Going to Calistoga, CA
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Going to Calistoga, CA
Note: some names may have changed.
See Calistoga Chamber of Commerce
for a current list of lodging and spas.
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Hot Springs or Calistoga with a toddler
Feb 2012
Do you have recommendations for a peaceful retreat with
natural hot springs and perhaps access to nature that would
welcome a toddler (18 months) and costs less than a fortune?
What are your favorite Calistoga resorts or hotels?
A rare few days off is approaching and I'd like to bring my
family to a hot spring. We were looking at Harbin but they
only allow children in the camping area and it is 43 degrees there
now... We thought Calistoga could be a good alternative but
aren't familiar with any of the options there.
Thanks! - hopeful soaker
The best spot in Calistoga is Indian Springs. It's not
cheap, but if you could go mid-week that would help, and
many of the cottages come with small kitchenettes, which can
help keep costs down since you could bring your own food.
They have a HUGE pool, and it's very kid friendly (both in
attitude, and physically, it's got a sloping entry instead
of stairs, so nice big shallow area).
I have heard that Calistoga Spa Hotel just did a big
renovation and now has a kiddy pool. I've never been there,
because the hotel-style rooms seem not conducive to having a
kid with an early bedtime, which we do (not sure where we'd
hang out after 7 when she's asleep). L.
Indian Springs in Calistoga for sure!
They have a great large naturally heated outdoor pool which
is great for kids, and nice mud/massage treatments for you.
You can rent a cabin there as well, easy walking to
restaurants and downtown. have fun
We love Calistoga; our favorite spot is Calistoga Spa Hot
Springs. http://calistogaspa.com/ It's right behind the
hardware store, downtown. Easy walk to everything. Pools
(large hot tub, warm pool, big pool, and kiddie pool) were
remodeled in the fall, very kid-friendly. It's a bit
expensive, but very nice. Rooms are older, but clean and
pleasant. Spa treatments & gym facilities available. Our
other favorite, Calistoga Village Inn & Spa, is apparently
working on all its pools (per their website), so don't stay
there right now. heidilee
Calistoga is great for kids. I like the Calistoga Spa and
Hot Springs-they have 4 pools-one hot, one warm, one lap
pool, and a baby/toddler pool. It's very relaxing. anon
Girls weekend in Sonoma/Calistoga
June 2011
A girlfriend and I are looking for a place to spend a
weekend away. We're thinking Sonoma or Calistoga but are
open to suggestions of anywhere within 2 hours of the east
bay. We'd like to go somewhere where we can have spa
treatments and delicious food/cocktails - some place with a
spa and excellent restaurant both on site would be ideal.
We're less interested in seeing the sights than in having
some time to sit next to a pool, sip some drinks and blab.
Thanks for any recommendations!
Rockridge mom looking forward to a getaway
Solage! Solage! Solage!
http://www.solagecalistoga.com/spa.html
Genevieve
Best Calistoga hotel for kids?
April 2011
Looking for recent advice...We just spent 2 nights enjoying
the four mineral pools at the Calistoga Spa and Resort, but
came away wondering if there is a less expensive place that
would still be clean and family-friendly, with a couple of
pools for the kids to swim & play in...Does anyone have a
favorite place in Calistoga to take their kids overnight?
We like walking to Lincoln St., but could drive a few
minutes...We spent nearly $250 per night, and are wondering
if there's a better bargain out there... Thanks!
Berkeley mom of 3
We have a 3 year old and always stay at the Calistoga Spa
Hot Springs. Our favorite feature, if you're an adventurous
parents, is that you can request a room on the ground floor
just outside the pools and bring a baby monitor. Once our
son is sleeping (not so much now that he's mobile) we can
slip into the tub for one last soak at night with the baby
monitor right next to us on the edge of the tub. Also,
every room has a kitchenette. jaime
We have taken our now-5-year-old to the Calistoga Village
Inn & Spa since he was a baby. They have natural pools there
including one that is just warm enough for little kids. It's
cheap too. A tad rundown but funky in a fun way. We like
it. www.greatspa.com Lisa in Oakland
Spa for healing mother
Dec 2009
I've been healing from horrible pain and severe stress in my
life. I've been offered a holiday gift of a several-day spa visit to
help me get some downtime from my family and heal more. I'm looking
for an economical place close to the East Bay, but I'm not familiar
with CA yet. Can anyone recommend a quiet place(s) where I can stay
for 1-3 nights and go to mud baths, massages, hot springs, etc.,
preferably with a healthy menu/restaurant nearby? I would be going
alone and not looking for a social experience, but rather a reflective
one. Thanks!
