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Spa World
Category: Beauty and Spas Day Spas Day Spas [Edit]
13830-A10 Braddock RdCentreville, VA 20121
(703) 815-8959
- Hours:
Mon-Sun 12 am - 12 am
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Parking:
- Private Lot
- By Appointment Only:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
228 reviews for Spa World
228 reviews in English
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Review from Ryan D.
Burke, VA
2/4/2012
I have been looking forward to my first visit to Spa World since my wife told me about it several weeks ago. I've read nearly every review on yelp, so I won't restate what has already been said, except to suggest that you take some time and read the reviews before going. As has been noted, there is a process and procedure here and sometimes it isn't always evident, especially considering the occasional communication problem if you don't speak or read Korean. None of this should keep you from going, but be aware of it and things will be much easier.
My visit was on a Friday morning - I actually took a vacation day to check this place out. At 8am, there were four or five men there and probably double the number of women. By 11am, there were probably 20 men and many more women. The place never seemed crowded ... Plenty of room to relax.
I had never had a shiatsu massage before coming to Spa World and now I may never have any other type of massage. Once you go shiatsu you never go back. Simply a great massage - so good that I actually came home a few hours after it and had to take a nap! I did the hour long massage and in the future I would opt for longer.
I also got a 25 minute body scrub, which was thorough but not as vigorous as i expected based on other reviews. Still 25 minutes seemed long enough - not sure I would go longer next time.
I did not use the fitness center but I did go upstairs and check it out. I wasn't impressed, but that also isn't the reason to go to Spa World.
Everything was super clean, as others have mentioned. The staff was friendlier than I expected but there wasn't a lot of dialogue.
As far as cost, $35 to use the bade pool and the various mineral rooms was spot on. Well worth it. I also felt the price for the massage and body scrub was very competitive.
I cannot wait to go back!Listed in: Fairfax County's Best
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Review from Jenny A.
Centreville, VA
2/8/2012
Spa World used to have great service and had many things available to us customers, but has been taken away. For example, disposable toothbrushes. Everything was well-kept and taken care of. Now, leather sofas and chairs are falling apart.
I remember I went there with a friend once and the lady at the snack bar was so rude to the young African American woman asking for a bubble tea. The lady at the bar rudely told me to translate for her saying that it's not available anymore and her facial expressions indicated much disdain for this woman.
This is the thing about most Koreans and their businesses: BAD MANAGEMENT. They can't keep their workers under control and can't provide decent customer service unless they're Caucasian or elderly Koreans. To us young Korean folks and others, I'm sure, we're just looked down upon.
Two stars because their saunas and hot tubs are still worth using.
$35 is way too pricey. That amount should have drop to $15 at max. the moment they released $35 coupons for the place. No one pays for the full amount anymore, especially Koreans. -
Review from D H.
New York, NY
1/31/2012
Nudity, waterjets, hot tubs oh my!
Jailbird uniforms, disposable face masks, and co-ed lounging rooms, yessirree!
Warm to hot to cold rooms with different minerals benefiting different issues and parts of your body - sign me up!
Make a day (and night of it) - stay for 8 hours, or heck, a full 24!
Leave your inhibitions and clothes at home - enjoy the nudity and the warmth on your skin. Enter feeling harried, exit feeling born anew :) -
Review from Chuq Y.
1/12/2012 1 Check-in Here
I'll say one thing bad about this place. The wooden q-tips kinda suck.
I think that's the worst thing I can say. I think it's awesome that you can see the temperature of every pool and room in the place.
BE PREPARE FOR A LOT OF NUDITY, but you can avoid most of it if you want.
When you walk in, you'll get a key and a set of garments. Take off your shoes, and put them in the locker, then head to the locker room. Change into your new uniform or hit the Bade Pool (off your locker room).
NAKED: Bade pool. This is where you sit or stand, and jets of water massage your parts. You can pick the parts by moving to different areas or just shifting your body. Some of the jets work better than others, and when the jets stop, just hit the big white button.
CLOTHED: There is a large coed room with a bunch of mats in the middle for you to sit around on. There are water coolers everywhere which is really cool. You can bring a magazine, laptop, tablet, cell phone in here. Around the room are huts with temperatures above each door. The rooms are described in other reviews, but my favorites are the red clay ball (think 100+°F marble sized clay balls) and ice (43°F) rooms. The restaurant is also off the main room, and serves decent Korean food.
You may feel like you're kind of bio-domed into a compound with everyone wearing the same clothes, etc. That was one of the weird things for me. I'll be going back, and since I have been there before, it should be a slightly better experience. I highly recommend this place. -
Review from Rhonda S.
Laurel, MD
1/10/2012
I came here with 2 of my friends for a girls night out and what an awesome experience it was! From what I have read this is one of the largest Korean bath houses on the east coast.
Initially at least for the first 20 minutes my friends protested about being naked. Have no worries people, this is Spa World not South Beach. No one has a beach body and being naked here is so natural that you will want to go naked permanently. Also no one is looking at you unless you walk out with your towel on. That will be the immediate signal that it is your first time.
Everyone there was so nice and helpful. You will find many people who are regulars there and will provide suggestions on what to do.
We spent 4 hours here without even realizing it. As you have read the bade pool is the only area you are nude in. You shower off and get in the pool to enjoy all the different jets. They have a hot tub that is 104 degrees and an ice tub that is 60 degrees. Getting in the ice tub and going back in the hot tub is ultra relaxing.
While I saw people getting the body scrubs I was too scared to get one. However I did purchase one of the scrub mits in the locker room and it makes your skin super soft. Much more so than you could get with any other scrub or product, thus I will be letting them do the body scrub next time.
The various poultice rooms were great and I think the hottest was 170 degrees so drink plenty of water. This gave us time to sit around, talk and laugh which was great. We wouldnt have had the chance to do that at a regular spa because we would have been in different rooms. One of my friends purchased the sushi and loved it. I got a smoothie and itwas really good and a great way to cool off.
So if you are considering this just do it! Its a great and unique experience that is totally relaxing, freeing, and fun! For $34 you cant beat it. -
Review from Ashley K.
1/20/2012
Well, I was here for a total of 16 hours, so this is going to be a long review.
