Archimedes Banya, San Francisco CA

A healing and welcoming community. Let them know if it is your first visit and they give you a special nametag that the regulars see and then know to give you a welcoming tour. So I felt welcomed by hella friendly folks in there on my first visit and that just cemented things for me, I felt very comfortable and at ease after that. No one is mentioning the Kangen water in these reviews so I will shout that out early, I mean it's like natural spring water levels of purification, it's a $5000 machine they use to purify that water and trust me you can tell, it can heal you, and there's a whole body of research on the alkaline-based diet and how it can serve as a treatment for a number of illnesses we commonly thought were chronic or terminal. Do I buy into 100% of that? No but I haven't ruled it out either, and I'm also extremely distrustful of the tap water over the way they are putting in various "vitamins" or whatever to help various "subsets" of society, like whoa why then are we putting those "vitamins" aka Fluoride in everyfuckingbody's water? So aside from the all-you-can-drink non-fluoridated Kangen water, this place has that steam room, 3 saunas, cold pool, warm pool, hot pool, etc. I enjoyed every visit here and if you have mysterious health problems, buy a Kangen machine or get in here and get a detox going, just fast and have water. I can't mess with the restaurant upstairs myself, I'm too cheap but the one time I did try it out it they treated me well. Overpriced for my standards but then again it's not the main draw, and no one is stopping you from putting snacks in your bag.

I took the gel polish manicure and foot spa and had no regrets by their staffs who took care of me. They never fail to make me feel comfortable and ensure that the treatment is up to my comfort. A very good recommendation for everyone to go to when they come here! I am sure to visit the next time.

They will not call you back. You are required to leave your ID at the front desk. If you forget leave a personal item or they forget to give you back your ID you will have no way of getting it as they will transfer you from line to line until you get voicemail. I called for three days, no return call. I thoroughly enjoyed the spa and services but can not leave a positive review for somewhere that doesn't help you when you speak to a live person and instead transfers you to a voicemail that is never returned.

My most recent visit was not pleasant. I went on a Friday evening 10 PM-12 AM, which I do not suggest and will never go back at this time.

- Closing announcements over the PA system started at 10: 40 PM and then every 20 minutes until 11: 30 PM. Not relaxing.
- Even though it's stated that business hours end at 12 AM, we were told repeatedly by staff that they close at 11: 30 PM. They wanted everyone out of the baths at 11 PM. I was upset because I got there at 10 PM and paid full price ($47 daily rate)
- Once in the locker room, and changing, around 11: 30 PM, cleaners were very invasive to my personal space. They were on site and cleaning so close to me, right above my locker and underneath my chair where I was sitting and disrupting me from changing.
- My BF, who was in the men's locker had the same experience with cleaners invading his space.

My suggestion is to visit during a weekday (like 3 PM) and not during 10 PM-12 AM (closing hours).

Upscale dry and wet sauna, cold pool, platza massage with oak leaves, moroccan soap scrub and many other treatments. Pretty friendly environment. Marat provided an exceptional service.

3.5 Stars. Overall solid experience and I will come back.
Some notes for first timers:
- this is not a high end place. It isn’t dirty, but it has areas that are old.
- the facilities are super basic. The locker room isn’t very nice.
- I came during the day so it was nice and quiet, weekends I hear are busy.
- the dry sauna was 225 degrees hottest I’ve ever been in, impressive.
- the Russian sauna rooms are really cool never seen one like it before, very big and spacious.
- don’t worry about the clothing optional part just do your thing and relax - people of all shapes and sizes
- restaurant food wasn’t bad, but it isn’t freshly prepared. Lots of great drink options.

Groups seem to come and hang out here. Solo it was good too, was able to disconnect.

Ultimately an establishment is judged against its peers and there are much better options for spas in SF. There are cheaper, less crowded spas with an overall better experience. As such, it's hard to recommend Achimedes Banya.

I went on a Sunday and took my girlfriend who was a little nervous about the 'clothing optional situation' but by the time we left she said that she was glad she came.

Went with friends about two weeks ago and this place is great for saunas and just to relax your muscles while talking to your friends. Good to waste some free time here with good prices, not too messy, not too packed, and good customer services.

Unfortunately staff lost my ID. I was informed that ID was found and is on its way, 2 months later, still waiting for ID to come in the mail.

Otherwise this place is great!

Very nice facility IMO; really like the 2 story sauna. Had a bad experience with the towel boy however (Russian one with neck tattoos) bullying me about rules that didn't exist, and being strangely aggressive about it. I've been to many banya / saunas over years - this is the first I've ever dealt anything of this sort. C'mon Archimedes! You've got a great banya, why hire these guys?

I love immersing myself naked in hot water and steam baths. Food food. Great views of the city. Dynamic crowd. This place is a trip.

Amazing professional staff. Very accommodating with knowledge of Banya history as well as history of the food and drinks served in the restaurant. Management is extremely helpful, intelligent, and professional. 5/5

This place is delightful! The steam room + cold plunge + water break cycle is fun with a small group. We went up to eat after, and I liked the dumplings.

A little getaway. They do very authentic Russian “Venik therapy. ” The stuff is very polite and professional! Nice view from rooftop. I had a great time there and definetly come back again.

Spa is amazing! A true spa, to sweat. Great atmosphere, real hot steam and saunas. Friendly customers. Great customer service. And I had the best massage I have ever had from Cristina. The platza service was good as well. I'd get spa treatments here or just come for the day. Both are worth while. My friend didn't like his massage, but he didn't use Cristina. So stick with her

This place is awesome! I came here on Friday around 6pm and there were a few people, 7: 30pm is when it started to get busy. The ladies at the front were nice. Staff in the main area was cool and informative.

Came with my brother for his birthday treat. We took in the fresh air and views at the roof top, dipped in the pool, hot tub, meditated in the sauna, then dipped in the cold pool. Steam room had a scent of eucalyptus, got a massage, and enjoyed.

Bring your ID

I'm having a great time. The staff was friendly and informative and the food is good. At first I was apprehensive about getting naked in front of strangers with my fiance, but noone seems to care. Every one is very mature and respectful

This place has everything: saunas, hot tubs, Russian food, naked people, flip flops, and MTV's Dan Cortese!

The best place to get naked in front of strangers. The floors can be a little slick so make sure you wear the sandals. The food is pretty Russian, if you are into that sort of thing, you can get a great weird fish stuff, fried rye bread or more! Be sure to check out the cold pool, it is no joke.