Dr. Wilkinson's Backyard Resort & Mineral Springs
Dr. Wilkinson's Backyard Resort & Mineral Springs
1507 Lincoln Ave, Calistoga, CA 94515-1331
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Avg. C$550 /night, 3/16 - 3/17
C$1,069
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C$804
per night
C$539
per night
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About
#2 of 2 resorts in Calistoga
Location
Rooms
Value
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
Tripadvisor gives a Travellers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travellers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
Since 1952, Dr. Wilkinson’s has been providing wellness, relaxation, and good times. Home to healing mineral waters, and the original therapeutic Calistoga mud baths, rejuvenating massages and treatments are just the beginning. Take a long soak in our 3 geothermal mineral pools , stand under the cold plunge bucket, get an outdoor massage in our spa garden, slumber in one of our hammocks, take one of the bikes for a spin or glide in the air on one of our tree swings. We have paid attention to every detail to make sure we provide a place of happiness, wellness and fun! Our new restaurant and bar, House of Better offers a New Mexican flare and is like a spa treatment for your taste buds. Elevated counter service with indoor and outdoor seating and a playful backyard experience. Whether you are looking to get a little muddy, relax and re-energize or just let your hair down, Dr. Wilkinson's is the spot in Calistoga Where Wellness Meets Happiness!
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Property amenities
Electric vehicle charging station
Free internet
Yoga classes
Pool
Coffee shop
Bicycles available
Hiking
Kids stay free
Paid private parking on-site
Street parking
Wifi
Sauna
Pool / beach towels
Indoor pool
Outdoor pool
Heated pool
Fence around pool
Complimentary Instant Coffee
Complimentary tea
Happy hour
Kids' meals
Outdoor dining area
Snack bar
Wine / champagne
Patio
Board games / puzzles
Kids' outdoor play equipment
Highchairs available
Conference facilities
Photo copier / fax In business centre
Spa
Body wrap
Couples massage
Facial treatments
Foot bath
Foot massage
Full body massage
Hot spring bath
Light therapy
Massage
Open-air bath
Steam room
24-hour security
Baggage storage
Gift shop
Non-smoking hotel
Outdoor fireplace
Outdoor furniture
Picnic area
Sun loungers / beach chairs
Sun umbrellas
Umbrella
24-hour check-in
24-hour front desk
Express check-in / check-out
Room features
Bathrobes
Air conditioning
Housekeeping
Safe
Seating area
Refrigerator
Cable / satellite TV
Walk-in shower
Telephone
Wardrobe / wardrobe
Bottled water
Clothes rack
Iron
Laptop safe
Private bathrooms
Electric kettle
Flatscreen TV
On-demand films
Bath / shower
Complimentary toiletries
Hair dryer
Room types
Pool view
Non-smoking rooms
Family rooms
Good to know
HOTEL CLASS
Star ratings are intended to indicate the general level of features, amenities, and services to expect. This property is classified according to Giata.
HOTEL STYLE
Classic
Historic Hotel
Languages Spoken
English, Spanish
Location
1507 Lincoln Ave, Calistoga, CA 94515-1331
Getting there
Good for walkers
Places to stay are graded on a 0-100 scale. The higher the grade, the easier it is for travellers to find restaurants and things to do within walking distance.
Grade: 89 out of 100
89
Sonoma County Airport
21.8 km•
See all flights
Rental Cars
28 Restaurants
within 0.5 kilometers
Reviews
4.5
183 reviews
Reviews summary
This summary was created by AI, based on recent reviews.
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Dr. Wilkinson's Backyard Resort and Mineral Springs, a member of Design Hotels, garners praise for its attentive service and eclectic, retro ambiance that guests find quirky and fun.
The hotel's prime location is a hit with travelers who enjoy proximity to local attractions, while the cleanliness of its rooms and facilities, particularly the mineral pools, is consistently lauded. However, some visitors have criticized the noise level, value perception, and instances of outdated decor, suggesting that the experience may not justify the price for all guests.