I came here with a group of friends. Two of us decided to drive out Friday evening and spend the night at Spa World since they're open 24 hours. We arrived around 2 am, so check-in was fairly simple since the place was quiet.
You get a key with a locker number on it (and you wear it around your wrist all day), and you put your shoes in the locker in the front entrance. You then proceed to the locker room where your key works on a second locker in that room. We found our lockers, stashed our belongings, and put on our Spa World outfits (comfy oversized orange shorts and tops). Neither of us had been to Spa World before, so we proceeded to the poultice room, which is the big room in the middle of the spa (co-ed, so everyone is clothed in their Spa World attire) that contains most of the sauna rooms and the restaurant. There are mats on the floor in the middle of the room, and there were tons of people sleeping on the mats since it was 2 am. Off to the side, there are some chairs and couches. My friend passed out on a chair, but the room was so bright, and ESPN was blaring (random), so I wandered off to find somewhere else to sleep. I ended up finding the women's sleeping room, which was just lovely. It was a small, dark, warm room with mats and little pillows laid out on the floor. There were 15-20 women already in the room sleeping, so I found an empty mat, curled up, and passed out. Waking up the next morning was odd. I opened my eyes to find I was the only person left in the room. I was sure that it was 2:00 in the afternoon and that I had slept all day. After finding my friend in the poultice room, I was relieved to learn it was 9:30 am. Eventually, our other friends arrived, and we began our day of relaxation.
We started with the sauna rooms in the poultice room. The rooms had different "elements" (salt, amethyst, red clay, etc.) that supposedly have different health benefits. Every room has a digital thermometer reading above the door, so you have an idea of which rooms are the hottest. They also have an ice room, which was refreshing after leaving the hot sauna rooms.
We then decided to go to the pool room. The pool rooms are gender-separated, so the women have their own pool room which is off of the locker room. Yes, the nudity is awkward. I'm a 26 year old female, and I'm no prude, but it's not often that you're running around naked in a large room with other women. I had never been to a place like this before, so I will admit that although I'm not a prude, I was nervous about being naked. Taking off your clothes, shoving them into the locker, then bolting over to the showers butt-ass-naked was somewhat uncomfortable. But as soon as you get into the pools, it's honestly not that weird. EVERYONE is naked, so you get used to it pretty fast. The people who are running around trying to cover themselves with the little hand-towels (they don't have any full-size towels) just look silly. Get outside your comfort zone, go to Spa World, and just get naked already!!
Anyway, there's a large, warm pool in the middle of the room that has various different jets and waterfalls with "massaging" features. Off to the side are 2 hot tubs and a couple of cold tubs. The pools also have digital thermometer readings on them, so you don't accidentally jump into the cold tub expecting the hot tub. There's a sauna room and a steam room off to the side also.
After the pool room, we grabbed lunch at the restaurant in the poultice room. The food was tasty and was very reasonably priced. I got a noodle soup with veggies and clear broth, and it was very good. It was very filling and was only $8.
You pay for everything inside of the spa with your key, so be careful not to rack up a huge tab (you pay your tab on your way out, and you can't retrieve your shoes until you pay). We did get lunch, but we didn't buy any of the services. I was interested in the body scrub, and I might check it out next time, but I couldn't bring myself to shell out another $50. I'm also going to check into the manicures and pedicures next time I visit.
I visited the gym briefly before we left. I'm definitely going to bring workout clothes next time and start my day with a good workout. The gym is really nice. Tons of machines, and it was practically empty for a Saturday afternoon.
So. After being at the spa for a grand total of 16 hours, I spent about $55...$35 on the admission fee and $20 for breakfast and lunch. Not too shabby. I'll definitely be back! -
Review from J R.
Arlington, VA
12/17/2011
Here's what you need to know (from a man's perspective):
Price: it cost a lot, but with kids, we told ourselves it was a vacation. My wife and I went for the basic package, got massages, and ate some food. Total: $275. No, that was not a typo.
Is the bade pool really that amazing? People, it is a massive hot tub. Hot tubs are nice, but you know how it is - you eventually want to get out.
How weird is it to be naked with other people? A little, but you get over it - until you notice a group of five guys hanging out together and appearing to check out every guy who comes it. When those guys leave, it's easier to feel comfortable.
Is the scrub/massage really that amazing? I have to say, it was very well done (not to mention expensive). And the dude was so clinical about it that I didn't feel weird being naked.
Are the various heated room that amazing? Um, no. First of all, it requires you to believe in the magical powers of the various minerals of which the rooms are made. Once you get past that, you'll probably think it's life-changing. Otherwise, it's just a bunch of saunas that are heated at different temperatures.
Warning: Drink lots of water. I almost passed out at one point. Remember, when you start talking to yourself and forget how weird that looks, you've been exposed to the heat too long. -
Review from Sahar R.
**Warning: This is a highly detailed review of a locker room. Please consult other reviews if you want to know what the rest of the place is like***
I spent two hours in the Spa World locker room in the middle of the night. Why do you ask?
Oh because I am a moron, and went on the last possible day you could use the groupon. My plan was simple, I would:
a) Get loaded on sake and sushi at Kushi
b) Be driven out here at around 11:55pm, he goes his way, I go mine.
c) Enjoy the bade pools during quieter hours, and not risk the chance into running into someone I knew while I was naked.
Per the usual, most Groupon customers are procastinators, and there was a line to get in. So once I got in, I stripped down, grabbed a towel the size of a napkin, and quickly jogged to the crowded bade pools. Looking around, I thought, "OMG, I know her, and her, and her". And then I reversed direction and ran back into the locker room. Ok, you might say I have some issues with being nakkid.
So for two hours, I sat in this locker room waiting for the facebook/yelp check ins at Spa World to stop, and I learned the following things while in there:
1) Damn this place is clean.
2) If Newton hadn't been hit by that apple I bet he'd have discovered gravity today in this place by observing old lady body parts.
3) Being in a locker room for an extended period of time wasn't bad. There's ample space, lotion, Q-tips, a scale (that was a fun time killing, self esteem destroying activity!), towels, couches, and beverages.
4)Ladies, don't bother shaving/waxing anything, it's like being embarrassingly overdressed at a party.
