I love a mud bath, so when I get to or near Callistoga, I search for one. I decided on the Callistoga Spa Hot Springs. It was a good choice. Everyone, from the front desk on, was friendly, helpful and efficient. I was staying in Guerneville, about an hour away, depending on traffic. As it turned out, I arrived at the spa 45 minutes before my scheduled time. The front desk said that was not a problem, I could use the warm pools. I did not have a bathing suit but they offered a disposable one for $5. It was not a bad suit and could be used more than once. I enjoyed the warm mineral pools for about 30 minutes, then went back to the front desk.

Leo was there immediately to take me to the mud bath. The only reason I am giving this only 4 stars and not 5 is that I felt the temperature of the mud was too high. It actually was uncomfortable until Leo added some cold water. My partner said his mud was not that hot. This is the only flaw. From the mud I went into a whirlpool mineral bath, then a steam room and then a blanket wrap. I had opted for a massage and that ended my spa treatment. It was an enjoyable experience. I felt totally refreshed and would recommend this place to anyone. It is clean,friendly and totally relaxing.

This hotel has always been our go-to place when staying in Calistoga. The rooms are basic but comfortable and reasonably priced. We enjoy the pools, especially the body temperature pool which a morning swim is a great way to start the day. The kitchette and barbeque grills are a great plus as they've allowed us to cooke meals here and help with our diets so we're not eating out all of the time. We enjoy the spa amenities and get a message whenever we visit. It is also convenient for shopping as mainstreet is only a block away. The hotel is currently under going needed renovations as they recently did the outdoor pool area and are finally doing the rooms. The furnishing are over 20 years old and are badly in need of updating. It will be nice to return to see what they are like when the renovations are completed.

'cuz dis ain't it.

I was in need of some 'me' time and thought I'd drive up to Calistoga for the mineral baths and a spa service. The first time I called to book the service, I was left on hold for 9(!) minutes. They never came back to me -- I hung up and called back. The second time, I got someone else. I don't think they put me on hold, rather they just drifted away to look for "the sheet". That took about four minutes. I'm thinking, will all this lengthy hold time, they're either huge or horribly disorganized. I should have just hung up and looked elsewhere at this point, but I was determined to go here because they have four pools and the services.

Ok, so they have "the sheet" in front of them. I asked questions about services, and asked how long the service I wanted was, and was told the service lasted an hour. It didn't. It was a 30 minute service, but didn't know this until I was leaving and thought it should have been later in the day. When I asked about it at the desk on my way out, they just said, 'no, it's only 30 minutes'. That's it. Just 'No'. No apology. No offer to come back. Nothing.

As for the pools, they are heavily cut with city water. I smelled chlorine, and I've never smelled chlorine in a mineral pool before. AND the guests are loud. Some guy hit on me, too. Guests brought their own pool toys, too -- rafts, noodles, rings, etc. There were no kids present. This is NOT a quiet, relaxing experience -- and I went mid-week in October! I shudder to think what it would be on weekends.

Good things: They have a small gym if you want to work out. It was the quietest (and cleanest) part of the whole place. They also give you large towels, not those worthless regular bath-size towels. And the towels are in good condition, not ratty. But I didn't schlepp there for the gym....OR the towels.

Bottom line -- I was super disappointed by the whole experience. Customer service was lackluster, and the desk agents misinformed and mislead me. Oh, and the reception desk is small -- why I was on hold for so long when I originally booked is beyond me. The pools were a huge disappointment with the stinky, toxic chorine and loud guests. My water at home doesn't smell like chlorine!

The best thing about the day was the weather, and I could have just stayed home and enjoyed it. Glad I didn't book a room. I didn't even stay as long as I had planned. I won't go back.

This was my first mud bath and mineral springs experience. I have been to various spas in Southeast Asia with wonderful results so I may be expecting something less or different. Upon arrival to the property I noticed the age of the facility and knew it had some history since this is where the reputation of the city originated. I enjoy historical places such as this so there wasn't a negative tone with that remark. Entering the lobby we were greeted promptly from a friendly staff that unfortunately didn't reflect a healthy life-style. The staff was a little unkept and common looking. I had hoped to have a little more polished appearance to give me a vote of confidence in the service.

Moving on to the actual experience I found the mud bath to be an enjoyable and totally unique. Whoever thought that floating or being sustained in a mud mixture of peat moss, lava, spring water and what not would be relaxing. It was to me and fun considering the various hot spots I discovered as I moved my body in the tub. Let's just say that the little boy in me come out and I was messing around in the mud. :)

The mineral water bath was enjoyable after I came out of the mud bath (and washed away tons of mud from my body). The hot (!) water and jets relaxed and soaked every inch of my submerged body. I was in the lobster pot for sure and could feel the relaxation come over me. I would pay to do this again anytime.

The steam room was just not for me. I never really enjoyed a sauna (hot or dry) so it was more me then the facility. I lasted about two minutes in the five minute experience.

The towel wrap room treatment was the perfect way to cool down my body and relax my heart. The dim room and closed pod allowed me to slowly come down from the heat experiences and relax in a semi-private environment.

My attendant for all of these services was very nice, attentive and professional. With exposing yourself and naked body to a new experience this attendant showed confidence and no judgement. He simply welcomed me, kept a distance while being accessible and responsive to my needs. This goes a long way with me.

My one true grip about this place was that the showers for your departing cleanse didn't have any cold water. It was luke warm if that! I washed away any remaining stuff from my body I wanted the cold water to reduce my body heat. It didn't happen. The actual water temperature range went from warm to extremely hot. (Can't have everything apparently)

Considering my comments, I would give it a go one more time and bring mom along just for the experience.