Are you considering going to the Bathhouse in Flatiron? Read this review first! It might help you.
I love body massages, hamam scrubs and all sorts of body care related things. I think I’ve been doing more body care than ever before. When I first went to the Bathhouse in Williamsburg, read my review here – I wasn’t sure on what to expect. I was curious more than anything. I signed up for a day at The Bathhouse over going for an hour-long body massage at any of the top-rated places in NYC, because that’s not my idea of self-care. Getting an hour-long massage and spending a good chunk of your day at The Bathhouse are two different things.
I first heard about the Bathhouse Flatiron location last year, prior to their opening. This location was going to be a lot bigger, with more pools available, etc. I was sold. I knew I was going to try it at some point. Something about going to bathhouses in the middle of winter is very exciting to me. Feeling so warm like you’re almost about to pass out (slightly dramatic, I know), when it’s ice close outside feels so good. So, I signed up for my massage and hamam scrub, applied an unhealthy amount of self-tanner, so my legs wouldn’t scare anyone, packed my bag and showed up. This is my review, and none of this is PR, paid for by someone else or a collaboration.
This blog post is all about my visit to Bathhouse Flatiron location. If you’re planning a visit, this is a must-read.
#1 CHECK-IN
The recommendation is that you arrive a full hour before any of the scheduled treatment you signed up for. If you have only purchased an entrance to The Bathhouse, you should be on time. I was there exactly an hour before my full body massage, yay. There was no line, but I have heard that can happen. The staff were super nice, they give me the run-down of things. They give me a bracelet, which is going to serve as my locker fob. You can also ask them to add your credit card information to the fob, so you can make purchases at the restaurant without your phone or wallet since you won’t be carrying these around with you while inside. Sounded like a nice addition, but I opted out.
Behind the staff at the front desk and all around the check-in area, is a selection of items for sale such as robes, swimsuits, pallo alto, soaps and sheet masks. Unless you absolutely wish to have one, you don’t need a robe. You have access to endless clean towels. My first impression is that this space is much bigger, with several staff available to check you in. I take a left, go down the stairs, and I am in the women’s locker room.
Left: Behind the front dest area. Right: Stairs to the locker room.
#2 LOCKER ROOM
The space is huge, with many lockers. I pick the one next to the marble seat where I can rest my things and get ready. I change into my swimsuit, get my slippers and a clean towel.
There are many bathrooms available, at least 10 shower areas, more than 6 sinks. Plenty of space to blow dry your hair. Shampoo, conditioner and body wash are made available in the shower space. Womens’ products, q tips, hair ties, face wash, and lotion (body and face) are all available. There is also a swimsuit drying machine.
It feels a lot like their Williamsburg location, only much bigger. The Brand is consistent across both locations. The area is very frequently attended by staff. There wasn’t a time when I entered the locker room and didn’t see a staff member either sorting towels, or cleaning up the space. They were also very helpful. I exit the locker room and take the stairs down to the baths.
Left: Locker room for women. Right: Inside the locker room.
#3 AMENITIES
I take a walk around to see how this Bathhouse looks. I see a total of 5 pools. Two hot pools (104 degrees), two cold pools (45 and 50 degrees), a neutral pool (98 degrees) and a salt pool (98 degrees). There is a steam room (115 degrees) to my right, an infrared sauna (135 degrees) to my left, close to it a dry sauna (185 degrees), and a Banya (185-195 degrees).
There are plenty of benches, seats that you could lounge if you wanted to. There are marbles as well, and I went around to check them – they weren’t heated. Those were my favorite thing at their Williamsburg location, heated marbles to lie on. It felt so cozy.
It feels incredibly familiar, very on brand. It is also very well attended, the staff frequently mop the floor. I never felt like it was slippery or dirty. I fill out my water bottle from the water fountain.
Left: Stairs to the pool area. Right: Necessities.
#4 A DOSE OF CAFFEINE
Something felt off, it was too cold on this day, and I was slower than usual. I go back upstairs, and right across from the locker area is the restaurant. I needed another dose of caffeine before I could function. I order a latté. I’m a coffee snob (I’ll admit it), but what I’m drinking is actually kind of perfect.
#5 TREATMENTS
I go back downstairs as it is getting closer to the time of my treatment and I follow the sign that says ‘TREATMENT’ on my left. I see a Salt Pool (98 degrees), so this is the 6th pool. How exciting. There is another check-in area, as this area is exclusively for those who have purchased a treatment. It was never crowded even during peak hours. I check in for my full body massage. While I’m waiting, I dip into the Salt pool. I then hear my name being called; I am taken to the room where I’m getting my treatment.
