Sycamore Mineral Springs Spa

My husband and I have enjoyed this spa for years! Recently the service has slipped severely. 18 minutes on hold is unacceptable! The supervisor making excuses instead of saving the reservation is the final blow. Hasta la vista, sycamore! There are lots of spas on the central coast that will be glad to take my money

Did an amazing job. She was extremely accommodating and helped me with the surprise proposal. We were able to bring our dog with us in her car and she even brought treats and water for him. Highly recommended.

Worst hotel experience ever we were charged almost $ 700 for two night the room were so basic it looked like a motel out dated and not so nice they charged us $ 40 extra for having a third person staying with us and $ 100 for having our music playing while we were in the jacuzzi not to mention the food at their restaurant Was so bland the cocktails were really good and the mineral hot springs were fun but I would Never stay here at the hotel again not worth the price

THIS IS A LONG REVIEW PLEASE READ!
Amongst all the fine hotels, resorts, bed and breakfast and houses we have stayed at and rented, by far this was the most DISAPPOINTING. For the past 15 years this was a destination that we looked forward to. Although we arrived rather late we still anticipated a great stay. We were sadly mistaken. Upon arriving we check in and were told the hours of operation, and when we should turn off the spa jets for quiet time, Ok no problem, we could still enjoy a nice glass of wine while soaking in the spa. When we arrived at our room the outside lights were turned off so we spent 10 – 15 min. looking for our room, finally we found it, we opened the door in the dark and then the lights inside were not working, We had to turn the lights on by pulling the string on the fan, another 10 min wasted. Our first impression was not good, but we were going to make the best of it, so we proceeded to get ready to get in the spa — the spa had no water!!! and it looked very dirty, I was upset, but it was late and we decided to speak with the front desk in the morning. The next morning I spoke with the front desk and they called the manager on duty, She proceeded to tell me that some of the spas are not filled and the guests have to fill them their selves. I was appalled, I should of been told that from the beginning, it was late, she knew it was after quite time, if we filled the spa ourselves wouldn’t the water be cold and we couldn’t turn it on to heat. I brought all this up to the manager and all she could say was that I should of called and the maintenance guy would of came and fixed the lights. What!!! When the Manager left the front desk lady came back to finish my paperwork, she handed me a business card and told me to call the lady on the card and she would probably give me a discount on another stay. WOW very disappointing. We then looked around the property and the pool was very dirty as well as the mineral spas. The sign posted on the pool gate was very shocking –stating that if you had diarrhea in the past 14 days, pleas don’t enter the pool? BUT the same signs were not posted at the mineral spas. The manager was very cold and had a unpleasant disposition.

The scenery is very nice and service was decent. I would definitely go here again and enjoy nature with company and hot tub.

We stayed here overnight at the normal room rate of $ 300 and we were sadly disappointed by the condition of the room; dirty and stained carpets, scratched furniture; antiquated TV in the bedroom, over 10 yrs old; rusty electrical fixtures; shower door would not shut; ruff towels. THIS IS NOT what a $ 300 per night room. When this was mentioned to the front desk staff at check-​out, they’re reply was «Those rooms are scheduled to be upgraded soon!». So unsuspecting guests get charged full price for a substandard room! NICE!
Good things: linens and room service
Needs improvement:
1) Do not put families and couples in the same building! For a romantic getaway, we don’t want to hear families playing in their spa coming from the next room.
2) Train your front desk staff to be better informed of your property. They need to know that are 2 trails to Avila Beach, an easy 2.2 walk and a STRENUOUS 6-​mile HIKE to the top of the bluff. So when a guest asks «how do get to Avila Beach?», do NOT just say take the path outside of registration. Also they need to inform guests or provide them with the schedule of activities of the property. We called guest services to find out the yoga schedule and had to wait 5 minutes while the person researched it. While standing by the phone, I turned around and found the property’s schedule of activities attached to a table. AGHHH. They should have known it was in the room.
NOTE: Day after making the reservations, I found a GROUPON special for $ 139 a night for the same room!

