Dr Wilkinson's Hot Springs Resort, Calistoga

About Wilkinson's. On the plus side, I like the pool and jacuzze, and the staff is generally friendly. On the minus side, I was quoted a $185 on the phone for the same size room they gave to walk in guests at $139. I also had a massage there that hurt my back for many months and required chairopractic adjustments.

I was shocked at reading some of the negative reviews. Wilkinson's is the core of Calistoga. Doc Wilkinson was a wonderful kind man who cared for people and their health. His children now own and manage the enterprise and continue his tradition. We've stayed at all of their different lodging options and always had a wonderful expirience. The staff has been jovial, kind, helpful and happy. One time we had a special request and the owner, Mark, gave his time generously to accomadate us. This is not a 5 star luxury hotel but a place to go to get a very special healthy relaxing expirience. The bonus of great food, fun bars and an always holiday attitude has made every trip to Wilkinson's very speical for us. Do a little research so you understand what to expect and then enjoy this relaxing place with special people. Steve

Dirty, dingy, severely overpriced at ~$180/night. At ~$75/night I would consider it fair and in-line with what one should expect. At ~$180/night, it is a dump. My partner and I signed up for spa treatment, billed as 'couple's spa'. The only thing 'couple's' about it was the simultaneous appointment. Men and women are in separate areas. Fortunately, there is no discrimination - both areas are equally grimy and run-down. Save the trouble, go to one of the many great establishments in the area and hope that someone who cares will buy this place soon and restore it to something attractive.

I fyou respect you body, don't go to this place. We spent the night here before our mud and massage appointment. The mattresses were cheap and hard--not firm--just hard. We had sore backs by morning, and really needed a massage. At the baths, the young staff were pleasant, but clueless. The was no help offered to us for getting in or out of the mud bath. There was really no help to speak of. When we got our massages, it was obvious the the masseuse was not well trained. In fact, the massage was so inexpertly done, that it gave me back pain that lasted over a month! My friend was luckier and recovered in a few days. I used to go to Nance's before it burned down. By comparison, Wilkinson's is a bad joke. Avoid!

The Victorian Cottage is beautifully decorated, and located farther away from the activity of the main office and spa area. Dr. Wilkinson's has a really great mudbath/spa/massage value. It was a very relaxing place, and I thoroughly enjoyed my stay.