Jack S.
Yelp
I've been to Hot Springs several times in the past and was told that The Buckstaff is a prerequisite. So, I figure I was overdue. Upon entering the Buckstaff, it's as if you're going back in time as you're greeted by the impressive columns, large veranda, and high ceiling foyer accentuating the federal-style architecture. Once inside, the receptionists politely helped explain the different options snd associated costs for each. I decided to go ahead and get the full-bore treatment package deal. Of course, I had very little idea of what I was actually in for.
First up, after changing into only a towel, was the whirlpool tub. This was supposedly an original 1900's era vintage tub, very deep and large. I would have preferred the water to have been a bit hotter and I asked the attendant to turn up the temperature-which he said he did but I didn't really notice any difference-I guess it's a potential liability issue. Despite this, it was a very relaxing experience. Afterwards, I was taken to the sitz bath. It's kinda like a bidet...okay that was somewhat curiously interesting.
Next, the steam bath was probably the most intense part of this little adventure. I was seated inside a large stainless steel tank with only my head sticking out. I was sort of thinking, this may have perhaps inspired the movie "Altered States". Fortunately-or unfortunately depending on how bent you are-it wasn't an isolation tank and the only con was the really hot, almost scalding water dripping down the back and front of my neck, back, and chest as the steam and cooler outside air condensed into very hot water droplets near the opening edge of the steam tank where your head sticks out. I think that a large towel packed around and between the neck opening would be an easy and very simple fix for this irritating problem. I'm not sure why the Buckstaff don't do this, as I'm not the only one who has previously noted a concern in this regard. I was offered to take a shorter amount of time but considering the amount I paid, I opted to tough it out in order to get the full experience. I'm glad I did, as I found it to be most invigorating. Then it was off to the massage room. Unfortunately, I can't remember my masseuse's name, but it was probably one of the best I've had in a long time. After this, it was shower time and back to the locker room to dress and get a hot wax treatment-first time ever in my life for this experience. The hands are dipped in hot wax that is allowed to dry then it's peeled off by an attendant leaving your hands feeling rather subtle. I guess I can see why the ladies particularly like this sort of thing.
I would like to give a five star for this experience, however, there's just no way. In any business, the people you have working for you set the general mood or vibe, and here it is wanting. A few of the staff, based on my observations were behaving somewhat unprofessionally-this was mainly while in the locker room and near the end of my experience. It kinda was like watching, or in this case like listening to, a slow train-wreck. The attendant, and I assume another staff, member were heavily engaged in some rather animated "locker-room" banter and gossip. Not that this was in anyway overly offensive to me, however, it just seemed to totally distract and detract from the ambience of the experience. If I was at the gym after playing ball or other lively sport, that would be totally cool-just not here in my opinion. After all, I'd just paid about $100 (not including tip) and really had no desire to engage in any kind of gossip nor especially listen to the same from staff members. Then, to add further distraction and detraction, while waiting in the main lobby for my friend who had accompanied me, I observed a maid or other staff member standing on the stairs as if trying to hide from receptionist personnel the fact that she was heavily engaged in texting or interfacing on her smartphone for what seemed like a very long time, about ten minutes or so-at least. I realize that these days it seems everyone is jacked in to the matrix as if by some sort of psychological cyber umbilical cord, but while supposedly at work, I think these items should be sequestered. In my head, I'm thinking like, "So this is one of the reasons why the cost of service is getting more expensive?"
Overall, the Buckstaff was a good experience and definitely a must do while in Hot Springs, at least once.