Calistoga Golden Haven Hot Springs Spa & Resort

This was me and my boyfriend’s first time doing a mud bath and it didn’t disappoint!
My boyfriend and I wanted to try this out and decided to come here on Valentine’s Weekend so we booked it about 2 – 3 weeks in advance (they already had very limited spots then)
We did the couples mud bath for ~$ 130 total. The first thing is the actual mud bath with a clay mask & a cold towel on forehead for about 12 minutes and then you rinse everything off in a warm shower. Then you go into the jacuzzi (~10min?) and end with relaxing in the wrap room for ~20 min. I used a shower cap and tied my hair up really high in a bun during the mud bath but clay still got into my hair and I wasn’t able to get all of it out during the quick shower afterwards. Luckily, they do let you shower again (shampoo and conditioner provided) after the wrap room with no time limit so I didn’t leave with clay in my hair at all. Service was amazing (our staff was Carly), they respected our privacy, and theyre all extremely nice!
Definitely would recommend for first timers!

Ok, so not really like my usual self — I booked a night at this place after not doing much research at all, didn’t turn to Unilocal before or really study their website or photos. I was specifically looking for a place that offered a couples mud bath deal and in a Google search this came place came up, while I passed up another bookmarked place — because I just really wanted two mud baths side-​by-​side. I got what I wanted, indeed but for some reason this wasn’t the type of place I imagined, when pulling in. For some reason I pictured it a little out of the way, more secluded. Saying that, it feels like you’re pulling into a cheap motel, in a touristy town and this is just a cheap place to stay, yeah. And that’s pretty much what it is (minus the cheap part) with a pool in a cage. Oh, and with (couples) mud baths! – Which made it all worth it, really. The place is nothing fancy, somewhat outdated and even tacky but it was a good time. This was my first mud bath experience and I very much enjoyed myself and recommend this place for just that reason. Other good news, they offer bikes — and downtown is just around the corner, with a grocery store fully stocked with wine!

Giving one star because you cannot give negative ten. This was not nice in 1956 when it was built and the mud was brought in. Not even a soviet worker would think this was a spa.
Everything was wrong. The mud, the sandpaper (aka towels) the ridiculous tiny robes made from tissue paper.
I feel robbed.
I have done hammam is Istanbul, massage in Thailand, hot springs in Costa Rica and banyo in Russia. If this is what my country has to offer, we are doomed.
Use the $ 128 for a bottle of wine, or just burn it. Either way money better spent and you will not need antibiotics.

First, let me say that I’ve been coming here for many years. I’ve seen the good, the bad, and the ugly. Lately, it’s been more of the latter than the former.
Rooms: This is an older hotel/​motel, so I don’t have high expectations, but it seems like the rooms have regressed. Our room’s heater unit worked sporadically (and not at all on a night when the low was 38). When it did work, it was LOUD. Bed’s are so-​so; our friend in an adjoining room noted that his mattress sagged in the middle.
Early on, Golden Haven had very smelly hot water, as in sulphur smell — i.e., rotten eggs. Also, the water pressure varied — you’d go from hot, to ice cold, to scalding. As I was younger and this place was cheaper than most, I put up with it. Then, about 4 – 5 years ago, they seemed to have solved the problem. I figured that they must have put in conventional hot water heaters.
Well, the sulphur smell is back, as is the water going from scalding to freezing.
Bathroom is on an exterior wall with no heater. It got very cold in the night.
Towels felt like rubbing sandpaper all over yourself. When my wife went to the front desk to request «spa» towels, which were softer, they balked, and only reluctantly gave her some, after telling her that they really shouldn’t do that.
Spa: Still love the deep mud vats. You used to get 15 minutes in the mud, now it’s only 12. As for the massages, it’s always hit or miss.
All in all, this place has been through ownership changes over the years, from bad to better and now I can’t help but wonder if it got sold again. It seems to be on the decline.

We had such a great experience last time we decided to come back! We stayed in the jacuzzi room again and instead of doing the mud bath we just had our hour-​long massage. Our massage therapists, Rebecca and Heather, were on point! (My fiancé who had Heather said it was the best massage he has ever received). This jacuzzi room was a different room than when we stayed in last time. The water temperature improved a lot than before (before it wasn’t hot enough for me) and the bathroom provide more security now. Either they had actually improved or we simply had a better room now. The only problem I would say is that you can kind of hear your neighbors through the walls (especially the TV and the water pressure, such as when they turn their jacuzzi on) but other than that, it’s fine, you can still sleep through it.

