Hi Midge,
If you are looking at Hot Spring - perhaps there is a Marquis, Jacquzzi and / or Sundance dealer in your area. It would be best if you can try them all - wet test - before even thinking you're close to deciding! We just purchased a tub this week, and it was not one we expected to like at all. There is a huge difference between looking at them, and really trying them out. The Tiger River series are also supposed to be really good. We wet tested Artesian, Hot Spring, Jacquzzi, Marquis and Sundance - and ended up deciding on a Sundance Optima. It should arrive in 4-6 weeks!
Good luck,
Jodi