When the coast was clear, I did make it out to the bade pools. I did get the scrub down, and it was kind of like getting a scrub down by an overly aggressive OCD grandmother in a black bra and panties. I mean there are some parts/organs/appendages of me I wanted to keep, that I swear that lady wanted to scrub away. Every nook and cranny is scrubbed to a shine. The jets in the bade pools (especially in the big pool) melted my worries away. Loved the red clay ball room (for those of you that love Chuck E Cheese, you sink into a layer of small clay balls that give a good foot massage) and the cool off in the cold/ice room. I did get some fried dumplings too in the rest area (not bad).
I emerged with my self esteem relatively intact, relaxed and with a big head of humidity moisture altered hair. I would love to come back here on a cold winters day to relax, I just hope none of you are there. Seriously, warn me before you go.Listed in: I've got five on it., Because of Groupon
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Review from Laura C.
Centreville, VA
Updated - 12/27/2011
After my third visit to Spa World, I must again mention how nice it all is. Food wise, the Russian dumplings are my favorite, along with the Mango Boba Tea.
As usual, I enjoy spending time in the Bade Pool first, followed by a snack, and some time in the poultice rooms. The Amethyst Gem room is so beautiful. I got the scrub and massage; it is awesome. Then back for more boba and a nap in a very comfy chair.
I always wish I could spend more time there. I wish I could come late at night, spend he night, and wake up at Spa World. Maybe next time!1 Previous Review: Show all »
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6/15/2011
Do yourself a favor and go to Spa World. And do yourself a bigger favor and read some of the… Read more »
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Review from Evan R.
Silver Spring, MD
Updated - 11/25/2011
Just wanted to update some info based on my second go 'round here. There are a few mentions of a coupon for Spa World that you can get at a local Korean grocery store. The grocery store in question is called "Hanaro Food", and it is five or six doors down to the left, as you are facing Spa World (not next door, like someone mentioned). If you spend $50 on groceries there, you only have to pay $10 to get in to Spa World. Hanaro is a big place with many "American" food options, so I plan on doing my shopping for the week there on my next visit, thus talking advantage on the offer.
And last time I went to SW, I noticed that there is a sleeping room, so I decided to give it a try and make this visit an overnight trip. The sleeping room is for men only; the mats are kind of thin; and, dissapointingly, they leave the light on so that the room can be recorded on video. Not the most sleep-inducing environment on the planet.
I made a brief visit to the Poultice room at 3 AM in hopes of escaping from the snoring man in the sleeping room who possessed a nose that would rival any English Bulldog in its girth. Curiously, nearly every mat in the common area was occupied with snoozing Asians, as were the couches and chairs. I would estimate that 35 people, give or take, crashed at SW for the night.
Also, the Bade Pool is about 5 degrees cooler first thing in the morning, but it was still an awsome way to start my day.1 Previous Review: Show all »
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10/18/2011
So I'm writing this review from a red-blooded American male perspective, reason being is that my… Read more »
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Review from Ash B.
Woodbridge, VA
11/30/2011
I love this place! At first, reading all about this place, I was a little bit sketchy about the whole concept of being naked. But at least it is not coed! It's just like being in a locker room with women. No biggie!
When we go their, I usually hit the gym, and then I go into each sauna room. There are so many sauna rooms, so many to choose, so I just do each one for about 5-10 min, with an occasional break in between. It is very relaxing! Of course, don't forget to hit the cold room!
The bade pools are awesome! I enjoy the multiple jets that target different areas of the body. Time sure flies when you are in there.
This place is pretty pricey, but everytime there is a deal for this place, it's a definite buy! -
Review from Katie G.
Arlington, VA
11/21/2011
I broke my Spa World cherry yesterday.
I won't bore you repeating all the info already here. I will say that the body scrub was incredible. I'm not wearing body lotion today AND I took a hot shower this morning but my skin is soft. On the not so great side, I used a Groupon that included the foot massage and a. it was too rough/very painful and b. they extort more money from you for the gratuity which is normally included in their prices. I said, OK, what would the price be before tip? "$37" OK, then, I said, add $8. "No, no, must add $10, $15, or $20. WTH. Someone got the memo on the US tipping culture a bit wrong. So I'd say don't buy the combo when another Groupon comes up. However, here's a tip--apparently there are always discounted admission coupons at the nearby Korean grocery stores, so you can do that and not deal with the Groupon hassle.
There are interesting signs to read while you're getting the painful foot massage (FWIW, I've heard that the massages are great.) Instructions include (if I read it right), don't come (for the foot massage) if you're menstruating or pregnant. Huh. I mean, I know I have more sensitive nerve endings just before my period, but it didn't say "PMS ladies stay home." I'm curious about that one.
I had a meal and thought it was mediocre.
I love the different cave-like rooms, especially that red clay ball thing. So comfortable (I kinda rolled out of the room so didn't hurt my feet.) -
Review from H D.
Brooklyn, NY
1/14/2012
Don't waste your time dealing with anything else around DC. There is nothing that's not awesome about Spa World. I note that there are comments about wooden q-tips (stfu) and nudity (um...do you understand what a spa is?) but let's just get to the gimmes. There is good sweet iced coffee available at 3am. There is boss food including eel at 11pm. There are SMOKING rooms if you're a smoker and SLEEPING rooms if you want to max your stay. The first time I came here, I thought about getting a truck and camper and a year-long membership. That good. That good...
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Review from Aruna A.
11/26/2011
Spa world is a great place to spend the day chillaxin to the maxin!
I recently visited here, while in the desperate need for such a day. It was just what the doctor ordered! They have a pretty disorganized check in system - in the sense that there are just a few people working on check in's, there are usually a good number of people trying to check in at once, and at the same time, there are people checking out. Once you get beyond that, and store your shoes - get ready to relax!
The locker rooms for the women are beautiful and clean. We signed up for a body scrub and then set off to enjoy. The women's pools are well maintained, and the shower jets are so calming on your body. The pools are nice, the sauna's are all great. After some time in the women's area, we trekked upstairs to the co-ed rooms. The co-ed rooms are few, and are spaced out around a giant lounge with tv's and snacks. I didn't try any foods, but they all looked a TAD over priced, but yummy. The co-ed rooms we tried were nice, definitely recommend the red clay ball room.
After we were even more relaxed, headed down for a body scrub. The only real disappointment of the day was this body scrub. I've had them before in korean spa's, and I usually feel a lot more like I've shed skin. This was a good body scrub, but not great. I expected more!