Tired Mom
Calistoga is about an hour away, and has all those things.
Indian springs is probably the nicest place, but not
cheap. The Calistga Spa is more reasonable, and has great
pools. Roman spa is also nice. The town is very sweet, and
there's good hiking nearby. It's very much a place where
you can be alone and be nurtured.
love calistoga
Nov 2009
Re: Birthday getaway with girlfriends
Calistoga is a great place to get away with friends, it's a little over an
hour from Berkeley. Very relaxing. Nice main street with restaurants,
bookstore, clothing shops. State park to go hiking, and then the spas, of
which there are many. Most have midweek specials, esp in winter. Golden Haven,
Indian Springs, Calistoga Spa, Roman spa, are all nice. Indian Springs is the
most expensive, has a wonderful olympic size pool of warm water. Golden haven
is the most reasonable, has nice rooms, but only indoor tubs, but good
facials, massages.
anon
I just had a weekend with girlfriends, and we went to Calistoga and had a great
time. We stayed at Eurospa Inn, which I thought was quite reasonable. Call them
up and ask for a spa/room package and they'll work out a deal with you. The
place was clean, comfortable and cute enough. They have a patio area where we
were able to hang out. Even though it was cold out, it was manageable because
they have a little fireplace there. The breakfast that was included was good
(they cook all the pastries there, and there was fruit, yogurt, granola, etc.).
We all had spa treatments at the attached spa and all were happy with the
treatments received. The hotel is walkable to the main area of Calistoga, so
once we parked the cars in the hotel's lot, we didn't use them until we were on
our way out. So the weekend was all about hanging out, eating good food (would
recommend Jole's, kind of pricey but definitely worth it), wandering around the
town and on the way home, we stopped at the Napa outlets and shopped. Fabulous!
Indian Springs! See my loooooong post re: the couple going away for a romantic
weekend. This place
works great for both ideas!
mailisha
Feedback - Indian Springs in Calistoga?
April 2007
I have booked a getaway weekend in June for my husband and me
at the Indian Springs Spa in Calistoga. Has anybody been or
stayed there? They only had the Lodge available (not the
bungalow) and I was wondering if it would be nicer to stay
upstairs or downstairs. Are their massages and budbaths worth
the money? How did you like their spa treatments and just the
atmosphere in general?
Can't wait to be pampered
I recently went to Indian Springs in Calisotga for a company retreat. We stayed in the lodge upstairs. The
rooms were very nice. Be sure to request one away from the road. I had a mud bath and it was fun and relaxing.
We also spent a lot of time in the pool, which is warm and inviting. It is within walking distance from all
the restaurants and boutiques. We plan on going back. Have fun relaxing!
would like to go back
October 2006
We'll be in Calistoga and St. Helena for a weekend in mid-October
with my kids (2 and 6) and my parents (mid-60s). Any
recommendations for activities in the area that would be fun for
all of us? Thanks
robin
Obviously the geysers are a must-see! It's fun and low-key, but
an amazing natural phenomenon. Two years ago we stayed a
weekend in that area and we added a trip to Safari West in
Santa Rosa, which is actually fairly close to Calistoga. Though
it isn't cheap, it was a great experience. We traveled with my
parents (in their seventies) and two small children (3 yrs and
6 mo. old)
JOJ
''Old Faithful'' geyser just north of Calistoga is fun for kids of
all ages. Also Sterling Vineyard (just south of Calistoga) is
reached by an air tram that the kids would probably get a kick
out of.
If you're into kitchy things, check out the Old Faithful Geyser
(www.oldfaithfulgeyser.com) on Tubbs Lane, near Calistoga. My
five year old loves it. Don't miss the llamas and the fainting
goats!
There's also The Petrified Forest, between Santa Rosa and
Calistoga, but I haven't been there in many years.
Weekend Adventurer
Nov 2005
Re: A quiet couple days away with kids
Calistoga Spa and Inn is also great-very family friendly, 4
different pools (hot, warm, cold and baby pools), fun town, only
1 1/2 hours away.