Location
Convenient
Atmosphere
Eclectic
Rooms
Comfortable
Value
Expensive
Cleanliness
Meticulous
Noise level
Noisy
Service
Inconsistent
Amenities
Relaxing
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Detailed Reviews
I wasn't expecting to love Dr. Wilkinson's. I knew it had been redone a few years ago. It does seem a little pricey but it happens to have my two most favorite things - hot mineral pools and green chili.
One of my favorite restaurants in SF used to be the Green Chili Kitchen. On my visit to the resort I learned that the former owner of that place did the menu in the House of Better.
After soaking in the pools for hours I devoured the Green Chili burger which I doused with a cup of green chili. The next day I had a breakfast burrito with more green chili. The food is excellent, especially if you are a fan of real New Mexico Hatch green chili food. YUM.
The resort itself isn't totally fancy pants like other resorts nearby. If you are looking for that look elsewhere. It still has the feel of the old hotel it is. The rooms were upgraded but you can still feel their age with the brick masonry and just overall older vibe. They incorporated this and celebrate it with the re design so it works, just be aware it is not a modern resort.
I did not try the spa but I am going back in a few weeks and will try a mud bath. If you stay at the resort you have full use of the mineral pools which may be enough to get the spa-like experience. With the pools heated to perfect temperatures (my favorite being the outside pool which was 93 F the whole time) by natural springs they are perfect for long soaks. It felt out of this world nice and the minerals in the pools ensure you won't get the same nasty chlorine burns from a regular pool after a 3 hour soak.
Overall I love this place and plan to visit hopefully many more times in the future.
One of my favorite restaurants in SF used to be the Green Chili Kitchen. On my visit to the resort I learned that the former owner of that place did the menu in the House of Better.
After soaking in the pools for hours I devoured the Green Chili burger which I doused with a cup of green chili. The next day I had a breakfast burrito with more green chili. The food is excellent, especially if you are a fan of real New Mexico Hatch green chili food. YUM.
The resort itself isn't totally fancy pants like other resorts nearby. If you are looking for that look elsewhere. It still has the feel of the old hotel it is. The rooms were upgraded but you can still feel their age with the brick masonry and just overall older vibe. They incorporated this and celebrate it with the re design so it works, just be aware it is not a modern resort.
I did not try the spa but I am going back in a few weeks and will try a mud bath. If you stay at the resort you have full use of the mineral pools which may be enough to get the spa-like experience. With the pools heated to perfect temperatures (my favorite being the outside pool which was 93 F the whole time) by natural springs they are perfect for long soaks. It felt out of this world nice and the minerals in the pools ensure you won't get the same nasty chlorine burns from a regular pool after a 3 hour soak.
Overall I love this place and plan to visit hopefully many more times in the future.
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Review collected in partnership with this hotel
Date of stay: November 2024
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Jose Ortega, General Manager at Dr. Wilkinson's Backyard Resort & Mineral Springs
Responded Dec 16, 2024
Dear mlh1972, Thank you for such a wonderful and detailed review of your stay at Dr. Wilkinson's! We’re absolutely thrilled that you had such an enjoyable experience and that our mineral pools and green chili—a perfect combination—made your visit so memorable. It’s fantastic to hear that you appreciated the House of Better's menu and its connection to the Green Chili Kitchen. We're delighted that you loved the Green Chili Burger and breakfast burrito—our New Mexico Hatch green chili dishes are a favorite for so many of our guests, and it’s clear they hit the spot for you as well! We’re glad you embraced the unique charm of our historic property, with its blend of old-school character and modern touches. And it’s great to know you found our mineral pools to be the perfect place to relax for hours on end. With their naturally heated temperatures and soothing minerals, they truly are one of the highlights of our resort. We’re so excited to welcome you back soon! We hope your upcoming mud bath experience adds another layer of relaxation to your stay. If there’s anything we can do to make your next visit even better, please don’t hesitate to let us know. Warm regards, Jose Ortega General Manager Dr. Wilkinson's Spa
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Our room was on the ground floor, very dark and in a busy part of the complex. Not ideal for spending time in the room during our weekend getaway. That said, the pools were lovely and the decor of the room and amenities are very nice. If we return we will ask for a room on the second floor. We appreciated that they offer a app to tip housekeeping since we rarely carry cash anymore.