Beyond that, all in all a great relaxing place go to spend a day. Have a ton of hours available. I recommend it! -
Review from Christina S.
Washington, DC
1/15/2012
To begin with, if you can't bear even the thought of being naked in front of others in the Badepool this is not for you. Otherwise, this is the place to go to for a day in a Bathhouse. It is open 24/7. The pool area is of decent size, and the poultice rooms are very nice. The poultice rooms are around a large area with mats to sit on which adds something of a picnic atmosphere (in a good sense). People read, surf the internet, nap, chat, meet family and friends. Off this main area also is a restaurant that serves Korean and Russian food. The ticket is for 24h, and it is definitely possible to spend a night here comfortably; should I ever strand at Dulles, I might just come here. I highly recommend Spa World.
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Review from D J.
Arlington, VA
11/16/2011
I'm not going to go into detail about what the place looks like or how it functions because there are enough reviews already that detail all that.
I just want to say BEWARE of the massages here. I had a 60 min massage on Friday night and it's now Wed and I'm still in pain. The woman totally beat me up and bruised me so bad. My lower back is in so much pain and I'm pretty much limping when I walk. My shoulders were so badly bruised and hurt that it almost felt like a sunburn the next day..I could barely have anything touching them.
I tried to tell the lady to not be so rough but like many others here have stated..the employees that work there don't speak much English.
I hated it and felt like a cult member in the stupid uniforms you have to wear while in there. HORRIBLE experience!!!!! I wouldn't go there even if it was free. -
Review from Irena N.
10/24/2011
LOVE this place! It runs like well-oiled machine. You check in, trade your street clothes for a cotton "uniform" (yellow for men, orange for women), and lounge around the hot poultice rooms (ranging in temperature from the 130s to the 170s) sweating your butt off.
Maybe you'll have some tasty bulgogi or bubble tea at the restaurant/cafe, take a long nap, or get a massage or a body scrub. Or you can go work out at their fitness center. Or surf the web (free WiFi.) All in all, whatever your heart desires.
My favorite part is the bade pool area, located inside the respective locker rooms. The "pool" (giant 95 degree hot tub!) and the two smaller hot tubs are so relaxing. I really can't remember the last time I felt so cleansed and peaceful.
Warning: if you are not comfortable with nudity - both your own and other ladies' or gentlemen (everything naked is separated by gender of course) - this is really not the place for you. Cause, well - no bathing suits allowed, and there are quite a few people who just like to hang out naked. :) I personally found it very freeing. -
Review from Tom N.
11/5/2011
I wasn't sure how to go about spending a day at Spa World, since I got a day pass, so I figured I'd try a bit of everything. Not a lot of instruction is provided, and the signage is obscure. If you're low on cultural awareness or common sense, it would make sense to go with a friend on your first visit. For example, walking around naked in the sauna and locker rooms is compulsory, but taking a stroll in the nude through the poultice room is frowned upon. Once in the massage rooms, it's clothing optional again, though no other services are offered beyond your regular massage. Too many inconsistencies in my mind.
There's a juice bar and a Korean restaurant serving Russian dumplings in the back. You could plausibly telework from their couches and desks with the free wifi. There's even a sleeping area upstairs that's relatively quiet. I'm a fan of the ice room and the red clay ball room, even though it smells a bit funky. I weighed myself on the scale in the locker room both on my way in and out; ended up sweating off almost ten pounds without dying in just one visit. -
Review from Jamie C.
Falls Church, VA
Updated - 10/27/2011
I've returned since my original visit with a groupon deal and to my dismay their sanitation standards seem to have decreased...I found strands of black hair everywhere in standing water..bleh...
Even if they offered another 'deal' I'd decline. :/1 Previous Review: Show all »
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7/18/2010
Forgot your cotton swabs? No problem! They have tons of little necessities..toiletries.. and it's… Read more »
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Review from Lauren B.
9/30/2011 1 Check-in Here
It has taken me two weeks to write this review because I am just not sure how to explain what it is like to drive to Centreville, leave this universe and be reborn. I had wanted to go to Spa World for some time and this is my story...
I occasionally rent a car for the weekend and on one such weekend I ventured out to the alternate world of bliss. I got to Spa World in the middle of the night around 3AM and was greeted warmly but the staff at the counter. I deposited my shoes in a locker and proceed to the locker room where I disrobed. Let's pause here because this is when I paused. It took me a minute to get up the guts to walk into the spa room and the bade pool. But I quickly discovered that when everyone is naked then everyone is naked and it's really no big thing. The rest of the night was blissful.
Highlights:
-The Bade Pool, its like a floating handless massage
-The steam sauna with the lavender misty stuff (made me giggle like a new baby)
-The Red Clay ball room
-The Oakwood room
- The Ice Room
THE ENTIRE PLACE.
I showed up at 3AM and stayed until 8AM. I will be back for food, the salon and scrub and the gym! -
Review from Kirsten D.
Annapolis, MD
11/2/2011
Gonna have to add to the positive comments about this place. It was on groupon so I figured what the heck, and got two for my best friend and I to have a spa day. Didn't know what to expect, and I have to admit I was a bit freaked out by the nude bade pool concept. But after getting there and getting acclimated to the place I *mostly* got over that ;) I am still astonished by the place, it is HUGE - and did I say amazing yet.
We signed up for a salt scrub/massage, and yet again the whole nekkid thing lying on the table (with 6-8 people lined up on their tables) was freaky. Then the lady started scrubbing, and she scrubbed hard and EVERYWHERE. It was borderline painful at times, tickle-ish at other times and pleasant for a moment or two. Every once in a while they take a giant bucket of hot water and dump it over you, make you flip and contort in all kinds of strange way (then get irritated with you when you don't have a clue what they want you to do). Then they tell you to shower and come back, then comes the massage part. Honestly, that wasn't as good as most massages I've had, but the cucumber facial was nice. I didn't' notice it as much then, but I was so soft after that. Honestly, it was crazy I kept fondling my skin and going "ohhhh"
We then wandered out to the co-ed area to look around. We tried the cafe, and the food was decent (I was having dumpling envy as I got the Russian ones and really should have gone with the Chinese ones). Besties food was great though.
