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Star-Shaped Midcentury Modern Aurora Retreat + Hot Tub + Game Room

Fairbanks vacation home in College area

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Photo gallery for Star-Shaped Midcentury Modern Aurora Retreat + Hot Tub + Game Room

Outdoor spa tub
A cozy living room with a yellow sofa, a gray armchair, and a coffee table. There are large windows offering a view of the forest.
A wooden-paneled room with a bed, a small table with a plant, and a staircase.
A wooden interior with a kitchen, dining area, and a staircase.
A wooden interior with a dining table, chairs, a staircase, and a bed.

Reviews

9.0 out of 10
Wonderful

Entire home

4 bedrooms2 bathroomsSleeps 8

Popular amenities

  • Hot tub
  • Kitchen
  • Washer
  • Dryer
  • Free WiFi
  • Outdoor Space

Explore the area

View in a map
Fairbanks, AK
  • Place, University of Alaska-Fairbanks
    ‪8 min walk‬
  • Place, Fairbanks Golf Course
    ‪9 min walk‬
  • Place, Creamer's Field
    ‪1 min drive‬
  • Airport, Fairbanks, AK (FAI-Fairbanks Intl.)
    ‪11 min drive‬

Room options

About the area

Fairbanks

College stay.Within a 15-minute walk of this College vacation home, you'll find Fairbanks Golf Course and University of Alaska-Fairbanks. Large Animal Research Station and Creamer's Field are also within 3 miles (5 km).
View more Vacation homes in FairbanksOpens in a new window

What's nearby

  • University of Alaska-Fairbanks - 8 min walk - 0.7 km
  • Fairbanks Golf Course - 9 min walk - 0.8 km
  • Creamer's Field - 1 min drive - 2.1 km
  • Fairbanks Ice Museum - 10 min drive - 9.4 km
  • Fort Wainwright - 13 min drive - 12.8 km

Getting around

  • Fairbanks Intl. Airport (FAI) - 14 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪The Cookie Jar Restaurant - ‬8 min drive
  • ‪Spicy Bistro - ‬7 min drive
  • ‪Sunrise Bagel & Espresso - ‬6 min drive
  • ‪Shogun Japanese Restaurant - ‬5 min drive
  • ‪Alaska Coffee Roasting Company - ‬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.

Star-Shaped Midcentury Modern Aurora Retreat + Hot Tub + Game Room

Catch the northern lights from the hot tub at Star Base 🌠, a unique retro star-shaped 4BR in Fairbanks! This spacious home sleeps 8, with a game room, geodesic dome, and vintage design touches. Guests rave about aurora hot tub nights, comfy beds, spotless space, and location: private but only 12 minutes to downtown. From aurora viewing on the balcony to family game nights in the game room, consider Star Base your mission control for an out-of-this-world Alaskan experience!

THE SPACE

Welcome to Star Base, a one-of-a-kind Fairbanks home that blends retro midcentury modern design with all the comforts today’s travelers crave. Built in the 1960s by architect Roger Cotting, Star Base's footprint takes the shape of a star, offering 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms and space for up to 8 guests: perfect for families, groups, or aurora chasers.

Star Base is more than a stay: it’s an experience. This home is filled with retro character, modern updates, and thoughtful touches that guests consistently rave about.

Guests love:
✨ Soaking under the northern lights in the hot tub
🎮 Vintage game room fun for kids and adults
🔥 Fireplace and cozy nooks for winter nights
🛌 Ultra-comfy beds with blackout curtains
🌌 Secluded, tree-lined lot just 12 min from downtown
🌟 Spacious yet quirky layout — perfect for groups

At its heart is the kitchen with multiple wings swooping outward and notably featuring a retro sunken living room with floor-to-ceiling windows, natural light, and warm, earthy materials that echo Frank Lloyd Wright–inspired design. Guests love how it feels both expansive and intimate: gather around the fireplace, play games on geometric midcentury West Elm and Crate & Barrel designer furnishings, or simply watch the northern lights dance across the sky from the comfort of the sofa.

The rest of the home is designed for connection and play:
👉 A fully stocked kitchen and dining area ready for home-cooked meals
👉 A retro game room with vintage arcade consoles, records, games and puzzles for all ages 🎮
👉 A dedicated office nook with fast Wi-Fi for workcations or streaming ✨
👉 Four stylish bedrooms with memory foam mattresses, blackout curtains, and cozy linens 🛌

Step outside and the magic of Alaska unfolds: a private hot tub under the stars, an aurora-viewing geodesic dome, and a tree-lined yard where moose often wander. Guests frequently call this the highlight of their trip: the perfect blend of privacy and proximity.

