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Life’s Better on the River!

Ski-in/ski-out vacation home with free WiFi in Fairbanks

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Photo gallery for Life’s Better on the River!

A deck with a sofa, a table, and a grill area.
A modern living room with a sectional sofa, a glass coffee table, and a ceiling fan.
A building with a snow-covered roof and a snow-covered ground, surrounded by trees.
A modern kitchen with white cabinets, a dishwasher, and a coffee maker. There is a dining area with a table and chairs.
A modern kitchen with white cabinets, stainless steel appliances, and a central island with stools.

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional

Entire home

2 bedrooms1 bathroomSleeps 51001 sq ft

Popular amenities

  • Hot tub
  • Kitchen
  • Free WiFi
  • Outdoor Space
  • Parking available
  • Barbecue grill

Explore the area

View in a map
Fairbanks, AK
  • Place, Chena River
    ‪1 min walk‬
  • Place, University of Alaska-Fairbanks
    ‪3 min drive‬
  • Place, Fort Wainwright
    ‪10 min drive‬
  • Airport, Fairbanks, AK (FAI-Fairbanks Intl.)
    ‪20 min walk‬

Room options

About the neighborhood

Fairbanks

Near the slopes.With a stay at this College vacation home, you'll be within half a mile (1 km) of Chena River and 6 miles (10 km) of Alaska Centennial Center For The Arts. Pioneer Park and Pioneer Air Museum are also within 6 miles (10 km).
View more Vacation Homes in FairbanksOpens in a new window

What's nearby

  • Chena River - 1 min walk - 0.1 miles
  • University of Alaska-Fairbanks - 3 min drive - 2.4 miles
  • University of Alaska Museum of the North - 6 min drive - 3.9 miles
  • Fort Wainwright - 10 min drive - 8.9 miles
  • Fairbanks Ice Museum - 13 min drive - 9.9 miles

Getting around

  • Fairbanks Intl. Airport (FAI) - 3 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪The Pump House - ‬8 min drive
  • ‪Taco Bell - ‬10 min drive
  • ‪Starbucks - ‬5 min drive
  • ‪The Cookie Jar Restaurant - ‬9 min drive
  • ‪Fred Meyer Fuel Center - ‬5 min drive

About this property

Entire place

You'll have the entire home to yourself and will only share it with other guests in your party.

Life’s Better on the River!

Come enjoy this remodeled 2 bedroom riverside oasis equipped with everything that you need to call it home. Enjoy the added bonus of a hot tub year-round while watching the Northern Lights or waving to everyone passing by on the Chena River! This private home has a large and sunny deck to sit out and relax on. Minutes away from the Fairbanks International Airport, restaurants, and shopping! There is also a 1 car garage available for use! Book your stay today and let the vacation planning begin!

Private home located at the end of the street on the river. Each bedroom has a queen size bed and the sectional couch has a sofa bed option that is perfect for an additional guest or children.

Plenty of parking for multiple vehicles! Easy access down a maintained gravel road minutes away from the airport.

We live in Fairbanks and are available within minutes for any questions or issues if needed.
-No basement access.

If hot tub water gets contaminated due to guests- guest will be charged for cost of filter and change of water.

Similar properties

Aerial view
Pike's Waterfront Lodge
College
  • Free airport shuttle
  • Pet friendly
  • Parking included
  • Free WiFi
4.7 out of 5, Exceptional, 2,353 reviews
$179 nightly
The price is $194
Sep 24 - Sep 25
Total with taxes and fees
Pike's Waterfront Lodge

Property amenities

Beach

  • Beach nearby

Ski

  • Cross-country skiing nearby
  • Ski-in/ski-out access
  • Snowboarding nearby

Pool/Spa

  • Hot tub

Internet

  • Available in the house: Free WiFi

Parking and transportation

  • Car recommended
  • Onsite parking options include a garage

Kitchen

  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Cookware, dishware, and utensils
  • Dishwasher
  • Ice maker
  • Kitchen island
  • Microwave
  • Oven
  • Refrigerator
  • Spices
  • Stovetop
  • Toaster

Dining

  • Dining table

Bedrooms

  • 2 bedrooms
  • Bedsheets provided
  • Sofa bed

Bathroom

  • 1 bathroom
  • Hair dryer
  • Towels provided

Living spaces

  • Dining table
  • Fireplace

Entertainment

  • Books
  • Games
  • Smart TV

Outdoor areas

  • Balcony
  • Barbecue grill
  • Firepit
  • Garden

Laundry

  • Laundromat nearby

Work spaces

  • Desk

Comfort

  • Heating

Pets

  • No pets allowed

Suitability/Accessibility

  • If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
  • 5 steps to reach entrance
  • Area rugs in public areas
  • Hardwood flooring in public areas
  • No elevator (single-level property)
  • Single level property
  • Tile flooring in public areas
  • Smoking not allowed

