Dunton Hot Springs

They made my wife's birthday and our 4 year anniversary so special. We were heart broken when we finally had to leave... Thank you to Kyle, Scott, Lee, Susan, Holly, and many others for giving us literally the best vacation we have ever been on. The room was clean and...

They made my wife's birthday and our 4 year anniversary so special. We were heart broken when we finally had to leave... Thank you to Kyle, Scott, Lee, Susan, Holly, and many others for giving us literally the best vacation we have ever been on. The room was clean and cozy, no bad smells, no hairs on the bed, always had fresh water bottles every time we left and came back to the cabin... Cocktails were great, liquor, wine, beer selection was high quality. The stay was TRULY all inclusive, nothing extra on my bill besides the massage I bought my wife and the gratuity I decided to leave for the staff... which is surprising because I asked for seconds at almost every meal, drank good scotch and wine every night, and had other above and beyond accommodations. I was actually shocked to not see anything extra on the bill. They even let my wife borrow some nice hiking boots because she forgot hers at home. Chef Alex and Chef Dillon made our first night extra special. We sat at the chefs table and watched them carefully prepare our courses. Lots of joking and laughter, and the wine pairings were on point. They let us check in very early on our day of arrival so that we could go on the snowcat tour at 10:30AM. The staff wasn't overbearing like at other resorts where the concierge hounds you about booking your day full of activities... they were actually pretty much completely out of the way, but somehow if we needed anything, they were always available and happy to help. The location was remote and the view of the mountains and stars was incredible. The other guests were friendly. Everyone was in a good mood so it was really easy to get along. We sat at the communal table for multiple meals and never had a bad experience there. This is our new spot. We will be back, over and over and over again. The room we stayed in (FORGE) was spacious, warm, clean... The bathroom floors are heated, the bed is soft but supportive, the sheets are thick and quality but breathable and silky. The art was unique and had a cohesive theme to it. The food is like if you had a 5 star chef staying the night at your house. They cooked high end meals but with an extremely authentic homey feel that made us excited every time we sat down to eat. Kyle makes incredible cocktails and he knows his stuff when it comes to beers and liquors.

Fabulous setting and a great concept. All in all I’d say this is a unique and perfectly lovely place to go but it definitely was not a 5-star experience for us. Positives: - The food was overall excellent. - Super duper comfy bed! - The hot springs are really a...

Fabulous setting and a great concept. All in all I’d say this is a unique and perfectly lovely place to go but it definitely was not a 5-star experience for us. Positives: - The food was overall excellent. - Super duper comfy bed! - The hot springs are really a special feature of this property. Negatives: - Staff seemed absolutely burned out and disinterested. It felt like the few things we asked for were an imposition. One of them mentioned they had just come off of a series of fully booked weddings and were exhausted. Not a great start to feeling welcome! - We requested when making the reservation, and again when we arrived, to do the equine experience. Both times they said they would would have to check staffing and get back to us but they never did. - Breakfast was painfully slow and we waited for 45 minutes for them to get our packed lunches together. - We were there for our 30th anniversary and I asked when making the reservation what we could do to make it special. He said they would provide us with a special extra during dinner for the occasion. I confirmed that afternoon, but we realized as we left dinner that night no one ever mentioned it was a special night or brought anything extra to the table. - My husband had just come off climbing a 14er the day before we arrived and he asked for an additional serving at dinner. The server said he’d ask the chef and “see” if that was possible. When you’re at a 5-star resort an hour’s drive from anything you’d think they’d be happy to provide you with a little extra food when you’re hungry! - The morning we checked out they said they’d send someone to get our bags while we waited for (a very slow) breakfast. We finished eating and packed the car ourselves before anyone came to help. We were actually happy to just get it done ourselves and hit the road! I’d say other than the super comfy bed the room comfort and decor were fine but not 5-star. There were other minor bummers but this is long enough. We are not guests that need much, but it is nice to feel like the staff are there when you want them. I can envision how this could be a great experience if the staff were more attentive and enthusiastic.

Warm, personalized reception by Wes. Incredibly knowledgeable tour of the grounds and history by Sophia! The grounds are impeccable, well-maintained, authentically preserved and rustic in an upscale fashion. Each and every cabin is unique and has its own charm. The staff are available to accommodate in any way possible. You...

Warm, personalized reception by Wes. Incredibly knowledgeable tour of the grounds and history by Sophia! The grounds are impeccable, well-maintained, authentically preserved and rustic in an upscale fashion. Each and every cabin is unique and has its own charm. The staff are available to accommodate in any way possible. You simply have to ask in a polite manner and not be in a frenzied rush. Yes, Dunton Hot Springs is a wonderful and vastly different vibe than the usual sterile and pretentious atmosphere we all expect from a Four Seasons, Ritz, etc. Be prepared to walk on uneven, gravel roads to the spa, saloon, front desk, waterfall and hot springs. And yes, the property is surrounded by beautiful evergreens, windflowers, a rushing creek and the occasional critter; spider, pesky fly, etc. That is simply the nature of this beautiful property. If you forgot your rain boots, day pack, waiters, hiking boots, lantern, or umbrella don’t worry; they probably have something you can borrow. All you have to do is ask a staff member. Just remember, your cell phone probably won’t have good reception, so relax and enjoy the peaceful surroundings.