We then wandered into all the rooms, seeing what each of them was about. Some were strange (the red clay ball room really hurts to walk in and out of), some chilly (the cold room - my personal fav), and the onyx room to name a few. We do wish they had signs as to approximately how long you should stay in there to get the benefits.
We didn't really take advantage (mostly we didn't know what to expect so we didn't plan well). Next time I'm bringing the kindle, not dropping of the kids at Grandmas (had a time limit with that) and planning to spend a lot more time there.
I'm really hoping they do another groupon for this, I'm getting more! -
Review from Morgan M.
Washington, DC
10/31/2011
Tons of Yelpers have raved about how great this place is, so I don't have much to add.
I read the Yelp reviews on this place before I went, which I have to say were extremely helpful in knowing what to expect my first time there. It's true that they don't give you much direction in terms of what to do, but once you're there you figure it out and you realize that it's pretty obvious and simple.
I went with two girlfriends last weekend and we had a great time. Totally got over the nudity insecurity thing really quickly and just enjoyed our time there. We spent four hours there on a Sunday afternoon, which was NOT enough time at all. Here's what I'll do the next time I go:
1. Plan to spend the entire day there--literally 12 hours. We spent so much time in the bade pool, hot tubs, and wet sauna that we didn't even get to really experience the poultice rooms.
2. Start with the poultice rooms--enjoy the rejuvenation/release of toxins/health treatment as the sweat beads up and rolls down your body.
3. Eat lunch. The food was really good and the portions provided are very generous. We ended up splurging by each getting an entree and bubble teas and sharing a plate of Russian dumplings. I also ended up buying a bottle of water. The bubble tea was a little thick (more like a thick tea slushy and the tapioca balls a little too firm in my opinion. Next time I'll just order the entree and bring my water bottle. They have fountains to refill your water.
4. Chill out. Read, watch TV, talk to friends, surf the web, nap. Whatever. The lounge chairs in the main room are SO comfortable--as well as the couches in the ladies locker room. This is what we missed out on the most--the opportunity to just sit and chill and veg. I totally could have fallen asleep there and then woken up and spent another four hours enjoying the spa. Don't cheat yourself out a full spa day. This place is worth it and it makes the entry price more cost effective.
5. Shower and reserve an appointment for a body scrub.
6. Enjoy the bade pools, hot tubs and wet sauna. (I like the wet sauna in the bade pool room much better than the dry one--just a personal preference.) Make sure to soak in the hot tub in preparation for the body scrub.
7. Go to my body scrub appointment. Hands down the body scrub was the most amazing part of my experience there. It turned an otherwise typical spa experience (water, scents, saunas, poor attempts at relaxation) into a trip to an amazing alternate universe where everything is wonderful and light.
8. Shower, rinse, and repeat--enjoy the bade pool, hot tubs, wet saunas until you're exhausted of all the water.
9. Shower clean and go home.
So yeah, my main suggestion is to start with all the different poultice rooms and end with the body scrub. I'm confident that will guarantee a magnificent experience. Also, be aware that the price of food and services can creep up on you. So, I would suggest to either plan for a splurge day or go in with your own water bottle/snacks (actually not sure if they allow that) and a set amount that you plan to spend. -
Review from Ria N.
Alexandria, VA
12/1/2011
It was the most awkward, downright embarrassing things I've had to do. And yet, it was also the most refreshing and relaxing experience I've ever had.
SpaWorld is not for the faint of heart. It is for the weary in search of solace from a busy and crazy lifestyle. It is a 24 hr haven to void oneself of inhibition and tension.
Immediately upon entering, you are transported to Korea. The gleaming wood floors, the eco-friendly ambiance, the bright white-fluorescent lights, are all reminiscent of Asianess with obssesive compulsive cleanliness (in a good way).
Shoes that touched the dirty outside is stored before proceeding to the locker rooms where your ordinary clothes are shed and replaced with mandatory orange t-shirt and shorts spa uniforms. Perhaps the uniform is citrus color to visually create a happy and uplifting mood.
There are several sauna rooms, each with varying degrees of hotness. When you step inside one, you'll know exactly what it feels like to be a pizza in an oven. Each room has a sign describing the health benefits of the sauna room. Basically, my best scientific hypothesis is this: you sweat out the bad stuff and dry out the bacteria. Drink water, it will help you not melt.
The decor in the "gem" sauna is absolutely stunning. Inside it are beautiful stone mosaics creating floral patterns, a huge colorful sun as the focal point and many other tiny details you'll just have to see to appreciate. Another unique sauna room is one filled with small orbs that absorbs heat (think kid's bouncy ball playground, but instead of the plastic balls, you have round marble-like clay balls). When you lie down in it, the orbs relax every part of your muscles. People actually sleep in there!
There is also an igloo "cold" sauna to cool your core temperature after the hot exposures. The saunas were a great way for my friends and I to chat and let some steam off and then cool down.
It was home away from home complete with a cafeteria serving yummy Korean dishes: bulgogi, bibimbap, galbi, etc, etc..nom, nom, nom. There's also a bar/lounge area serving different flavors of boba! How awesome is that?!
The space in front of the saunas is the general assembly, sprawl area. Mats are laid out for the ultimate bum experience. You can chillax, catch up on zzz's, stretch, do yoga, or twist yourself into a pretzel with some self-taught pilates moves. We used this space to dabble around with an Ipad and sleep. The sound of water trickling down on the fountain was hypnotic.
Then, in the locker room comes the catch! You HAVE to be butt-naked. That's right, NAKED!!! to use the pool. For hygienic reasons, they say, you cannot wear any piece of clothing nor can you bring any outside products (save your bikini, Dove soap, your favorite shampoo & conditioner, or loofah for someplace else). The quarter length towels is not nearly enough to hide all the unsightly parts of my body even I try to forget about much less display to strangers. And yet, once you get over the initial shock and blend in with the birthday suit crowd, it's not nearly as bad, It was all very primitive, (think Adam and Eve era, but don't worry, it's a female only locker room, the men can deal with their own exposed drama in their own locker room). One piece of advice: you have to walk around in there like you're all that and a bag of chips. Go head girl, show what your mama gave you. Otherwise, shyness is awkward.
