California Hot Springs Resort — Hotel in Porterville

I’ve been visiting the Sequoias since I was a little girl. I’ve always wanted to go to the California Hot Springs, but for some reason or another it never worked out, or they were closed. Well today I finally had the opportunity to go. I was very disappointed to say the least. The customer service was very poor. We arrived around 1330, and they closed at 1600. The lady at the desk was rude, and one thing that rubbed me the wrong way is what she said and the way she looked at us. “We close at 1600 and it’ll be $30.” Um, okay? Is that supposed to change our minds? The way she put it was like we weren’t going to pay for it, because they only had a few hours left till closing. They also have lots of rules posted throughout the establishment:

1.) Shower before entering the pool 2.) No PDA 3.) No cursing 4.) No food or drink allowed outside (the only drink you can have is what they serve) 5.) No wearing t-shirts inside pool, white t-shirts only

Rules I don’t mind, they weren’t hard to follow. One thing is not everyone can have what they are serving for food and drinks. Being that we traveled three hours just to come, I was disappointed there wasn’t an area I could eat the food I prepared. It’s not a preference, it’s due to a medical condition. So if you have food sensitivities plan accordingly. My husband and I ended up going to the camp ground less than a block away to eat our food.

Also, because the State requires them to, they add chlorine to the pools. I am personally not a fan. I would rather go to the Miracle Hot Springs where it’s free and you have access to the river to go from hot to cold.

The pump for the pool is extremely loud and gives off a loud ringing/buzzing noise. Which was really annoying.

Another thing that was comical.... This lady approached us at the tub we were in and told us she had worked there. She was trying to figure out what tub to go in. Well her looked to be 10 year old son showed up, and she proceeds to yell at him across the patio and is cussing at him. To me, that is very unprofessional. Regardless if you are on your off time, you are still liable to hold some level professionalism in your work place, especially honoring the rules of the establishment. It was really annoying to hear the back and forth bickering in what was supposed to be a nice relaxing trip. I will not be returning...

REVIEW UPDATED OCT 2019,

FIRST VISIT MAY, 2018 = 4 STARS This is a humble, reasonably priced, fantastic gem tucked into the mountains.

I arrived late so I only had an hour in the pools, but really enjoyed it.

I camped there one night and loved it. It wasn't crowded. The bathrooms were old but clean, with hot water coming directly from the mineral springs.

Several people in the reviews mentioned the staff was rude. I admit they sound a little grumpy, but I don't think they are. I think they're no-nonsense folks who were really helpful and friendly.

I'd stay again in a heartbeat!

SECOND ATTEMPTED VISIT SUMMER, 2019 = 1 STAR with a much lower score for a horrible experience with not telling customers they were closed.

Summer 2019, I called and called the hot springs to confirm they were open. No one answered. I checked their website, which had no mention of being closed permanently or short term.

I assumed they were busy and drove 2 hours to the hot springs only to find they were closed -- for a planned power outage by the local electric company. There was a note taped on the door saying they were closed. The note did not even say when they would reopen. Power trucks were everywhere in the area! Clearly this was a planned outage, possibly lasting several days.

I see no reason why the hot springs could not notify their customers they were closed.

1. get a digital voice mail and say you are closed! Be sure to include how long you are going to be closed.
2. update your website! Put a large pop up box saying your closed and for how many hours or days.

Plus, they no longer allows tents at their camp area- only RVs. I don't imagine I'll every go back here, which is a shame because I really enjoyed my...

Have Arthritis? Go here! Love this place! If you go during the week middle of the day & not during summer ypu might get the place to yourself for a bit! I even left my wallet laying out Staff returned to me on my way $ all there!! Be very careful walking down the stairs to the change room tho. The stairs are extremely steep. But this place has a very vintage look & charm. That I'd hate to see them have to remove! Bring a suit No shorts allowed No one cares how you look this is not a cruise for sex kinda spot either The price is the same regardless if you get there when they open or 30 mins before they close so do not try to bargainIts worth every penny to sit & relax even for just 30 mins No outside food allowed Just eat in the car The bathrooms were very clean It is an older place so it looks old but this is the vintage charm & feel I love! But it certainly wasn't dirty. Cheesy kinda gift shop I didn't go to buy anything but maybe somebody else was traveling through Since tgere is a gift shop I suggest some touristie kinda crap like beach towels with the name on it or ashtray or magnets. Now that crap I would buy! Worth the drive from...