Well, I guess this is what I like. Hot springs, comfy beds, waterfall, excellent food, mountains — and they let us sit by ourselves so we could read every meal. We spent a couple nights after four days of hiking and it was just perfect. Coffee at our door, morning...

Well, I guess this is what I like. Hot springs, comfy beds, waterfall, excellent food, mountains — and they let us sit by ourselves so we could read every meal. We spent a couple nights after four days of hiking and it was just perfect. Coffee at our door, morning soak, ridiculously good breakfast, reading by the waterfall, ridiculously good lunch, afternoon soak, nap, pre dinner soak, ridiculously good dinner, evening soak, sleep. For our long drive home they packed us the perfect road trip meal. While we were there, they had a fancy self service coffee machine with an oat milk option installed. They had a spot to plug in an EV (I think they may have level 2 Volvo and Tesla, but we used our level 1). Have I already talked about the food? So good. And they gave us seconds. I wasn’t quite sure what to expect, but it was better than I thought it would be and I liked it way more than I thought I would. Bonus is that at night the bugs go away and you can sit in the outdoor hot spring and watch shooting stars. Didn’t try the source spring - indoor one was hot enough haha! Yes there are bugs - you’re in the woods - and the flies inside the bathhouse are kind of wild - but we have had a buggy summer in CO so to be expected. We drove in so we brought camp chairs, a shade, and some bug zap lanterns for our waterfall time. Stayed at the new house - it was quiet and peaceful and wonderful. Bed was comfy - medium firm. Napped and watched tv in the loft. Pretty sweet. If you wear bathing suits, bring one you don’t mind staining rust color. They were doing some construction while we were there but it didn’t bother us - excited to return and see all the updates! Everyone was so kind! In case helpful: we took the high road from Telluride to save time mostly because I’ve taken it before - I see why they advise against it. It was kind of like accessing any less maintained backcountry road, but rock slides were fresh and we got lucky that someone went through prior to cut a downed tree from the road. There isn’t much space to pass for most of the switchback, so someone will likely have to backup if you don’t pull over enough (steep drop w no guardrails). We were on a high clearance jeep on a clear day - would take the longer route if there was any type of weather or I didn’t have a car I trusted. I don’t think there are rescue services and there is no cell service on that road. If it’s a question maybe don’t risk it.

From the time our shuttle picked us up in Cortez to the time we were dropped off in Cortez at the completion of our stay, the Dunton experience was top notch. Upon arrival, our bags were delivered to our tent and we were whisked in to the community table in...

From the time our shuttle picked us up in Cortez to the time we were dropped off in Cortez at the completion of our stay, the Dunton experience was top notch. Upon arrival, our bags were delivered to our tent and we were whisked in to the community table in the lodge for an unforgettable Thai soup. We had amazing and most welcoming company with the existing guests and every community table experience was different and interesting people. Didn’t know I would love this aspect as much as I did. Each meal was perfectly prepared and paired with wine and drinks….Some of my favorites were, breakfast, zucchini bread French toast with chantilly cream and berry compote and biscuits and gravy with scrambled eggs, everything house made, Lunch, lentil soup with house made ham and plenty of veggies, dinners were so complicated with flavors and ingredients but sooo delicious! Activities for us included hiking on property, yoga, wellness in the San Juan’s (2 hour meditation/yoga/mindfulness class) and lots of soaking in the hot springs, steam showers and library/lobby sitting. Spa services were a facial (amazing) and couples massage that fit the rest of the visit, relaxing, rejuvenating and much needed… The Christie’s tent is so quaint and cozy and unbelievably toasty in spite of the cold outside temps. We had snow and sun and beautiful clear starry skies at night. We were sad to leave but so looking forward to a summer or fall return visit. The staff is a mix of long time locals, people from all over who just want to be a part of the Dunton community and professionals whose expertise in their field only add to the overall experience. thank you Dunton, we’ll be back soon!

So, it takes some perseverance to get there but this historic mining "town" in Delores, CO is a blast from the past in a handful of authentic cabins surrounding beautiful, Mineral Hot Springs. The communal dining was the highlight and met 10 other couples that were as drawn to this...

So, it takes some perseverance to get there but this historic mining "town" in Delores, CO is a blast from the past in a handful of authentic cabins surrounding beautiful, Mineral Hot Springs. The communal dining was the highlight and met 10 other couples that were as drawn to this place as we were. The chef, Brian is 5 star and the meals were literally an event and one was better than the next. The hospitality by the staff and host, Wes Anderson unmatched by any 5 star resort I have ever stayed at. You will be so relaxed and pampered in this intimate, natural environment that you will wish you booked a few more nights. The hiking and star gazing unmatched and highly recommend the entire experience!

