Reviews of Washington Baths. (Spa) in Portland (Maine).

Washington Baths

52 Reviews

48 Comments

Spa

Public sauna

145 Washington Ave, Portland, ME 04101, United States

Description

Information of Washington Baths, Spa in Portland (Maine)

Discover the opening times, the location, contact, popular times, photos and real reviews by internet users.

This place has a very good rate, they treat their customers well and you’ll feel welcome, super recommended

Map

Open hours of Washington Baths

Popular times

Sunday

Wednesday

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Friday

Saturday

Reviews of Washington Baths

Lucy

This is a truly special place. It is particularly beautiful inside without being pretentious or overly trendy. The sauna was excellent as were the outdoor pools. It is super clean and the vibe is casually friendly and easy. I wish I had realized they have a lounge area (beautiful) and I would have brought a book to stretch out and read. (A robe would be good to bring I think) The espresso was delicious after, and extra fun was the different mineral waters from around the world available to buy (there is clean filtered water available for no cost). Because no photos allowed inside (happily) it is hard to know what to expect, but it was way nicer than I could have imagined. Thoughtful design, wonderful wood smell, and just clean and nice. Cannot wait to be in Portland again to go. I feel amazing after.

Patrick Warner

So happy to have found this place! Lovely setting, great people, and outstanding sauna - clean, hot, spacious (although gender-segregated). Beyond just the saunas, however, the clean tiled dunking pools outside (one icy cold and the other gloriously hot) were divine. Towel rental for $3. Clothing optional in the saunas, bathing suits required in the pools and common areas. A super enjoyable afternoon spent here.

Bob Smuggla

I feel like it used to be better a year ago. It seems noticeably more unclean. Last time I went it smelled a little. It has cool design and love sauna, but I think they need to step up their cleaning game. Other than that the fresh juices are real nice, and best sauna around.

Nathaniel Pendleton

Exceeded expectations. Chill spot, chill people, chill vibes. Thought I would be there for an hour, was there more like three. It was pretty full (~30 people) but a nice, wholesome crew. Quiet in the sauna, a little chatty in the pools. Great library and beats in the rest room. Would highly recommend for a quiet and cold winter evening.

Emily

Very cool space and experience. I’d never been to a public bathhouse before and the staff was welcoming and explained how the space works, and I loved the hot pool especially. Washington baths has a long way to go in making the space more inclusive of trans and non-binary guests. Right now, the locker rooms and saunas are separated by gender, and when you arrive, staff assume your gender and hand you a key for a locker in the locker room of the gender they assume. In the explanation of how the space works, staff mention that trans and non-binary guests can let them know if they need a different key for the other locker room/sauna. So essentially they assume your gender and it’s on guests to let them know if they got it wrong! I would like to see a solution where staff asks rather than assumes someone’s gender and the locker room/sauna that they feel most comfortable in. Ultimately with only two locker rooms/saunas, they’ve kind of set themselves up to fall short here- I don’t know if there’s a truly inclusive solution, but they could do better in working with what they have by asking rather than assuming guests’ gender and preferred sauna.

Francis Driscoll

Really great experience. It’s a great sauna, the cold plunge outside is amazing. A little over priced for the services. Also if you’re a Muslim or conservative, like myself you might feel uncomfortable with how some folks speak and act, but to each their own, the staff is so friendly and the facilities are so nice it makes it easy to mind your own way. I wouldn’t let it keep me away. I wish they would make accommodations for another Separate sauna and bath so families could come. I can see why and how they want a specific demographic there though. Amazing place.(I was also reading a review that they only allowed vaccinated people in, that’s super disappointing they were discriminating against folks not even a few months ago, but again, I had a great experience.)

Sarah Cooke

I went last week during my spring break. It was so deeply relaxing and peaceful. The food was delicious! Books in the lounge space were lovely. I enjoyed hearing gulls and the distant drone of traffic while in the soaking pools outside. Especially appreciated the silence of Friday. Community was respectful and the whole experience was memorably beautiful. I will come back when I can!

Alice Shea

I just left after spending two hours at the Washington Baths. It was LOVELY. I was intrigued when I first heard of the public baths but scared to go because there really aren't pictures on the website. I finally gathered the courage to try it out and I am so happy I did. I almost don't want to write this review because I don't want the Baths to catch on even more than they already have. Let me just say it is perfection in there. From the beautiful Scandinavian style to the phenomenal sauna to the glorious hot and cold soaking pools outside. The food and drink was amazing too. I would love to see this catch on a bit more and have a few more locations spread around the city.... but I won't be too greedy. I highly recommend! Run, don't walk (and get there right at 2pm... there was a line forming when we arrived)! Thank you for a fantastic afternoon on a cold and drizzly day.