May 2005
Re: 10th Anniversary romantic getaway
Check out the Brewery Gulch Inn in Mendocino, or the Milliken
Creek Inn on the Silverado Trail near Calistoga. I've been
wanting to try one of them for a long time. They're both
splurges and each has a website.
August 2004
re: Destination Spa for two moms
Indian Hot Springs in Calistoga sure is popular - see reviews
on the Berkeley Parents Network website.
I went there and had a massage and it was INCREDIBLE. Absolutely
one of the best I've ever had. The huge, geothermally heated
outdoor pool is terrific too. We rented the little house atop the
hill with another couple and it was really great (it has a
kitchen, too). http://www.indianspringscalistoga.com/
Good luck, and congrats!
Jennie
June 2004
I'm looking for a quiet, peaceful spa in Calistoga for myself and 3 girlfriends. This
is just for a day visit this summer. We would like a place that offers great massages
and perhaps other treatments as well. We do not need to lay out by a mineral pool
and want to avoid a noisy family scene since this is a getaway for us without our
kids. Thanks!
lj
Loved Indian Springs. I only went there pre-kids, though.
There were kids out at the outside pool, but they didn't hinder
our enjoyment! The mudbath was fabulous and the massage
divine! It is a solo activity though . . . not a social time
with your friends. Enjoy.
wish I could go too
I dindn't see your original post, but I highly recommend Indian Springs. It is the
oldest spa in Calistoga. Very nice place!
Laurey
Indian Springs is lovely. Anon.
April 2004
I am looking for a place in Calistoga where we can go into mud
bath treatment togeather. We are planning to go on our
anniversity and it has been a long time since we got to go out
without our baby. I've checked the past posting but I couldn't
find anything on spa treatment for couple. The places on the
posting sounded all nice but their treatments separate the
gender to different room. Since we are a hetrosexual couple, we
need to find a place where we can have some private space for
the treatmetn. Does anyone know such a place?
Thanks
needing romantic time
I highly reccomend osmosis.
not in calistoga but in the vicinity.
check it out at : http://www.osmosis.com/
juli
My husband and I had wonderful mudbaths together at Golden Haven
in Calistoga. They have couples specials... And it was GREAT!!
Jen
Go to GOLDEN HAVEN. I believe they are the only spa in
Calistoga that allows couples to go into the mud together.
It's wonderful!!!!! Enjoy. Do a search on the web for their
web site. They offer specials.
Shoshana
Golden Haven Inn & Spa offers mud baths for couples. Same room,
with 2 separate tubs, side-by-side (I don't know of anywhere
that offers couples mud baths in the same tub). Also includes a
couple of showers in the room and a hot tub to kick back in
afterwards. And this is the thick, hot mud we're talking, not
the lighter, mineral mud treatment. Not the creme-de-la-creme
of spas, one of the less expensive ones overall, but it was
great fun. I've done it both with a girlfriend and with my
husband. And I think they will also allow you access to their
mineral swimming pool, but check just in case it's for hotel
guests only. Possibly Dr. Wilkinson's also offers mud baths for couples?
Give them a call, too.
Both places are on the main drag there in Calistoga (Golden
Haven on the far end by Silverado Trail, Dr. Wilkinson's right
in the middle somewhere).
Have a great time, you'll feel like a limp noodle afterwards!
Christine
Golden Haven has mud baths and massages for couples. We went 4-5
years ago and it was pleasant but not luxurious. But there aren't
many spas with couple treatments around, and you get what you pay
for. (You could find one of those super-fancy resorts with
in-room treatments who would be happy to treat both of you at
once, but expect to pay for it.)
I checked and the web site has a discount:
http://www.goldenhaven.com/
David
The Golden Haven Spa in Calistoga has couples rooms and tubs.
And afterward, you will also go to the same room for your wraps
and massages as well. The accomodations are nothing fancy, but
are clean. They do have some rooms w/large in-room jacuzzi tubs.
wishin i was going
I highly, highly recommend Lavendar Hill Spa. Website is
http://www.lavenderhillspa.com/
As it says on their site, it's a spa for couples, although I
have been there by myself without a probelm. My husband isn't
much of a spa person and even he enjoyed it when we got a
certificate as a wedding present. The cabins where they do the
treatments are very clean and tranquil. They don't have the
thick mud baths that get used over and over, instead you choose
which treatment you want (mud, seaweed, etc.) and a special mix
is added to a ''one time use bath.'' And they clean & sanitze the
bathtubs after each use. Even though the place is right on the
main road you feel like you've escaped when you sit on the
small veranda. When I've gone there's been both female and male
massage therapists there, so if you're getting a massage you
can get it from whichever you feel most comfortable with. I
can't recommend the place enough.
anon
Check out Lincoln Ave Spa. My partner and I used to have the
couples herbal mud treatment every year for our anniversary.
