Last weekend was our anniversary, so Judy and I wanted to get out of town a bit. We went to Orr Hot Springs in Ukiah. I didn't put a link in that last sentence because Orr Hot Springs apparently doesn't have their own web site; however, this is a review that is commonly linked to. The best way to reach them is by phone at +1 707-462-6277.
In short, it is a great place if you like hot springs and you want something closeish to the SF Bay Area. You drive to Ukiah, go west about 8 miles on a really beautiful and twisty road, and you're there. There are a couple of very nice gardens, and the community kitchen for cooking your own food is large and has all the cooking items you could want (other than food). The rooms are reasonably priced, certainly not inexpensive.
Oh, the pools. They were fine for me, but many/most people would find them not quite hot enough. I could only stay in the hot tub about 15 minutes before baking; most regular hot tub fans could stay there much longer. The mineral content was acceptable, and the sulphur smell wasn't significant. The steam room and sauna were certainly hot enough for anyone.
The pool side of the creek is clothing-optional, which this weekend meant people were mostly without clothes except the two teenagers who were there with their family. Some folks find this kind of casual nudity wonderful, and I suspect that many people find it horrid and would never consider going somewhere like this. I'm in the middle: it was fine, and nice for sunbathing, but I would rather have been at a place where more people felt comfortable.
Posted by lookit at June 16, 2005 12:10 PM