Washington Baths

"Went to the baths for the first time a few days ago. The staff was very friendly and helpful. My friend and I really enjoyed the sauna. 4 stars only because the silent rule in the courtyard made things feel slightly uncomfortable. We were hoping to meet some new people and make connections, nothing crazy. Instead it was a bunch of adults awkwardly looking at each other in silence while the baths. Maybe make a few days a week silent days but not all!"

"This place was fantastic. I decided to stop by today after a long and busy trip to decompress. There are two small pools that are outdoor pools. One is a cooling pool (3ft deep) can seat 2-4. The other is a larger, hot pool (2ft Deep) can seat about 9-10. I went at around 2:40 PM on a Monday so it wasn’t super busy when I got there but definitely by 4pm it was quite busy. The pool area was very quiet, and the lounge sort of area was still quiet with calming sounds on the speakers. This area there is conversation as people were playing cards, and people were reading or eating food. But still very relaxing environment (even when busy) The sauna was amazing and simple fit about 7 of us but I think there was room for a few more. The locker rooms were very nice with an open shower and soap. The staff was super nice and explained the facility to me. They provide you with a key, Small towel to sit on in the sauna, and slides, but you’re probably better off bringing your own sandals. You also should bring your own towel. trunks/bottoms are optional in the sauna but you wear them in the pool area. I didn’t order any food so I can’t comment on that but it looked like a pretty good café menu! I am definitely coming back again. I do think however, it’s important to plan what time you are going because it does get busy and the pools are not that large so they can fill up pretty fast. Either way worth a stop in for an hour or two so you can relax and enjoy the environment!"

"Preface this by saying I went to the baths several times last winter and loved bringing in and out of town friends to experience it. I’m a bit disappointed with the new rule of no talking in the atrium, on days that are not silent days. This is a third space, one folks I can bring friends and family to enjoy, catch up, and relax. I intentionally avoid Fridays, because that is reserved for people who want to be silent. That is not me! Only being able to speak to friends of the opposite gender in the “cafeteria/reading room” is inconvenient, and frankly disruptive to people who actually are in there to read. I brought friends last week who had not previously been to the baths and I watched as they received zero instruction at the front desk. I had to walk them through everything. When speaking with other groups in the sauna, they were surprised by the silence in the atrium rule. Maybe just have two silent days? Friday & Sunday? Or make Saturday social day? People want to connect, isn’t that the point of a public bath?"

"Very much appreciate the new silence in the courtyard guidance. It had begun to feel a bit rowdy out there at times and clearly that is not the intention of the space. The staff are incredible and go above and beyond to make one's experience at the baths comfortable and enjoyable. And all the food & beverage offerings are incredible. Thank you for creating such a wonderful space for the community."

"This place was so close to being good. They have some real accessibility issues though. 1) huge concrete steps in the sauna with no railing 2) large steps into the pools with no traction 2) really limited signage. The bathroom in the "women's" locker room for example blends in to the walls and has no sign. 3) There's no map or guidance from the front desk about where things are. Checking out was also stressful (not the ideal vibe to end with) because it was so busy there was not really anywhere to sit to put my shoes on Overall, it's okay for the price, but weirdly stressful at times, and not accessible for people with mobility or vision issues without assistance."