroppo, la mia camera era abbastanza rumorosa per via di una sorta di macchinario,forse un generatore, che non smetteva di funzionare.
Il servizio bar o ristorante non è economico.

2026-08-20 • via Nuitee