By Ilona Kauremszky
Flanked by the rugged Sierra Nevada mountains this one particular hot spring in Nevada has been attracting weary travelers for over 150 years.
Since 1862 David Walley’s Hot Springs Resort has been in the wellness travel biz.
Back then miners and stage coach travelers on the arduous Pony Express Trail stopped to wash off the dirt and loosen tight muscles by soaking in the famous natural mineral hot springs known for curing everything from sore muscles to rheumatism. Society men and women as well as successful silver and gold mine tycoons all found something magical about the hot mineral water bath, the unobstructed views, and the majesty of the Sierras. Even historic figures such as Mark Twain and silver screen legends like Clark Gable and Carol Lombard have sunk into a deep soak at this hot springs paradise.
Now guests staying at the historic Lake Tahoe-area resort will encounter not only a setting akin to an old western TV show like Bonanza or Gunsmoke with its wooden beam buildings lining the complex but at dawn cattle cows moo off in the distance of these chalet-style villas. It offers a country-home-away-from-country-home vibe.
Under new ownership, the property which was acquired in November by Orange Lake Resorts, home to the Holiday Inn Club Vacations brand is now part of the company’s 26 resorts across the U.S. The resort will adopt a new name as Holiday Inn Club Vacations David Walley’s Resort but the many local residents still simply call it, “Walley’s.”
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Located 20 miles east of Lake Tahoe and minutes from California’s world-class ski slopes and outdoor recreation amenities, the resort features 108 villas, four cottages, 1862 David Walley’s Hot Springs & Day Spa and two onsite restaurants, as well as land approved for 214 additional timeshare units.
Originally built by founders David and Harriet Walley in 1862 the resort is situated in Carson Valley at the foot of the Sierra Nevada mountain range, providing breathtaking mountain and valley views. The nearby town of Genoa is recognized as the state’s first settlement while the state capital, Carson City, is a 20-minute drive north.
At press time the resort hadn’t been under any refurbishment which will occur at a future date. For now, expect a charming old fashioned western ambiance that keeps making this stayover popular for country getaways.
David Walley’s Hot Springs Resort Highlights:
The hot springs hands-down plus the drop dead gorgeous scenery. Set the alarm clock for a sunrise stretch and watch the sun crest above the Sierra Nevada.
Suite Pluses
It’s a home-away-from home approach where four villa sections range from 600-1,300 square feet with one, two and three bedroom configurations. The 1-Bedroom Suite category like the other categories has your choice of wetland or mountain views. My spacious 660.sq. ft 1-Bedroom suite in the Bodie Building did not fail to disappoint. This self-contained unit has a kitchenette, with a fully loaded vertical washer and dryer which made drying soppy wet bathing suits easy especially for those of us transient travelers who overnight at a bunch of properties in one business trip.
For the bathroom amenities, guests will be inclined to continue the spa therapy as there is a deep soaker tub and potpourri fragrances.
An electric fireplace created a chalet mood where you could comfortably curl up on the leather sofa set reading your favourite ebook or old fashioned hard copy.
Hotel Perks
Famous for five natural mineral hot springs that flow year-round into pools at the resort’s onsite spa, 1862 David Walley’s Hot Springs & Day Spa, the resort continues to be a favored destination. There is an extra charge $55 for the hot springs day spa which gives access to the pools including eucalyptus steam rooms and a heated swimming pool.
Diversions
This resort is close to many recreational and entertainment hot spots such as Lake Tahoe, Carson City and Reno. In winter, the heavenly peak of nearby Heavenly Ski Resort turns into powder central and there are plenty of cross-country ski trails for classic Nordic-style skiing.
Dining
The resort has two dining options: Harriet’s Café and 1862 David Walley’s Restaurant and Saloon. The Café features breakfast and lunch options while the Restaurant and Saloon offers a full-service dining menu. Over at the 1862 Restaurant entrees are Southern and Cajun infused classics from a decadent gumbo to 12oz dry aged NY steak au poivre or braised bison short ribs. Executive chef Brandon Kealoha also adds a special twist on his Moroccan Grilled Lamb Rack.
Overall impression
For decompressing and getting back to nature, nothing beats this old fashioned stay-over. Walley’s continues to enrich the spirit with its breathtaking surrounds and spoil its guests with a dip in the famous hot springs year-round.
Booking
You can make your reservations at Holiday Inn Club Vacations David Walley’s Hot Springs Resort website
Room rates vary based on categories, the day of week and the season. For a queen room for two persons, nightly rates can start from $185.40 while a 2-bedroom suite for two nights averages from $409.
Photography by Ilona Kauremszky and supplied.
Ilona Kauremszky attended the Nevada Governor’s Global Tourism Summit and was a guest of TravelNevada which did not approve this editorial.