Ashleigh Burton

The Washington Baths were a phenomenal place to unwind and relax. The staff were super chill and accommodating. My friend and I started in the sauna, which felt incredible. We didn’t order any food or drinks, but there is a cafe that offers several options (including both alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages). I didn’t realize the baths were outside, so I was pleasantly surprised to step outside into a lovely courtyard area for the baths/pools. Nothing like sitting in a hot pool while looking up at the stars! I can’t wait to go back.

Katelyn Estes

Simple, comfortable, calming, and welcoming. The staff is so nice, and you are given the freedom to explore the facility any way you like. The music suits the minimalist aesthetic, along with the natural wood and candles throughout the facility. The grapefruit olive oil cake and hot water with honey and lemon were so perfect at the end of my stay! Even when it's busy there's a feeling of collective relaxation and non judgment. Everyone is welcome. I am so thankful for a place so close to home that can help me truly release, decompress, and ease physical, emotional, and mental stress. I have only been a couple times and already it feels like home.

Matthew Trimble

Just an absolute gem. Photos aren’t allowed inside so that explains why it might seem kinda mysterious. Be nude in the saunas if you like, or wear a suit, but def bring a bathing suit for the pools. We’re all here to check out and sweat out. To those complaining about the price, that’s just more square foot of hot tub for the rest of us ✌🏻

Josh Lindgren

This is my favorite activity, location, ambiance, owners, and health related place in all of Maine. You must give this place a try if you are traveling, and you would be a fool if you haven't tried it yet and are a local.

Jennie Ferrare (jfo)

LOVE this place- so much that I bought a pass and brought a work party here. SO glad they require vaccines, since it would be hard to mask in the Sauna... good call ! Thanks for creating a beautiful, nourishing space and doing your best to keep us all healthy in it. Can't wait until you reopen.

James

A bit disappointed in this place. The hot tub was cold (95 degrees on accident according to the employee). Wasn’t sure if this was there protocol but unfortunate for the two hours we were there, and $60 we dropped for two people. Basically paid for a small sauna and cold hot tub that is far too small for the amount of guests let in.

Paul Harris

I went to opening public sauna day. It was nothing short of a great experience. I loved saunas already but had always been using a tiny & gross one in my public gym. This is NOTHING like that. It's clean, simple and affordable. Way more elevated by the outdoor cold & hot bath plunges. They also offer a full lounge area with drinks & some tiny food selections. I'm sold. I bought the volume discounted passes on my first visit. For anyone who has never done a public sauna experience, I'd highly recommend. Great job, Washington Baths.

Oliver Watson

Simply a delightful place to spend an afternoon or evening. Excellent food. Superbly clean facilities. The staff is extremely friendly. They sometimes also have obscure, Eastern European mineral water, of which I am a fan. I would go here every day of the week if I could!

Melissa Leo

My son and I have watched from a distance while this extra special spot was dreamt of and created. We got to visit this summer. DO NOT visit or even pass through Portland Maine without a visit to Washington Baths. Wether you sauna or steam regularly or you never have this place is so intentional your experience will delight. At the very least stop in to the snack bar for a bite you wont soon forget.

Johann Sabbath

Do yourself a favor and just go here already. The facility, the food, the people who work here, the overall experience— exceptional. Walked in having never been to a public style sauna. Walked out feeling awesome. Bought a 10 visit pass.