Besides all that, the pool was amazing! After I stepped into the pool, the self-conscious anxiety wears off as the water has a cloaking effect. One section had a deluge of pouring water. Standing under there was like being beneath a waterfall. The jet stream of waves along the pool walls massaged my back. The soak-in wading sauna area was relaxing and provided the opportunity (as human nature would have it) for the occasional curious glance (what the heck is she doing? and oh my, time to turn away). Once I let myself enjoy the relaxing waters, it was a pleasant experience.
Devoid of clothes, devoid of shame, devoid of anything that tied you to the outside world, SpaWorld is an escape from the norm. In order to feel free and your most best self, the concept is unconventional. There is definitely a sense of wellness.
SpaWorld allows you to rid yourself, even if only for a few minutes or hours, of the burdens and pressures of your hectic and at times overwhelming life. Massages and scrubs are available, so it's a one-stop shop.
At the end of it, I felt like I slept for years. My muscles (or the little that I have) were relaxed. My faced glowed. I felt so fresh, so clean! I felt brand new. It was a mindful way to rest, re-charge, and to go home from there ready to face the real world with a newfound serenity. And then later, to laugh at the experience and do it all over again....$35 buys you a ticket to tranquility. -
Review from Leah T.
Frederick, MD
12/19/2011
I LOVE SPA WORLD!
DO:
- Come in with an open mind.
- Bring bath/shower stuff (shampoo, body wash, loofahs, razor, etc.) They provide shampoo and conditioner, but it's nice to have your own. And they sell razors and stuff for a relatively low price too).
- Bring stuff to give yourself your own facial. Bring face mask stuff and find a nice place to lay and pamper your own face for free. (They also sell face masks for one or two dollars)
- Go next door to the Korean grocery store and find scrubbing bath cloths to buy. It's probably what they use for the body scrub treatment, but you can do it yourself. (They also sell this there, but it's more expensive than the Korean grocery store)
- Come with plenty of time to spend at Spa World
- Start in the poultice roomas and get all sweaty, then go to the bade pool. And repeat if you have time.
DON'T:
- be skeptical of the nudity. Once you get naked, it's fine. You don't even notice it. I don't know about you, but with so many naked people in one room, my eyes automatically go to people's eyes. I went with friends and it wasn't even weird because I didn't really see them naked, because my eyes just jumped right up to their eyes. Hahaha.
- Try to wear a bathing suit, or cover up in the bade pool area with a towel. This will draw more attention to yourself, and people WILL stare at you, and that's probably the opposite of what you want them to do.
I absolutely loved Spa World. I'm half Korean (so I was used to the public nudity because I have been to public bathhouses when I visited Korea before) and I went with two white, American friends who have never experience public nudity before. They were nervous at first, but as soon as they got naked, they didn't even care, or notice anymore.
Spa World is so relaxing, and I can't wait til I can get a deal on groupon again and go. :) -
Review from Shannan S.
Washington, DC
9/12/2011
Spaworld is bliss. I have been graced by the loveliness of this place twice; both times I went with my boyfriend and we each took advantage of the bade pools, poultice rooms, food, and extra services. I'll briefly review all:
Poultice rooms - amazing and beautiful rooms heated to different temperatures. you are given a strange little gender-deflating outfit to wear, and you're naked underneath. you will sweat a lot, don't wear makeup. the cold room is usually where the white people gather to talk about how awesome this place is.
Bade pools - saunas, hot/cold tubs, pool, infrared stones (?), and you have to be naked. its weird at first to see so many different naked people, but no one cares. Also odd to note how many people go with friends, family, and children. love the cold tub after the hot tub.
food - excellent fried dumplings. excellent mango bubble tea. i wasn't crazy about the hot soft tofu soup. but very good and reasonable prices. You pay using your bracelet, so no need to carry cash.
massages: tiny asian woman jumps on your back and literally kicks your butt. Very strange, but effective. You come out sore if you don't get frequent massages. $50/half hour.
Body scrub: AMAZING - I have never been so happy about a tiny woman handling me so roughly. They use these gloves and slough off a layer of your skin. Not kidding -you can see bunches of dead skin on the table when you get off. it feels incredible. $50/half hour (scrub only) $90 for an hour of scrub and massage.
Also - after you're done, be sure to run over to the asian supermarket down the street. they give a bunch of free samples, and have amazing deals on fresh produce and fun snacks. -
Review from Jannelle P.
Ashburn, VA
10/30/2011
Awesome place. I HIGHLY recommend Spa World. I absolutely love this place. Its $35.00 for the DAY!
I check in. Change into the orange "jump suit" (shorts and top) and head straight to the poultice rooms. The rooms are amazing. One is stunningly beautiful, another makes you feel weightless, another helps your skin, they all have their own unique benefits. I make sure I drink plenty of water during this time. I also snack if I need it.
When I finish with the poultice rooms I shower with my Korean body mitt ($5). These FREAKING AMAZING!!!! I get super clean and my skin is super soft. Then I head to the bade pool. Which is a heated pool with a lot of different jets, waterfalls, etc you use to massage your muscles (neck, shoulders, back, arms, legs, feet). They also have a different temperature whirlpools and a cooling pool.
After I finish my rounds here, I dry off and put my "jump suit" back on and do the poultice rooms again. Shower and do whatever comes to mind.
Sometimes you fall asleep, sometimes you read, its just a great relaxing day. When you leave there is no stress, no anxiety, just peace and well being. -
Review from liz r.
Washington, DC
12/17/2011
I love Spa World. I have only been there twice but it is an affordable escape. I really like soaking in those hot baths. Wonderful. I also tried the restaurant there and it's really good and very reasonably priced.
-
Review from Victoria C.
Seattle, WA
8/23/2011 1 Check-in Here
I was a little hesitant to bare all in front of total strangers, but I'm glad I did. Spa World was the ultimate way to spend a Sunday afternoon (my sister, friend and I spent 6 hours here!). If you can get over the fact that you will be buck naked, it's super relaxing. You pay $30 for admission, they hand you a uniform and key, and you're on your way.
Tips:
1. They don't really go out of their way to explain things to you.
2. Remember to take off your shoes and place them in the lockers in the lobby (we got scolded for walking into the locker room with shoes on)
3. Don't spend too long in any of the hot rooms. They don't tell you there is a recommended time limit, but you will seriously pass out and dehydrate if you spend too much time in any one of the hot rooms. Alternate with the chill tub or ice room.
