Castle Hot Springs

The resort is amazing, the food is amazing, and the on-site staff is amazing! So why a two-star review?||When we contacted the resort, we booked a via ferrata (cliff climbing with iron runs and harnesses), which ran from 8 am to 11 am ($250 per person). The hotel checkout time is 11 am, so I asked if we could extend it to 11:30 am to allow my wife and I to shower after a hot, sweaty activity at a resort that costs $2250 per night. The intake staff initially said "no." I called back and they said "probably" but I would have to double check at the resort (where they said "yes" when we checked in). ||After our visit, which was very pleasant, I wrote a four-star google review, and the GM's exec asst called me for further feedback. I asked to speak the GM, Kevin Maguire, to tell him about our experience, highly favorable at the resort and less favorable with the intake staff. He defended their time restrictions and said, "We can't just have guests come and go whenever they please." I told him that I simply felt that if a hot, sweaty activity ends at 11 am, then an 11 am checkout feels unreasonable, and 11:20 or 11:30 am (to accommodate a shower) seemed appropriate to me. He said, "Well, that's what you got, isn't it?" I agreed but felt that at a resort of this caliber and price, I shouldn't have to beg. He hung up on me. ||Let's see: A guest spends $5000 for two nights at a resort, and subsequently the GM hangs up on him when the guest provides feedback (that the resort requested) on the experience. What's wrong with this picture?

2 weeks ago

Subtle understated luxury. Everything was EASY. Do as much or as little as you want. Plenty to do, lots of quiet space to relax, anything you need…not a problem. Accommodating, warm employees. Accommodations suit the environment. Understated, spacious, private…No needs were overlooked. The room even had flashlights to help guide you to the hot springs at night. Snacks in the room were healthy. The food…cant say enough…fresh, healthy, abundant, beautiful presentation. This is not a place for designer toting showy people, but rather those that appreciate subtle luxury . I am already looking forward to our return, and have recommended it to friends.

a week ago

It may sound cliche, but Castle Hot Springs was truly an oasis and every detail received attention. The property was beautiful, the staff were friendly and attentive, the food was delicious (and plentiful), the activities were consistently top notch, and the hot springs were restorative. We stayed in a sky view cabin, which was lovely. We did the Crater Canton hike with Tasha, the e-bike ride with Caroline, and the Connecting with Water tour with Bevin, and they were all wonderful. We also made some new friends with whom to play pickleball, so squeezed some games in between activities. And, we did a couples massage. The only thing that was unnecessary was the third course at dinner, which I say with a chuckle. Overall, I highly recommend!

a week ago

We almost didn’t go to Castle Hot Springs resort because they administrative staff in Scottsdale was so snooty as to be offputting. However, the actual resort staff were friendly and accommodating, particularly Karlee and Tasha, and the resort is beautiful. We went there because it has the only via ferrata (rock climbing with training wheels) courses in Arizona. It is pricey but probably worth it for a couple days (Tuesday to Thursday is the cheapest possible stay—and still expensive). The food is amazing and included in the room fee. A beautiful but expensive desert oasis.

2 weeks ago

Beautiful property. Really enjoyed the hot springs, the delicious (health-ish) food, and all the fun, unique activities. My husband said he had one of the best massages ever. It’s nice that everything is included (aside from some of the specialized activities). The service is truly stellar and everyone that works here clearly loves their job and takes pride in the resort. However, I doubt we would ever come back because it’s a little too far away from everything and you never leave the resort. This means you keep eating in the same place day after day and seeing the same few people again and again… I guess if you lived in the Phoenix area and wanted to escape to a lush, quiet resort it’s a good, local option for frequent visits. But it’s too out of the way with little upside for us to return.

2 months ago

Castle Hot Springs is our favorite! It is an incredibly beautiful location with a great staff & phenomenal food. They have truly thought of everything to make your stay perfect. If you need a week to unplug & relax this is the place. We have already booked our stay for 2026!

a month ago

The Baja road to this place is miles and miles of 4x4 hell. At two grand a night, you’d think they would take care of their road. Well, two grand and four tires—which they let you know —when you’re more than half the way there—is your problem, not theirs. FCHS—which aren’t even hot springs at all, but water “warmed” by the “friction in the fissures of the rock”. The only accurate information on their too slick, deceptive website is the name —owned by kings indeed. Hot springs should not be “privatized” anyway; they are a gift of nature for all. Horrible experience.

2 weeks ago

Ohhh, Castle Hot Springs, what a magical place. I've had my eye on this spot since they re-opened. Very rarely does a resort exceed my expectations, and Castle Hot Springs did just that. The only word to describe it is magical. The food is incredible, the service is impeccable and the springs themselves are gorgeous. I didn't know going in that there are multiple spring pools. They naturally flow down the mountain and are cooler the further down you go. ||We enjoyed a couple sound baths, meditation, the farm tour and conquered the Salvation Hike (incredible). The only thing I wish I would have known is that you can pretty much plan your classes when you get there. *Most* are easy to get into, we just let the front desk know a little before the class started. Dinner times are pretty strict though, but you can always eat dinner in the bar area at any time. I think they try to remove the word 'no' from their vocabulary during your stay.||I helicoptered in and drove out. If you can swing the helicopter, it was an incredible experience. The dirt road on the way out can get a little dusty/bumpy but it is doable.||Castle Hot Springs was everything I could have imagined and more. I can't wait to visit again.

4 months ago