Dunton Hot Springs

They made my wife's birthday and our 4 year anniversary so special. We were heart broken when we finally had to leave... Thank you to Kyle, Scott, Lee, Susan, Holly, and many others for giving us literally the best vacation we have ever been on. The room was clean and cozy, no bad smells, no hairs on the bed, always had fresh water bottles every time we left and came back to the cabin... Cocktails were great, liquor, wine, beer selection was high quality. The stay was TRULY all inclusive, nothing extra on my bill besides the massage I bought my wife and the gratuity I decided to leave for the staff... which is surprising because I asked for seconds at almost every meal, drank good scotch and wine every night, and had other above and beyond accommodations. I was actually shocked to not see anything extra on the bill. They even let my wife borrow some nice hiking boots because she forgot hers at home. Chef Alex and Chef Dillon made our first night extra special. We sat at the chefs table and watched them carefully prepare our courses. Lots of joking and laughter, and the wine pairings were on point. They let us check in very early on our day of arrival so that we could go on the snowcat tour at 10:30AM. The staff wasn't overbearing like at other resorts where the concierge hounds you about booking your day full of activities... they were actually pretty much completely out of the way, but somehow if we needed anything, they were always available and happy to help. The location was remote and the view of the mountains and stars was incredible. The other guests were friendly. Everyone was in a good mood so it was really easy to get along. We sat at the communal table for multiple meals and never had a bad experience there. This is our new spot. We will be back, over and over and over again. The room we stayed in (FORGE) was spacious, warm, clean... The bathroom floors are heated, the bed is soft but supportive, the sheets are thick and quality but breathable and silky. The art was unique and had a cohesive theme to it. The food is like if you had a 5 star chef staying the night at your house. They cooked high end meals but with an extremely authentic homey feel that made us excited every time we sat down to eat. Kyle makes incredible cocktails and he knows his stuff when it comes to beers and liquors.

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.