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Review collected in partnership with this hotel
Date of stay: December 2024
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Jose Ortega, General Manager at Dr. Wilkinson's Backyard Resort & Mineral Springs
Responded Jan 22, 2025
Dear Lisa, Thank you for sharing your experience with us! We’re glad to hear you enjoyed the pools, room decor, and amenities during your weekend getaway. It’s great to know you found the tipping app for housekeeping convenient—our team truly appreciates your thoughtfulness! We understand that the location of your room wasn’t ideal for your preferences, and we’ll be happy to assist with a second-floor room request on your next visit to ensure a more relaxing stay. We hope to welcome you back soon for another great getaway!
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
A lot to digest? Read an AI-generated summary of recent traveller reviews.
We really enjoyed our time at Dr. Wilkinson's. The check-in process was easy, and the convenience of having delicious, healthy food options a few feet away made our stay very convenient. Anything on Calistoga's main street is easily walkable from the hotel, and the location is perfect for a short Uber ride to local wineries and restaurants. The pools were perfect for a hot, relaxing soak.
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Review collected in partnership with this hotel
Date of stay: February 2025
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Jose Ortega, General Manager at Dr. Wilkinson's Backyard Resort & Mineral Springs
Responded 1 week ago
Hello logicious, We’re delighted to hear that you had an excellent experience at Dr. Wilkinson’s! It’s wonderful to know that you enjoyed the convenience of our location, the healthy and delicious food options at House of Better, and, of course, the relaxing hot springs pools. There’s nothing better than a soothing soak after exploring all that Calistoga has to offer! We truly appreciate your kind words and look forward to welcoming you back for another rejuvenating stay, and sincerely hope you will try our world renown Mud Baths as we are confident this will elevate your experience. Thank you for your visit.
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Dr. Wilkinson's is a darling motor home motel meets spa in Calistoga. Prior to arrival, the staff informed us that the room we had booked was no longer available and we would be staying in not as nice of a suite, BUT they did offer to waive the hotel fees and give us 10% discounts at the spa and restaurant. Not ideal, but ok.
The spa treatment (we had a couples massage) was lovely. The providers were professional and communicative.
Note - the spa has a suggested (not required) 23% tip, which is California tipping culture for you.
The room was adequate, we had a hard time getting our heat to function or the bathroom fan to turn on. We were on the bottom floor and it was as if a herd of elephants were above us, whether it was the patrons or room service. NOT the quiet stay you'd expect at a spa or at the price point.
The pools were lovely to soak in, though the 95 degree pool seems to be a bit of a low key vegas party pool and there were absolutely NO towels. We were in the pool for about 45 minutes before towels arrived and the staff were hesitant to give any to us (even though we had not yet received a towel) stating "only one per customer". After which they handed out a second and third load of towels to a major party group that had been stockpiling.
The restaurant... what to say here... the food was fine. Or it would have been if it was HALF the price of what they're charging. 3 measly tacos, a slice of pie and two drinks ended up being about $50 when tax, tip, etc were included. AND they forgot half the order. The servers were clearly paying attention elsewhere, despite only having about 6 total guests. They brought out the tacos and one drink left it to get cold while we waited for the other drink that would never come. Then they forgot completely about the slice of pie. Though I will say the pie was pretty tasty.
All in all it was nice to get away. It's a great location with restaurants, wine country and hikes all around. In general, i'd say they're heavily overcharging for what they're offering.
The spa treatment (we had a couples massage) was lovely. The providers were professional and communicative.
Note - the spa has a suggested (not required) 23% tip, which is California tipping culture for you.
The room was adequate, we had a hard time getting our heat to function or the bathroom fan to turn on. We were on the bottom floor and it was as if a herd of elephants were above us, whether it was the patrons or room service. NOT the quiet stay you'd expect at a spa or at the price point.
The pools were lovely to soak in, though the 95 degree pool seems to be a bit of a low key vegas party pool and there were absolutely NO towels. We were in the pool for about 45 minutes before towels arrived and the staff were hesitant to give any to us (even though we had not yet received a towel) stating "only one per customer". After which they handed out a second and third load of towels to a major party group that had been stockpiling.