This place caught us by surprise. We were looking for a relaxing spa day in the famous Calistoga hot springs in what appeared to be a beautiful resort. The location is very sore to the eye, the pool appeared dirty and the entrance had a rusted gate with a questionable lock entry. The mud bath entrance looks dark and eery. Luckily, when we told the front desk that this is not what we were expecting they cancelled our reservations without any charge. If you’re looking for a resort style relaxing getaway, I wouldn’t recommend this place. It’s definitely not as advertised on the website.

We enjoyed ourselves here! This was a first for us and the experience exceeded my expectations! The staff were friend and service is great! We plan on coming back in a few months and staying the night.

We visited this spa using a 2 for one mud bath special deal we located on their website.
It’s a great deal and I fully recommend if you are interested in a mud bath experience for two people. Check in was easy and we were called right away from the waiting room. If you are thirsty and it’s cold out especially, be sure to check out the tea lounge for a hot cup of tea. We found some herbal teas in the back of the tea container, so if you are not into Lipton black tea, be sure to search for the chamomile or ask at the reception for some. For us, herbal was a better choice to drink before going into a relaxing setting.
We were brought back to the changing area by someone called the bath attendant. She was friendly and attentive, and very sweet to offer us to take pictures of us in the mud bathtubs, as a fun, extra treat. We did and all went well, great messy and relaxing experience with her. My only critique on this was that I specifically said that I wanted to keep my hair mud free and dry and she offered a towel behind my head on the head rest. I wished that I had had a plastic shower cap– and didn’t remember to ask for one… Alas, no matter how careful I was, the back of head was muddy and it was only after that, that I saw the stack of shower caps in the room in her station. So, this was a bummer and I wished that the bath attendant had offered that. Oh well. I ended up getting most of my hair clean– without washing, as it was a cold night– low 40’s and washing my hold head of long hair was not on the time agenda. SO, I recommend, ask for a shower cap– the mud is basically avoidable without one.
The experience in the bath, the mineral tub, the showers and the cool down blanket wrap was all nice and relaxing. Basic– but good. We followed up our mud baths with a 30-​min back, shoulder neck massage. We were met by two masseuses one female and one male. Overall good experience, yet I recommend a longer massage time– 30-​minutes barely scratches the surface. My masseuse was good, she was nurturing and for a non-​deep tissue massage, satisfactory and attentive. Again, more time is always good– minimum one hour is best.
Would I go back here for more? Most likely no. With 50 spas and wellness centers in the Sonoma county, I would explore a different experience next time. Was it a good, reasonably priced and good value for our investment, yes. If I were to do it again– I would book a two for one mud bath and longer massages– of at least one hour or more.
Recommend for first timers and for those on a budget.

Not a fancy spa by any means. But while looking for a last minute mud bath while staying in Calistoga, this place had an opening the following morning so we booked it. We checked in and were promptly shown to a changing room to get into robes. We were then escorted into a huge room that felt kind of dirty, kind of rustic, kind of «back of the house». We were told what to do next and she exclaimed «You’re the first in the mud today!» Ehh… wasn’t sure if that meant they keep the same mud in the baths all day (disgusting) or what. The mud bath itself was relaxing and just a unique experience. You are only in there for 10 minutes before you have to rinse off and then get into the hot tub. After that we were escorted to a room for our blanket wrap, which was a nice way to end the experience.
I would have given this place another star if they had one room where you store your stuff (we were carrying our clothes and shoes with us from room to room).
Overall, it was a great value, but if you are looking for a top notch, pristine and pampering «mud bath» experience, I’d go elsewhere.

This is definitely a motel/​motor inn, so manage your expectations. However, the rooms were clean and the covered pool was a nice bonus. We also took advantage of the many games and activities they managed to squeeze into the backyard area.
The mud bath is something you should try once, but I wouldn’t do it again. The many warnings about the piping hot coils directly underneath you and the chunky texture of the mud didn’t make for a particularly relaxing or luxurious experience. Our spa attendant also wasn’t particularly friendly.

