Armour’s Hotel & Spa is a historic boutique hotel with spa services located in the historic mineral spring town of Red Boiling Springs in Tennessee. Unlike natural geothermal hot springs destinations, this property focuses on wellness treatments, private spa experiences, and relaxing overnight stays inside a restored historic building.
The experience here centers on spa therapies, massage treatments, and mineral-style soaking experiences rather than large communal hot spring pools. Guests typically visit for a quiet wellness retreat combined with the charm of a historic Southern hotel.
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What Should You Know Before Going to Armour’s Hotel & Spa
Armour’s Hotel & Spa is located in the historic mineral spring town of Red Boiling Springs, a destination known since the late 19th century for its naturally mineral-rich waters believed to have therapeutic properties. The town once hosted several mineral bath resorts, but today Armour’s Hotel remains the last location where visitors can still experience these historic mineral baths.
Built in 1924 and listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the hotel preserves the traditional experience of “taking the waters” in a classic bathhouse setting. Unlike large spa resorts, the bathhouse here is intentionally small and intimate.
The spa features two private mineral soaking tubs, each designed for a single person. Appointments typically allow up to one hour in the bathhouse area, and a curtain can be drawn between the tubs for additional privacy when both are in use.
Visitors can experience the baths either by staying overnight at the hotel or by booking a day-use mineral bath appointment. Because the facility has only two tubs, advance reservations are required for all bath sessions.
Mineral bathing here is traditionally associated with benefits such as stress relief, improved sleep, temporary relief from muscle and joint discomfort, improved circulation, and support for certain skin conditions.
How to Get to Armour’s Hotel & Spa
Armour’s Hotel & Spa is located in the historic spa town of Red Boiling Springs in northern Tennessee, near the Kentucky border.
The town lies along State Route 52, making the hotel easy to reach by car. Most visitors arrive by driving through the Upper Cumberland region of Tennessee.
For regional orientation, Red Boiling Springs is about 1 hour and 26 minutes northeast of Nashville, the largest nearby city. Another nearby center is Cookeville, located about 50 minutes to the south, offering additional restaurants, shops, and services.
The hotel sits in the historic center of Red Boiling Springs with easy street access and nearby parking available for guests.
Best Time to Visit Armour’s Hotel & Spa
Armour’s Hotel & Spa can be visited year-round, as the mineral bathhouse operates independently of outdoor weather conditions.
The most popular time to visit is typically spring through fall, when northern Tennessee experiences pleasant temperatures and the surrounding countryside is especially scenic. During these months, the historic spa town atmosphere of Red Boiling Springs feels particularly inviting.
Winter visits can offer a quieter and more relaxing experience, as the bathhouse appointments are limited and the town tends to be less busy. Because the spa has only two mineral bath tubs available by reservation, booking in advance is recommended regardless of the season.
Opening Hours & Entry Costs
At Armour’s Hotel & Spa visitors can enjoy several mineral bath and wellness therapy options, all based around the historic mineral waters of Red Boiling Springs.
The core experience is the Spa Mineral Bath ($29), which allows guests to relax in the town’s historic mineral water for up to one hour. Towels, drinking water, and a changing room with shower are provided. Two people may use the bath area during the same appointment if desired, with curtains available for privacy.
Beyond the mineral baths, the spa offers several wellness therapies. The BioMat Therapy ($20) uses far infrared rays, negative ions, and amethyst crystal technology designed to promote relaxation, improved circulation, and temporary relief from minor muscle or joint discomfort. Another option is VibroAcoustic Therapy ($20), which delivers low-frequency sound vibrations through a therapy bed to support deep relaxation and balance for body and mind.
Guests can also combine these treatments with the Therapy Beds Package ($29), which includes time on both the BioMat and VibroAcoustic therapy beds for a longer wellness session.
The most popular option is the Full Spa Experience – Day Use ($49). This package lasts approximately two hours, including one hour using the therapy beds and one hour in the mineral bath. The experience includes towels, drinking water, and access to showers. Up to four guests can participate at the same time, with privacy curtains available in the bath area.
All spa sessions require advance reservations, and visitors should book ahead through the hotel’s reservation system. For larger groups or questions about availability, guests can contact the spa directly at 615-699-2180.
Where to Stay Nearby Armour’s Hotel & Spa
The most natural way to experience Armour’s Hotel & Spa is to stay directly at the historic hotel itself. Built in 1924 and listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the property offers boutique-style rooms inside a restored historic building. Staying overnight allows guests to fully enjoy the spa atmosphere and conveniently schedule mineral bath or therapy appointments during their visit.
Because the hotel has a limited number of rooms, advance reservations are recommended, especially during weekends or peak travel seasons.
For travelers who prefer a larger selection of hotels, the nearby city of Cookeville offers modern accommodations, restaurants, and travel services, making it a practical base when exploring northern Tennessee.
Another regional option is Nashville, located about an hour and 20 minutes away. As the largest city in the area, Nashville provides a wide range of hotels, dining, and entertainment, allowing visitors to combine a spa visit in Red Boiling Springs with time in one of Tennessee’s most vibrant cities.
Recommended Stays Nearby Armour’s Hotel & Spa
Caption by Hyatt Downtown Nashville
Located in the lively Gulch district of Nashville, this modern boutique-style hotel offers stylish rooms, contemporary design, and easy access to downtown Nashville’s restaurants and music venues. The location makes it a great choice for travelers who want to combine a spa visit in Red Boiling Springs with time exploring Nashville’s vibrant culture and nightlife.
Home2 Suites by Hilton Cookeville
Situated in Cookeville, this hotel provides spacious suite-style rooms with kitchenettes, making it a practical option for longer stays. Guests also benefit from modern amenities and convenient access to shops and restaurants. It’s a comfortable base for visitors planning to explore northern Tennessee while scheduling a spa appointment in Red Boiling Springs.
If you’d like to explore more accommodation options in Nashville or Cookeville, you can use the interactive map below:
What to Do Nearby Armour’s Hotel & Spa
Staying near Armour’s Hotel & Spa places you in a quiet part of northern Tennessee known for its historic mineral spring heritage and scenic countryside.
While visiting Red Boiling Springs, take some time to walk around the historic district where several former mineral spring hotels and bathhouses still stand. These buildings reflect the period when the town was one of Tennessee’s most popular wellness destinations.
For travelers interested in music and culture, a visit to Nashville is one of the most rewarding day trips from the area. One popular experience is a guided tour of the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, where visitors can explore the history of American country music through legendary recordings, instruments, and exhibits. The tour offers an engaging introduction to Nashville’s famous music culture and is one of the city’s most visited attractions.
Nature lovers can also explore nearby outdoor destinations such as Cummins Falls State Park, known for its dramatic waterfall and scenic hiking trails leading to a natural swimming area.