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I've never been to a bathhouse before and yet I really want to go to one. I don't know much about them, other than the obvious, and don't know if it's wise I go by myself the first time, or if I should take a friend.

Any reviews or personal experiences about bathhouses would be GREAT!!

And info on bathhouses in the Bay area,Ca.

THANX!!

Bath houses can be fun. I tend to like them better than bars, as not a lot of games being played, and you don't have to go to any ones place. Just play safe, and always assume everyone is positive. Might be better to go by self, less inhibiting for you.

There is a good one in San Jose.

www.thewatergarden.com

Have fun.

Bathhouses differ greatly from one another. Some are pits, others palaces.

My favorite memory of an upscale bathhouse here in Florida is the weekend outdoor poolside buffets they have. They've got a couple of attendants in full kitchen whites, chef's cap and all, carving excellent roast beef to order, plus a complete choice of other foods, not some chips & dips crap.

And the opening announcement over the PA system is priceless: "The poolside buffet is now open. Gentlemen, please wear at least a towel in the serving line." LMAO!!!!

My first bathhouse experience was a bit intimidating. From an outside door I entered a long room, bare of any decoration whatsoever, just solid blank walls. At the far end was a small opening in the wall, like an old-fashioned ticket window.

It was there I bought my membership, and signed various legal forms that said I consented to whatever I found inside, and that I wasn't undercover police, etc.

Then an electric switch clanked open the lock on a brutal steel door to my left, which I opened and found - gay heaven.

But don't become intoxicated with temptation. Safe sex is mandatory! Careless sex is why most bathhouses were closed by local authorities early in the AIDS epidemic.

I won't burden you with bathhouse routine, since each one can be different, and a bright boy will catch on quickly. Walking around in a provided towel is common, but why I'm not sure -- the idea is to get naked in the steam room, sauna, hot tub, shower, playrooms, or pool if they have one.

I love quality bathhouses, but many gays hate them all, either from bad experiences or on general principal. I'd say try to pick a good one and judge for yourself. Weekends are usually best. I've always gone alone, but an experienced friend could give you confidence.

I enjoy bathouses, they're a lot of fun and make for some memorable occasions. Like this one time at a bathouse in Cleveland, they have a roof type play area with a privacy fence around it. One night while a guy was on me pumping and grunting I looked up and a billboard for a country music station was visible over the fence and Toby Kieth was smiling down on me.
Now, everytime I hear one of his songs I'm reminded of that night.

I visited Steamworks in Chicago once... the place was very well maintained. I didn't really hook up(just wanted to see what the place was all about) but enjoyed the stares from the 7 guys who kept their eyes on me while I was showering before leaving

So I can say I neither loved it or hated it.

There is a Steam Works in Berkley also. They have a great glory hole cat walk!

I went to them several times when I was single. They could be kind of fun, or depressing, depends on the mood I was in. A couple of advantages of bathhouses. You don't waste a lot of BS meeting up with a guy for casual sex, unlike the bars. You also don't have to worry about going home with a pyscho at a bathhouse.

The disadvantages are a greater likelihood of picking up STIs, and it can be hard on the self-esteem if you get rejected. You are young so that is less likely to happen. Make sure you go prepared with lube, condoms, etc..

John43620 said One night while a guy was on me pumping and grunting I looked up and a billboard for a country music station was visible over the fence and Toby Kieth was smiling down on me.
Now, everytime I hear one of his songs I'm reminded of that night.

It's so easy to delight you.

I used to go but don't anymore. I am not into it anymore.

But it is funny to watch a group of guys play in the 'glory hole' room. It's funny how guys will start to play with each other. And no words are spoken yet communication with body gestures are undeniably evident. It sort of reminds me of toddlers in kindergarten that play together without speaking words and they way how they accept each other or deny each other is sort of what I've witnessed in bathhouses. I know...it's a weird analogy but that's how I see it.

Hoodiestud saidI've never been to a bathhouse before and yet I really want to go to one. I don't know much about them, other than the obvious, and don't know if it's wise I go by myself the first time, or if I should take a friend.

Any reviews or personal experiences about bathhouses would be GREAT!!

And info on bathhouses in the Bay area,Ca.

THANX!!

Not having been to one you can avoid making it a bad experience by doing a couple of things - if you want to go to a place with a date, you could do it as a more expensive version of a motel room, or if you really want to sauna and swim and use a hot tub, you could look into a hotel if you don't have those things where you live. The advantages to a bathhouse is that you can kiss and be erotic with a man and actually be encouraged to be sexual.

Ask the manager if you can look around if you don't want to pay up front for a solo visit and let the management know you're thinking of meeting a date there.

Not having a sauna, pool or hot-tub where I live, it makes having an alternative place to meet someone an option. Enjoy the place, and if you don't want to have a date with the person you meet it's not like your in a bad place to look around.

