We stayed at Dr. Wilkinson's because we were specifically looking for mineral pools and hot tubs (our first-choice property was under renovation so we had to find an alternative).

At first impression, it had the original 1950's charm. It went downhill from there. We were given "an upgraded" and "remodeled" room. It was large, but barely furnished. There was no armchair for reading, just three regular desk chairs. The armoir for TV was gigantic, yet when we opened it we found a tiny little set, not flat-screen, maybe 20 inches. It looked so ridiculous that we had a good giggle over it. The faucet in the shower barely worked. The room had a narrow and claustrophobic shower stall, not a tub (an unpleasant surprise - we're staying at a mineral bath place and we'd like to soak in our own private bathroom). The carpets were drab. There was dust on top of the headboard. Everything in the room looked dingy.

We specifically asked for a room away from the road, but no such luck - rattling cars and trucks kept us up at night (how about installing double-pane windows?). There were no amenities - no breakfast, no warm cookies in the evening, no cotton balls/q-tips/shower caps in the bathroom. The towels were thin, small, and scratchy. The pillows were springy and hard.

Now, both of us like vintage and we find a lot of charm in old-fashioned, historic hotels (stayed at many). If you're going for the 1950's original look and feel, but all means, please do! Yet Wikinson's was simply cheap. The decor in the room didn't fit stylistically and was cheap. Everything about the place looked and felt like a Motel 6 rather than a high-end Calistoga spa that they claim to be.

We paid an exorbitant price for this room (over $200 per night) and when we were checking out, I mentioned to the clerk how disappointed we were that nothing about the property was upscale like they claim. The clerk informed us that we had been given an upgraded room and overall their prices usually start at $250, so we got a good deal. Hmm...

Traveling a month later, we had to spend an night at an airport Holiday Inn. It was incredible, in terms of the amenities it offered and the low price we paid.

*THAT* was my beef with Wilkinson's - if I am paying over $200 a night, I am expecting to get value for my money. I would not have had a complaint if the room cost me $99, because that's all it's worth, taxes included.

The staff and therapy treatments are wonderful. It is a proper authentic type mudbath treatment centre. The owners/managers are very helpful.The rooms are well kept. Priced very well. I would like a microwave but that would mean major changes, which I believe they are starting on but then I may not be able to afford the rate SO GO AS SOON AS POSSIBLE! The atmosphere is great because all staff are happy. I would like to make this Resort a regular treat for us. I do love Calistoga too.

I rarely will write a review but I had such a bad experience with the establishment I feel l need to share it.

I made an online reservation to stay at the hotel and about five minutes after I pushed the button to confirm on my computer I was informed by my travel group that our plans had changed and I would not be needing the room. DW has a 2 week cancellation policy and I had booked over a month out so I called immediately to cancel the reservation and was told that the computers were down but once they came back up the cancellation would certainly be taken care of. (all this about 15 minutes after I had originally booked.

A month later charges for the room appeared on my bill. When I called to talk about the charges with someone, James told me that if I could produce my phone bill with the phone call record on it then he would refund the charges. When I told him I work for a large company (Amazon) and that I don't have the ability to produce a phone record he told me that I was out of luck but thanks for calling.

Buyer beware. The cancellation policy is a joke, their computer systems apparently a shambles, the staff not helpful and I can't even imagine what the on-premise experience would be if my phone experience was so bad.

No one likes being charged when they shouldn't be. Dr. Wilkenson, I will not be staying at your establishment in the future, nor will my friends.

After a very long drive from Mammoth Lakes it was a relief to find Dr Wilkinsons. Especially as the first place we stopped was Yountville where in the tourist office I was dealt with by possibly the rudest person to work in the hospitality industry. So we carried on to Calistoga which was a great move. Far less stuffy than Yountville, Calistoga is a one-street town with some great places to eat and a laid back vibe.

The motel is fine – big rooms, quiet, clean. There are 2 outdoor pools, one heated, which were very welcome, but be warned if you are an early bird, they aren’t open until 8am (no idea why) so if you want a swim first thing you’re out of luck.

Didn’t try any of the spa services but if you want a functional motel in the heart of town this is the one for you.