Dr. Wilkinson's Backyard Resort & Mineral Springs

"This is the OG hot springs resort in Calistoga, conveniently located in the middle of everything. My favorite part is the indoor pool sized hot pool with jets. Note that it's adults only and nowhere near the family friendly pools, which is great unless you didn't bring a babysitter. :) Favorite moment was poolside food and beverage service. Best fries ever, and overall excellent restaurant. Everything has been updated and modernized while still retaining its old school motel feel. Standard rooms are a bit small and occasionally that old school motel feel is not a positive, but overall a wonderful experience. Shout out to the staff who went out of their way to help us rectify a minor problem."

"My husband and I enjoyed our 2 nights very much. Rooms are small but redone and nice. Pools are great. Food and drink on property were tasty and fairly priced. We did massage and mud bath which were both very enjoyable. My only complaint is after our relaxing spa experience, we were directly asked by the person checking us out if "will you be tipping our recommended 25%?". We felt pressured and that is an insane amount! We stuttered out yes but walked out feeling totally uncomfortable. My plan was to venture back once a month because I really loved the massage therapist. However, that recommended tip works out to basically a dollar a minute. I am a service person and I do 250 dollar services that take a couple of hours. No one tips 25%. And I would never say this to my clients. My plan was to tip massage therapists 40 each and mud bath attendant 60. I am guessing they must pool tips? I don't know. It just left a very sour taste in our mouths and my plan of getting a membership and doing a monthly deal is no longer. Tipping culture is totally out of control and I am tired of being made to feel embarrassed/cheap and not being able to decide on my own what I feel is appropriate."

"Came here for the natural hot springs pool, stayed for the food and family friendly atmosphere that didn't include children running amok. They did a great job of setting aside a quiet space for adults only. We had a minor hiccup in our stay that was handled quickly and that made our stay all the better. There's a great grocery store right across the street so if you want something that isn't available from the kitchen, it's right there for you to take advantage of. The main street is like any cute resort town with lots of art galleries and restaurant/taverns in case you're looking for somewhere else to hang out. We'll definitely be coming back."

"I get a Marriott hotel certificate once and a year and have used it here for the past two years, both in winter. Both times have been amazingly awesome for me. I come here to get away and to use the mineral pools. The restaurant on site is really good for beer and food. I have had many beers and a breakfast burrito and enjoyed all of them. Lots of people seem to like the piess. I traveled heavily for work staying in lots of hotels and resorts for 15 years and this so far is probably my favorite spot to just relax and get away."