Known for its simplicity, the Lodge at Hot Lake Springs is a historic hotel located on Hot Lake Reservoir just outside of La Grande, Oregon. Purchased in 2020 by Michael and Tamarah Rysavy, the property has been fully renovated.
Boasting stone, concrete, and brick pools as well as AC, a pub, and a movie theater, Hot Lake Springs has become a destination once more.
History
The Lodge at Hot Lake Springs opened as an expansive hotel featuring 105 guest rooms, a barbershop, a drug store, and a ballroom at the beginning of the twentieth century. In 1917, the property was purchased and converted into the Hot Lake Sanitorium.
The healing mineral water was used as a method of treatment for the hospital’s patients, making Hot Lake Sanitorium a leader in early Western experimental medicine.
After the death of the property owner in 1931, the hospital faced a sharp decline spurred on by a fire in 1934 that destroyed a large portion of the building. Home to a variety of ventures before being officially abandoned in 1991, the hotel was featured on The Scariest Places on Earth, an ABC documentary series that features famously haunted locales in 2001.
It was purchased in 2003 by David Manuel and slowly resorted to a bed and breakfast before once again being sold and renovated in 2020. Now the hotel features new amenities, updated pools, redesigned rooms, and the addition of AC.
Natural Hot Spring Pools
Hot Lake Springs features a wide variety of hot spring pools and soaking tubs situated around the edge of Hot Lake. There are 5 lakeside pools made of brick, concrete, and stone that are filled with geothermally heated water.
Interestingly enough, the position of the hotel allows it to be heated geothermally by the same water that is pumped into the pools.
Accommodations
Recently renovated, the rooms at Hot Lake Springs are simple and clean. Each room features a bed large enough for two people and a bathroom with a bathtub or shower. Linens and basic toiletries are provided, as well. Those staying overnight at the hotel do not need to purchase a soaking pass as it’s already included in your stay.
Newer additions to the hotel include a movie theater, pub, geothermally heated pathway, and patio at the soaking area. Moreover, the owners have a goal to keep expanding, to add multiple restaurants, another pub, conference space, spa services, a concert venue, and more soaking tubs.
If you can’t find a room here, consider the opposite side of the lake. Just a 2-minute drive to the west you’ll reach the Grande Hot Springs RV Resort. Here, you’ll have cabins and yurt rentals to choose from, or stay at their campground. They also have thermal soaking options on-site.
Details
Address: 66172 OR-203, La Grande, Oregon 97850
Phone: 541-226-3944
Season: Year-round
Website: hotlakelodge.com
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