Harbin Hot Springs - Middletown, California

Gabrielle Makar

I’ve been visiting Harbin Hot Springs periodically since 2019, sometimes for 6 hours, other times for a full day. Over the years, I’ve noticed a steady decline in certain aspects of the experience. While I can see that the increased rates are being reinvested into the property, the construction projects seem disorganized and poorly prioritized. For example, the locker rooms were proposed years ago, yet they remain incomplete, while construction has started in other areas. It feels like the owner is pursuing too many ideas at once, leaving paying guests to endure an “interim experience” with no clear timeline for completion.

The atmosphere has also shifted. It used to be a peaceful and quiet retreat, but on my last visit, it was rowdy and loud. I could hear people under the gazebo at 10 PM while soaking in the meditation pools, and security didn’t intervene like they used to. This lack of enforcement has taken away the serene environment that originally drew me to Harbin.

It’s disappointing to see these changes. Harbin was once an affordable and accessible getaway that upheld certain principles of tranquility and focus on the guest experience. Now, it feels like management has stretched itself too thin, prioritizing endless construction over maintaining the peaceful atmosphere that made this place special.

Michael Shafer

Absolutely gorgeous. I go here to relax and disconnect from the world. Harbin is such a gem. Literally the only thing I wish they had was EV charging on site. Everything else is amazing. Keep up the great work !

T G

An amazingly serene getaway location. A peaceful place, great for a momentary reprieve from the hustle and bustle. Fantastic for reflection and recharging.
The pools are relaxing, quiet and tranquil. Some are silent only, and there are ones where you can socialize with friends or meet new people.
Grabbing a snack at the cafe was very easy as well as tasty.
The lodging (domes) were extremely clean and comfortable. And the architecture is really out of this world!
I'm really looking forward to coming back. It was a much needed break.
I can't wait to check out the new steam sauna (currently under construction)!
Thanks Harbin!

R Page

i would agree with other reviewers that it is challenging to bring balance to the context of the rebuild to the experience at harbin. i would echo some recent reviews that the experience was a little bumpy. the pools unfortunately did not feel very clean and there was a general disconnect between an relaxing and mindful experience with security circling the pools and watching. i fully understand the need for security, but it could easily feel a bit more discreet rather than feeling a bit paroled. as far as i was aware, everyone was very respectful in the pools and there was no inappropriate behavior other than one innocent kiddo having a little too much fun which is more than understandable!

if there was feedback to give, it would be that small things would make a big difference - the candles in the hot plunge being lit, a few lamps in the dining trailer rather than fluorescent overheads, a little litter pickup in the locker area, a scent to cover the bathroom experience. a few small touches could help with the atmosphere and would go a long way.

a few things that we missed, but might be helpful for other visitors to know:

we had booked a dome but did not realize it was limited to two guests and nothing else was available, and options within a reasonable distance were limited. we ended up cutting the visit short and heading home the same day. make sure you check the details of your booking!

we had missed on the website that towels weren’t available as part of the experience other than for purchase at reception until we had already walked up to the top (it might be helpful to have this mentioned as part of the briefing during check in!). luckily we had a few in the car. i would recommend bringing two per person and a lock for their lockers. it was another walk back to the car when we realized we had a few things we didn’t want to leave exposed.

the food was quite good considering the temporary set up, and was the highlight of the day. thank you to the team for making the effort to make such a great menu.

i am hopeful for the future of this special place and grateful for the teams resilience in the wake of the fire.

Dan Temple

Hot tubs weren’t hot and cold plunge wasn’t cold and it took 20 minutes to break a sweat in the sauna. Guests also didn’t abide by the silence signs or quiet conversation signs. Not worth the $65 for a one time entry ($15 membership plus $50 for weekend entry fee).

Nadine Keller

What a delight to finally return to Beloved Harbin Hot Springs!!!! I have not made it back since the terrible fires several years ago. I was scared, I admit because I have enjoyed retreats, trainings and so much more at Harbin for about 30 years. Ah, how wonderful to return. They have done. Fabulous job in rebuilding. I admit it is sad in some ways to have lost of much of the charm and natural beauty etc. and the vibe has changed, drastically… i don’t feel that happy friendly warm vibe much- mostly I mean with the patrons. The staff has been great. Yet, I feel this is the way America has been in general since the pandemic, George Floyd, divisive politics etc…. So…. Had I can’t change that. It’s just the collective field we have fallen into.

Yet, the cottages are wonderful. Good amazing and wonderful work. Thank you for brining Harbin back and I will get back to coming back more and more. Love and grace to Harbin

Priscilla Loriga

AMAZING relaxation. Always surprises me how much we rely on background noise to get through the day. Everyone was very pleasant. The variable pool temperatures is great, once you get in each one you know which temp is best for you. We camped on the platform next to the creek...slept 9 hours straight!!! Didn't think that was possible. Can't wait for the steam sauna to get completed.

Natalie Nelson

I had to delete and rewrite my review. I was here for a week for a healing dance training. The property is gorgeous, the gardens are special and although the food is expensive it is very fresh and tasty. I think there is a disconnect with the staff and understanding the magic of what Harbin is. I paid thousands of dollars over the course of the week to Harbin and didn't feel the customer service of the staff met my expectations. They almost seemed annoyed at my questions about changing domes. I paid for a dome room stay for 5 days and then was still required to book 2 nights at the next dome because they had a 2 night minimum. They didn't offer for me to put my things anywhere or adjust my check in time at all. The security at the pool was not friendly and berated guests about their cellphone usage, including me. I understand the reasoning but the tone and harshness is not necessary. The programming is nice - dances and sound healing at the pools.

I would recommend those visiting to try and camp and bring your own food/cooking equipment and go into town for meals when you can to make your visit more affordable..There are some great local spots the thai restaurant is amazing!

It was VERY hot as well so be prepared for that. There are signs everywhere telling guests nit to park places or to not use their cell phones. I wish they would equally care about signs for hydrating properly and staying cool.

I probably won't return anytime soon but its worth a trip.