patrick

We went out lastnight and wet tested the Hot Springs Vanguard and the Marquis Destiny and 744E. The Vanguard was a nicer looking tub, but we found that we liked the jets in the Marquis better. In fact the cheaper 744E had the best theraputic jets for both my wife and I. At first when we got in the Marquis we both looked at each other and said that the Marquis looked a little cheesey compared to the Hot Springs, but once we started the soak we decided it felt better. Also our experience with the Marquis dealer was much better than the Hot Springs dealer. We both felt like the Marquis deal was not pressuring us and in fact was pointing out some of the positive points of the Vanguard. The Marquis salesman seemed much more interested in explaining the services they would provide after purchase. Both my wife and I felt comfortable dealing with the Marquis sales people, where we were unsure about Hot Springs. Had the Hot Springs sales people been better we may not have made it to Marquis for the wet test. In the end It came down to fit and dealer preference. I think both tubs are great, but the Marquis just fit us better. And we got a great deal. So we bought it. I appreciate the input I gained from searching the posts on this forum.

My wife and I are getting close to buying a hot tub. We have narrowed it down to the Hot Springs Vanguard or possibly a Marquis like the 744E or the Destiny. The price at the Portland Oregon homeshow last weekend for the Vanguard was $9,600 including the cover, start-up kit, everfresh system, and delivery (standard stuff). The sales guy was saying this was about $1,000 off the normal price since they had a floor model. But some of the forum users were saying $8,000 is a fair price for the Vanguard. We have been disappointed in dealing with all the local spa dealers around here. They act like used car salesmen. We have been doing a lot of internet research and have scheduled to wet test Marquis. Trying to get the Hot Springs guys to schedule a wet test also (waiting for the call back). We are a little worried the Hot Springs guy was price gouging us. The Marquis dealer said he could get us in a Destiny for around $8,800. I have put my info on the hot tub quote site, but that is 7-10 days away I think. Any information on prices would be helpful, Thanks