THE MASSAGE
I get a deep tissue massage, it really felt good and borderline painful – in a good way. This type of massage is probably my favorite as I feel relaxed after I’m done. But in all honesty, this is where I felt I missed the Williamsburg location. I remember how great that massage was, and how seasoned my therapist was at the time. She had 15 years of experience. There were so many massage therapists at the Flatiron location to accommodate the large location, so perhaps I got a less seasoned therapist.
THE HAMMAM SCRUB
I look forward to this every time. Probably my favorite. I had a very seasoned staff member, I could tell. She only does Hammam Scrubs. I lay on the stone, I get water thrown at me, oil applied, rinsed. Front and back. Then comes the real deal, full body scrub using the exfoliating Hammam glove. Not to be confused with a Lofa. This feels like being scrubbed down with sand paper, but in the best way possible. Front and back for this too. Then I’m washed again with buckets of water and finally a luxurious oil is applied to my skin. Honestly, do me a favor and don’t skip this. Please don’t do the massage alone thinking that’s more important. This isn’t just a cherry on top situation. It’s the real deal.
More photos below!
#6 POST HAMMAM
I am asked to go to the steam room followed by dry sauna for my skin to fully absorb the rich oil it was just applied. I do as I’m told and I loved it. I continue to use the amenities.
#7 AUFGUSS
One of the staff members comes announcing that there is an Aufguss being performed in the dry sauna. It’s a performance using a towel and essential oils. I loved every bit of it, but I couldn’t stay for the full session. I exit mid-way as it was too hot. It is recommended to take a dip into the cold pool. I try it, I go in as far as my knees touch the freezing cold water. I get out, not my thing. If you do this, more power to you.
#8 RESTAURANT
I ordered the charred cabbage, which comes on a smeared garlic aioli. Something about being in a sauna and hot environment makes me very hungry, nothing has changed, I’m still the same. Thankfully, there was some real food at the restaurant. I then ordered the roasted sweet potato, which comes covered in Zhug (spicy green sauce) and some smeared tahini on the plate. Both were very light and pretty good. The menu seems to have changed in both locations (Williamsburg and Flatiron), from what I understand. But I kind of preferred my meal last year in their Williamsburg location. You can also order drinks, and alcoholic beverages. I was very satisfied with water.
Left: Charred cabbage. Right: Roasted potato.
#9 SHOWER
Make sure not to skip taking a shower at the end of your day. It is clean, and well supplied, as I’ve mentioned before. Since the area is bigger at this Bathhouse location, it is a more private experience. You can jump out of the shower, change into your clothes, dry your hair (and swimsuit), apply your make up.
Locker room: Shower area. Right: Sink area.
#10 VALUE
The day pass is 50-79 USD Monday through Friday depending on the time of the day you check in. Weekends and Holidays are 70-89 USD. Your day pass is waived if you sign up for a treatment, which I wouldn’t recommend skipping. Try to come early in the morning as it can get quite crowded after 1-2 pm.
As I write this, the full body massage is 195 USD, there is also a variety of pro massage, prenatal massage, and couples massage available for you to pick from. The Hammam scrub is 150 USD, and there is a variety of pro hammam scrub, the couple’s version and prenatal that you can pick from.
Ideally, you want to get a massage first and then a hammam scrub. If I had to pick, it would be very difficult as I think a massage is what you need to relax and the hammam is unique to bathhouses, I wouldn’t know which to pick. But getting some type of treatment would be smart, as you could use the money that would otherwise go for the entrance fee to get a treatment. In my opinion, the prices are pretty fair, especially when compared to other bathhouses and spas in the city. The way I think of it is that it’s a special self-care day, and I’d rather spend a little more than a regular massage to get a much nicer experience. It’s not a small amount, but you have access to so much while at Bathhouse, including the pools, the saunas and steam room.
#11 CHECK OUT
Very smooth, I stand in line for less than a minute. I’m called, they pull up my name and find out my total, double check my credit card information and finalize my payment. They basically add whatever tip amount you wish to pay.
#12 WHAT TO PACK
– Your bathing suit. In case you do forget to bring it with you, they have a small selection of bathing suits at the entrance.
– A water bottle. You’re going to want to hydrate very regularly inside, so don’t forget to bring a water bottle. There is filtered water available for you.
– If you enjoy reading a book, you can also bring one with you. There are plenty of seats and benches for you to sit on and read. The area around the salt pool has plenty of couches, which are super comfortable.
-If you’re into sheet masks, bring one with you. Your pores are going to love it after you step out of the sauna.
-Bring a set of clothes as you can take a shower before you step out.
This blog post is all about my visit to Bathhouse Flatiron location. If you’re planning a visit, this is a must-read.
As always, thank you for stopping by and reading. If this content interested you, you might want to follow my Instagram account @girlontheues
See you next time,
Girl on the Upper East Side
Xx
If this blog post interested you, you might want to check out Best Self-Care Gifts, A Wind Down Routine, and Birthday Freebies.
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