They give you this bowl of warm herbal clay and you cover each
other in it and then get into this ''steam tube'' until you are
totally relaxed and detoxed and then you shower off. They also
have great massages and are pretty reasonable.
EB
I've been to Oasis Spa in Calistoga a couple of times. They have
reasonably priced mud-baths for couples, but the baths are side
by side, not one big bath. Still, you're in the same room, and
it's private. They also have mineral baths and massages. You can
find them on the web. Enjoy!
ryq
Try White Sulphur Springs resort in St. Helena. I believe they have mud
baths, and I remember they specialized in couple treatments. The little
cottages are really sweet, the pool is nice, and they have a small
sulphur hot spring on the property.
Maria
We just returned from Calistoga and I picked up a brochure that
listed some couple's spas. Here they are:
Golden Haven 707-942-6793
Oasis 800-404-4772
Lincoln Avenue Spa 707-942-5296
Karen
April 2004
We are going on a weekend trip to Calistoga soon and need
restaurant recommendations--I checked the archives, but there
wasn't much there. We've been to Catahoula, which is moderately
high-end but ok for kids (our group will include several small
children), but it's now closed. We're looking for places right
in the heart of Calistoga so we don't have to drive.
Nomi
A great restaurant in Calistoga is All Seasons, which is right
on the main street. Haven't been there with my daughter, but I
recommend the food.
I had relatives who owned a bed and breakfast there for many
years, and it was one of their favorites.
It's also a bit pricey, but not much different than the Napa
Valley average. Check out the menu while you're there and see
what you think.
Suzanne
I like the All Seasons restaurant. It's right on the main drag
and while it is rather upscale, they were great at accommodating
two picky ten year old appetites. I love the salads.
Jan 2004
Re: Day of pampering for friend's 30th birthday
I have a great recommendation for a girls' day out that a friend
of mine and I used to do every year for our birthdays (until she
up and moved to Portland - darn her!). We used to drive up to
Calistoga and go to Indian Springs for mudbaths, massages,
wraps, whatever caught our fancy. They have a wonderful choice
of services and the best, IMHO, mudbaths in town! Here's the
link to their website: http://www.indianspringscalistoga.com/
After, we would shop around Calistoga for a bit and then go
someplace for a fabulous lunch or dinner. The Rutherford Grill
is a great place for lunch or dinner - great wine, not too
expensive, fabulous food! Indian Springs also has a huge natural
hot spring pool that is nice to swim in after your massage. We
didn't always do that since our birhtdays are in December and
the weather was usually not that great. It's a wonderful and
relaxing get-away and I would recommend it highly. In fact, I'm
jealous! Can I come? ; )
Have Fun!
Nancy
Does anyone have a favorite spa in Calistoga (or elsewhere), not to stay the
night, but for the hot springs, etc. We're looking for some place to go for
the day to relax! Thanks!
Raissa
Try Dr. Wilkinsons or Indian Springs. Both are excellent. I like Indian
Springs better because they use volcanic ash. Wilkinsons is a bit more down
to earth. Molly
I would definitely look into Calistoga inn...there mineral pools are great to relax in, a
few kids, but not overrun with them.
My husband and I stayed at the Calistoga Inn in Calistoga about five years ago.
They have (had?) no frills rooms - no phone, no TV - but clean and
comfortable and affordable for the area. We were very pleased. According
to their website, they do not have a minimum stay. See their website at
www.calistogainn.com.
Additional recommendations received for
Harbin Hot Springs
March 2003
Re: Visiting a spa while pregnant
I went to the Calistoga Spa when I was about 6 months pregnant.
I was able to do the mineral bath since I could regulate the
temperature to my comfort level. I sat in the steam for about 5
minutes, then had a wonderful massage. If they don't have
the ''belly'' table, most masseuses can have you lie on either
side. The mud bath was out due to temperature and duration. Have
a wonderful time. You deserve it!
kathryn
Calistoga Spa & Hot Springs has baby pool and bigger pools, outdoor BBQs and spa
services. You can hang out at the pools. Very nice to families. Books up very fast
and has 3-day minimum in the summer.