The restaurant... what to say here... the food was fine. Or it would have been if it was HALF the price of what they're charging. 3 measly tacos, a slice of pie and two drinks ended up being about $50 when tax, tip, etc were included. AND they forgot half the order. The servers were clearly paying attention elsewhere, despite only having about 6 total guests. They brought out the tacos and one drink left it to get cold while we waited for the other drink that would never come. Then they forgot completely about the slice of pie. Though I will say the pie was pretty tasty.
All in all it was nice to get away. It's a great location with restaurants, wine country and hikes all around. In general, i'd say they're heavily overcharging for what they're offering.
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Review collected in partnership with this hotel
Date of stay: December 2024
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Jose Ortega, General Manager at Dr. Wilkinson's Backyard Resort & Mineral Springs
Responded Jan 22, 2025
Dear Whitney, Thank you for taking the time to share such detailed feedback about your recent stay. While I’m glad you enjoyed the convenience of our location, the couples massage, and our pools, I’m truly sorry that other aspects of your experience didn’t meet your expectations. We regret that your room change impacted your stay, and I’m glad our team was able to offer some compensation, though I understand this was not an ideal start to your visit. I also want to sincerely apologize for the inconvenience you experienced with towels at the pool and your dining experience at the restaurant. These are not the service standards we strive to deliver, and your feedback is invaluable as we work to improve. It’s clear that we fell short in providing the premium service and tranquil environment you expected at this price point. We take your feedback to heart and will use it to better serve our guests moving forward. Thank you again for your honesty and for highlighting the positives of your stay alongside the challenges. If there’s anything further we can do to make this right, please don’t hesitate to reach out at 707-942-4102.
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
On July 3rd we checked into room 403. We initially were sent an email to complete our Pre-Check-in and it stated on line that the earliest we check in was at 3:30. When we arrived at 3:30pm I parked by the room and checked on the cottage. Housekeeping was not cleaning the room, so we went to the lobby to retrieve our keys. I was told by the older woman with glasses that our room was not ready. We waited in the lobby for 15 minutes when I realized everyone else arriving were getting their keys. I then went back to room 403 & housekeeping still wasn’t there. I then went back to the lobby & asked the younger nice lady to check if the room was ready and it was indeed clean. I tried to avoid the front desk since the older woman with glasses was rude.
The bartender and staff at the on-site restaurant were great. The pool guy was a sweetheart and checked on us to make sure we were having a good time.
When we checked out on July 4th there was a wait so we left as we usually do at hotels. When I went over my cc statement I realized my Wilkinson transaction was high so I asked the front desk to email me a copy of the invoice. I realized I was charged twice for items in the mini bar when I never used anything. I didn’t think much of it at the time. I called the hotel at 7pm on July 19th to explain the situation. The front desk clerk spoke to me as if he didn’t believe me. To be charged for items you didn’t use is one thing but to be treated as if you’re being dishonest was hurtful. He did not offer to look into the matter which was shocking. Guests be advised that this hotel did not take responsibility for their mistake. Check your statement carefully and take pictures of the entire room to help prevent this from happening to you.
The bartender and staff at the on-site restaurant were great. The pool guy was a sweetheart and checked on us to make sure we were having a good time.
When we checked out on July 4th there was a wait so we left as we usually do at hotels. When I went over my cc statement I realized my Wilkinson transaction was high so I asked the front desk to email me a copy of the invoice. I realized I was charged twice for items in the mini bar when I never used anything. I didn’t think much of it at the time. I called the hotel at 7pm on July 19th to explain the situation. The front desk clerk spoke to me as if he didn’t believe me. To be charged for items you didn’t use is one thing but to be treated as if you’re being dishonest was hurtful. He did not offer to look into the matter which was shocking. Guests be advised that this hotel did not take responsibility for their mistake. Check your statement carefully and take pictures of the entire room to help prevent this from happening to you.
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Date of stay: July 2023Trip type: Travelled with family
Room Tip:Â I would avoid checking out at a busy time. The roads were blocked on the 4th of July and guests...
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Jose Ortega, General Manager at Dr. Wilkinson's Backyard Resort & Mineral Springs
Responded Jul 31, 2023
Hello CuriousTraveler990, Thank you for taking the time to let us know about your experience. I will love the opportunity to talk to you in person to have the opportunity to address your concerns. Please feel free to contact me directly at 707-942-4102 and ask for Jose. I truly hope to hear from you and thank you again for your feedback.
