Archimedes Banya

ugh, I really did not want to make this review because I loved this place the last time I went. but something has to be said… for the cost of $67 per person, you’d think cleanliness wouldn’t be an afterthought. The women’s changing room had ants trailing ALL over it. the jacuzzis had a disturbing clump of hair, and a weird slimy film at the edges. When I kindly informed the staff of these issues, they just said "oh" and charged me. didn’t even ask where or say sorry. In this economy, I cannot afford to spend my money where businesses don’t even respect it. The price of the spa makes no sense with the lack of cleanliness, and the service was just a slap in the face. I really don’t even like to make negative reviews for small businesses but this is just unacceptable.

I am very disappointed with the front desk experience at Archimedes Banya Spa San Francisco. We came in to inquire about booking a group of eight women, fully prepared to spend money and plan a visit. Instead, we were met with a cold, dismissive attitude and a complete lack of professionalism. One staff member was eating snacks with elbows on the counter and addressed us with, "what do you want," which felt disrespectful and inappropriate in a customer-facing role. He also blurted out that "naked or clothed" which sound creepy the way he said it. Two other staff members remained seated and disengaged, making no effort to genuinely assist. We were told: There were no business cards No brochures or printed materials We were not allowed a tour of the facility We were simply told in a cold tone to "go online." This was incredibly frustrating, especially since we were standing right in front of multiple staff members who could have easily answered questions or helped us plan a group visit. Turning away potential customers instead of offering basic hospitality or assistance is unacceptable. This experience felt unwelcoming and left a very poor impression. Customer service and professionalism matter, especially in a business centered around wellness and hospitality. Unfortunately, we will be taking our group elsewhere. Management definitely needs to retain their front end staff because they just lost some business.

excellent place! its not exactly luxurious, but it has everything you need for a pretty reasonable price!! variety of sauna, banya, pools, aromatherapy was AMAZING (definitely need to try!), venik plaza is awesome, the rooftop view is great to chill at even in winter (pic attached)! and the cafe has a variety of cuisines to offer! (my fav was borscht!) definitely will be back!

We visited Archimedes Banya on January 21, 2026. It’s a fully equipped Russian-style bath complex with ice-cold plunge pools, a Finnish sauna, a steam room, a warm pool, and a jacuzzi. They also offer massages. Even though it was a weekday, the place was busy. Most men and women were completely naked — very authentic banya culture. After several hot–cold cycles, we stopped by the café for borsch with black bread and a cheburek — both were excellent. They also have some art on the walls; I wish they would add a reproduction of Boris Kustodiev’s 1926 painting "Russian Venus" to match the atmosphere. One thing I really appreciated was their attention to safety. Staff watched carefully for anyone who looked overheated. One of the workers even helped me walk and rest after my first session in the hot room. He mentioned that this is the hottest banya in the U.S. Overall, a great experience — highly recommended.

I went there on my birthday because they offer a free pass, but booked a Venik Platza as a treat. Highly recommended: amazing experience, very authentic, saying as a russian person. The place itself is rather small and doesn't have so many different saunas or pools, so the normal entry seems rather overpriced to me (75 dollars normally, 55 in the happy hours). It also has a cafe with eastern european food and drinks and a terrace with a bit of a sad view.

My girlfriends and I visited this bathhouse for the first time and were very disappointed with our experience. Several of us regularly visit bathhouses, so we are familiar with the concept and general etiquette. Despite this, one staff member was extremely condescending toward us from the start. He insisted on giving us a tour even and repeatedly spoke down to us using phrases like "you girls need to listen," which felt disrespectful and unprofessional. When we were in the hot pool, the same staff member chimed in on a private conversation I was having about my birthday plans. He strongly encouraged me to return to this facility for my birthday, stating that it would be free. I politely declined and mentioned that it was too far for me. He followed up with additional remarks that made me feel uncomfortable.. The cleanliness was also concerning. We found insects inside the lockers and ants directly outside the steam room, which made the space feel unhygienic. There were also safety issues. The facility only provides one-size-fits-all slippers, which were far too large for one of my friends. She slipped because of this and fell inside the Russian sauna, injuring herself. After leaving the room, she began feeling faint and dizzy. When this happened, the same staff member approached us again and began lecturing us for "not listening" and for allegedly skipping the cold plunge. We explained that we had already done the cold plunge earlier and were planning to return before she started feeling unwell. While we appreciate his attempt to help, he proceeded to give medical advice and instructed her to stand up and move positions while she was faint, which felt unsafe and inappropriate, as he is not a medical professional. We also overheard him raising his voice at other guests and pressuring people to fully submerge their heads in the cold plunge. The environment felt stressful rather than relaxing. Overall, this visit did not feel peaceful, professional, or safe. Between the cleanliness issues, lack of professionalism, and uncomfortable interactions, we would not return.

The worst. Wow. 150$ for a massage that was pathetic. A rub down at best. The table was wobbling the whole time and it made me feel like I was on a boat in a bad way. The therapists were all sitting and chatting and eating in the reception area which was fine but not the $150 massage vibe. On top of that you’re required to also buy a pass for $67 for the baths. However, it was so crowded at 7 PM that there was literally a line waiting to get into the sauna. You could conceivably go in, but you’d be sitting push to touch with a naked men. Someone literally stepped over me. What a disaster. Don’t waste your money.