We stayed there in February of 2015 & it was wonderful, 5 stars! We lived in our hot tub! So saw a special so bought it for a night with a dinner. We bought 2 of them as wanted to sit in the hot tub soaking & going for walks. Now that I’ve mailed them the letter below & then emailed it last week & this week and they are so rude to not even answer I’ve decided to post it here!
I felt so strongly that I sent the letter below to you via snail mail. This was back in February. Now it’s almost the end of May and not so much as an acknowledgment that it was ever revived. So NOW sending it to you this way!
Disappointed VERY much so with our two-​day stay! But having stayed at you’re resort on 2÷8÷2015 during the «Nifty 50» deal we fell in love with the in-​room mineral spas! We booked 2 days, Febuary 23^rd & 24^th, with the intent on enjoying your luxurious sulfur/​mineral hot tub and walks & dinner as we purchased your deal with the dinner. When we arrived the tub was full of cold water with the smell of SCENTED CHLORINE! My husband went immediately to the desk and someone was sent out. He gave us a hose to refill with hot water plus showed us how to drain and increase the heat. He even walked down to see if there were any rooms still open in the building to the immediate left side of the lobby. He said guests still could fill the tubs and the water quality (sulfur) was better. No rooms available in that part of the hotel.
We sat in it and our skin didn’t feel soft like we had put on lotion as it did the time before. Once out & my silver toe rings did not turn black like they did on our first stay, or when I had rented a hillside hot tub a few years back, as another sign that our tub did not have the sulfur/​mineral content as advertised. We honestly felt ripped off, as this trip was a soak in the tub & walk as it was suppose to be just a kick back & relax trip. On our second day walking past our old room even by the parking lot, you could smell the sulfur. The woman at the lobby tried to explain the water has less sulfur but more minerals and that some rooms have more sulfur than others. But even with no smell, skin not soft or toe ring not black she assured me I was still getting lots of minerals. This obviously makes no sense and I suspect these are excuses given to guests who are disappointed like us.
She said we could book the other room next time but unless we get a better explanation as to why the water has completely changed, I doubt there will be a next time.
This was their answer. And the handyman even told us that they used chlorine. And if water is different at each room they need to tell you this when booking.
Here it is:
We apologize that it took so long for us to respond. As far as the
mineral water goes that is the same mineral water that we have had for
years and we do not use chlorine in any of the tubs for our hotel
guests. As far as the lower sulfur content we do have two different
types of water and that are distributed to different parts of the
resort. Most guests do not like the high sulfur content (the aroma being
to harsh) so we do offer a water with lower sulfur, while still having
all of the minerals in it. The room you were in was one with a low
sulfur content which may be the difference that you are describing. We
sincerely apologize you did not enjoy your stay and we hope to direct
you to a room with the high level of sulfur for your next visit with us.
–Front Desk

Usually love coming to this place. Hot tubs are amazing. But the service tonight was a little bad. The girl at the front desk was just a little too authoritative when I asked a question about our wait. Kinda like a barista who serves you more attitude than coffee… you tend to not like that person because they’re a asshole. That’s what we got tonight.
But spas are great. We’d come back.

From the moment you drive up you feel this sense of calmness. There’s lots of trees, birds, and fresh air. There were signs to be quiet. It was extremely nice to not to be in the daily hussle and bussle.
The staff was super friendly. Every person I encountered either smiled or asked how they could be of some assistance. I absolutely loved the friendly atmosphere.
When you go up to pay they give you the choice if you want to go up hill or lower on the hill. Honestly it doesn’t make much of a deference to me the only thing is if you get one lower on the hill you may hear people pass by a few times as they are on their way to their tub. If you get a tub up the hill you may have to take quite a but of stairs. If you have sweet old lady legs like me you may want to go low on the hill.
Lastly the tubs themselves were nice. What an amazing way to relax. You pay by the hour which isn’t bad. There privacy walls anf a door that locks which is perfect. There deck area to layout and view the trees above. It’s so peacful. My only complaint is the look of the tub itself. It was definitely Clean, but the stains made it look a little dirty. I think the tub just needs a good paint job. Other then that it was a perfect inexpensive way to relax with your significant other, a friend, or even alone. Why not give it a try? I promise your body will feel a better then when you got there.