I’d say this is a nice 3 star spa overall. It’s definitely not fancy. But it is certainly relaxing and efficiently eqquiped.
Hotel Stay
–clean
–staff was welcoming
–spacious room, we stayed in 31 (complementary water, candy and a mini refrigerator)
–free assigned parking
–indoor warm mineral pool and spa
–nice fire pit and chess table
Spa
–Genesis assisted us she way very kind
–Mud Bath was very relaxing and private
–Blanket Wrap was a nice touch
–Couples massage (felt a little rushed while we transitioned from the blanket wrap room to massage room) but the technique was great
–changing room was tiny
In all it was great value for the price.

Oh wow the room w/​jacuzzi, couples mud bath, and bicycles to ride were way too awesome. This place is amazing. Can’t wait to get back here!!!
It’s a must in Calistoga

A modest Spa that you won’t have to take out a loan for! If you want ultra upscale this is not the spot.
The wife & I decided to check it out & glad we did! We both got the massage & mineral pool/​jacuzzi access for 59– each. Only wish we had got the next package up so as to get more massage time. Will be back another time for that
Massage was amazing! Using just the right amount of pressure & not too painful. The robe provided & shower was a great touch after the massage. Was able to use robe out at the pool area as well.
Mineral pool was nice & warm with the trademark sulfur smell. A small amount of chlorine is added to keep the pool clean. Two jacuzzi’s are available: hot & hotter. Both felt great! Skin also felt nice & smooth after the dip. Time to pack it in & enjoy a nice glass of wine from one of the local wineries

$ 95/​per person for a couple’s mud bath. It is definitely an experience. You don’t really need to prepare for it but maybe avoid some eye makeup. They provide everything you would need. The process is basically shown in the photos they have up. They provide a shower cap, robe, and rubber flip flops. The room doesn’t look as romantic as the photos but overall not bad. The mud is really hot and made it a bit hard for me to breathe. You are really only in the mud for about 10 – 15 minutes. Then you wash off (hence avoid the eye makeup) and hang in the hot tub for a bit and you go to this relaxing room for a cool off. Overall, like I said its an experience but I don’t think I would do it again.
The smell wasn’t too bad for the SO and I but I think everyone has different sensitivities.
The hotel itself looks kind of like a motel like another reviewer mentioned. Probably, one of the more affordable places to stay in the area? I am not sure but the place is very homey. They have a fire pit, chess, tennis courts, and bikes that they rent out for you to bike around town.

We didn’t stay here at the golden haven but my girl and I did get a couples mud bath special. We never did it and decided to go ahead and give it a shot. We went online and they were having a special for Saturday night to where we only paid $ 95 total for the entire session.
We got to our appointment about an hour early and the receptionist let us know that we could go in the heated pool or hot tub, play bocce ball, pool, ping pong, cornhole, or badminton. We played a little bit of everything and decided to spend our last few minutes alone on the sun deck gazing at the sky before our appointment.
Al was our host throughout the entire process and he was beyond respectful and we couldn’t have asked for a better host. He made our first time experience so well that we will definitely come back again. The mud bath was weird at first, but as you get settled in feels really warm, and soft as if sitting on cloud like pillows. You can be completely naked and the hosts respect your privacy and make sure you are covered before entering.
After the mud bath we got inside of the mineral jacuzzi and relax there before getting really hot while drinking the cucumber water to keep us cool. Lastly, we got the blanket wrap which consists of you getting wrapped in a blanket and then having a cool towel behind your neck.
Overall, this was a great experience and I took off a star just being picky about waiting about 15minutes after our scheduled time and some of the guests were noisy on the hallway slamming and opening doors. These are petty petty negatives and in no way will keep me from not visiting again. We will be back. Thanks again Al.

