Charlotte Hot Springs & Botanical Gardens — Attraction in Buena Vista

SKIP THE POSSIBLE ALLERGIC REACTION AND DEAD BUG TYPHOON, GO TO MT. PRINCETON

I kept hearing nothing but positives about this place, so I decided to go with my boyfriend the other night, to which we were both excited to experience, especially after a long work week. That excitement faded when my boyfriend had an allergic reaction to the chemicals in the pool, making us rush back home so he could rinse it all off. That, plus all the bugs swirling in the pool did not inspire us to ever return. For the first hour we were in the hot springs, we were in the upper pool, fully submerged. There were already people there, so we kept to ourselves. Until they became obnoxious, so we decided to go to the least populated pool, which was the very bottom one. My boyfriend only had his feet in the water the entire time we were there, which was only half an hour. We wanted to stay longer, but the endless gnats, flies, and other bugs that included a still live, yellow spider wriggling around in the water grossed us out. There was also hair that didn't match my color floating with all the mostly dead insects. I heard that all the pools' water circulates through each other, and I'm really not sure if there's a proper filter in them. I'm aware Mt. Princeton has bugs, too, but from the handful of times I've been there, I've only seen a few. These pools are smaller, which makes the bugs more noticeable. The yellow spider swam by me at least 5 times within a few minutes. As we were leaving, my boyfriend began having an intense itching sensation in his feet, and we looked down to see them swelling, the skin flaking as he touched it. He doesn't have sensitive skin and no known allergies. There also weren't any bugs or ants in his shoes that were set aside to cause the itching sensation. My own hands, which had been in the bottom pool, were dry and flaky as well, which never happens at Mt. Princeton; my skin actually glows when I get out of those pools. We rushed home and luckily the itching stopped after a shower. I'm not sure what chemicals are used in the pool, but our hair didn't smell like chlorine afterwards. We did go later in the day, but that's no excuse, especially since the pools are smaller and theoretically easier to upkeep. If the Merifield's are content with having the quality of their hot springs be this atrocious later in the day, then entry should be free, or not open at all. Definitely NOT a $70 experience, it should've been $15 like when they first opened. I thought it was going to be a more affordable, local- friendly location. Last year, Mt.Princeton raised their prices to $35 per person, I'm sure it's more now, but I'd recommend going there instead. I tried contacting the owners through the website about a refund, but I haven't gotten a reply yet. I was excited about the future botanical gardens, but I don't think I'll be returning here. Save yourself a possible allergic reaction and dead bug typhoon and go to Mt. Princeton, which is basically the same price for a MUCH more relaxing, clean, and overall...

Nestled amidst the serene backdrop of towering mountains and lush forests, Charlotte Hot Springs offers a secluded and tranquil retreat away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. My recent visit to this hidden gem left me thoroughly impressed, and I'm eager to share my experience.

Location & Ambiance: Charlotte Hot Springs is situated in a picturesque setting, surrounded by panoramic mountain views and dense woodlands. The natural beauty of the location is awe-inspiring, providing a sense of peace and tranquility. The absence of crowds and children adds to the peaceful ambiance, making it an ideal spot for relaxation and rejuvenation.

Hot Springs Experience: The main highlight of Charlotte Hot Springs is, of course, the hot springs themselves. The pools are well-maintained and blend seamlessly into the natural landscape. The water is comfortably warm, with mineral-rich properties that are not only soothing but also beneficial for the skin and muscles. I particularly enjoyed soaking in the hot springs while admiring the breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains.

Facilities & Services: While Charlotte Hot Springs emphasizes its natural setting, the facilities provided are adequate and functional. There are clean changing rooms and restroom facilities available nearby. It's important to note that the focus here is on the natural experience rather than luxury amenities, which aligns perfectly with the wilderness setting.

Atmosphere & Crowd: One of the standout aspects of Charlotte Hot Springs is the peaceful atmosphere. During my visit, there were not many people around, which enhanced the sense of exclusivity and allowed for a more intimate connection with nature. The absence of children contributed to a quieter and more serene environment.

Overall Impression: Charlotte Hot Springs is a hidden oasis, offering a rare opportunity to unwind in nature's embrace. Whether you seek solitude, natural beauty, or the therapeutic benefits of hot springs, this destination delivers...

Absolutely rejuvenating place to soak. We walked inside the 90°F atrium to check in for our soak on a 13°F day with snow and frost outside. No reservation was required. The womens bathroom was very clean with several private stalls to use for changing as well as some private toilet areas and a good sized area with benches, wall hooks and lockers to hold your clothes while soaking. Walk thru the double glass doors to the 3 large hot springs soaking tubs that can easily hold 10 people each without feeling crowded, maybe more. I've never seen more than 5 or 6 in a pool at one time so I'm just guessing about the # above. The pools are checked about every couple of hours for the temp and signs on the bench near each pool shows what the current temp is. Typically I've seen a range from 102° to 105°. Unsure if it gets hotter than that or not. We sat in the farthest pool where it remained 104°F during our stay. After a couple of hours of blissful soaking we gathered our things and found a lovely area to sit in the atrium to eat our brought from home lunches. Looks like there may be a food truck just outside the main door but it was not open during our Thursday visit. Maybe it's a weekend thing, not sure. It was very comfortable inside the atrium and the animals never even came around us while we sat and ate. There is an iguana, bearded dragon and several geckos and I believe a couple of parrots but I only saw the iguana during this visit. After our lunch we went back out and enjoyed another 2 hour soak before taking the 1.5 hour drive back home. Both my neighbor and I were extremely relaxed from this day. I wouldn't waste my time going anywhere else. The people who work at this place have always been very nice which also makes it a pleasure to visit. It's a well cared for establishment that appears to be continually enhancing their property nicely. A benefit for...