Baldi Hot Springs Hotel and Spa

The pools and slides are the big draw here, and the rooms were clean and fine. WiFi worked well. As a day pass, especially for families or groups looking for something different to do on the slides, it could be a good option. For an overnight stay, or if you want to relax and have drinks, we wouldn't recommend it. It felt geared toward day visitors and tour buses rather than hotel guests from the moment we arrived. Check-in had a long line with hardly anyone working, while four staff were moving people through the day pass line. We arrived an hour before check-in and our room wasn't ready, which was fine, but they said we'd have to pay $30 for towels to use the hot springs and didn't offer to take our luggage. A cocktail was $20 here. At the more upscale resort across the street where we started, the same drink cost $14. Service at the central bar was very slow, they didn't acknowledge us, and they were rude when we asked for a cocktail list. Our showers were cold, then barely warm after about ten minutes. Expect screaming kids jumping off barstools and splashing water into drinks, along with crowds arriving on tours. We paid the same price at Royal Corin across the street and had a night and day difference in the experience. The hotel could offer guests with hotel wristbands a discount on the overpriced drinks. It might also consider making one of its many pools with a swim-up bar adults-only, or even just for hotel guests.

The thermal pools were the highlight for me, and our room was clean with a nice, roomy balcony. Most of the service was good, and breakfast was okay. Dinner was more mixed: there weren’t many vegetarian choices, though I liked the pizza and cream of mushroom soup. The food overall felt average, and I was surprised the hotel doesn’t serve alcohol. The worst part was an exchange with Jason at the bar by reception. I ordered “chicken fingers with fries,” but he treated the fries as an extra order and brought two extra bowls. When I told him that wasn’t what I’d ordered, he wouldn’t take them back and tried to make me keep them. He eventually said, “It is okay if you do not want to pay,” then removed the extra plates. It could have been handled with a simple apology and correction. Instead, the interaction felt unprofessional. I asked for the manager and was told, with some reluctance, that they weren’t available. I left a written complaint with Jesus at reception and still haven’t heard back. Guests pay a lot to stay here, so respectful service should be the norm.

The included breakfast buffet was delicious each morning, and the staff were friendly and very helpful. We stayed in two rooms in separate buildings, and check-in was easy. The grounds are incredibly lush, and the resort is conveniently close to town. There are so many hot springs to try, and they were incredible. Even the room linens felt luxurious, including the pool towels. We had a great time.

We arrived around 9 in the morning and stayed until about 7, and the day flew by. Our family of four, with kids aged 9 and 12, explored every spring and feature at Baldi. The children loved finding the little tucked-away spots, waterfalls, and pools, and spent ages in the kids’ area. We had bought passes ahead of time expecting crowds and long lines, but there was no wait and it didn’t seem busy at all. The slides need a bit of respect. We’re an adventurous family who love coasters and water slides, and the three more intense ones were seriously powerful, especially the middle one. Pay attention to the warnings. Watching people shoot out of that slide and seeing their reactions was entertaining enough to keep me at the pool below for ages. There’s also a smaller kids’ section that should suit younger children. The fun options seemed split between things for little kids and the really extreme slides, with not much in between, though there are plenty of pools to explore. We ordered lunch in the pool near the front entrance, and it was easy and very tasty. The kids were happy with their food, and the drinks we had during the day were good too. Fresh towels were available whenever we needed them, which helped on a rainy day. Rain wasn’t a problem since we were wet and swimming anyway, and some pools and big areas are covered if you want to get out of it. I’d recommend a day at Baldi, especially for families or anyone who likes water slides.