Bath house

[princealbertofb]

Just out of curiosity, how hot (as in sweaty) are they? Are they kept much cooler than the regular sauna? Is there a lot more space or safety features to keep from being burned (say if someone slips in the act)? Do such places get cleaned like by the hour?

I've been to plenty of saunas, and I'm usually so hot and sweaty that I'm not aroused at all. And getting out to say take a cold shower and get right back in can be incredibly invigorating, comparable in some ways (distinct in others) from sex. It would also seem dangerous (of like accidentally burning one's self), and if it's frequently used for sex then I'd also wonder about the hygiene. So the appeal of sauna prostitutes (that I've heard about in places like Russia) and for gay hookups escape me.

That said, I know some guys and even some women won't use a sauna (this was at fitness centers) because they feared sexual advances by those of the same gender (despite how strictly policies against sexual harassment are enforced), though I've never heard of it actually happening in such a place. Yet one fitness center I used to go to allowed both men and women in (mandatory clothing like swimsuits) and I don't recall anyone fearing something erotic going on there.

I believe, [MENTION=14705]Pix[/MENTION], we're talking of specialised establishments that are not only meant for sauna and stuff but where other practices are involved, let's say that eroticism and sex are probably not barred (and I daresay safer sex is also encouraged).

[drobs]

There's Steamworks Chicago - http://www.steamworksbaths.com/
Years ago my buddy and I would drink our way through Boys Town then sleep it off at Steamworks.

Flip flops and stay away from the pools / hot tub. Might invest in a bottle of Rid while you are at it...

See my signature line.

Edited to add: Here's a letter to playguy on Bath Houses:
https://gayspeak.com/showthread.php?t=33639

My std comment didn't go over so well...

[Darius]

The idea of casual sex with a stranger you meet in a bar or club or online has never appealed to me.
The idea of communal sex in a place like a bath house is beyond my ability to understand the appeal or the desperation for sex. There are so many better ways.

[Confuzzled4]

I went to a bathhouse with my "straight" friend who had a membership. But have something on your feet, do not shave in the facilities, try to avoid use of anything communal. There was nothing going on at the one I went to other than people enjoying the heat, so I can't offer any advice on the other things.

[larafan25]

Pics or Bathhouses didn't happen.

But I think it sounds neat, it's like a YMCA butt with sex???

[deephiance]

Bath houses are not everyone cup of tea, but some people enjoy them.

Anonymous, random and risky sex is appealing to some people also, it was to me once.

Go and check it out, be safe, be sensible, and be armed with the knowledge that the worst thing that can happen is you don't like it and you can simply get up and walk out.

[princealbertofb]

The idea of casual sex with a stranger you meet in a bar or club or online has never appealed to me.
The idea of communal sex in a place like a bath house is beyond my ability to understand the appeal or the desperation for sex. There are so many better ways.

... which is probably the case for 'most' people, but then there will also be the occasional story of people who've actually found their perfect partnership through these channels, and who are we to shame and blame them? Desperation, maybe, but then again, birds of a feather flock together, so you've got to go where there's a likelihood of meeting same-minded people.

[princealbertofb]

Pics or Bathhouses didn't happen.

But I think it sounds neat, it's like a YMCA butt with sex???

I'm guessing this would probably be against the rules, unless you're taking pictures of just the facilities....

[meridannight]

I actually wish the baths culture was still alive. I read about it, how it was at its heyday in San Francisco (and in other west coast cities), and it was a decent way to meet guys and have some fun.

Nowadays we have Grindr and various apps on the internet. The gay culture has degraded considerably. This is not a normal way to go about life, the way we have started to do it. Normal way is to have places where you can go and meet and actually interact with other men. That does not happen on the internet. None of it is real on the internet. The internet thing is complete and utter bullshit.

[Doc]

I dont know if I like the idea bathhouses at the very least athlete's foot seems like a real danger and you could always catch worse.

Now a gay gym that has a Spartacus vibe would be a different thing altogether, I could get into that.