Aishling Stevens is an Executive Chef and Culinary Director who oversees all culinary operations at Crystal Springs Resort, including Restaurant Latour, which has been recognized as NJ's Best Fine Dining Restaurant.
Crystal Springs Resort is a spectacular four-season world-class resort in New Jersey, acclaimed as the New York Metro area's most unique destination. It offers a wide array of amenities including golf courses, a spa, multiple pools (such as the Biosphere and outdoor pool at Grand Cascades), an arcade, and various family activities. The resort is known for its beautiful grounds, breathtaking views, and ability to host events like the Beer & Food Festival, making it suitable for family vacations, romantic getaways, and special events.
Customer Perception
Customer feedback highlights the resort's beautiful grounds, clean and spacious rooms, and a wide range of activities. Many appreciate the friendly and welcoming staff, and the dining options, particularly Crystal Tavern, receive praise for good food. It's seen as a great escape for various types of trips. However, some reviews point to inconsistent service and communication issues, with instances of unhelpful staff and confusion regarding amenities. Some facilities, like the Biosphere, are noted as needing updates, and the animal farm can sometimes be empty. Despite the high price point, service quality can be mixed, leading to some guests feeling the experience falls short of luxury expectations.
Additional Details
Crystal Springs Resort encompasses multiple properties, including Minerals Resort and Grand Cascades Lodge. It offers various packages tailored for family vacations, golf trips, spa escapes, and more. The resort is located in Hamburg, New Jersey, within easy reach of the New York Metro area.
The resort is considered beautiful and enjoyable in 'every season,' making it a year-round destination. Specific events like the Beer & Food Festival are held in June.
Stayed at minerals resort for a last minute road trip and literally booked a jr suite the night before. I had no issues overall throughout my stay hotel check in was smooth, variations of pools were nice. We were told that minerals could not use the other pool at the sister hotel, but we were able to visit both the sphere and outdoor pool at grand cascades and both were very beautiful. We utilized the arcade, post card activity & build ann animal for my son, all which were good. We did wish the petting zoo was around when we stayed. We had dinner both nites and Crystal tavern and big shout out to Ken for his warm welcome & complimentary services. We appreciate it. I almost didn’t use the $40 breakfast credit but glad I found the time to because it was great! I would recommend!
Crystal Springs Resort is one of my favorite places when I need a little escape and reset.
I’ve been there in every season, and it’s always just as beautiful each one has its own charm. The views, peaceful surroundings, and calming atmosphere instantly put you at ease.
There are plenty of activities to enjoy, from relaxing by the pools, golf, and the spa, making it perfect for both rest and fun. The staff is always friendly, attentive, and welcoming, which makes the experience even better. The dining is also excellent, with great options for every taste.
Whether it’s a girls’ trip, family getaway, or romantic stay, it always feels like the perfect little escape I keep coming back to.
3
Went for a Spa day with family members. Women giving the massage was good, did the salt foot bath, you receive 1 piece of chocolate and cheap tasting champagne if you like. Mind you this part is timed and the women will tell you when you have to leave. The Biosphere looks so much bigger in the photos online and looks like it can use some TLC. I was sadly not impressed. We ate at the Traven inside the hotel and the food was very good our waitress was super sweet she was the best part of the entire resort. The worst part was the woman working the desk when we checked in at the SPA. She was NOT FRIENDLY at all. She was an older women with a gray colored shoulder length hair. She had a personality of a rock. Over all I find no need to waste money going back here. This resort js basically for Golfers and elderly people.
5
Our family recently stayed at Crystal Springs for a wedding on 6/26/26 and it was amazing! The resort itself is stunning with so many breath taking views and our bridesmaids getting ready room was beautiful with a big open balcony/patio. The food at both restaurants at the resort and catered to the wedding was so delicious and the coffee shop on the main floor by the lobby was very convenient. The biosphere was so enjoyable and the Tavern bar was a blast. A shoutout to Katie, our bridal attendant, who was so sweet and exceptionally attentive to us from the very beginning until end. Only downside was a rude awakening at 5am by the fire alarm that kept us up awake and outside for over an 1.5hr-with continuous noise. Other than that we had such a great time and wanted to thank everyone! 5 star review and definitely recommend staying here and/or hosting an event! It was awesome.
2
Crystal Springs Resort Review – July 18, 2026
My fiancée and I recently stayed at Crystal Springs Resort for a special getaway, and given the price point of roughly $1,000 per night, we expected a luxury experience. Unfortunately, what we encountered was a level of service that fell well short of what any guest should expect at a resort of this caliber.
After a two-hour drive to the resort, we were ready to relax and enjoy ourselves. We headed to what we were told was the only available sit-down restaurant. The hostess immediately informed us there would be a very long wait. Standing directly in front of four empty tables, I asked whether we could be seated at one of them. Rather than offering a solution, I was told that we should order our food to-go. Since our room wasn't even ready at that point, eating takeout made little sense, but we agreed. Ironically, while waiting for our food, I tipped the bartender and was suddenly allowed to sit at one of the vacant tables that supposedly wasn't available moments earlier.
Next, we decided to visit the animal farm on the far side of the property. After making the trip across the resort, we arrived to find it completely empty. No animals, no staff, and no explanation.
Trying to make the most of our day, I stopped at the lobby desk and asked where the infinity pool was located. The response was simply, "Just go down this hall to the end." When we reached the end of the hall, there was no pool—only a pro shop and another restaurant. Fortunately, the staff in the pro shop were somewhat more helpful and pointed us in the right direction. However, after finally locating the pool, we were informed that there would be no food or beverage service available that day.
The service issues continued. At the ice cream counter, I stood directly in front of the attendant and asked for a cup of coffee ice cream. I was told, "Sorry, you'll need to get on line before I can serve you." There was nobody else there. I literally took two steps to my right, stood where the "line" would have been, repeated my request, and was then served immediately. I looked at my fiancée and asked, "Did that actually just happen?" It was one of the most bizarre customer service interactions I've ever experienced.
The most frustrating experience occurred during our couples massage. We were instructed that after leaving our separate locker rooms we would "meet in the middle." The problem was that there was no apparent middle—just separate lounges outside each locker room. We ended up sitting in different areas for about ten minutes, each expecting the other to appear. It wasn't until my fiancée asked an attendant if anyone had seen me that someone casually replied, "Yeah, he's over there." Had she not spoken up, who knows how long we would have been waiting?
The most disappointing aspect of our stay wasn't the facilities themselves. The resort is beautiful, and the property has tremendous potential. The problem was the consistent lack of communication, direction, and hospitality from many of the staff members. Time and again, we were left feeling as though helping guests was an inconvenience rather than the purpose of the resort.
For a property charging luxury-resort prices, guests should expect attentive service, clear communication, and staff who are eager to make the experience enjoyable. Unfortunately, our stay delivered the opposite.
Overall Rating: 2 out of 5 stars
While Crystal Springs offers attractive amenities and beautiful surroundings, the service failures throughout our stay overshadowed the experience. At this price point, there are simply too many better options available. I hope management takes a hard look at guest service training, because the resort's staff are currently preventing the property from living up to its potential.