It’s funny when you read the negative reviews for the place. I would have thought people would do their research. It has $$ signs it isn’t going to be ritzy. You get what you pay for.
It does look like a Motel 6 from the outside, but they do make it a fun place to be at!
The fiancé and I thoroughly enjoyed our visit to Golden Haven. We only came for the mud bath treatment and didn’t stay the night.
We got there 45 minutes early. We picked up food on the way there and had a mini picnic near the bocce ball courts. We got the last minute deal and got a significant discount!
We went to check-​in. They actually got to bump our appointment up a little earlier!
Yasenia was our attendant! She was sweet and personable. Very helpful! She walked us through each step!
1. Mud bath
2. Shower to rinse off
3. Mineral bath
4. Wrap in blanket to cool off
All rooms had cucumber water readily available.
The mud bath smell was pungent, but you get over it! When getting in, Yasenia had tips on how not to fall in or get into the super hot layers of the mud bath! It was fun squishing the mud through your hands. It kind of felt like you were in pudding or something. That was about 12 minutes of the whole hour. We did everything in our birthday suits! So freeing! ;)
Showered to rinse off! Mineral bath time! Funny we never felt pruney in the whole time we spent immersed.
Then it is time to be dashed off to the cool down room where you lay on the beds and get wrapped up like a burrito!
All done in an hour!
The fiancé and I ended the night playing a round of bocce ball, corn hole and badminton! So many options for things to do. There was also ping pong, pool, chess and bikes to ride around on!
I’d highly recommend Golden Haven to those who can care less about the showiness and more about the fun of the experience with your significant other!
The loudness of the mariachi next door took a bit away from the serene feel we were hoping for.

Labor Day 2015 was our 2^nd time at Golden Haven and our 3^rd time having a mud bath. We will just keep going to Golden Haven from now on. Their staff is courteous and helpful from when you call to reserve your appointment (Sherry), when you check-​in and the staff that escorts you to your mud bath (Kim).
We took advantage of their $ 95 couples mud bath, jacuzzi and blanket wrap special. We finished off our hour-​long treatment swimming and relaxing in their mineral pool at no extra charge.
Day before and day of your treatment, make sure you are well hydrated with water not wine even though you are in wine country. :) The mud is hot and you will sweat like ca-​raaaaa-​zy! I could feel my whole body sweating (getting rid of toxins) underneath all that mud.
This is definitely an experience and it is now mine and my husband’s go-​to place to relax and be kid-​free.

Never really been to a spa before. My friend and I wanted a last minute getaway and Golden Haven gave us just that. They had these last minute deals that offers couples mud baths for 50% off. We took advantage of the deal and each paid $ 47.50 that included: 10 mins mud bath, 10 mins jacuzzi, and 30 mins blanket wrap. You also have access to the mineral water pool and a warm tub and hot tub until 10 pm aka swim as long as you like. Don’t get thrown off by the 10 mins time, truth is you don’t need longer than 10 in the mud. It’s really hot so make sure you can stand heat. You will not sink to the bottom where it will be the hottest. Also, be prepared for the odor; the mud smells bad but just think of how good you’ll feel afterwards. I would’ve liked the pool to be colder as it was warm but it was nice to get it all to ourselves basically. We went on a Friday in the afternoon.
The staff who helped us was Eli. He was respectful and very nice. Accommodated our needs well. Offered to take our photos without us asking :)
I felt rejuvenated and relaxed afterwards although a bit tired from the hotness of the mud bath and jacuzzi.
I also saw red marks on my arm and leg after washing up so I went to the front desk and asked if it was common. The staff stated that it’s heat rash but will go away with aloe vera lotion. She let me keep the whole bottle for free even though they sell it there. I applied it twice and the rashes disappeared. Whew!
Showers had shampoo and conditioner for you.
Overall, I had a good experience.

I highly recommend this place for any relaxation plans you might have. We paid $ 301 for an overnight stay in a one bedroom. And this includes our mud bath, jacuzzi and blanket wrap. A steal if I must say so.
They have an indoor pool, with 2 jacuzzi’s, a regular one and the hot spring tub coming from down under the earth. They rent out bikes and helmet as well if you feel like exploring the nearby town.
This was my first mud bath experience, so I was so excited. It was private for just me and my friend. It stinks, it feels funny but it felt good. It’s a mixture of clay, mineral water and another thing (forgot what it is) and it’s the mineral water, apparently, that gives it the foul smell. The texture is not mud, more like a very dirty used up sponge. It’s 104 degrees, hotter at the bottom, but you don’t actually sink into it. Better to take off your clothes. This was followed by the jacuzzi and then the blanket wrap. An hour of pure relaxation, sweating out all of your body’s toxins.
I hope to be back soon…

Just OK. This is not the place to go if you want pampering and to feel like royalty. Its not a spa feel at all and the whole facility smells like SH*T.
I never had a mud bath before so I was open to trying it. The experience was not bad but it just stank! Yes it’s warm and you float in the «sulfur» mud but it smells like poop! It was almost relaxing.
Their facilities could use more higher end materials/​finishes to make it look more refine. It felt a bit low budget.
I’m not mad I just can’t! Won’t do it again…