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
This hotel has recently been renovated has clean, modern and spacious rooms with a modern vibe. Dr Wilkinson's is now "affiliated" through the Design Hotels Group with Marriott so service and Covid sanitation is high. The room literally had a "seal" on the door that broke when we opened it to insure us that the room had been cleaned. Comfy full king bed, retro Galanz mini-fridge, retro water kettle with innovative Copper Cow coffee products. Bottled water (2) in room is a refillable Dr Wilkinson's metal bottle for guests to take home. There are a couple of water "refill" stations on the property for their ionized water. Aroma therapy infuser in room and the front desk provides a vile of aromatic oil to use at check in. Modern bathroom and robe(s) for use at the therapy pools. TV has Netflix available but you need your subscription log in for access. The hotel has a large seating area out front with heaters and fire pits. Good for drinks, chats and watching people. Very relaxed atmosphere. Bikes available, hammocks and swing. Plus a corn hole game. There are three good sized heated pools of various temps for soaking. Mud baths will be coming soon. Try to avoid the rooms toward the front to avoid the street noise although after 11pm it quiets down. Easy walk to any of Calistoga's many restaurants. All-in-all a great stay.
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Date of stay: February 2022
Rooms
Service
Sleep Quality
Room Tip:Â Try to avoid the "courtyard rooms" at the front of the hotel. Back from the street is...
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Jose Ortega, General Manager at Dr. Wilkinson's Backyard Resort & Mineral Springs
Responded Feb 9, 2022
Dear JK, Thank you for the great review of our hotel! We are glad that you enjoyed all the unique and modern amenities we offer in each guest room. Truly happy to hear you enjoyed the property amenities too! As you mentioned we are days away from offering our famous mud bath and mineral bath treatments, and would love to see you again very soon.
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
This is an amazing place to stay-I wish I could have stayed longer to really utilize all it has to offer. The spa was wonderful and the grounds are lovely. We upgraded our room to the pool view and expected to have easier access to the pools however it is actually harder access to the pools (especially the hottest one). These rooms are on the second floor facing the street so the noise in the am is loud if trucks are bringing deliveries and if you want to nap during the day the cool pool is right below you with lot of kids at play. Not that that is a terrible noise-I love hearing kids have fun, just not when I want to nap:) The staff here is fantastic and attentive to all your needs, I would stay here again and again but would save the $ and get a regular king room.
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Review collected in partnership with this hotel
Date of stay: December 2024
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Jose Ortega, General Manager at Dr. Wilkinson's Backyard Resort & Mineral Springs
Responded Jan 22, 2025
Dear Mawxyz, Thank you so much for your kind words and for taking the time to share your experience with us! We’re thrilled to hear that you enjoyed our spa, beautiful grounds, and the attentive service from our team. It means the world to us that you’d love to return and stay with us again. We appreciate your feedback about the pool view upgrade and understand how the location may not have met your expectations for easier access or quiet relaxation. Your insights are incredibly helpful, and we’ll be sure to share them with our team to better guide future guests in choosing the perfect room for their stay. We can’t wait to welcome you back for another visit—hopefully for an even longer getaway next time so you can fully enjoy all we have to offer!
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
My wife and I live in Santa Rosa and Stay-cation in Calistoga ten time a year for the last 20 years. We have been to Dr. Wilkinsons once many years ago. The best I could say it was rustic with a great location, but times have changed.
The whole resort was remodeled in a Route 66 meets the spa at the beach theme. A very clean open feel. Large hammocks and swings are next to a 4-foot chess set ready for a first move. We did not eat at the House of Better, but the open beach themed restaurant and bar seemed inviting. Signs that you would see on island getaways designating the distances of other locations in miles are replaced by locations in feet to the resort's different areas.
Three mineral pools are easily accessible with a large hot tub (25 people) covered in an open-air environment with cold water bucket dumps and warm mineral seated flows located around the hot tub. We were the only ones in the tub when we went.
