Located in College, this vacation home is a leisurely stroll from sights such as Fairbanks Golf Course and University of Alaska-Fairbanks. The vacation home includes a kitchen, a fireplace, and a balcony.
University of Alaska-Fairbanks - 6 min walk - 0.4 miles
Fairbanks Golf Course - 8 min walk - 0.4 miles
Creamer's Field - 15 min walk - 0.8 miles
Fairbanks Ice Museum - 8 min drive - 5.7 miles
Fort Wainwright - 11 min drive - 6.9 miles
Getting around
Fairbanks Intl. Airport (FAI) - 14 min drive
Restaurants
The Cookie Jar Restaurant - 8 min drive
Sunrise Bagel & Espresso - 6 min drive
Double Eagle - 9 min walk
Oasis Restaurant & Lounge - 5 min drive
Sunrise Bagel and Espresso - 4 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.
The vacation home is heated and features a kitchen, 2 bathrooms, and a balcony. There's space to spread out with 4 bedrooms and a dining area. Guests can enjoy a Smart TV and stay connected with free WiFi. Other standard amenities include a washing machine, a fireplace, and a coffee maker.
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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
At least 80% lighting from LEDs
Eco-friendly cleaning products used
Eco-friendly toiletries
Locally-owned and organized tours and activities
Reusable coffee/tea filters
Policies
Check-in
Check-in time starts at 4:00 PM
Minimum check-in age: 21
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
This property doesn't allow pets
Children and extra beds
Children allowed: ages 0-17
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
This property uses eco-friendly cleaning products
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
Check-in: 4:00 PM
Check-out: 11:00 AM
Minimum check-in age: 21
We should mention
Details about charges, deposits, or other important information:
This property is managed by a private host, not a professional engaged in trade or business.
Charges for extra guests may apply and vary depending on the property's policy.
A cash deposit, credit card, or debit card for incidental charges, as well as a government-issued photo ID, may be required at check-in.
Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in and can't be guaranteed. Certain requests may come with additional charges.
This property uses eco-friendly cleaning products.
Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited.
Onsite safety features include a carbon monoxide detector, a fire extinguisher, a smoke detector, a first aid kit, and a deadbolt lock.
Frequently asked questions
What can I see close to this vacation home?
This vacation home is situated in College, just steps from Fairbanks Golf Course. You'll also find Creamer's Field and University of Alaska Museum of the North within a short drive.
Is there parking available at this vacation home?
No, there isn't parking available at the vacation home.
Is this vacation home next to a casino?
No, this vacation home is not connected to a casino.
Is there an indoor pool at this vacation home?
No, this vacation home doesn't have an indoor pool; however, there is a hot tub.
What amenities will couples enjoy at Star-Shaped Midcentury Modern Aurora Retreat + Hot Tub + Game Room?
Amenities that appeal to couples at this vacation home include a fireplace, a kitchen, and a smart TV.
Does Star-Shaped Midcentury Modern Aurora Retreat + Hot Tub + Game Room have a hot tub?
Yes, guests can enjoy a spa tub at this vacation home.
Does this vacation home include breakfast service?
No, this vacation home doesn't offer breakfast.
Does this vacation home allow pets to stay free of charge?
No, pets aren't allowed at this vacation home.
Does this vacation home have connecting rooms?
No, there aren't connecting rooms at this vacation home.
Where is the closest airport to this vacation home?
The closest major airport to this vacation home is Fairbanks Intl. Airport (FAI), which is 6.2 mi away (14 minutes by car).
Can I book a room with a balcony at Star-Shaped Midcentury Modern Aurora Retreat + Hot Tub + Game Room?
Yes, every accommodation at Star-Shaped Midcentury Modern Aurora Retreat + Hot Tub + Game Room comes with a balcony.
Star-Shaped Midcentury Modern Aurora Retreat + Hot Tub + Game Room Reviews
Reviews
8.8
Excellent
All reviews shown are from real guest experiences. Only travelers who have booked a stay with us can submit a review. We verify reviews according to our guidelines and publish all reviews, positive or negative.
Rating 10 - Excellent. 4 out of 6 reviews
10 - Excellent
4
Rating 8 - Good. 1 out of 6 reviews
8 - Good
1
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 6 reviews
6 - Okay
0
Rating 4 - Poor. 1 out of 6 reviews
4 - Poor
1
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 6 reviews
2 - Terrible
0
8.4/10
Cleanliness
Reviews
8/10 Good
Cheryl D.
Dec 8, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness
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 :)
Cheryl D.
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2025
10/10 Excellent
Roy M.
Aug 5, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness
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
Roy M.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2025
10/10 Excellent
Kimmi M.
Feb 5, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness
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.
Kimmi M.
Stayed 5 nights in Jan 2025
4/10 Poor
Eric J.
Jun 25, 2024
Disliked: Cleanliness
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
Eric J.
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2024
10/10 Excellent
Francia T.
Apr 3, 2024
Liked: Cleanliness
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!
Francia T.
Stayed 4 nights in Mar 2024
10/10 Excellent
Bat Cave X.
Jan 18, 2024
Liked: Cleanliness
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!