Cottonwood Hot Springs Inn & Spa - Buena Vista, Colorado

Claire H.

I have been coming to cottonwood hot springs nearly my entire life, and have loved it every single time. While I can say the rooms are outdated, they are cozy and conveniently located next to the pools. The pools always have a good variety of temperatures. It's not a luxury spot but I always enjoy a visit!

Ro S.

There are many hot springs one can visit in Colorado, all great for different reasons, but Cottonwood will always have my favorite memories- biased because of visits with my partner- but honestly what i think is the best lodge and hot springs out there for any time of year. Walk in visits are affordable and you can stay for the day and be comfortable, but get access to the pools all night if you stay. The stars are beautiful here.

Stay here if you are looking for some peace without an internet connection, a humble place with a gorgeous view that aims to make its guests comfortable, has wonderful staff that make one feel welcome, and a cozy ambiance that will keep you warm any time of year. Clean rooms, changing rooms, showers, and they offer massage. Right along a river with access to a small pool, if you like cold plunges. Plus the lodging is so close to the springs, even in January you won't be cold long, the water is hot 🔥 .

The water is sacred, mineral rich, and helps so much for hypermobile joints and detoxing the system. They even have pure mountain spring water available for drinking!

There is a restaurant, free coffee and snacks, food available to buy in a grocery store, and a really cute lounge and gift shop with games and activities. A really beautiful piano as well, bonus points if you play pretty music for the staff.

It's very close to Buena Vista if you want to eat out, the city has just about anything if you forget or need something, lots of things to see and no shortage of things to do.

Never a dull moment!

Check it out sometime!

Steven E.

Could be so much better. Main pool was 97F, bathtub warm, few users. "Head" pool 106F, too hot for most people. "Elbow" pool also 106F, but shallower, and almost everyone crowded in it, small pool. Watsu pool about 88F, no one went anywhere near. Nothing in the 100-102F range most people prefer. Sauna is small, has about 130F air temperature, but door is short and cold air blows in on feet.
Website claims holistic approach, no refrigerators in rooms, but only mini-fridge in lobby to service 12 rooms. No place to cook except small microwave (NOT holistic), kitchen rarely open, have to drive several miles into town for meals.
Reportedly absentee owner, no on-site manager, staff has to call in outside vendor to adjust temperatures. If someone spent a little money on this place, it could be so much better and attract more satisfied customers.

Jessica R.

I recently visited Cottonwood Hot Springs and had a wonderful time! This rustic gem may not be a fancy resort, but its natural charm and serene atmosphere more than make up for it. The multiple pools allowed me to find the perfect temperature, and I enjoyed playing a little 'Goldilocks' game to find my ideal soak.

What truly elevated my experience was the exceptional service from Alex, who was incredibly helpful, sweet, and welcoming. Her warm hospitality made the experience even more enjoyable.

Don't come expecting luxury amenities, but if you're looking for a genuine, no-frills hot springs experience surrounded by nature, Cottonwood is a hidden treasure. Highly recommend!

Jill K.

Went for the day to soak. Amazing pools. The one star is due to front staff. Was in the lobby what seemed forever and no one was around. Finally an older lady appeared to what I would not associate working at a spa. There was a line and took her several minutes per guest. She was frazzled and really didn’t know what she was doing. Maybe she was a new employee. I don’t know. Not sure I would return because of the service I received that day.

Lilliana B. (.

A bit out of the way but it's worth it! The soak was wonderful and the cold plunge was cooooold! The changing rooms were small and if there was more people there, it would have been less than capable to handle the changing needs. Still give stars! Did not stay in the cabins, room refers to changing rooms.

Laura N.

I come up just for a day OFTEN! Cottonwood Hot Springs is my HAPPY PLACE, and has been for DECADES! I ALWAYS have a special day there. I have met other patrons who have changed my life thru our conversations. REALLY! I have been there and never spoke all day, also, which was what I needed on those days.

James P.

We’ve never stayed on site but we come back every time we’re in the area. We did try the competition once. Back to Cottonwood. Love the atmosphere. Laidback and relaxed. That’s what it’s all about. Only thing I didn’t like was that it got very busy once the sun went down. I guess that’s a good problem for them to have. Masseuse Kelly is awesome.