Dr. Wilkinson's Hot Springs Resort, Calistoga

I took my mom (who was visiting me from Boston) to Dr. Wilkinson's resort for a belated Mother's Day present in June 2004. We did their special "Stress Stopper Package" where we stayed 2 nights during the week and then each had "The Works" at the spa (e.g. a mud bath, steam room, hot body wrap, and massage. The package was only $259, and it was definitely a great value! I highly recommend it. It sort of reminded me of a Turkish bath in Istanbul. For the mud bath, you are literally lying in a bathtub filled with mossy hot mud. It's definitely an odd experience. The massages were also good.

If you like 1950s style this is a fun place. You'll recognize it when you see the great neon sign circa 1952. It is decently kept up, very neat and clean. You have two choices of accommodations -- you can stay in the Victorian House with its very flowery rooms, or in the more simple Pool Patio rooms. We stayed in the Pool Patio room, and though the decor in the room wasn't amazing, you won't spend much time in your room. There's a decent-size outdoor swimming pool and an indoor heated mineral pool.

Another great thing about this hotel is that it is a 5-minute walk down the street to the many wonderful restaurants and shops on the main drag of Calistoga.