08/27/09

This place makes you feel uncomfortable

by curren

This place is really elitist and snotty. It is a bad place to go for new people. It is full of regulars who have an extreme hightened sense of superiority and entitlement and go out of their way to make you feel like an outsider. My wife and I went there for our anniversary and were having a good time. It was getting crowded which it often is and so we had to wait a while to use some tubs. We were also waiting for the sauna to get hot enough to use the oak branches to beat eachother with (a Russian tradition that feels pretty good). After 45 minutes they finally brough out the branches and so we asked how to use them. A staff told us to ask a regular who looked at us and said his friend was waiting and she would go first so we should wait. I said we were waiting too and went into the sauna. This guy actually followed me into the sauna and started lecturing us on how I shouldn't talk back to him because he was a regular and we didn't know the "culture" here. My wife went out to smoot things over but he left. When we told the staff at checkout she told us he was a VIP which apparently meant something there. I'll never go back to a place that allows it's VIP to treat other customers so rudely.

• Pros: Expensive
• Cons: Elitist

12/10/07

Best way to put the kibosh on seasonal depression

by laurenwinter

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.

• Pros: very clean, despite all the sweaty people
• Cons: I wish I could have it all to myself

10/13/07

Its a REAL spa!!

by jbis34

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!

• Pros: Everything!
• Cons: its closed on Mondays...