Services and conveniences

  • Housekeeping (on request)
  • Iron/ironing board

Location highlights

  • Near a health/beauty spa
  • Near a hospital
  • On a river
  • On the waterfront

Things to do

  • Golf
  • Optional golf privileges
  • Ski-in/ski-out access
  • Basketball nearby
  • Birdwatching nearby
  • Ecotours nearby
  • Fishing nearby
  • Golfing nearby
  • Hiking/biking trails nearby
  • Horseback riding nearby
  • Hunting nearby
  • Ice skating nearby
  • Jet skiing nearby
  • Kayaking nearby
  • Motor boating nearby
  • Mountain biking nearby
  • Rock climbing nearby
  • Sledding nearby
  • Snorkeling nearby
  • Snowmobiling nearby
  • Swimming nearby
  • Water skiing nearby
  • Water tubing nearby
  • Wildlife walks nearby

Safety features

  • Carbon monoxide detector (host has indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property)
  • Smoke detector (host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property)
  • First aid kit
  • Fire extinguisher
  • Deadbolt lock

General

  • Garden
  • Housekeeping (on request)
  • Unit size: 1,001 square feet

Policies

Check-in

Check-in time starts at 4:00 PM
Contactless check-in available
Minimum check-in age: 18

Check-out

Check-out before 11:00 AM

Special check-in instructions

You will receive an email from the host with check-in and check-out instructions
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools

Check-out instructions

The host requires you complete the following before checking out:
Load and start the dishwasher
Gather used towels
Remove personal items and take out the trash
Turn off the lights and lock the doors
Failure to complete these may result in a negative review from the host.

Rules

-No basement access. If hot tub water gets contaminated due to guests- guest will be charged for cost of filter and change of water.

Pets

  • No pets allowed

Children and extra beds

  • Children are welcome.

Events

Events allowed

Smoking

Smoking is not permitted

Important information

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card, or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
Parties and events are allowed on site
Host has indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a first aid kit, and a deadbolt lock
This property is managed through our partner, Vrbo. You will receive an email from Vrbo with a link to a Vrbo account, where you can change or cancel your reservation
Charges for extra guests may apply and vary according to property policy.
A cash deposit, credit card, or debit card for incidental charges and government-issued photo identification may be required upon check-in.
Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in. Special requests can't be guaranteed and may incur additional charges.
    This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business, or profession. Parties and events are allowed on site. For guests' safety, the property includes a carbon monoxide detector, a fire extinguisher, a smoke detector, a first aid kit, and a deadbolt lock in each accommodation.

Property is also known as

194331

Frequently asked questions

How close is Life’s Better on the River! to the airport?

This vacation home is 1.2 mi (3-min drive) away from the Fairbanks Intl. Airport (FAI) airport, the closest popular airport to the property.

How much does it cost to stay at Life’s Better on the River!?

As of Aug 25, 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Life’s Better on the River! on Aug 26, 2026 start from $510, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.

Does Life’s Better on the River! have an airport shuttle?

Airport shuttle services are not available at this vacation home.

Does Life’s Better on the River! offer free breakfast?

This vacation home does not offer free breakfast.

Is there a casino at Life’s Better on the River!?

No, there is no casino at this vacation home.

What time is check-in at Life’s Better on the River!?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

Is there free parking at Life’s Better on the River!?

Free parking is not available at this vacation home.

Does Life’s Better on the River! have a pool?

This vacation home does not have a pool.

Does Life’s Better on the River! have a spa?

There are no spa services available at this vacation home.

How close is Life’s Better on the River! to downtown Fairbanks?

This vacation home is 5.2 mi away from Fairbanks.

