The-McCormick-Family
Google
We’ve been coming to the Fairmont Hot Springs Resort at least once or twice a year since before the pandemic, usually with a group of 15–20 people. Most recently, we stayed this past weekend.||The resort has always had a rustic charm, but over time that “charm” has shifted from rustic to run-down. Despite changes in ownership over the past few years, there doesn’t seem to be any meaningful investment in maintaining or updating the property.||Service & Rooms|Service is generally good. Booking and check-in were smooth, the staff accommodated a late checkout (noon) without issue, and our room was clean. We didn’t need much beyond that. The rooms, however, have not been refreshed in many years. While dated, they are functional, but the bathrooms especially could use an update. Another change is that pool towels are no longer provided in rooms to take with you to the pool; staff cited “staffing shortages.” At these rates, it’s disappointing to realize that you need to bring your own towel.||Dining|There are two restaurants in the main complex: Antlers (intended as higher-end dining) and Bear’s Paw Bar & Grill (more casual and family-oriented). In practice, Antlers rarely seems open, with hours of 8–11 a.m. and limited dinner service on weekends. Bear’s Paw is open daily from noon to 11 p.m., with the kitchen closing at 10 p.m. and kids only allowed until 9 p.m.||One of the most frustrating gaps is that no dining option is available between 11 a.m. and noon — a prime time, especially for guests checking out who want a meal before hitting the road. It’s hard to understand why this isn’t available.||The coffee shop has been relocated to the front entrance and now serves a basic Starbucks menu. While the space looks nice, the menu is more limited than before, with fewer drink, food and snack options.||Hot Springs & Amenities|The Hot Springs pool has seen the most noticeable decline. To start, the main pool was noticeably cooler than previous visits (an opinion shared by our whole group). The resort has also reclassified from a “private pool” to a “commercial pool,” which means no lifeguards are on duty. While our child is older now, it was once reassuring to know trained staff were present. Without supervision, rule enforcement has also essentially disappeared — people climb between pools, bring and spill various drinks, and jump and play unsafely.||Maintenance is also slipping. The pool water was dirty, paint is peeling from the bottom, and in one corner the concrete has cracked so badly that rebar is visible. The diving tank appears permanently closed, with fencing that looks more permanent than temporary. Worth noting that the diving pool has only ever been open once or twice in all the years we've been coming here - that seems like a final decision now.||On the positive side, the resort now has an activities director who has built an engaging program. Over the past two years we’ve joined in on historical tours, s’mores making, wreath making, and rock painting, which has been a highlight for both kids and adults.||Overall|Fairmont Hot Springs Resort remains a tradition for us, and we may be back if the group consensus decided to stick with it. But it’s hard to ignore that the property feels like it’s slowly fading rather than being cared for. With the rates charged and the potential this resort has, it’s disappointing to see so little investment in its future.