Gabriel Ben Carling

Is this place really worth $30? Yes. Yes it is. 100%. I had a few concerns before I headed in and I not only had no reason to fear, but I was wow'ed at every step. Let's get this out of the way: there is nudity in the gender exclusive saunas (or wear a suit wutevs), suits required for the mixed gender pools. The nudity didn't feel weird or awkward at all. I loved the vibe: individual, thoughtful, relaxing self-care. We're here to do the thing, and nothing else. The Sauna is powerful, legitimately hot, and super-nice. Not a place to be weird and hang around. Same thing with the pools--the hot pool is therapeutically hot, not exactly relaxing hot. The cold pool is literally ice cold. Again, we're here to get the therapeutic benefits from the sauna experience. There was nobody playing around or trying to engage romantically. Don't get me wrong, there was some friendly conversation, I just mean that there is a real sense of shared purpose here. I'm on the large side, and sometimes self-conscious about my body, but the mood and everybody was so chill, I didn't feel out of place or like I didn't belong here. Yes, we were all nude in the sauna, but everybody's minding their business and taking care of themselves. This is also not, like, an old-people place--not that they're excluded by any means. Most of the people I saw were probably in their 30s, staff in their 20s (I'm 31). I didn't have any food, but it smelled amazing. The construction is all concrete and unfinished wood, but all in a very upscale kind of way. Relaxing music was playing in the pool area. Very solid. Very legit. Very nice. I'm so glad that this place exists and that I can experience this part of my heritage so close to home. Thank you, Washington Baths, you've created something really special.

Christoph G

Came here with some friends last week and was not disappointed. Really calm vibe and very relaxing. Hot —> Cold —> Hot and then finish on cold. The back lounge is really nice too.

Gary Miuccio Jr.

Visited on our road trip up north. What a fantastic and relaxing spot. Staff are lovely and we will be trying the food next time. Loved that we could play backgammon and decompress from life. Will visit again when we are back in the area

Lindsey Collier

We had such a wonderful experience here. It was a warm, hospitable, and relaxed atmosphere. We spent three hours here for a private reservation and enjoyed the warm and cool baths as well sauna time. You can tell there is so much care and attention put into the aesthetic and service. The owners are so thoughtful. They lit a fire for us and provided some really delicious, homemade snacks for us during our time there. Otherwise, they left us to relax, and it was perfect. Would absolutely recommend going here to unwind solo (once they’re open to individual public entry) or with a pal or group. I will definitely be returning. So much more to say, but you should see for yourself! What a neat experience to have locally! Very grateful for this place and the kind people who own it.

Max Eisenberg

Beautiful space. Brand new, extremely clean, opened in May. Kind, attentive staff. $30 day-pass + $2 towel rental. Cold tub & hot tub are outside. Locker rooms, saunas, and lounge / sitting area are inside. Massage rooms coming soon upstairs.

Stacey Evans

Washington Baths is a wonderful experience. The sauna, pools, lounge area, food... especially salmon soup and Finnish Island bread, and customer service are excellent.

Veronica Pounds

Perfect spot to unwind and sweat it out. Lovely, welcoming staff and a beautiful space. I can see myself easily becoming a regular:) thanks for having me Washington Baths!

Alexander Coroi

fantastic experience! excellent attention to detail and warm and friendly service. will be returning ASAP. a great addition to this lovely city and state!

Maxwell Press

Beautiful space with incredible atmosphere, effective elements, and delicious home made authentic dishes!

Ira Bittues

Very nice place to relax

Scott Duboff

Most wonderful staff with delicious treats and a cool beat to go along with it. Highly recommend going.

Alexander Ólafsson (Alexander)

Finally a real Scandinavian style sauna in Portland and by far the best sauna in town.

Theolonius Dutton

A straight up awesome public bath, incredible staff, good people & good vibes.

Mei Sen

Can’t wait to come back. Felt like I stepped back into Finland!

John Madeira

Great experience down to the smallest details! Excited to come back.

Hlif Olafsdottir

My favorite sauna!

Will Anderson

Such a gem

Beth H

Love everything about this place!

Andrew P Stinson

All time favorite

Viktar Kazlou

Perfect experience!

A Y

amazing

Jerry Park

Good

Lauren Garrard

The reviews are spot-on - this place is incredible and is the easiest 5 stars I'll ever give! Washington Baths is a comfortable, absolutely beautiful, clean, calming, welcoming environment with unique amenities and a simple approach to public saunas. To me, the best part was the staff. They were so kind and friendly and make you feel at home. Notably, they've addressed their gendering approach another reviewer mentioned — upon arrival after thoroughly explaining how the facilities work, the front desk staff member asked which bathhouse we'd like to use and would feel most comfortable in, before handing us our respective keys. The only way to make this place top-notch would be to add a 3rd, all-gender changing room and sauna. Until then, damn, Washington Baths is heaven.

Willem de Bruijn

Exceptionally clean, thoughtful design and great people. Truly a gem.

Daisie Warner

Matt Maiello

Claire Vallina

Jay Thibodeau

Sloucho Marx

S AF

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