The rooms are from the original build meaning concrete walls with one widow at the entrance of the room but that now becomes part of the new roadside spa theme. It all felt brand new with a great bathroom and preparation area as well as nice colorful touches throughout the room with the new fridge and Smeg coffee/tea maker.
These great improvements are all overshined by one of the friendliest and helpful staffs in Calistoga. The staff anticipated our needs and went out of their way to be friendly but not intrusive.
Then when you decide to leave this small oasis, you step out the east exit and you are on Lincoln Ave in the middle what all of Calistoga has to offer.
Nicely done Dr W.
The whole resort was remodeled in a Route 66 meets the spa at the beach theme. A very clean open feel. Large hammocks and swings are next to a 4-foot chess set ready for a first move. We did not eat at the House of Better, but the open beach themed restaurant and bar seemed inviting. Signs that you would see on island getaways designating the distances of other locations in miles are replaced by locations in feet to the resort's different areas.
Three mineral pools are easily accessible with a large hot tub (25 people) covered in an open-air environment with cold water bucket dumps and warm mineral seated flows located around the hot tub. We were the only ones in the tub when we went.
The rooms are from the original build meaning concrete walls with one widow at the entrance of the room but that now becomes part of the new roadside spa theme. It all felt brand new with a great bathroom and preparation area as well as nice colorful touches throughout the room with the new fridge and Smeg coffee/tea maker.
These great improvements are all overshined by one of the friendliest and helpful staffs in Calistoga. The staff anticipated our needs and went out of their way to be friendly but not intrusive.
Then when you decide to leave this small oasis, you step out the east exit and you are on Lincoln Ave in the middle what all of Calistoga has to offer.
Nicely done Dr W.
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Date of stay: May 2022
Value
Service
Sleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Jose Ortega, General Manager at Dr. Wilkinson's Backyard Resort & Mineral Springs
Responded Jun 14, 2022
Dear johnwN2583DB, Thank you for the great review of our resort, and for recognizing the hard work and professionalism of our team members! We are glad you had a great experience, and that you were able to enjoy all the amenities we have to offer. Thank you for your recent visit, and we hope to see you again very soon.
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Love the vibe of Dr Wilkinson’s. Very chill and relaxing. Room is well thought out, comfortable bed, lots of towels. Pools were spotless and loved the variety of temperatures along with the options for cooling down. Restaurant had a great breakfast. Staff is very friendly. We didn’t use any spa services so can’t speak to that. Love that it’s pet friendly. Definitely on the upper end price wise- wouldn’t have pulled it off without a gift certificate.
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Review collected in partnership with this hotel
Date of stay: March 2025
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Lots of reviews on here discuss the value for price. I get it — $600 a night is hard to stomach on a weekend — but our experience here as a family was actually worth that. We came with my brother in law and 2 year old son, and had an absolute blast. A few highlights:
- The staff consistently went above and beyond with our son: not only patience with a toddler riding his bike, but blowing up his pool toy and showing him how to turn on the fire pits.
- The grounds themselves were very kid friendly - we felt safe letting our son roam - and there was a painting setup, blocks, hammocks, and wagons to keep him busy
- The poolside experience was great and not too crowded
- The location was ideal; next door to a grocery, and a short walk to all of downtown Calistoga. I even took my son to the library which was a 5 minute walk.
If you’re worried about noise: we did stay in the bungalow so both heard and created noise. If you need absolute quiet in the room, this wouldn’t be for you.
- The staff consistently went above and beyond with our son: not only patience with a toddler riding his bike, but blowing up his pool toy and showing him how to turn on the fire pits.
- The grounds themselves were very kid friendly - we felt safe letting our son roam - and there was a painting setup, blocks, hammocks, and wagons to keep him busy
- The poolside experience was great and not too crowded
- The location was ideal; next door to a grocery, and a short walk to all of downtown Calistoga. I even took my son to the library which was a 5 minute walk.
If you’re worried about noise: we did stay in the bungalow so both heard and created noise. If you need absolute quiet in the room, this wouldn’t be for you.
