Cottonwood Hot Springs Inn

I have been going to Cottonwood for several yeas now and differant from others in that area the staf is pleasent and not rude like others. Yes it is an old worn building, but they state that and in my opinion it is part of what makes Cottonwood such a wonderful experiance. They pools are fantastic and very relaxing with wonderful healing waters. I have stayed in most all of the rooms and 2 of the 4 cabins, and yes the furniture is old but the beds are dressed with sparkling clean sheets. One reviewer complained about no A/C well go to the holiday inn if that is what you are looking for, I have never been there a night where it did not cool down nicely to sleep. My only concern is I wish they had a restaurant so you did not have to go into town 5 miles away for dinner, but is far from an excuse not to go. I have been to every hot springs Colorado has to offer and this is what I feel they are all about. It is not a comercial spot and if your looking for room service you need to go eleswhere, but if it is relaxation and good feelings from all around you, this is it. more

I've been to cwhs a # of times. My return trips have only added to my enjoyment! Yes the place is a bit rustic, yet for my $ there is no other place that combines healing waters, closeness to nature, a quiet sanctuary for a clean nice room, and above all, interesting conversation. I've talked to a classical musician, elected official, geologist, night club owner, stock broker who follows world economic trends,...the list could go on: in short people who are genuinely interested in the planet we live in and their place in it! It doesn't happen every time you take soak, yet often enough to make me look fwd to my next trip. more

We have not tried the hotel rooms but we stayed in cabin #2. Very comfortable! Private and clean hot tub which was a huge plus! I would go back! The massages were great and the staff was very pleasant! more

Last week I ventured out to go to a hot springs, which I've never ever done before, and there are plenty in the area. But I found a treasure tucked away just a few miles from the cute little town of Buena Vista. I not only found a place to relax, but it was so soothing to my tired bones and muscles. I got a massage, and it was so healing. I also heard they were putting in a restaurant with a local lady from Leadville who has done this for years. The new coffee bar is an added plus. Thank you Cottonwood for having such a wonderful place to go. I will be back again, over and over and over! more

"We go to Cottonwood Hot Springs every year, and we love it every time. It is a retreat from the tension and stress of real life into a world of self-indulgence and relaxation. We spend all of our time there in the bed, in the private hot spring pool adjoining the cabin, and on the massage tables, each of which is a separate slice of heaven. If you do feel the need to be active, or even just upright, the location is perfect for white water rafting or any other mountain-based recreation. " more

"If you stay or not, get a massage with Shelly!!! The lodge is not fancy and does not have many bells and whistles but if you like peace and quiet, a glowing salt lamp in your room and 24/7 access to relaxing hot pools this is the place for you. Splurge for a massage and you won't be dissapointed if it is with Shelly--it was amazing! The lodge itself is rustic and a little rickety but we loved relaxing by the fire, watching the Olympics on the big screen TV in the spacious common room and we had a wonderful weekend there :) PS You do pay for breakfast but $1.50 for a yummy bagel and cream cheese is worth it! " more

Staff was very nice, massages were great, spring pools were nice more

"My sister and I come to Cottonwood at least twice a year. I can't speak about the lodge rooms as we always stay in Cabin #3. It's the best cabin for 2 people, with two double beds. It has been refurnished and the appliances upgraded. We make our own breakfast and lunch and enjoy going into Buena for dinner. Behind the cabin is a private soaking pool overlooking the creek. We spend most of our time sitting out back enjoying the sound of the water. The main hot pools are comfortable and clean and you can float for hours. Floating at night, watching the stars is amazing. The main lodge has a great room with TV and lots of books. We've also had massages, and the therapists are wonderful! Be aware this is NOT a fancy hotel. As another reviewer said, it's kind of like an old hippie place, but I'm an old hippie and I fit right in. The peace and quiet, surrounding mountains and rushing water soothes away the city blues everytime. The only downside is I can't get up here every weekend! " more

If your looking for the Ritz Carlton or the Four Seasons dont bother, that said if your into a enjoyable, relaxing, quiet getaway book this place now!. I visit from out of state every year. Sometimes a couple times per year. Its a rustic environment but the people there are friendly and you'r sure to love the hot springs soaking pools. Give their spa a try I use Marie, she does a fantastic job! Room Tip: The cabins are a great value, try them out! more

"My family and I were loooking for something really off the beaten path to see while in Colorado. We stopped in Buena Vista and decided to spend the night......even though I didn't like the Room price of $162.00 for 2Queen in TOWN mind you. We went soaking at Cottonwood Hot Springs....and FEEL IN LOVE. The Staff was sweet and helpful. They suggested that we look at the rooms for a future stay. The rooms were nice and cozy. Loved the NO TV NO PHONE idea. There was just me, my partner and mother. So a room with 2 double beds was just fine for the future. We went backdown the office staff informed if we were looking for a room for the night they jushad a cancelllation. WE TOOK IT!! we saved about $80 from in town. The pool were open throughout the night for guests and Check out was at 1PM Even better. The rooms aren't 4 star but they are nice and cozy and quaint. We were told they were just updated. The massage therapists were great .....we all had one. The water couldn't be any better. Mom's knee was bothering her the whole trip until Cottonwood. She kept up with us for the rest of our trip no complaining. The water there is relaxing clear, sweet tasting, jsut perfect, they keep a jug of hte water in the lobby just for drinking....you need to drink Lots of water. There is no alcohol allowed....which is nice considering that the water has lithiam in it to really make you relaxe...you don't need any alcohol to help. " more