You need that R&R because us humans simply don’t exist on overtime. Your muscles start to ache and you start feeling pain in your back/​foot/​hip/​legs. don’t ignore it. It’s your body telling you it needs to rest.
You can instantly relax in one of their hot tubs which goes for $ 18.50/hour on the weekends. Make sure to call in advance to secure a spot and request a tub away from the buzzing activity near the spa or the pool.
To get to your little retreat in the middle of the woods, you’ll have to climb some staircases depending on the location you choose. The tub is roomy enough to fit two people. It was weird that there was a rubber cover there that you have to remove yourself. (the cover is there to prevent leaves and twigs from building up) Even though the tubs are spaced a little far apart, the higher located ones can easily see what’s going on below. If you’re squeamish about privacy, request the farthest one up.
I love that you can take a soak in the mineral rich hot tub and I did’t detect a chlorine smell unlike some of the other Unilocalers. Although I would recommend you come here early, since I question the cleanliness of the tubs themselves. (however, the bathrooms are clean.) If you want to drink wine, they’ll pour it for you in a plastic cup to prevent glass breakage.
I’d come back again because the price is super cheap, but I’d request to see what tub we’re getting first to check out its condition. You should too!

Room and bathtub were clean. The tracking course is intermediate revel. View from the mountain is amazing. You can also ride a bike. It is $ 10/​h or $ 25 a day. There was one bike with child seat for free. The people there were nice. Hot spring might be not recommended for small children.

I had so much I fun here with my Bf. It was fully booked the night we went, so they said we could try a walk in. We ended up waiting and got in a tub within 15min. You can BYOB and food, one hour is more than enough it gets pretty hot and we went at night! It’s very privet if you go up higher and it’s dark out. You can smoke or drink or eat just be sure to clean up after yourself. I would suggest booking a hot tub in advance to avoid having to wait or even missing out! This is a must try while out this way!

We stayed at the hotel and have never experienced WORST customer service. Not only was the front desk staff incompetent, they were very rude. Overpriced & not worth it. Our mineral hottub was an outdated jacuzzi, nothing like the pictures! Don’t stay here!

Been here 3 times, awesome each and every time! I recommend get a bungalow it’s worth the extra coin. Nice walk path. The mineral spring water makes your skin really soft and smooth! Perfect getaway from LA.
Staff is awesome and friendly too. These people live around here and hook you up where to go, if you want to get out and about.

It’s beautiful but the staff at the hottub front desk and the fact that I smell chlorine now and I used to smell sulfur has deterred me from going regularly anymore. Also it’s gotten pricier.
I used to go weekly for the benefits of the sulfur water and the relaxing birds and sunshining through the sycamore leaves and very private tubs (hideaway is not hidden away– I saw hikers and glimpses of neighboring tubs & no door with the clothes hooks where you have to be exposed to the walkway while changing?) Staff at the time came to know me and made the experience easy relaxing and comfortable.
Perhaps the fact that I used to go earlier in the day when the tubs were cleaner now I usually go before sunset and I’ve found unmentionable trash and tubs were uncovered with prickly leaves floating about.
I complained and was given 30 minutes extra tub time and was told they do not check the tubs in between uses and it was the responsibility of the people using the tub before us to recover the tub. The water temperature is inconsistent each time I go too which doesn’t always bother me depending on the weather.
It’s nice to get a bottle of wine which they open for you and pour into plastic cups to be safe. Yummy local snacks in the gift shop there too.
I’ve gotten the facial and massage package as well and the facial was great! Massage I thought I got deep tissue but felt like Swedish… oh well still relaxing. Pricier than most spas but with the hotsprings tubs and nature surrounding go figure.
I usually hike before going in the hotsprings and was scolded once by a lady telling me if I was just hiking I could not park in their parking lot and I had to go to shell beach for the Ontario ridge hike. I just got a juice at the bar and bought two waters in the gift shop before the hike and told her I was also planning on eating at the restaurant and regularly do… I went on the hike and got the food but decided to just go to my gym for hot tubs because that lady ruffled my feathers.
The restaurant and bar I absolutely love. Pretty plating, local food, fresh from their garden produce, great bartenders and dinner waiters have been good at getting us to smile and laugh very personable. Lunch is nice on the patio.
Also the yoga dome is neat and I’ve taken a great challenging yoga class there that got me doing poses I didn’t know I could do. Really fun and uplifting.
I’ll probably check out another yoga class, and eat there occassionaly as the menu changes but I rather soak at the Avila Hot Springs community tub for the sulfur mineral springs water benefit.

