Banya 5
(206) 262-1234
217 Ninth Ave N
Seattle,
WA
98109
47.6199
-122.3398
Neighborhoods: Lake Union, South-Lake Union
Last updated 4.01.09
What People Are Saying About Banya 5
The Editor
Anna Roth
Citysearch
In Short
Bathers visiting this unique relaxation spa are encouraged to spend as much time as they can stand in the 200-degree dry sauna, take a plunge in the 55-degree cold pool, and repeat the process as many times as they wish. In between, they can break up the monotony with side trips to a Turkish steam room, warm salt water pool and standard hot tub. Massages, salt scrubs and mud wraps are also available.
User Reviews
laurenwinter
December 10, 2007
As relaxing as a massage or pedicure might be (not that those aren't great too) there's something to be said for having a spa experience that isn't over until you want it to be over. Between the hot rooms, the pools (cold, tepid salt, and jacuzzi) and the delicious teas I could make a whole day out of it. The borscht manhattan next door at Venik is a tasty apres treat. But, be warned, one's tolerance may be considerably lower after spending several hours in temperatures well above 100 degrees.
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jbis34
October 13, 2007
Banya 5 is truly a real spa! I've spent a lot of time traveling throughout Eastern Europe and have spent a lot of time in some of the many bath houses throuhgout the region and to me, the Banya brought back that feeling. It definately had a European essence with the Dry Sauna and the Steam... After being in seattle for almost 2 years now, I'm so happy to have found the Banya. I can have my escape from the fast paced city life of Seattle, and chill out at the Banya! The people there are great, and very helpful. The Banya is extremely well maintained! The staff definately takes cleanliness to heart. It is so welcoming to everyone who comes in and provides the atmosphere for great conversation! I Love the banya... I highly recommend this place to anyone interested in something different, fun, and relaxing. So.. go relax and socialize! Or just go to chill out.... Oh! and they opened up a bar next door, called the Venik Lounge. Great food and GREAT vodka!
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mochamom
September 09, 2007
I had a very disappointing experience at Banya 5. I had brought a friend there for a birthday soak/sauna and massage, but the service and ambiance was so disappointing we ended up leaving after 15 minutes and canceling the massages. When I arrived I had to wait several minutes to even be acknowledged and the attitude of the staff, when I did interact with them, was, at best, uninterested. The bath/sauna area was eerily empty on a Friday evening, and the area was surprisingly small. I was expecting something like the Olympus women's spa, but it was not even half the size. When we entered the hot tub, the jets were not on and when we turned them on, the tub filled with a foamy lather, not unlike shaving cream. I thought this was peculiar, but was willing to hear an explanation (maybe salt content?) and asked the woman testing the pH of the tubs. She did not know why it was foaming and acted as if she could not be bothered to find out, though eventually she did say she would check with the front desk. At this point I became concerned that our $100 dollar massages would be equally unpleasant and my friend agreed that we should leave and cancel the massages. We informed the front desk of this and they told me they did not know if we could cancel--they had to speak to the manager, and he was at dinner. We were insistent that we could not wait for him to return and they called him, one of the staff explaining to me that she was new and that this (addressing the concerns of upset guests, I guess) was not her job. Fortunately the manager told her to let us leave and we were not held hostage until he returned. A spa should be the ultimate in pampering and customer service, and here we were treated as inconveniences, not welcome guests. I would avoid going here if you want a spa experience and would instead go to the Olympus Spa for sauna, scrubs, and soaks (though sadly this is not coed) or to many of the other wonderful day spas, such as Ummelina, for a massage.
read full reviewThe Details on Banya 5
Know Before You Go:
Specific days of the week are coed (swimsuits required), while others are reserved for same-sex bathing (swimsuits optional). Call before you go.
Save Money:
Buy a membership for six months or a year, or just purchase a five-visit punchcard to save some cash.
Look Good:
Bring flip flops and a robe or other cover-up (rentals are available by the day).
Mud treatments:
Experience the luxury of the purest botanical extracts and essential oils in a Uspa Body Mud Wrap Treatment. This mud therapy is designed to detoxify and rejuvenate the skin as you fall deep into relaxation and rest.
Massage:
Experience the signature Banya 5 massage, which uses a soothing blend of Swedish, deep tissue and sports massage techniques. Call ahead to make an appointment.