4. Try the food and boba! I love Korean food. Nom nom nom. We shared the Russian dumplings and stone pot bibimbap. Both were delicious.
5. Stay hydrated. Drink lots of water throughout your visit.
6. Don't lose your key!
7. Try a body scrub. Damn, I had a lot of dead skin I didn't realize I had.
8. Relax. There will always be someone fatter, skinnier, older, younger, hairier, wrinklier (insert word here), etc. than you.
Everything was great. Minus one star, though, for questionable ethics...they didn't make us sign anything or confirm whether or not we had any diseases. The place looked clean and sanitary, but you never know... -
Review from Ali E.
Washington, DC
10/3/2011
Wow. I'm trying to accumulate some vacation days (and vacation money), but after visiting Spa World, I felt I just got a bargain trip to the Far East. Literally, I felt I was in a different country as I escaped into the relaxing Spa World abyss for some several hours (it was hard to leave!). From the exotic hot rooms, to the (affordable) korean cuisine, to the diverse patronage (speaking amongst themselves in native tounges), and the Dharma Initiativesque wardrobes - I sure as heck didn't feel I was in some strip mall in northern virginia. The exterior footprint of this this place is deceptively small; it's like the house from the Goonies -inside exists an expansive escape from reality (without the one-eyed pirates).
Only drawback is that it's so farrrrr away (I live in the district); but gonna try to make it down here at least a few times a year. -
Review from Seyran C.
Annandale, VA
12/12/2011 1 Check-in Here
This place truly is amazing. I went there last weekend with a friend of mine who swore by the healing and rejuvenating effects of the sauna. After one visit, i totally got what she was talking about! We stuck to the poultice rooms (dry sauna) for our first visit, lingering in each of the six or seven rooms around 20-30 minutes. I'm not an easy sweater, but the red clay ball room left me soaked and it was one of the best 20 minutes of my life, so much that i did this room twice. The restaurant inside is wonderful and seems to be truly authentic (i thoroughly enjoyed my bibimbap bowl alongside all of the accoutrements). Each of the poultice rooms are designed with a health objective, be it improved circulation or elevated metabolism, and are decorated beautifully (check out the amethyst room). I would recommend this place to everyone, and intend to make it a ritual from now on!
-
Review from Arthur S.
Silver Spring, MD
1/20/2012
I generally agree with the other positive reviews for this place, and I have been going there for several years. However, I went there last Sunday and it was awfully crowded. Maybe that is a sign of success, but it made the experience less pleasant. It was still clean, the rooms were nice,etc., so don't get me wrong. See my review of Riverside in Annandale, for an alternate experience.
-
Review from Styx S.
VA
8/25/2011
I just want to add a few tidbits to the otherwise helpful reviews.
Do not let being naked stop you from enjoying Spa World. No matter how many hours you spend there--it is like a real mini vacation.
I love that it is not some weird-o new-agey spa playing quiet music. I like that I can bring my laptop (or not), my cell phone (or not), a book (or not) or even a gaggle of girlfriends and not get dirty looks for being too loud in the public areas. -
Review from Janice M.
Waldorf, MD
9/28/2011
All of the positive reviews on this site are very accurate so I will not re-write the same thing. I did see one minor complaint about the person at the front reception not giving any direction. I had the same experience. This was my first visit and she just handed me my supplies. I had to go back and ask her what should I do.
If you are worried about getting naked in front of other women, get over it. Everyone has the same thing you have and no one cares to look you up and down. The place is super clean, even the bathroom floor! You must leave your shoes in a locker at the door. We went on a rainy Friday night from 10:30 p.m. to 7 a.m. Saturday morning. It was not crowded at all. I loved it, loved it, loved it. I used my Groupon - wish I had bought more. I went last weekend and am considering going back this weekend. It is super relaxing. -
Review from Morgan T.
Washington, DC
9/6/2011 1 Check-in Here
Spa World is one of my favorite places. My friend turned me on to this place and I had heard many good things about it before I had actually gone for the first time.
The first time was such an experience for me because I had never gone to a Korean spa before or anything like one. This place is also open 24/7 although some of the services may not be available 24/7, the saunas are.
You have to be pretty comfortable in your own skin for the locker room and the bade pool. Nakedness in encouraged and everyone is ok with it, but if your not, this is not the place for you. You also have to wear uniforms while in the sauna rooms. They aren't great, but they get the job done without much concern from me.
There are five or six sauna rooms each having a different temperature which is usually shown above the door, and a unique healing ability, which can be read on the panel next to the door. There is also an ice room. There are mats for people to lay a relax on, a cooler for water, TV's to watch and desk area for using laptops and such, a lounging area, magazines (which look pretty well used), a snack and juice bar and a Korean restaurant. The restaurant has pretty good Korean food as well as teriyaki and fried chicken for people who want something familiar. Upstairs there are even more rooms like a nail salon, and even a smoking room.
I recommend going early in the morning. It seem like it is a little less crowded and quieter in the morning which can lead to a relaxing experience. I usually get a couple of naps while lying down in the saunas and watch Good Morning America or read while I am out of the saunas while I sip a smoothie.
The Bade pool in the looker room is the best part for me, the water jets in the pool are a great massage for the muscles. This is also where they preform the scrubs. Besides the Bade pool there are also showers, hot tubs, cold tubs, and even more saunas.
I got a scrub once and it surely got the job done. My skin was super smooth and soft. Though as I said before you will have to be comfortable in your own skin for this.
Check out Livingsocial and Groupon for deals on Spa World which are great for checking the place out with friends for the first time. You will feel so so refreshed after leaving this place -
Review from black p.
Annandale, VA
10/19/2011
hey ladies, the 70s called... they want their pubes back.
that was the very first thought that popped into my head after the initial shock of walking through those glass doors into the women's pool/spa area in my berfmas suit.
so, The Dude and i finally cashed in our groupons last night. admittedly, i was a bit nervous from the get go 'cause i knew what the outcome would be upon entering this establishment. pure, unadulterated nekkid. and as confident as i may be in myself, i'm pretty damn shy when it comes to folks seeing me in the flesh. thankfully, after a couple of mins in the pool watching the other women strut their stuff, i realized, i had absolutely nothing to be shy about. for, not only were there women of all shapes and sizes with all types of hair growing everywhere... some of them were REALLY just downright fucked up looking. and with that, the nervousness began to dissipate... and shortly thereafter the stress i was carrying from my daily commute did, too. thank you, magic bubbles shooting out of the pool.
there's really not much else i can cover that everyone else who's been and wrote a review hasn't already. however, i can say one thing is for sure... i'll definitely be back. it was an awesome experience.
it'd be a perfect place to head during a truly shitty cold and wet day out.
side note: fuck 66. it sucks i have to take that to get to this place all the way out in Centreville. traffic was abysmal. even at 11 pm at night. -
Review from Peter T.