"The parking lot is filled with stones, not dirt...looked nice! We were checked in right away, no problems whatsoever. We were given full details on our room, the pools and breakfast. The room was very clean. The bed was comfy with two pillows per person. There was even a stuffed bunny on the bed! =) We had a king size bedroom, so we had a fridge and microwave in the room. Everything was very open, welcoming and very quiet. To keep the room cool, we left the windows open and the ceiling fan on high. Very good night's sleep (we spent 2 nights there). The pools are fantastic! The range from boil-a-lobster hot to nice-n-cooling. They have complimentary ""noodles"" for the pools too. Very nice. I love all the detail around the pools, the wooden carvings, the hummingbird feeders and the chimes. Relaxing. We spoke with other guests in the pools and most were on their 2nd or 3rd time staying at Cottonwood. We didn't have any problems or issues with locals just coming to use a day pass at the pools...everyone mostly kept to themselves or their little groups. There are NO tv's or phones in the rooms and, as they say on their website, that is on purpose!! Go out and enjoy the San Isabel National Forest or go rafting or horseback riding or...bask in the glory of Cottonwood Inn's pools. =) It's a little bit of the Old West just outside of Buena Vista. Come for the serenity, leave with a smile. I know I sure did! And I plan to come back again! =)" more

I spent one night at this unique lodge in a king size room which came with a mini refridge and a microwave. The room was a bit rustic which is clearly stated on its website. The bed was so comfortable and there were 4 large super comfortable fluffy pillows. The bedding included a down type comforter. I was there primarily for the amazing hot springs. There are 5 large pools of pristine clear water with varing temps of approx. 94ish - 106ish degrees-one cold pluge pool. People in the pools respect this cherrished hot springs and are there to relax just as I was. Swimsuits must be worn. Pools were super clean and there were built in benches in the pools, the view of the mountains was perfect. This is not a 5 Star super hotel but a very natural healing place that gives you peace and quiet for meditation if you need. A nearby river gives tranquility to the listening ear. Massages of all sorts are offered if you need. I do advise to bring plenty of your own food for snacking as snacks are organic and limited outside of the ice cream which in regular. I had an amazing time at this simple and pure lodge. more

this is a nice place. however the clothing is required all the time now. used to be optional at night during winter time. still a great place as they kick anyone under 17 out at night and you can bathe all night with room rental. peace more

My parents were visiting from Canada and my husband and I wanted to give them a taste of what mountain living could be like. So after two days of travel we pulled into Cottonwood Hot Springs Inn and Spa and immediately our tension began to melt. Our room was ready and inviting. It was a welcome change not to have a TV or phone. The beds are extraordinary comfortable as are the pillows (which are for sale). The location backs onto National Forest and you feel enveloped by the natural beauty of the location. We spotted the best campsite I have ever seen, a series of koi ponds separate you from the rushing river and just enough room for a camp fire. All 4 of us had massages and they were really amazing! The idea of this place is to relax in a communal way. If you are looking for plush spa type atmosphere, keep driving- this is not for you. However, if you want to meet and chat with new friends as you soak your cares away then play cards in the great room then come and join us! We have plans to return at least once a month as a reminder to honor our real life as creatures of this beautiful planet. more

Cottonwood Hot Springs was very beautiful and rustic. It is a developed inn with 7 different pools. Admission is $15 per adult and the people are very nice. There is no hiking in, but the surroundings are very zen. A nice place to spend an afternoon and meet some new people. Bathing suits are mandatory in the summer months, but it seems there is a more free hilly atmosphere during the winter months. Alcohol is strictly prohibited. They offer massages and palm readings, but make sure you call ahead to make an appointment for one of those. more

I love traveling to hot springs, and while I generally prefer non-commercial sites, there are a few very worthwhile commercial options for an easy getaway. Cottonwood is one of those. This was my first time at these springs, and I was pleasantly surprised. more

"your looking for the Ritz Carlton or the Four Seasons dont bother, that said if your into a enjoyable, relaxing, quiet getaway book this place now!. I visit from out of state every year. Sometimes a couple times per year. Its a rustic environment but the people there are friendly and you'r sure to love the hot springs soaking pools. Give their spa a try I use Marie, she does a fantastic job! more

This is a favorite spot in the winter. There are several pools to soak in that vary in temperature. It can get crowded and depending on the people you get a very different experience each time. This is a wonderful place to warm up after a cold day skiing. In the summer, it's pleasant in the cooler pools but I find there are often more rowdy children at that time. I think the price is a touch high but not completely out of the question. Massages are well done but again - on the higher end. All in all, a very nice place. more

Perfect - Clean, quiet and relaxing!! I have been coming once every month to six weeks for quite a while - years. I live in Manitou so it is only 90 minutes away. I love that I can come here and meditate and totally relax in the pools. I really appreciate the quiet communing with nature and the lack of interruptions. I enjoy children at other venues, but appreciate the emphasis placed on quiet reflection at Cottonwood. I understand that families want to be together and have a wonderful time, but I am so glad that Cottonwood Hot Springs encourages quiet respect for all. The facilities are clean, the staff is so "real" and courteous and pleasant. I like that it is affordable, clean, and totally surrounded by nature. I am always so at peace and centered when I leave Cottonwood. Thank you, staff, for all your hard work and efforts. more

This is a great place to be and is very relaxing!!!! Great massage therapists on staff also. Rooms and creekside Cabins!!!!!! I love to come here and soak in the hot springs!! more