Situated on the east bank of the Wisconsin River, this hotel is next to Coldwater Canyon Golf Course, three miles north of town. Set in the trees, formerly this was the only real resort here, but it pales beside the newer and slicker Kalahari Resort. Although it is still a good option for those with small children, the Chula Vista remains overpriced for what it offers. Construction of condominium units is underway and plans call for an extensive additional water park to compete with the one at Kalahari but this remains subject to change.
The reception area of this southwestern-flavored retreat is in a two-story lodge with enough stuffed animals and trophy heads to create a natural-history
museum. Massive timbers add an authentic touch. Long lines on weekends and mediocre fare at the buffets are shored up by a pleasant lodge-style room with rustic wood accents and a river-rock fireplace. The southwestern grill serves hearty Midwestern steaks, and a full-scale sports lounge centers on what might be the largest island bar in Wisconsin.
Leisure amenities include two unlighted tennis courts, three whirlpools, steam and fitness rooms, basketball courts, mini-golf, a sauna, an outdoor pool and the property's original indoor water park. Signs direct hikers to trails in the woods and along the riverbank and an 18-hole golf course offers reduced greens fees for guests. A full-service 
spa offers up big city treatments at big-city prices. Meeting space spans 40,000 sq ft, and outdoor functions are as popular as indoor ones.
The air-conditioned guest rooms are looking tired and worn. The Navajo-print fabrics and upholstery with pine accents are date and in need of replacement.Most standard rooms are small, lack closet space and have minimal sitting areas, tiny combination baths and sliding doors to balconies or patios. Terrace rooms overlook the water park and are noisy until late. Superior Tower Rooms are larger and sport more inviting decor. Theme suites include Wild Wild West, where the king bed lies inside a teepee and twin beds are inside covered wagons; African Safari, where lava-rock walls surround the whirlpool; and Space, the Final Frontier, where the whirlpool for four is disguised as a moon crater. Families will appreciate the roomy junior suites, each with a spacious sitting area compete with pullout sofa. Ramps throughout ease access for disabled guests.
A year-round resort, once Labor Day arrives and the outdoor pools close, the appeal for older children and adults diminishes. When the staff is in a good mood, there is a kitschy appeal here, but generally it has fallen far behind the offerings at Kalahari.