✨ Why Guests Love Star Base
“Aurora from the hot tub: bucket list!”
“Kids loved the vintage game room”
“Beds were ultra-comfy, slept like a dream”
“Felt private, but still so close to town”

📍 Location, Location
🌟 4 minutes from the University of Alaska Fairbanks
🌟 9 minutes from Fairbanks International Airport
🌟 11 minutes from Fairbanks Memorial Hospital
🌟 12 minutes from Downtown Fairbanks
🌟 28 minutes from North Pole and Santa’s Workshop
🌟 70 minutes from Chena Hot Springs
🌟 120 minutes from Denali National Park

⚡ Know Before You Book
🧻 Bathrooms: The home has 2 full bathrooms, one with a tub/shower combo and the other with a shower only. Both have been recently refreshed.
💧Water: Our home is on a well. We recently invested $25,000 in a top-to-bottom system upgrade — the water is safe, odorless, and delicious. A filtered reverse-osmosis tap is provided in the kitchen for drinking water.
🌡️Climate: Like most Alaska homes, there is no central AC. Summers are mild and fans are provided in each room. In winter, the fireplaces and the heating system keep the house toasty warm (guests even note how cozy it feels at –40°F).
🏡 Neighborhood: Star Base feels private on 1.7 acres and is surrounded by trees, but it is part of a quiet residential area.
🌠 Aurora: While many guests have seen the northern lights from the hot tub or balcony, it’s a natural wonder and cannot be guaranteed.

Similar properties

Aerial view
Pike's Waterfront Lodge
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  • Free airport shuttle
  • Pet friendly
  • Parking included
  • Free WiFi
4.7 out of 5, Exceptional, 2,306 reviews
The price is CA $319
CA $345 total
includes taxes & fees
Jul 22 - Jul 23
Pike's Waterfront Lodge

Property amenities

Pool/Spa

  • Hot tub

Internet

  • Available in the house: Free WiFi

Kitchen

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

Dining

  • Dining table

Bedrooms

  • 4 bedrooms
  • Bedsheets provided

Bathroom

  • 2 bathrooms
  • Bathtub or shower
  • Hair dryer
  • Shampoo
  • Shower
  • Soap
  • Toilet paper
  • Towels provided

Living spaces

  • Dining table
  • Fireplace
  • Living room
  • Separate dining area

Entertainment

  • Books
  • Games
  • Music library
  • Smart TV
  • Stereo
  • Video games

Outdoor areas

  • Balcony
  • Barbecue grill
  • Firepit
  • Outdoor furniture

Laundry

  • Laundry facilities
  • Washing machine

Work spaces

  • Desk
  • Desk chair

Comfort

  • Heating

Pets

  • No pets allowed

Suitability/Accessibility

  • Smoking not allowed

Services and conveniences

  • Iron/ironing board

Things to do

  • Arcade/game room

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

  • Eco-friendly cleaning products used
  • Eco-friendly toiletries
  • Locally-owned and organized tours and activities
  • Reusable coffee/tea filters
  • Some LED lighting used

Policies

Check-in

Check-in time starts at 4:00 PM

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

Pets

  • No pets allowed

Children and extra beds

  • Children are welcome.

Events

No 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
Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited
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 private host, not a professional engaged in trade or business. Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited. 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.

Frequently asked questions

How close is Star-Shaped Midcentury Modern Aurora Retreat + Hot Tub + Game Room to the airport?

This vacation home is 6.2 mi (14-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 Star-Shaped Midcentury Modern Aurora Retreat + Hot Tub + Game Room?

As of Jul 20, 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Star-Shaped Midcentury Modern Aurora Retreat + Hot Tub + Game Room on Jul 24, 2026 start from CA $1,634, excluding 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 Star-Shaped Midcentury Modern Aurora Retreat + Hot Tub + Game Room have an airport shuttle?

Airport shuttle services are not available at this vacation home.

Does Star-Shaped Midcentury Modern Aurora Retreat + Hot Tub + Game Room offer free breakfast?

This vacation home does not offer free breakfast.

Is there a casino at Star-Shaped Midcentury Modern Aurora Retreat + Hot Tub + Game Room?

No, there is no casino at this vacation home.

What time is check-in at Star-Shaped Midcentury Modern Aurora Retreat + Hot Tub + Game Room?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

Is there free parking at Star-Shaped Midcentury Modern Aurora Retreat + Hot Tub + Game Room?

Free parking is not available at this vacation home.

Does Star-Shaped Midcentury Modern Aurora Retreat + Hot Tub + Game Room have a pool?

This vacation home does not have a pool.

Does Star-Shaped Midcentury Modern Aurora Retreat + Hot Tub + Game Room have a spa?

There are no spa services available at this vacation home.

