The Symes Hot Springs Hotel & Mineral Baths — Hotel in Hot Springs

Been coming to Symes for nearly thirty years. Every year, when I visit my family, I make it a point to come back. I don't say the same thing about some of the other hot springs in Montana, even if I do like a good majority of them.

Why do I come back? Simple. It is a place out of time. This is a place that doesn't change. It has been like this since I first came to visit (back when the Camas overflow tank was still open to the public just down the road). The town is quirky and authentic. They don't dress things up to lure in tourists. They have what they have. And it is a priceless experience.

Actually, let me correct myself. This place does change . . . a bit. Every year, they try to fix up something. New windows. New toilets. Now AC in some of the rooms. Even TVs, if that is what you want when you are here. They take care of the place. But don't confuse that with a 5-star hotel. They certainly don't. And those that love this place don't either.

Is the WiFi spotty? Yup. But they don't hide that fact. Is this an old property (been here since the 30s)? Yup. But, again they don't hide that fact either. If you show up here without doing any research, you might be disappointed. I have seen people pull up, get out, look around, and leave. That's cool. Not your sort of thing. But you can look up the town online. You can also see the Symes' website (which, though updated, looks like it was created a decade or so ago . . . and I find that both funny and perfectly in keeping with the place).

My main point is this: the water is amazing. You leave feeling refreshed. I even urge you to drink the water. Trust me, it is like taking a multi-vitamin. The people here are also great. The staff will lend you a bathrobe. You can pick up a towel in the main office. Sure, some of the people in town are rough-around-the-edges. But they are generally nice and welcoming to visitors, esp. if you don't act like you expected the Four Seasons in a major metro area. You also get to meet some amazing visitors. Russian families from the Spokane area having a family reunion. Travelers from across the world who have heard about this place and were lucky enough to come here. And people from across the States, some who have been coming here longer than I have, who know a good thing and now make it a habit. Look around, you are in Hot Springs. It takes effort to get here. But it is worth the effort. If Montana lost the Symes, it would be a shame.

I have to chuckle at some of the negative reviews. Thankfully, they are in the minority. And their anger often seems wildly misplaced, wrong, or uninformed. My favorite? "Yuck, it smells like eggs!" You do know, kind reviewers, that you can look up the mineral content of the springs on the Symes' website. You know what one of the higher minerals is in terms of content? Sulfate. You know what that smells like? Eggs. You know why some springs don't smell like eggs? They either filter their water or it contains less sulfate. The others--bed bugs, mean staff, etc.--just suggest that people need to make things up or are angry with themselves because they didn't do the research in advance. If you want to go 'California Camping', there is another place just down the road (one that used to be as cool and unique and quirky as Symes) that will gladly take your money.

The great thing? Those negative reviewers show their colors by making things up or blaming their mistake on others. The Symes persists in spite of that silly whining which is so much a part of the modern world. Like I said, this is a place out of time. It can withstand negative reviews. And I hope it stands for many years to come.

Highly...

Supposedly this is the second most mineral rich water in the world - healing water. If you are willing to transcend the unkempt staff, unhealthy food, paper thin walls, people who don't mind the "quiet between 10pm and 7am posted sign" and drunks with coolers full of beer hanging out at the pools, then you'll love it!

This was the second time, and will surely be the last, that I've spent a night here. For one, they didn't have the room I reserved. That's really professional. Second, my room had a distinct smell of animal piss. That's gross. Thirdly, when I went out for a late night soak on Friday night, there was a group of people with a large cooler most likely full of cheap beer who were so loud, obnoxious, and reeking of beer, after about 10 minutes I could not stand it and moved to the "lobster tank," which is much calmer, and smaller, but not a pool one can really soak in for more than a few minutes at a time unless they are an extremist, because it's HOT! But it was quieter, so I made do, oscillated between the pool and rolling in the snow, and retired for the night. There was some really nice bluegrass/folk music that night, so that was a plus. But I don't recommend eating the food, as it's standard conventional American fodder. They also sell overpriced beers which honestly I don't think lend to health when one is busy sweating out accumulated toxins soaking in the pools. Plus, you don't want to drink the water since it's just cooler hot springs water (I made that mistake the first time I came here and felt worse in my body than when I got there). They do have a big 5 gallon water jug right by the front door that's supposed to be for patrons, but it was empty when I got there at 5:30 pm on Friday night and still empty when I left the next morning. Bring your own water. And last but not least, I got totally gassed out by someone idling their huge diesel truck in the parking lot for what must have been 20 minutes. GROSS!! Seriously, there should be a policy of no idling in the parking lot for more than 5 minutes at a time.

If you're just passing through, and want to soak for a few hours, then I think it's almost worth the $10 day pass. My brother and I stopped there a few months earlier for a few hours and we did enjoy our soak. It's nice that there are 3 pools for soaking: One super hot, one hot, and one luke warm, with a 4th small swimming pool that's usually the coolest. But, the changing room is shabby, and I noticed some black mold forming on one of the walls.

Setting is Everything, and the setting...

Certainly! Here's a description of Symes Motel's magical healing water:

Symes Motel boasts a unique and enchanting feature: its magical healing water. Nestled amidst the picturesque landscape of Hot Springs, Montana, this extraordinary natural wonder has captivated visitors for generations.

The healing water of Symes Motel is renowned for its mystical properties, believed to possess unparalleled restorative qualities. Drawn from underground springs, it flows through a network of mineral-rich veins, infusing it with transformative energies.

Immersing oneself in the magical healing water is a deeply rejuvenating experience. As the warm currents envelop the body, a profound sense of relaxation and renewal takes hold. The water's curative powers are said to alleviate a range of ailments, from physical discomforts to emotional distress.

The mineral composition of the healing water is believed to play a pivotal role in its transformative effects. Rich in minerals such as magnesium, calcium, and potassium, it nourishes the body and promotes overall well-being. Some visitors have even reported witnessing a subtle glow emanating from the water, lending an otherworldly quality to the healing experience.

Symes Motel is a sanctuary of healing, where guests can immerse themselves in the magical water and allow its transformative energies to gently wash away their stresses and tensions. Whether seeking relief from chronic pain, aching muscles, or simply desiring a moment of tranquility, the healing water of Symes Motel offers solace and renewal.

Beyond the physical benefits, the magical healing water is also believed to have a profound impact on the spirit. Many visitors attest to experiencing a heightened sense of clarity, peace, and spiritual connection as they soak in the rejuvenating waters. It is as if the water not only heals the body, but also nurtures the soul.

Visitors to Symes Motel often find themselves drawn back, as if by an invisible force, compelled to bask in the healing waters once more. Each encounter with the magical water is a unique and personal journey, catering to the individual needs of those who seek its embrace.

So, if you yearn for a transformative and mystical experience, make your way to Symes Motel in Hot Springs, Montana, and immerse yourself in the enchanting and magical healing water. Allow its curative properties to wash over you, revitalizing your body, rejuvenating your spirit, and leaving you with a sense of...