Glenwood Hot Springs Resort announces Douglas Hayes as new CEO

Since opening its doors on July 4, 1888, the Glenwood Hot Springs Resort has been creating lifelong memories for those who enjoy its waters, and it will continue to do so as the Roaring Fork Valley’s landscape evolves. 

Now, Douglas Hayes is stepping in to help guide that future.

The resort announced Hayes as its new chief executive officer on Wednesday, making him the fifth person to lead the historic resort over the past 50 years.

The Glenwood Hot Springs exemplifies the town not only because it has hosted some of history’s most legendary characters, such as Doc Holliday, Teddy Roosevelt, and the Unsinkable Molly Brown, but also because of more than 150 years of commitment to the Glenwood Springs community. 

The reputation has attracted visitors from far and wide, built through consistency from the top down.

Hayes, a Colorado native, has been in the Roaring Fork Valley for nearly two decades, but has known the legacy of the Glenwood Hot Springs Resort since growing up in Lakewood. 

“This opportunity is a special one for me,” Hayes said in the release announcing his hiring. “I grew up going to Glenwood Hot Springs Resort as a kid. Now, living in the Roaring Fork Valley, I get to enjoy it with my family and friends all the time. The resort is such an iconic property with an amazing history, and I’m really excited to be part of its future.”

Hayes obtained his bachelor’s degree from the University of Northern Colorado and his master’s from the University of Phoenix before eventually making his way to western Colorado. 

He is no stranger to working at highly revered and longstanding establishments. In the 16 years since he moved to the Roaring Fork Valley, he has worked as director of operations at the St. Regis Aspen Resort and, most recently, spent two years at the Hoffmann Hotel and Hoffmann House Restaurant in Basalt, where he led day-to-day operations after spearheading the hotel’s opening in early 2024. 

Hayes explained that he was content at the Hoffmann, but felt the Glenwood Hot Springs opportunity was one he could never pass up.

“I was happy where I was, but someone texted me about the open position, and I thought it was worth it,” he said. “Everybody in this community has an attachment to this place, and what I’m trying to do is preserve the history, preserve the culture of the employees and guests that stay here, then try to elevate the experience and the property where I can.”

After longtime CEO Kevin Flores retired at the end of 2025, Hayes said he does not plan to make immediate sweeping changes. Instead, the first part of his time at the helm will be focused more on learning than directing. 

With extensive experience working in hotels throughout the valley, he’s currently looking to make the new Hotel 1888 a mainstay for Glenwood visitors. 

“I definitely want to learn the history and understand how it’s been run, how everybody works together, and the culture,” Hayes said. “I don’t want to make a bunch of changes right away, but I will be pretty focused on a couple of areas.

“Guest experience is always important, and getting Hotel 1888 more well-known is high on my list,” he continued. “Another thing that I know is that a main focus of mine and the company is community outreach and making sure we’re an active part of this community. I think we’re going to continue to take more steps in both engagement and financially.”

After soaking in the same waters as a child that he now oversees, Hayes said that the best part about his new position is being able to share it with his family. 

“We used to come here as kids with my family, it’s a very special place,” he said. “Now that I have a family, being able to see my two little girls experience this place is incredible. This opportunity just seemed like something I couldn’t pass up.”

For more information about the Glenwood Hot Springs Resort, visit hotspringspool.com. 

Original reporting from postindependent.com