USPL Reviews Provided by
Thunderbird Lodge
TripAdvisor Traveler Rating: 1095 reviews
Checked out early, disappointed when canyon de Chelly is so magnificent
User: Renee A from:
Published Date: Sep, 4, 2024
Travel Date: Aug, 1, 2024
Rating: 2
Had two nights booked and pre-paid, left after one night. No one was bothered why we left early, it’s only about the money. Reception was also rude when we tried to check in earlier and price was higher than agreed in the mail ( an ‘environmental charge’). Room was worn, lights not working, filthy airconditioning that made huge noise, fan made a ticking sound that kept me awake. Pillows hard, bed uncomfortable and dirty bathroom. Cafeteria was not good, information given by employee incorrect for lunch. Dinner was better, breakfast portions are huge. Next time will stay in Chinle in a cheaper hotel from a chain ( not a lot of options). However, the 4 hour tour we took with Elton was wonderful! O.k., the car broke down, but he asked us to wait in the shade and got it fixed! Very informative tour , Canyon the Chelly is magnificent . The souvenir shop is not expensive with items ‘made in China’…. Will be back to Canyon the Chelly and use the tour from here, but not stay at the hotel or dine in the cafeteria again.
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Fun road trip
User: hcfirelady from: Roatan, Honduras
Trip Type: Friends getaway
Published Date: Jul, 29, 2024
Travel Date: Jul, 1, 2024
Rating: 4
The rooms are very nice and clean. Cafeteria was not much. Elton gave us an amazing tour. We enjoyed being able to sit outside and enjoy the beautiful views and weather. I would say that there is not many choice for food, so you might want to bring snacks.

A perfect break from the desert road
User: earltolloller from: Southampton, United Kingdom
Trip Type: Family
Published Date: Jul, 24, 2024
Travel Date: Jul, 1, 2024
Rating: 5
We had a long day on the road from Santa Fe via Petrified Forest and en route to Monument Valley and this was a little gem tucked away in the unprepossessing Navajo town of Chinle right next to Canyon de Chelly. The room was great, the cafeteria really good and the people charming.

Charming, friendly and fun
User: wam3 from: Los Angeles, California
Published Date: Jun, 21, 2024
Travel Date: Jun, 1, 2024
Rating: 4
On a road trip thru AZ and NM and decided to divert here for a night. It's just under 2 hours from Gallup--take the drive! There's not a lot there and that's one of the best parts. Just drive around! Tashina welcomed me and put me in their last king room. I knew one day wasn't going to cut it and I went back to the front desk. The room I was in was booked for the next day, but Tashina got me another room (double), which I was able to switch to immediately and use for 2 nights (thank you!). In the middle of this, I thought I had lost my room key. Tashina managed to handle that with grace and warmth, so I didn't feel like such an idiot when I realized it was in my hand the whole time. Rooms are quiet, clean and comfortable, with chairs and a table just outside each room. There's on-site laundry, great wifi, a gift shop and the cafeteria. The cafeteria was OK. The food was good, it's a little chaotic, but the staff are universally warm, welcoming and friendly--which brings me to Shania... Shania seems to have several jobs at the hotel, one of which is in the cafeteria. Night 2 there was a mix-up and they didn't make my dinner. Shania was bussing tables and asked me if I had gotten my dinner. When I said no, she told me the cafeteria had closed. She apologized sincerely, left my table, came back 2 minutes later, apologized again, and offered me a plate of lasagna, some sides and a piece of cake. As a restaurant manager, I was impressed by her sincerity and her commitment to taking care of guests any way she can (and did). Thank you for a wonderful stay!
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Not Great, But So Worth It to See the Canyon
User: I7013TObrianf from: Chicago, Illinois
Published Date: Jun, 8, 2024
Travel Date: May, 1, 2024
Rating: 3
Three night stay. Room was worn, but clean and adequate. Housekeeping did a good job making up the room each day. Front desk staff was abrupt and just short of hostile when we tried to check in 30 mins early. Cafeteria was not really very good...but you have VERY limited dining options in Chinle. It won't kill you, but it's really mediocre quality. Bottom line is that this place is AT Canyon De Chelly (which is magnificent). If it was in any decent sized city they'd be out of business. So, you put of with the place to see the canyon. We did the 4-hour canyon tour. The young lady in the gift shop was friendly and helpful in booking the tour. The overlooks around the canyon are very good, but you really ought to get into the canyon if you can. BTW...the rooms are no-smoking (good), but smokers sat outside their rooms and smoked. Their smoke was pulled into the room by the air conditioners under the window. There is a notice for smokers not to do this, but hey, they're smokers.
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