Mt. Home Ranch near Calistoga is more "outdoorsy" and somewhat less "spa-like," but
offers yummy breakfast, trails, river, tennis & vollyball.
Merry
We used to go to Calistoga Spa & Resort for day use,
because it's very modern & clean, and the large
swimming pool + medium warm pool + big hot whirlpool +
kiddie pool with "waterfall wall" are great. It's
also right off the "main drag"--an easy stroll to
shops & restaurants. However, they allow "day
trippers" who do not want treatments, who just want
pools, so the place fills up to capacity early in the
morning and is quite crowded during the summer season.
(But if you're getting a treatment, you automatically
get to use the pools.)
The Calistoga Day Spa is good and inexpensive. The wood
sauna house is not clean, but the tubs and pool are nice
and people are friendly but non-invasive. Many Europeans seem
to go there. The massage, however, is better at the place on
the main drag (forgot the name) that has a little
massage supply area in the front.
Louisa
We used to go to Calistoga Day Spa. We've switched to the Village Inn & Spa, a little
older, a little smaller, a little worn around the
edges, but clean. It has a nice swimming pool, a
great, warm kiddie pool, and a partially enclosed hot
whirlpool. The treatments are just as good as at the
other place, there're grassy picnic areas, and it's
NEVER been crowded when we've gone (@8-10 times).
They've always allowed me in free, without a treatment
(like when I was pregnant) as long as my husband was
getting a massage or mud, etc...
Very mellow, comfortable place; you can bring a
picnic, just no alcohol or glass in the pool area.
One drawback it's a 2-minute drive or a long walk to
downtown (it's right next to the Silverado Trail).
Have fun!
Heidi
March 2003
Re: Visiting a spa while pregnant
When I was pregnant with my first child, I visited the Mount
View Spa a couple of times since I had arleady been there for
treatments prior to my pregnancies. It is located in Calistoga
in the Mount Vew Hotel. You just need to inform them when
calling for an appointment that you are pregnant; they have the
specially designed pillows to ''hold'' baby. Additionally, they
have a yummy restaurant Catahoula which is within the space of
the hotel. I do hope you try it; having a massage is always a
treat and when you're pregnant, it feels even more wonderful!
the website is: http://www.mountviewspa.com/
Enjoy@
Eileen
March 2003
Re: Day Spas
I don't know if you want to drive that far, but I don't
think it's as much as 1.5 hours... Anyway, I had a fabulous
time last fall at Indian Springs in Calistoga. They have
mud baths, massages, and I don't know what else, plus a
terrific larger-than-Olympic-sized, geothermally heated pool.
(http://www.indianspringscalistoga.com/)
I just enjoyed the pool & a 1/2-hour massage that was a
slice of heaven. You can also stay there, which is terrific,
too.
Jennie
I recommend Indian Springs. You can go and get the
treatments (mudbaths, massages, etc.) which includes admission to the pool,
or you can pay a fee (not sure how much) to hang out at the pool all day.
The pool is Olympic sized, heated mineral water, and feels divine. It's very
kid friendly, with lots of kick boards and beach balls for common use. The
shallow end is quite extensive.
Mollie
I'd highly recommend Indian Springs as a day spa. It's a pleasant and low-key
environment and they offer a lot of different spa services (I've just had
massages). A huge mineral pool is available to all spa guests. Some of
the places in Calistoga are a little run down. Indian Springs is
old-fashioned but nicely kept up. Enjoy!
Rachele
1998
my favorite place to go is Calistoga. It's less expensive than Napa and less
chic also (a bonus really), and it's 5 minutes away from Napa wineries. And it
has hotsprings and mudbaths and woods and trails. We've stayed several times
at the Roman Inn, which is a slightly tacky 60's motel with outdoor pool
(filled with warm mineral water) and 2 indoor hotter pools and a very pretty
garden/courtyard. When I've been, there have been lots of retired Europeans
there for some reason. It's around $100/night if you get a special - we got
one via the chamber of commerce up there but they have AAA too I think. There
are also the cool old spas like Indian Springs - they have little cottages and
a huge outdoor mineral pool but I don't know the cost. Hope you have fun. Ginger
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