Lovely place. Created by an Austrian family it appears. Lots of historic details and lively and lovely details to each cabin. Really super staff. Trying to make a difference. Wonderful food. Different experience from the usual. Internet unstable. Not to rely upon if you bring work or wish to watch...

Lovely place. Created by an Austrian family it appears. Lots of historic details and lively and lovely details to each cabin. Really super staff. Trying to make a difference. Wonderful food. Different experience from the usual. Internet unstable. Not to rely upon if you bring work or wish to watch a movie. Prepare to be disconnected and enjoy the fabulous nature and history for a day or two .

Fun bar, great staff, cute "town!" On arrival, after travelling at 12 mph on an 8 mile unimproved dirt and gravel road with almost non-existent signage for the "resort," it does feel like you are stepping onto a western movie set - very quaint - and dusty! Food was consistently...

Fun bar, great staff, cute "town!" On arrival, after travelling at 12 mph on an 8 mile unimproved dirt and gravel road with almost non-existent signage for the "resort," it does feel like you are stepping onto a western movie set - very quaint - and dusty! Food was consistently mediocre, minimal, and marginal for any diet other than standard American. Wine pairings were fabulous! Kudos to the bartender! Cabins had their charm and were clean enough. Porches were nice. No coffee or tea service in the cabins. Staff does bring coffe/tea upon request starting at 7:30 AM. The Hot Springs were not particularly hot and looked more like watering holes than bubbling hot springs. We learned that the springs are not monitored for temperature or bacterial/parasitic content, so bathers beware. I took one look at the Hot Springs and opted against exposing myself to the water, but my husband chose to enter 2 of the 3 springs multiple times. I don't know if it's related or not, but he hasn't felt well since. As nice and enthusiastic as the employees are, we would not return to Dunton Hot Springs, nor would we recommend it to any of our friends. Interestingly, subsequent to our visit, we met a couple who had also been to Dunton Hot Springs. When we asked that couple if they planned to return or recommend, the answer was a clear, unequivocal, "No!" Enough said. Telluride is only an hour (over the mountain) away and is likely a much better choice for R&R.

The seven hour drive through acres of snow covered mountains and pine forests was full of promise. So we were disappointed when we pulled into a muddy drive with a tiny, flat encampment of cabins. We had to ring the gate twice to get in, because the attendant confessed he...

The seven hour drive through acres of snow covered mountains and pine forests was full of promise. So we were disappointed when we pulled into a muddy drive with a tiny, flat encampment of cabins. We had to ring the gate twice to get in, because the attendant confessed he forgot to buzz us in the first time. Not an auspicious beginning for an alleged, top 10 luxury resort, but we tried to keep an open mind. We were told lunch would be duck salad. I envisioned seared duck breast. Instead we were given a scoop of what resembled canned tuna drowned in Mayo, some field greens, and four points of toast. The table next to us asked, “is this for two people” and my fiancé asked is this the appetizer? We were told this was the entire lunch. We asked what was for dinner and the waitress didn’t know. The intro email says the chef will custom prepare what you like, so we asked for another option. we were given grilled cheese sandwiches that were edible, although they were doll-portion sized. we paid 1500 a night to stay at dunton, and I assume some guests paid more. But The kitchen must have spent less than 30 dollars on the ingredients to prepare everyone’s lunch. Admittedly, the drinks were strong, which was a positive. We were taken on a tour of the property next. The indoor hot spring was rustically elegant, but Luke warm. The outdoor springs were tepid and dirty. There are no views from the springs, despite what dunton advertises. We were informed that because we had a service animal, we could not stay in the christys tent we had booked. the resort was put us in the geyser cabin instead. they didn’t tell us geyser was the size of a garden shack and had no fireplace. It also had an outhouse closet for a toilet. There was Nothing luxury about it...and The WiFi did not work. Dunton failed to alert us that geyser costs $350 a night less than what we paid for Christys tent...they just expected us to pay the christy price and be cool with the downgrade. Meanwhile they upgraded another party to our original booking. When I called them out in it, they didn’t have a response for me. We high-tailed it out of there within an hour of arriving, and drove another 7 hours late into the night. We were exhausted, but it was worth 14 hours of driving NOT to spend thanksgiving at Dunton. the final straw was the decor in geyser, which bordered on offensive. There were schlocky, replica African masks hanging on the walls. They were out of place in what was touted as an authentic, Colorado mining town. It was particularly painful because we had driven through Navajo nation to access dunton, where covid-stricken artisans could really use duntons support. It would be aesthetically appropriate, not to mention kind, to display local, Native American artwork in the cabin. Dunton: if you ignore all my other critiques, please consider at least this one.