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Review collected in partnership with this hotel
Date of stay: February 2025
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Jose Ortega, General Manager at Dr. Wilkinson's Backyard Resort & Mineral Springs
Responded 1 week ago
Hello Kcych, Thank you so much for sharing your experience! We're so happy to hear that your 2-year-old had such a great time during your stay. Our team loves working with families, and it’s wonderful to know they were able to go above and beyond to make your son feel special, from helping with his pool toy to showing him how to enjoy the fire pits. It sounds like he had plenty of things to keep him entertained, with all the kid-friendly activities like the painting setup, blocks, and wagons. We truly believe in creating a safe and fun environment for little ones to explore, and we’re glad that you felt comfortable letting him roam the grounds. It warms our hearts to know you all had such a memorable experience! We hope to welcome you and your family back for another adventure soon!
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Yes, it is a short drive to many great parks for hiking.
GlobalEnjoyer: I've been a parent for nearly 40 years. Now a grandparent. I always embrace kids, because I'm also a teacher. But there is a time and place for everything.
When I was younger, I knew some places were NOT for my kids, and didn't take them there. My problem here is that the guests, at the time we were present, were apparently UNaware others were present without children. No discipline, no following rules or direction. Just running wild and disturbing others who ALSO paid their fair share for some quiet time. It's ultimately up to the hotel to enforce. When they do, I might be back. Until then, I'll find another spot. Simple as that.
Pools are open to allguests, no appointment needed
"The cottage rooms are cold and the heater is slow. They will charge you for drinks after giving a free drink card after check out."Read full review
"Seemed like a lot of kids on the weekends so if you are trying to avoid that you may want to come during the week!"Read full review
PRICE RANGE
C$445 - C$737 (Based on Average Rates for a Standard Room)
ALSO KNOWN AS
dr. wilkinson`s hot springs hotel calistoga, dr wilkinsons hot springs resort, dr wilkinsons hot springs hotel
FORMERLY KNOWN AS
Dr. Wilkinson's Hot Springs Resort
LOCATION
United StatesCaliforniaNapa ValleyCalistoga
NUMBER OF ROOMS
50
Prices are provided by our partners, and reflect nightly room rates, including any mandatory fees. Taxes not included. Please see our partners for more details.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Dr. Wilkinson's Backyard Resort & Mineral Springs
Which popular attractions are close to Dr. Wilkinson's Backyard Resort & Mineral Springs?
Nearby attractions include Sharpsteen Museum (0.3 km), Calistoga Spa Hot Springs (0.2 km), and Oat Hill Mine Trail (0.3 km).
What are some of the property amenities at Dr. Wilkinson's Backyard Resort & Mineral Springs?
Some of the more popular amenities offered include an indoor pool, a spa, and free internet access.
Which room amenities are available at Dr. Wilkinson's Backyard Resort & Mineral Springs?
Top room amenities include air conditioning, a flat screen TV, and a refrigerator.
What food & drink options are available at Dr. Wilkinson's Backyard Resort & Mineral Springs?
Guests can enjoy free instant coffee, an outdoor dining area, and a snack bar during their stay.
Is parking available at Dr. Wilkinson's Backyard Resort & Mineral Springs?
Yes, paid private parking on-site and street parking are available to guests.
What are some restaurants close to Dr. Wilkinson's Backyard Resort & Mineral Springs?
Conveniently located restaurants include Lovina, Calistoga Inn Restaurant & Brewery, and Cafe Sarafornia.
Are there opportunities to exercise at Dr. Wilkinson's Backyard Resort & Mineral Springs?
Yes, guests have access to an indoor pool, a sauna, and yoga classes during their stay.
Is Dr. Wilkinson's Backyard Resort & Mineral Springs located near the city centre?
Yes, it is 0.2 km away from the centre of Calistoga.
Which languages are spoken by the staff at Dr. Wilkinson's Backyard Resort & Mineral Springs?
The staff speaks multiple languages, including English and Spanish.
Are there any historical sites close to Dr. Wilkinson's Backyard Resort & Mineral Springs?
Many travellers enjoy visiting Bale Grist Mill State Historic Park (7.4 km).
Is Dr. Wilkinson's Backyard Resort & Mineral Springs accessible?
Yes, it offers wheelchair access and reduced mobility rooms. For specific enquiries, we recommend calling ahead to confirm.