Went to the hot springs for a romantic night with my boyfriend. The receptionists were extremely nice and gave us the highest hot tub, Starlight. If you’re looking for a lot of privacy and a better view of the overall mountain and the nature ask for the highest tub available!
Warning: there are several steep staircases to access the tubs if you’re not able to climb them it would be best to get the lower tubs.
When we first arrived to the tub there was an empty can of alcohol in the ground… it seems that the tubs aren’t checked in between reservations.
Our experience with the actual tub was great! The water was really nice and you’re eyes adjust to the dim light. It wasn’t a clear night sky but I think if it was we would’ve been able to see the night sky. Towards the end of our hour we were able to hear one of the tubs below is which was a disturbance to our peace.
On our way back down to the lobby we heard a couple having sex at one of the tubs. This isn’t because we were creeping but the mountain is so quiet that any noises are distinguishable.
Overall if you want to avoid ratchet college students but still enjoy the a night experience I would suggest trying to go after sunset but before 9 pm.
I would visit this establishment again because it’s one of the only hot springs in the area. I am also a college student so the disturbances I experienced weren’t that shocking to me

Lovely getaway. The mineral spring spas are all in secluded spots along the hillside. Each spot is partially covered to offer maximum privacy. The water feels excellent on the skin.
Make your reservation for the spas though. The resort looks really nice too. Want to stay there next time.

I was excited about the idea of a private hot spring/​tub thing so forked over the $ 36 for the two of us. However, someone was smoking a cigar in one of the other hot-​tubs, which really makes me want to vomit, and when I left early and went to the front desk the staff member was totally lame and said she’d just come on duty and then proceeded to ignore my complaint. I don’t understand how they allow smoking, let alone cigars — totally spoiled the experience, and totally disappointed no-​one did anything about it.
Altogether a really disappointing outing and a total waste of my money.

so much no…
I am a regular at the avila beach hot springs just across the road from sycamore. It is a community hot tub that I would gladly choose over the private tubs at sycamore any day.
It’s just such a bummer when you decide to splurge on something a little more expensive and it’s a disappointment. my room mate and I came here to soak for an hour. We rented our tub and headed up the steps. The surroundings are nice and relaxing and the tubs are pretty private and those are about the only good things I can say about my experience.
When we got into our tubs the water was luke-​warm and the chlorine BURNED my eyes. This is nothing like the hot springs I am used to across the road where I can smell the sulfur and check the temperature by the thermometer laying in the tub.
I am usually not one to complain so I told my room mate we should just go. I literally couldn’t sit in the water. I am admittedly a little bit sensitive so I though it could have just been me at first but she brought up the exact same thing. She said her eyes were burning and she didn’t want to soak but she wanted her money back. When we went down to the office the girls got the manager who was nice enough, but didn’t want to believe us about the chlorine thing. She said they used the minimum required amount and if we were used to the hot springs down the road then we should know because they are required to use this much chlorine too. (which I later learned isn’t true.)
They kindly refunded us our money and we left. Overpriced and not worth the splurge in my opinion.

We came here at sunset for our first experience in a hotspring after several recommendations from friends. Not knowing what to expect, I’d tell others now not to worry and to go! It’s nothing weird, just imagine a jacuzzi in the middle of a mountain. I also wasn’t sure how much it was smell like sulfur… not even terribly noticeable. Each individual spa is pretty secluded, especially the higher up you go. We did spot a bare butt (but also a deer) once while walking the stairs to our spa, Starlight.
There are quite a few steps to get to the top so be prepared for that. Other than the 15 minutes of extraordinarily loud alarms that went off for ¼ of our hour, Sycamore was overall a great experience! General recommendations include a canned beer, your own towel, Spotify, and bug spray.