How close is Star-Shaped Midcentury Modern Aurora Retreat + Hot Tub + Game Room to downtown Fairbanks?

This vacation home is 4.2 mi away from Fairbanks.

Star-Shaped Midcentury Modern Aurora Retreat + Hot Tub + Game Room Reviews

Reviews

9.0

Wonderful

Rating 10 - Excellent. 6 out of 8 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 1 out of 8 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 8 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 1 out of 8 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 8 reviews

8.8/10

Cleanliness

Reviews

Verified

10/10 Excellent

Aaron H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Amazing unique place. It made our trip special.
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Libby B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
We really enjoyed our stay. It is a cozy and beautiful home in an amazing setting. Much bigger than we needed, but we chose it anyways! Because we had a short stay, we did not use the hottub, igloo or game room. Kitchen well stocked with staples and equipment.
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2026
Verified

8/10 Good

Cheryl D.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Excellet little hidden Gem. We love to do staycations pretty regularly, it helps everyone connect as a foster family. They have all said they just want to keep coming back here. Only minor downside would be the heat is a little hard to regulate in parts but thats pretty common up here at -20 :)
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Bat Cave X.

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

Spectacular stay!

We loved our time at this lovely property! It’s unique, has everything you need, and comfortable! If we ever find ourselves in this area again, we would stay here again!
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Kimmi M.

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

Winter Wonderland

The Starship is the perfect basecamp for setting off into the wilderness. The house is warm, cozy and had everything we needed to have a wonderful stay.
Stayed 5 nights in Jan 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Francia T.

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

Beautiful, cozy home

We had a great stay! Only suggestion is new pans and pots bc they’re a bit old. Everything else was great and every detail was thought through. We loved to drink our morning coffee by the living room with the fireplace on. We also spent hours at the jaccuzzi one day. There were enough towel, which we appreciated. We didn’t see the northern lights from Star Base, we drove to Cleary Summit and Murphy Dome. I think it was bc KP Index was below 3. The neighborhood was beautiful and super close to town!
Stayed 4 nights in Mar 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Roy M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Our recent stay at the Star shaped Retreat in Fairbanks was an unforgettable experience, and I'm delighted to share a review of this exceptional property. From the moment we arrived, we were struck by the home's charm and the thoughtful amenities provided.One of the standout features was the outdoor hot tub. After a day of exploring the rugged beauty of Alaska, sinking into the warm, bubbling water under the vast northern sky was pure bliss. The hot tub was clean, well-maintained, and offered a perfect vantage point for enjoying the serene surroundings. It was the ideal way to relax and unwind, and we found ourselves using it every evening.Inside, the games room was a fantastic addition that provided endless entertainment. The room was well-equipped with a variety of video games and a comfortable seating area. It was the perfect gathering spot for our group, and we spent hours laughing and competing in friendly games. It's a great space for families with children or a group of friends looking for some indoor fun.The barbecue setup was another major highlight. The grill was clean and ready to use, and we enjoyed several delicious meals cooked outdoors. There's something special about grilling in the cool Alaskan air, and the well-maintained outdoor space made it a truly pleasant experience. It's an excellent amenity for those who love to cook and enjoy a fantastic meal.Beyond the specific amenities, the home itself was comfortable, clean, and beautifully decorated. It
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2025
Verified

4/10 Poor

Eric J.

Liked: Check-in, communication, location
Disliked: Cleanliness, listing accuracy

Before you book you should know…

Pros and Cons Pros: (1) the binder was full of information, made it easy to get things like WiFi, restaurant ideas, etc (2) kitchen was fully stocked with all the essentials / basics, and so was cleaning cabinet and washing machine room (3) game room, kids enjoyed the plethora of option (4) vintage record player a neat addition Cons (1) if you come in the summer beware! There is no air conditioning, but that’s normal for Fairbanks, what isn’t normal is that ONLY ONE window in all the rooms had a screen on it, all the others well you could open them but nobody wants to get eaten alive by mosquitoes. So it was impossible to sleep, either sleep in sauna like conditions or get eaten alive by mosquitoes .. needless to say it was awful and the host should have warned customers like us so we could have booked another place (2) when we first walked in, the place seemed clean,..but not at all. Within ten minutes of walking around the home my white socks were almost black. The worst thing about it was the washer and dryer. I doubt either had been cleaned in years. The dryer’s lint /vent was the most disgusting I have ever seen in my life. Baked in dirt, mud, mildew, little stones everywhere/ I spent an hour cleaning this before we could use it. (3). Probably the nastiest thing about our stay was the water. Yellow, sulphur smelling water in the toilet m, shower, sink, etc. Ewww. It was so nasty we ended up going to UofA to shower there
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2024