Dunton Hot Springs

We did not spend the night at Dunton Hot Springs. Our rental Jeep died right in front of the resort. I cannot say enough about how kind and helpful the staff were in helping us get cell service and internet and a comfortable place to wait the hours it took to get a tow truck and taxi service from the rental company. They researched ways to fix our car and provided information to help us find a way to get to Durango. They went FAR, FAR out of their way to help two people who weren’t even staying with them. I can only imagine how they take care of their guests. The property is rich in natural beauty, and we hope to be able to actually stay here one day. We know we’ll be in the kindest and most considerate of hands when we do.

The property is unmatched, unbelievable views and activities! The guides and bartender were lovely and friendly. The staff was hit or miss- some seemed put out to be bothered with questions or asking for help with tables, food or activities. The experience was OK, but there were a lot of problems with the overall handoffs and people making you feel like everything was seamless. Preordered breakfast for an activity had clearly fallen through the cracks, forms that needed filling out before activities but were never presented to us in the first place, etc. These thing are small, but we travel to Relais & Chateaux properties all over the world and its those little things that make it feel special- they are lacking here. The food was the biggest disappointment, I get that we are out in the middle of nowhere and there are only a few choices for breakfast and everything else is just what they are making, but on several occasions it was just inedible. Looking around the dining hall it was clear it wasn't just us, on those occasions almost everyone had left most of their meal uneaten. For what we paid it was just unacceptable- it's clear a lot of it is made the day before and put on baking sheets in the fridge and served the next day (and left out all over the counter in the kitchen so its not just my assumption). Stale/dried out pasta, sandwich bread and potatoes at breakfast with so much liquid smoke and salt on them no one ate more than a bite. On other occasions it was just not enough food and everyone was trying to find snacks to supplement the tiny portions. Dinner was the stand out - that was the only time there seemed to be an actual chef making the food real time and that was definitely very good.

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 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.

We travelled here with 12 total guests for a surprise 70th birthday party for my husband based on the many 5 star reviews and their website videos. We were to stay in the Potter House Cabin. From our moment of arrival our experience was incredibly disappointing. Every request we made was given a “no”. From a simple iced tea, to requesting an alternate choice of food to a request for a birthday cake..no was the answer…the chef was “too busy’. We were then shown to our cabin and had to walk a long distance. Mind you, my guests included a 76 year old with Parkinson’s and 70 year old recovering from knee surgery and a newly pregnant daughter-in-law. No golf cart or transportation was offered. The cabin was old, musty, no air conditioning, no bottled water in the fridge, no ice, no sodas, no phone service…nothing! And a long walk in the dark to get back to the main lodge. and for this we were paying over $10,000 per night! I was expecting charming and rustic but not rusty, moldy and bug ridden. When my pregnant daughter-in-law went to lay down she found under her bed covers, a black widow spider and another type of spider with a nest in the bed. We knew we couldn’t sleep in this place and decided to leave immediately. We were charged over $11,000 for basically nothing but a bad lunch and a nightmare. The scenery is remarkable, and clearly very photogenic, but when you look beneath the covers…this place is NOT as presented, not worth the money and NOT worthy of the Relais and Chateaux brand.