I can't believe this place exists in the United States, let alone 15 minutes from my house. First, let's acknowledge that it's not for everyone. You have to be comfortable with: removing your shoes in the hallway. Walking around stark naked among those of your gender. Lying prone on mats on stone floors at searing temperatures, while resting your head on a wooden block. Dressing in uniforms issued to you for the common areas, not your own clothes, bathing suits or even flip flops. Still with me? Here's an incomplete list of everything I love about this place It's immaculate. Beautifully appointed, granite walls, marble floors. Vast array of lotions and amenities, Everything beautifully maintained and in perfect working order. A helpful, polite staff, always on the job. Unlimited supply of freshly laundered towels, and spotless, fresh uniforms. After blissing out in the ladies-only area I donned the pink outfit and triedall the rooms in the common area. The only one that didn't particularly ring my bell was the salt room. The Fire Room was the hottest and most fascinating of all. If you want to last longer, bring in a towel soaked in cold water to cover your head and make sure there are extra mats on the floor. It was 178 at ground level, rising to 258 at the dome. You crouch to get in through a small door, most likely to prevent possible fainting. This spa is not for the infirm.The main hall is filled with antiques and cultural artifacts that I found very interesting.There's also a theatre room and lounges where you can nap, read or watch TV but not make out, according to some amusing signage. The food was phenomenal. Just show your key, you'll pay for food and everything else at checkout. A couple tips- you might bring an extra bath towel since the ones they provide are small, and little booties for the dry saunas in the main hall for extra protection from the heat. It's open 24 hours, so attention, Asian backpack travelers who are staying in hostels downtown and getting homesick, you could make an entire day of it, eat home cooking and have a place to stay overnight, particularly if you're flying out the next day since the location is convenient to O'Hare. Based on other reviews it sounds like a weekday visit would be your best bet, I was there during the day on Friday when the hot rooms stay open longer but it's not crowded yet. Next time- and there will certainly be one- I might splurge on a service.
Very relaxing for a mini getaway. Just keep an open mind, there is nudity in the steam room, whirlpool, and locker room. The saunas are very relaxing in the open areas, a nice movie room, with soft laid back seats, good food, and reasonable prices. You can even bring kids, but make sure there well behaved,
My wife and I were in the Chicago area this past fall. We found this place on recommendation of others and had a relaxing evening. We were not sure what to expect but went with the flow and we both enjoyed the amenities. My wife received a deep tissue massage and said it was the best she ever had. All total, we spent around 5 hours enjoying the dry saunas and wet areas. We even considered spending the night. Will return in the spring when we are back in the area.
I went on a Saturday evening, parking lot was full. This was my first time at this place. The person that checks you in didn't bother asking me if it was my first time and asking me if I needed any assistance. When I went into the locker room, the staff person (young kid) approached me really rudely. You first have to take your shoes off and any small items, place them in the small lockers. From there you can enter the locker room and place other items such as bag and such in there. Ton of naked dudes roaming around here from young boys to old men, I'm a confident dude but too many naked dudes. The area where the showers and pools are where the naked men are coming in and out of. I believe they're naked inside the pools, but I could be wrong, I didn't get that far because it was uncomfortable. Anyway they provide you used, worn down shirts and shorts. I believe you can only wear socks or go barefoot (don't know how clean the floors are). I spent all my time in the co ed area. It felt like a water park minus the water. The sauna huts are nothing special, you are basically lying on the floor. The mats provided are soaking wet due to the other folks using them prior (gross). Massages are provided but wayyyyyy overpriced just like the restaurant there. I approached the masseuse for a chair massage and he quickly said NO, very rude. I came back later and asked a different person and they said it was a 10 minute wait. They do have lounge chairs for relaxation and theater but I didn't get that far because I was already annoyed. Honestly, not worth going and paying $30. I'm sure there are better places.
I took my husband here for his bday. He enjoyed every bit of it! We tried all of the rooms. Gold Room, Salt Room, charcoal room, Ice Room. There were a few rooms we didn't want any part! We got couples massages they were fantastic!!!!!! Never experienced anything like it! We loved everything about it! Will definitely be back!
I made the mistake of going at 6 pm on a Sunday. The place was crowded and children in the wet sauna area (allowed with their parent). The dry sauna areas were full of people talking and using their phones (both are prohibited as a courtesy to others). It was also not cleaned up ... towels left all over the place. I will go again but either really late or during the weekday.
This was my first visit at this spa so I did not use all of the services offered. I did take advantage of all of the rooms/saunas and amenities that you get for the $30 entry fee. I did not have a problem with the facilities nude policies (because I love and am used to spas of that nature). I love that it is 24 hours. Downside...me and my girlfriend went during a very crowded time...so noise sometimes was a bit bothersome...but we were there so long that it eventually died down and ended up so relaxed that it didn't matter. The services seem to be a little pricey, but I am a young and fabulous broke person...some of the lengths of services don't seem too bad for the price. Other than that...as a first time visit I was very impressed. I got the V-Steam Bath...that was an experience...not a bad one though lolI am excited to go back and hopefully make this spa a monthly ritual for getting away literally ALL day! For $30 I was very satisfied!
This is a Korean spa. The bath areas are divided between men and women as the locker areas and bath areas are for the naked! It was a great experience. The pools were clean, warm and relaxing and the steam sauna was one of my favorites of all the saunas offered. Don't fear the nudity. There were all ages and body types so you won't be the oldest, youngest, biggest or smallest. I took advantage of the body scrub and recommend it to all. It was 40 minutes of scrubbing, massage and warm water which was fabulous! Other services are also offered. In the common area everyone is dressed where food, movies and services are offered. You may find discount coupons to reduce the already modest cost. It was a great day and I'll be returning as soon as I'm able!
This is what would be considered a co-ed sauna in Korea. One of the main differences between this place and what you would find in Seoul would be the price. This place is extremely expensive, and they know it. What they charge $35 for, in Korea would cost $14. I watched people dropping hundreds of dollars on themselves for things that would cost a fraction where this kind of place was invented. I almost think it may be cheaper to buy a ticket to Korea, go to a Sauna and come back. The men's bath room has 3 hot pools and one cold. The steam room scented with herbs is very nice, as is everything else but it is way too expensive.
I visited multiple times and as time goes by, it is getting more crowded but still a good location to relax for an entire day!