Washington, DC
8/6/2011 7 Check-ins Here
Step into another world! Spa World!
Not much more to be said about this place that you haven't already read about in the Washington Post (who seem to run an article on SW every few months) or elsewhere. This is truly a unique experience and is on my DC bucket list for something you have to do at least once when you live in this area.
The SW staff don't seem to be interested in making any special accommodation for "foreigners" -- they've transplanted a little piece of Korea right here. So, just think of it like a visit to another country. Just have an open mind, relax, and enjoy!
A few tips for your visit:
- Earlier in the day is better. On weekends, esp., the place gets very crowded in the afternoon.
- Bring whatever toiletries you want to use for the bath, but they do sell razors, toothpaste, and other items, and have soap, body wash, and other things available for communal use.
- The restaurant is good but choices are limited mostly to Korean dishes. (Since this is a spa, I do wish they had a few more healthier food options.) -
Review from Ashley H.
Aldie, VA
11/9/2011
I purchased a living social deal where I paid $40 for a massage, plus full access to all of their extra rooms - saunas, pool, showers, etc. I arrived to my appointment about 10 minutes early. There was one person working at the desk to both check in and check out customers. It took me the full 10 minutes to get through the line and even after I explained that I'd never been here before, the guy at the front desk didn't bother to explain how I go about where I go to wait for my massage, where I go to change my clothes, or what I could expect from anything. When I got to the woman's sauna room, I came to realize very quickly that it was mandatory that we be naked to enter into any of the facilities (except to wait for the massage). I searched around for someone that could speak English to ask them where I should go to wait for my massage. By this time, it was 15 minutes after my scheduled appointment time, in which it was explained that I would not get my full time.
The lady that massaged me did not understand English, and pretty much beat the crap out of me during the massage. I asked her to go softer and slower, but she did not understand. She did compliment me on how soft my skin is and how pretty my smile is. At the end of the short massage, she informed me that tip is not inlcuding in the living social price and asked me how much I'd be tipping her. Excuse me!? Who does that? I told her that I would leave $10...she informed the front desk and then I had to pay on the way out. This was one of the most uncomfortable experiences of my life. After the miserable experience with the massage, I didn't even feel like going to any of the other water rooms and seeing a bunch of other naked women for the rest of my evening. I did walk into a sauna to understand what it felt like, but that wa sit. Its sad because I've heard such great things about Spa World....but they just did not make me feel welcome today at all. I probably won't be back anytime in the near future. -
Review from Sheila D.
6/6/2011 ROTD 2/10/2012
Guys, seriously, I think I found the Disney World of Spas = SPA WORLD!!
After reading soo many great reviews about this place, my curiousity went on overload, & to top it off I got a super deal for this place on Groupon; so me going became a no brainer.
Don't let the strip mall location fool you, once you enter thru the glass doors, you'll feel like your in the lap of luxury.
So 1st, you start by signing in at the front desk, then you are given a key that works to unlock your shoe locker, gym locker, and it's also your credit card, so if you go in spending $ on facial/massages/food, they simply use the key to add to your balance. So far have you notice the resemblence to DisneyWorld (go pay ur ticket, then put all your stuff in a locker).
Next they hand you a jump suit and you walk down a hallway that leads to 2 entrances, ladies and gentlemen. These doors lead to the other locker room that holds your personal items, and this is where you strip down and get to strut your birthday suit (this part is definately NOT like DisneyWorld).
Then you enter the bade pool area (aka water park). You've got all these fun "water rides" such as a sith bath, back & neck water massager,as well as a dry/wet sauna, infrared rest area, hot tubs, and body scrubbing corner.
Once done there, you enter back into the locker room where you put on the jump suit that they provided. You go thru another set of doors and enter the Poultice Room aka It's a Small World of Saunas. The 1st area to visit in the "It's a Small World of Saunas" is the Amethyst Room it's located in 1 of the 2 igloo shaped saunas. Which is BEAUTIFUL! Just imagine being in a room of gems!!
Next is the 2nd igloo shaped sauna which is the Red Clay Room. There's the Ice Room, which is the last room you go into once you're done with all the saunas to help close your pores and keep your skin baby soft. There's the Oak Wood, Charcoal room, Red Clay Ball Room (which was my favorite). Just imagine lying on thousands of tiny clay balls, it's such an amazing feeling! Followed by the blue onyx room and salt room.
In the middle of the Poultice room is a communal rest area. To the side is a juice bar, wifi lounge area, and restaurant! And that's not all folks; Upstairs is the facial/massage/mani/pedi/waxing area. and to the side is an arcade room if your have little ones!
I'm telling you, this place is seriously an amusement park for adults. I would highly recommend coming here with a group of friends or your significant other! -
Review from Angela M.
Arlington, VA
7/5/2011
Dearest Spa World,
Oh how I love thee. Even when you are crowded and barely have room for me, and even when I am traumatized by naked women showing me parts of their bodies I don't want to see, and even though you only give me teenie tiny little towels with which to pretend to cover my naughty bits, I still love you so.
You help me relax, and unwind, and escape from the grind. You are a true gem.
Sincerely,
Angela -
Review from Eric P.
Centreville, VA
5/24/2011
I'm sorry, maybe it's a cultural difference or something, but I just don't get why everyone loves this place. Sitting around sweating with a bunch of strangers is relaxing? Um, ok. I didn't find being naked in a pool to be enjoyable either -- I guess Catholic school instilled too much shame in me.
Additionally, I found the personnel to be very brusque. For example, I was heavily chastised for not noticing the hamper in the locker room to return your uniform (I brought it to the front desk when I checked out.) I'm only giving it two stars because of the free Wi-Fi.
