Calistoga Motor Lodge and Spa takes the humble mid-century motor court and turns it into the most fun hot-springs stay in the valley, at prices well below Calistoga's luxury resorts. The low-slung buildings keep their road-trip charm, with bright, retro-styled rooms and a sense of humor, but the heart of the place is the water. Three pools are filled with natural geothermal mineral water from Calistoga's hot springs: a large main pool kept comfortably warm for swimming, a hotter, shallow wading pool, and a mineral spa whirlpool at proper hot-tub temperature, surrounded by loungers, cabana beds and an outdoor shower. The pools are open year-round to hotel guests and spa visitors, with adults-only swim sessions twice a day for quieter soaking. The on-site MoonAcre Spa adds private clawfoot tubs filled with geothermal water and mineral salts, a co-ed steam room, massages, facials and body treatments, and a playful mud-painting experience in place of the classic mud bath; for a full volcanic-ash mud bath, the traditional spas in town are a short walk away. The location is excellent for a town where everything is close: downtown Calistoga's restaurants, cafés and tasting rooms on Lincoln Avenue are within walking distance, and Sterling Vineyards, Schramsberg and Castello di Amorosa are a few minutes' drive. Rooms are compact, as befits a motor lodge, and summer weekends bring families and groups to the pools, so it is lively rather than hushed.
Why choose it. Calistoga is the valley's wellness town, and a hotel with its own mineral pools turns every afternoon into a soak. This one balances price, style and access to the water better than most, and its relaxed, playful tone suits friends' trips and couples who do not want a formal resort.
Room craft. Rooms are motel-style with doors opening to the outside, and premium categories add space and nicer finishes; ask for a room away from the pool if you plan early nights. Book spa treatments and private tub sessions ahead on weekends. Use the adults-only swim sessions for a quieter soak, and remember that hot mineral water and wine do not mix well, so hydrate and keep tastings moderate on spa days.
Who should stay. Couples and friends on a mid-range budget, wellness-minded travelers and anyone exploring the north end of the valley. Families can enjoy the pools outside adult sessions. Travelers wanting a hushed, luxury spa resort should look at Indian Springs; those on a tighter budget, at Calistoga Spa Hot Springs or Roman Spa.
Why stay here
- ✓Three geothermal mineral pools
- ✓Adults-only swim sessions
- ✓MoonAcre Spa with clawfoot soaking tubs
- ✓Co-ed steam room
- ✓Cabana beds and loungers
- ✓Retro motor-lodge rooms
- ✓Walk to Lincoln Avenue
- ✓Massages and body treatments
Good questions
Are the pools real hot-springs water?+
Yes. All three pools use natural geothermal mineral water, from a warm swimming pool to a hotter wading pool and a mineral spa whirlpool.
Does the hotel offer mud baths?+
The MoonAcre Spa offers a mud-painting experience, geothermal clawfoot tub soaks and massages; classic volcanic-ash mud baths are available at traditional spas a short walk away in town.
Is it walkable to downtown Calistoga?+
Yes. Lincoln Avenue's restaurants, cafés and tasting rooms are within walking distance.
