The Inn at Benton Hot Springs — Hotel in Mammoth Lakes

Our first visit at Benton Hot Springs was Feb. 23,2020. The staff was pleasant, the room was great and the breakfast the following morning was nice. Overall we enjoyed our stay with the exception of our tub rental. Let us first note that we had a misunderstanding about the tub rentals at the time we made the reservation. We did not realize there were 3 tubs at the Inn for guest use. Two days before our arrival, we inquired about cancelling our tub rental (after speaking with a friend of ours that told us about the tubs at the Inn) and were told that 72 hours were required to receive a refund. We did not dispute this and decided we would use the tub and know better for another visit. ||||After checking in and getting settled, we went to our rental tub location, Tub #6 and found it occupied. Returned to the office at which time the office personnel went to determined the misunderstanding. Turns out another guest had mistakenly taken tub #6. Staff relocated us to tub #8 which initially was fine with us. ||||Once we got into tub #8, it was entirely too hot for us! We tried to "acclimate" to the temp however, after a period of time, it was simply just too hot to be comfortable and potentially dangerous if enough "soak" time elapsed. There were two water valves, one running "hot mineral water" in the tub and another that was either abandoned, turned off, frozen or not functional for another reason. We assume this is normally a cold supply to adjust or temper the tub temp. ||We returned to the office to make them aware that the tub was too hot and we would just use the Inn tub(s). This is where it got a bit interesting. Notified her of the high temperature and were told "Well, you have the tub until tomorrow morning checkout time". Based on the fact that we had previously attempted to cancel the tub short of the policy time frame, we never requested a refund for tub rental due to the fact that it could easily be assumed that the reason for the "too hot" compliant was to simply get a refund. Under other circumstances, we would have requested one. ||||I normally have a thermometer with me due to being in the HVAC trade however, this trip I did not. This is by far not our first "natural hot spring mineral water"tub experience. For years we have used natural hot springs in the Nevada desert as well as other business operated hot springs. Tub #8 was by far the hottest we have ever experienced. BTW, the tubs at the Inn were very reasonable and comfortable in temp. With that being said, we are aware these are farther from the "source". ||||The concerning part is staff did not quantify/verify the over-temp or take seriously the issue of guest safety. When I was in the Hospitality business many years ago in Mammoth Lakes, we were required by California and/or local Health Dept. codes not to exceed 104 Deg F hot tub temperature. We actually have pics of my wife in tub 8 where she is "VERY red" below the water level. ||||We will likely return again however, will consider our first trip as lessons learned. ||We would have rated it a 3.5 however only choice was 3 or 4...

I would love to give a better rating than 3 stars. But I was really disappointed with some of the things I experienced during my visit. To be clear, this review is about the campsite hot tubs. And some issues are specific to site #9.

The check-in is described as "contactless". There's a spot in the main parking lot where there's a double sided piece of paper with information for the tub campsites. But unfortunately some of the information is lacking details. And this ended up with me having to drive back to the main office a couple of times as I tried to resolve issues. In my opinion, they should add the details to the handout even if it means adding a second sheet of paper.

So, my initial concern was that my "hot" tub was lukewarm at best when I got there. It was only around 85 degrees. The instruction sheet says to use the walkie talkie to let them know if the water is too cold or too hot. However, what's missing is the detail about where the walkie talkie is located. Once I found it, I tried raising someone on the other end but got no response. So, I had to go back through a closed gate and then try to find someone in the main building. The office door was open but nobody was there. When I found someone, the woman told me that I had to choose a particular channel on the walkie talkie for it to work. But, I'm left wondering if you have a communication device that's also supposed to be used in emergencies, why isn't the channel pre-set? The woman did offer to come to my site, but her solution was to simply open a hot water valve all the way and let the tub overflow until the water got hot enough. This was simple enough to do on my own. But it took over an hour to get the tub to near 100 degrees.

While I was waiting for the water to heat up, I decided to text and check in with family at home. Well being in a remote spot, I wasn't too surprised that there was no cell signal. I searched for available Wi-Fi networks and saw four for the property, and one specific to the hot tub campsites. I re-read the check-in handout looking for information about the password. No mention at all about Wi-Fi was in the handout. So, back to the office a second time to search for someone. I found the same woman and she gave me the password. Again, I feel they should take the time to include this detail on the handout.

Needless to say, even before I got settled into my site I was feeling discouraged. Especially at the price of $105 a night.

All this being said, the property location really is great! There are beautiful views all around. And sitting in the tub at night and looking up at the starlit sky was magnificent.

One last note that's pretty specific to site #9 is that it lacks privacy screening in what I'd consider a crucial spot. Because everyone walking or driving along the main road through the campground has a clear view of this tub.

I'm glad I got a chance to experience the hot tub springs here. The water had no sulphur smell and again the views were great. But it's the lack of attention to the details listed above that has definitely soured me on ever...

This Place is Ermosho and is in a stunning environment. The tranquility that surrounds the remoteness of the property and the darkness that surrounds it at night make it a true paradise away from civilization. The amenities here are modern, eco-friendly, and comfortable, so there's no sense of rustic living once inside this elegant oasis. There is plenty of impeccable space to settle in and make it yours. The location for me and my healing purposes at Bed & Breakfast: the "Benton Hot Springs Waters" was excellent. I walked around the area, and enjoyed the journey every day of my stay in the water Private Hot tubs. The trip from the trailheads filled me with anticipation and the trip to San Francisco Ca marked my perfect days. If you have the opportunity to enjoy these healing waters and beautiful home in this spectacular setting, it will be an escape that you will treasure forever!...💖✨️🎂🏕🏞🙏

Este Lugar es Ermosho y está en un entorno impresionante. La tranquilidad que le rodea la lejanía en que se encuentra la propiedad y la oscuridad que le envuelve en la noche le convierten en un verdadero paraíso alejado de la civilización. Las comodidades de este lugar son modernas, ecológicas y cómodas, por lo que no hay sensación de vida rústica una vez dentro de este elegante oasis. Hay mucho espacio impecable para instalarse y hacerle suy@. La ubicación para mí y mis propósitos de curacion en Bed & Breakfast: the "Benton Hot Springs Waters" fue excelente. Caminé por el área, y disfruté el viaje todos los días de mi estancia en las privadas Hottubs de aguas. El viaje desde los comienzos del sendero me llenó de anticipación y el viaje hacia San Francisco Ca, marcó mis días perfectos. Si tienes la oportunidad de disfrutar de estas aguas curativas y hermosa casa en este entorno espectacular, será un escape que atesorarás por siempre!...💖✨️🎂🏕🔥🛁🏞🙏...

This Place is Ermosho and is in a stunning environment. The tranquility that surrounds the remoteness of the property and the darkness that surrounds it at night make it a true paradise away from civilization. The amenities here are modern, eco-friendly, and comfortable, so there's no sense of rustic living once inside this elegant oasis. There is plenty of impeccable space to settle in and make it yours. The location for me and my healing purposes at Bed & Breakfast: the "Benton Hot Springs Waters" was excellent. I walked around the area, and enjoyed the journey every day of my stay in the water tubs. The trip from the trailheads filled me with anticipation and the trip to San Francisco Ca marked my perfect days. If you have the opportunity to enjoy these healing waters and beautiful home in this spectacular setting, it will be an escape that you will treasure...