Life’s Better on the River! Reviews

Reviews

10

Exceptional

Rating 10 - Excellent. 22 out of 24 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 2 out of 24 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 24 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 24 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 24 reviews

10/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Amenities

10/10

Property conditions & facilities

Reviews

Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Meagan S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Wonderful stay and beautiful property. Felt so private and serene but right in town for easy access. Host was really responsive on all communication. Highly recommend. Thank you!
Stayed 3 nights in May 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Keagen C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Host had awesome communication. Amenities were great, snack cupboard was awesome. The space was incredibly cozy. We had an amazing stay and would stay again!
Stayed 4 nights in Dec 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Keith R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
The house was perfect for our long weekend and the hot tub was a great way to end the day and watch the paddle wheeler going up and down the river.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Kathy J.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Wonderful and cozy!This was the perfect home on the Chena River to come to rest after a day of activitiesIt was delightful to see the on plane land on the river and the paddle boat tour pass each dayThe hot tub is amazing!
Stayed 5 nights in Jun 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Daniell B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Amazing property with a beautiful view.. enjoyed the hot tub under the night sky... One of the easiest check-ins and check-outs ever!! Amenities were perfect for our Girls Trip of 4 to Alaska!!
Stayed 7 nights in Oct 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Adam C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great house with a jacuzzi

Warm, safe, relaxing house on the river with a jacuzzi.
Stayed 5 nights in Mar 2024
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Krisi

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
This property was amazing. Only wish we had booked a longer stay. Check in was seemless and easy. The house was better than the pictures with a perfect location. I would highly recommend a stay here and suggest you add an extra day to your trip just to hang out around the house.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Seth W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Perfect

Our stay was great! Loved it!
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2024
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Cindy C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Wonderful Alaska Experience

The house was beautiful and wonderfully stocked. The hot tub and fireplace made it all the better. Thank you so much Tera and Bobbi for such an amazing stay!
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2024
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Jonathan C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Winter wonderland

What a great place. We had a great time.Thank you!!
Stayed 8 nights in Jan 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Vicky J.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Beautiful alaska

We had a marvelous time in Alaska. Our bed-and-breakfast is only 1 mile from the airport, which was very handy. Everything in the house worked well. Even if it was below zero the hot tub was wonderful.
Stayed 5 nights in Jan 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

jonathan r.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
the hot tub just got serviced so it took a nite to heat up, but was clean and wonderful. We enjoyed the gas fireplace and newly remodeled kitchen. I would book it agian
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Annette G.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

River house

We loved our stay here. Beds were comfy. The little touches made a big difference. And enjoyed the bottle of Champagne.
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2024
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Justin E.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Wonderful end of summer stay

My family of 5 thoroughly enjoyed this property, it was the highlight of our visit to Fairbanks. The property offers something for everyone - my little ones enjoyed running around outside with amazing views of the river, my wife enjoyed the well-stocked kitchen and relaxing living room, and we all enjoyed the hot tub (of course). Kudos to the owner who made us feel welcome and informed with the perfect amount of communication. I’d stay here again in a heartbeat as well as recommend it to family/friends visiting Fairbanks.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2023
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Leslie

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities, communication
Our stay at Life's Better on the RIver was Great! We had beautiful September weather! The house's location to the airport, town and the railroad was so convenient. A favorite part of days there was the river activity and hot tub! The Riverboat tours and float plane demos daily were fun to watch! And the local boaters were fun to watch coming and going. The house had everything we needed. Thank you for snacks, coffee and bubbly on our arrival. Nice touches. {A washer and dryer would have been helpful.} Thank you for sharing your cute home. We'd love to stay again when we return to Fairbanks.
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Kim H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Dropping our son off for summer research

We absolutely loved this stay. We could sit and watch the water, sit in the hot tub and relax or watch some TV on a nice-sized screen. The kitchen was super stocked (loved that there was a spice rack!) and even had a basket of extras. The appliances were top-of-the-line too. Even had fans for noise at night in the bedrooms. It felt like home. Thank you!
Stayed 3 nights in May 2023
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Menoula S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Loved the location on the river. It was fun to see the river boat come by and the neighbor across the river fly his biplane! My only negative comment would be that there were no screens on any of the windows or the door. I would have loved to leave the windows or door open for air, but couldn't because of the bugs. The windows might be hard to add screens (crank style) but a screen door would have been great!
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Gina P.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Absolutely perfect!

Life really is better by the river! Everything about this Vrbo stay was perfect. The owners obviously put a lot of thought into the comfort of their guests. I loved walking into the kitchen and being greeted by a welcome note, and a bottle of wine and wine glasses on the large island. There was a Keurig machine to use, along with a generous selection of North Pole brand coffees, and creams. A great selection of condiments in the fridge. The decor in the house is perfect. Beautiful illustrations of local flora and fauna. The hot tub on the deck overlooking the river was fabulous! So relaxing and nice to sit in the tub. The view of the river was lovely. I loved watching planes and boats from the deck. The bed and the couch were so comfortable. The location also was convenient to everything in town. Of all the places we stayed during our 10-day trip to Alaska, this was my favorite.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2023
Verified review

8/10 Good

Verified traveler

Stayed 1 night in Dec 2025
Verified review

8/10 Good

Howard V.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025

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