Russian & Turkish Baths
New York, NY 10009
Phone: (212) 505-0665
- Cross Street:
- Between 1st Avenue and Avenue A
- Directions:
- 6 at Astor Pl; N, R, W at 8th St
- Hours:
- Mon-Fri 11am-10pm, Sat-Sun 7am-10pm
Message from Russian & Turkish Baths
The Original Spa; Since 1892!
Paid advertisement by Russian & Turkish Baths.
Editorial Review for Russian & Turkish Baths – by Daniella Brodsky
The Scene
With no extras like towels or slippers--just shaving cream and a less than squeaky-clean environment--this place is not about aesthetics. It's about "shvitzing," the Eastern European bathing ritual which, in addition to a steam and cool down, consists largely of hanging out. In the cafe, fill up on beer and hearty Russian fare while watching TV, or catch rays on the roof deck.
The Services
Take your choice of heat rooms: Dry, steam, scented, or the cherished Russian, heated with 20,000 pounds of rocks. In the latter, get a 15-minute Platza treatment--a scrub down with an olive-oil soaked oak-leaf broom that opens pores and removes toxins. After steam sessions, guests cool down in the "Ice Cold Pool" or triple-jet Swedish shower. The entrance fee is good for the whole day, so many guests later opt for a massage, soap wash (a serious rubdown with scented soap), salt scrub or black-mud treatment.
Editorial content is independent of paid advertisers. Any expenses are paid for by Citysearch.
Insider Tips
Know Before You GoIt's men only on Sundays between 7am and 2pm; women only on Wednesdays between 9am and 2pm. Clothing is mandatory on coed days.
User Reviews for Russian & Turkish Baths
02/19/2008 Posted by unknotted
Definitely bare bones, not a convential spa treatment but worth a trip. Downstairs is relaxing in terms of the shvitz. Don't go on a Saturday though, way too crowded and full of posers talking way too loudly in the steam rooms about their acting gigs. Once you have sweated out for a good half hour go upstairs and get a massage from Shanda "the girl from New Orleans". I am a massage expert. I have gotten hundreds everywhere from a fancy spa to the local chi gong. This is the best massage I have ever received. I had a horrible pain in my shoulder and she worked out every knot. It was really quite unbelievable. She made no bones about it. As soon as she found the knot and tension she went to work and there was no mercy. It was unbelievable. 3 days later I realized that I felt so strange because I had no pain in my shoulder. For the first time in years. The most amazing thing was that she got rid of years of pain in only HALF AN HOUR and that included a whole body stretch. All in all it is an extremely affordable and effective way to relieve the stresses of city life.
Pros: excellent massage
Cons: none really, it's the Turkish Baths
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful
05/12/2005 Posted by sabine_farm
Went for first time in June 04 and will be returning (I live on the West Coast) Best massage I've ever had. One reviewer is right; it is nothing like a Turkish Hammam, it is ALL Russian Bania. You won't believe how hot the Russian Steam Room actually is, it's brutal. Spend the extra and get the platza. It hurts, but in a good way. The decor is ancient, but the staff is warm and friendly. You'll feel great afterwards.
Pros: Great Massage, The Platza!, The Russian Steam
Cons: Decor is old
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