The U.S. hotel industry is becoming increasingly chain-oriented at all price points.
Low-priced brands are valued by travelers who want a certain level of security with a minimal quality.
Days Inn is one such hotel chain, but this hotel was unique.
Supplemental Information
In 2022, the hotel was reportedly withdrawn from the Days Inn franchise.
Motel with a special focus
There are two lodging options within Hot Springs State Park.
Best Western and Days Inn.
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ReferenceBest Western Plus Plaza Hotel (Thermopolis) - Hot Springs in Wyoming
A historic hot springs inn that remains in Hot Springs State Park. It is now operated by Best Western, a global hotel chain. I love Best Western One of my particular favorites for road trips in the US is Best ...
Since Days Inn is one of the lower-priced motels, it is usually a place where you can only buy safety for money, not enjoy your stay.
However, this Days Inn was different.
It had a restaurant, and the exterior was quite stylish.
The hunting-related exhibits, which seemed to be the owner's hobby, might appeal to different tastes.
The guest rooms were tired.
They appeared to have been little altered since the days when this property was once a Holiday Inn.
Excellent hot tub
The courtyard section of the U-shaped building.
The pool was on the right and the hot tub was on the left.
The hot tub was located on a higher level and was surrounded by a simple fence so that only guests could use it.
Clothing were required in all areas.
A long, narrow tub that could fit about eight soakers was filled with beautiful turquoise water.
The view while soaking was of the Bighorn River.
There was some distance to the riverbank, but nothing existed in between, so the view was nice.
The hot tub was divided into two parts, one large and one small.
First the thermal water was poured into the smaller tub, then it passed through a gap under the partition to the larger part, which was warm by that time.
The water in the smaller tub was slightly yellowish, indicating how the appearance of the geothermal water changes when exposed to air.
The water temp of the Big Spring, the source, is 135 degrees F.
The water was piped from the spring and put into the smaller tub in the form of a shower.
This was a device to further enhance the effect of natural cooling.
It was such an excellent use of water, but the water temp of the smaller part was quite hot.
Still, I persevered and soaked my entire body in the hot water, which was extremely relaxing.
Summary
Hot Springs Hotel & Spa (Days Inn Thermopolis), Thermopolis, Wyoming, U.S.
My rating
Type: Lodging
Rule: Clothing optional
Chemical use: Not detected
Water temp: Up to 135 degrees F