Hope winter finds you in the company of good friends!

mobiusstripped saidif you want to go to a place with a date, you could do it as a more expensive version of a motel room, or if you really want to sauna and swim and use a hot tub, you could look into a hotel if you don't have those things where you live.

If you have a BF, or a guy you just want to spoil, take him to a clothing-optional gay resort. All the play action of a bathhouse, plus you have a nice room for a day or two. I can recommend quite a few in Key West. Florida.

lol, i dont know how well that would work since i dont have enough money for key west....but thanx anyways

I didnt even know bath houses existed till i saw queer as folk, and im still convinced there arent any in new york...are there any??, and is it in actuallity a disease ridden place? are there ever any younger guys in them, i am usually only into my age group 17 to 23. any help would be nice. ive found the concept fascinating.

England89 saidI didnt even know bath houses existed till i saw queer as folk, and im still convinced there arent any in new york...are there any??, and is it in actuallity a disease ridden place? are there ever any younger guys in them, i am usually only into my age group 17 to 23. any help would be nice. ive found the concept fascinating.

Yes there are young guys who go to them. I have seen 18 yr old boys wondering around in some. Although there are more older men who go to bathhouses. I went to one in Philly a couple times and met up with two boys, 18 and 19. I was also 18 when I went to one (although I am a little embarrassed to say I thought it was a normal gym at the time)

Note about a disease ridden place: Not everyone at a bathhouse has a disease but always, ALWAYS assume everyone does. My advice if you want to fulfill the fascination, go to one and don't do anything that transfers any fluids. Jacking off with others in a bathhouse can be just as hot and a world less stressful when you walk out at the end of the night.

Best of luck

I found out there are two kinds - good and bad. Like anything else in life - just avoid anything bad. Now the good places - and sometimes they refer to them as "spas" are amazing. For instance, one I go to here in AZ (Willow Stream Spa) is great - it is a treat occasionally to go there. This place has:

A pool with private cabanas, a whirlpool, cold plunge, a eucalyptus inhilation room you can relax in - cool and dark with eucalyptus oil in jars on the wall; Swiss showers (with sprays coming at you from every direction), steam room with showers inside (arena style - better for viewing the showering guys - or showing off a little!) - and sauna; manicures, pedicures, massages (the real kind!) in private rooms overlooking a beautiful view and garden; fitness facility, stair climbers, Cybex equipment, EFX, and more. Private showers with little dressing rooms and places to lay out and relax. Also - a "living room" with good lighting, furniture, wide screen, apples and fruit juice, and "socializing" if you know what I mean.

This is the kind of "bath house" to look for - they are around - and they're great.

Just play safe, boys!

Hey Hoodie,

Well if you go to streamworks or watergarden, which are both in the bay area just remember to bring your flipflops!!!


If you want hot young guys but with a bathhouse feel I would check out an underwear party. One is coming this month in sf on the 15 of November.

Mmm does your bf know? Will he let you go?

how'd flex go, AZ?

Anyone know if there's any good ones in New York?? I'm headed out there in a couple months...might check it out.

Koaa2 saidBath houses can be fun. I tend to like them better than bars, as not a lot of games being played, and you don't have to go to any ones place. Just play safe, and always assume everyone is positive. Might be better to go by self, less inhibiting for you.

There is a good one in San Jose.

www.thewatergarden.com

Have fun.

I agree, I tend to think of them as gay nudist colonies - but some there should have to wear clothes anyway.

There are two bathhouses in Las Vegas. One, called "Hawk's Gym" is one of those places that you'd have to tear down to put up a pota-potty. A friend badgered me into going and after five minutes I couldn't wait to get out. The place reeked of stale lube and semen and I don't think it had been cleaned since the Crimean wars.

The other one, Apollo is much nicer. It's better appointed and seems to attract a classier clientele. I went there with my BF to see what it was like, but we decided out own bedroom was nicer and went home. But in Vegas, the general concensus is Apollo over Hawks, hands down!

After reading And the Band Played On I don't think I'll ever set foot into one of those things,

CitizenSol saidAfter reading And the Band Played On I don't think I'll ever set foot into one of those things,

After reading the comment about you not setting foot into one because you read something, I'd hope you would reconsider, why not try being open minded about a lot of public places that need to be maintained with the mind that our children need to have places to go to to be sexual and feel good about themselves... ...it's not about what the place is used for, it's about caring about the people who use those places.

Where would you suggest someone try to discover being gay without being arrested for public acts of sex? Camping with a tent is a great idea, but it means having a car to drive and a campground to drive to.

Peace.

Here's one of the more upscale bathhouses I use. Pricey, but it buys you a nicer clientele and excellent facilities. Part of a chain in other parts of the US besides Fort Lauderdale, but not the only quality bathhouse around.

http://www.the-clubs.com/photos.cfm?location=ftlauderdale

There are two in New York City: Eastside Club and Westside Club. I've been to Westside Club but it was 5 years ago.... nothing special about it, not overly seedy, not a gorgeous place either.

Haven't been to Eastside Club.