Are Bathouses Still Popular?

[Lucky]

In the old, pre-AIDS days, the bathhouse was a staple of the gay community. If you didn't find someone at the bar, trek on over to Ritch Street and thousands of horny guys...well, okay, hundreds!...were available, maybe not to you, but to some guy who may or may not show up. I loved Ritch Street. Once AIDS hit San Francisco, it closed along with other similar establishments. I can't remember their names, although one popular one was at 8th & Howard.

This afternoon I was reading this funny account of a night at the Vatican sauna- yes, right there by the Vatican and owned by the Vatican. Maybe it was part of the employee benefits program or meant to deter kiddie abuse.  https://www.vice.com/en_us/article/xd4jk3/the-gay-sex-club-next-to-the-vatican-is-the-saddest-place-on-earth

(I'd submit that any sex club where you can't hook up is the saddest one.)

Nonetheless, it got me wondering. With AIDS virtually a historic memory and PREP standard fare, have bath houses returned in popularity? I'm not talking about ones with hustlers, just regular guys like you. If so, which ones and where? (I know, I am too old for these places now.) But, I want to know about them. (I once took a friend to an LA bathhouse where he was refused admission for being too old. He was 46.)

I hear there is one right here in the desert. Cathedral something? Another church reference. We do worship our sex gods. So what is the news on bathhouses in these United States?  Are the young gays enjoying these like I did?

  

[RockHardNYC]

"soon, I was forsaking my No Fatties rule and heading to the Bear Zone."

Clearly, the author was desperate to get off, or write a story. Personally, I'd rather eat a good meal than have sex with an obese man.

Bathhouses in Italy are an interesting experience, for a minute. But good luck finding the right minute. If you aren't a handsome Italian man with olive skin and dark hair, I wouldn't bother. Italian locals are not interested in having sex with their tourist visitors. Sex in Italy is so much more fun and rewarding when you hire someone. At least then you can get closer to your fantasy.

I'm always surprised to find any gay bathhouse open these days. Who has endless money to invest in these financial duds? It costs a lot of money to run a great bathhouse. I won't even mention how someone defines clean.

Young, horny guys find easy sex on their cell phones in the modern world. Using Grindr, you don't need to pay a $50 entrance fee, drag a gym bag, carry a gallon of disinfectant, and sign any documents while the security cameras are capturing endless photos of you.

Honestly, what incentive exists for a hot gay man in his 20's, 30's, and 40's to go to a bathhouse? Unless, of course, he's into "Fatties."

To a young, gay man, mentioning a bathhouse is like discussing land lines. Terms that a dinosaur would use.

[Lucky]

I hadn't thought of Grindr. It's like a bathhouse on your phone, so why need to go to one. But still, are there not bathhouses any more?

[TotallyOz]

I know there are a few in Bangkok but not for foreigners as much.  I was told the ones in NYC are still open but have not been in 15 years.  I never liked them as my body was not the one that was sought after unless I had some treats which I abhor.

[Lucky]

Isn't Babylon the big one? I went there once and was totally ignored. I kept looking for guys who looked as good as some of the money boys, but that was not to be. They had a restaurant there, so it was odd to undress for dinner!

[RockHardNYC]

15 hours ago, TotallyOz said:

I was told the ones in NYC are still open but have not been in 15 years.

I believe the West Side Club on 20th Street is still open. Also, the East Side Club on East 56th St. Very different places, from what I hear, attracting very different customers.

Manhattan's hipsters are extremely reluctant to travel north of 23rd Street. Nobody who considers himself "cool" goes to the Upper East Side for anything. Older, heavier, ethnic men from Queens tend to favor the East Side Club.

The Flatiron District still maintains an "edge," however dull it may be. And when it comes to sex, edge still implies non-fat. I know a few retail queens who love 20th St.

I have no idea how these places pay their rent. From what I hear, the housekeeping at both places is subpar.

In all my years in Manhattan, I've never been to a bathhouse here. The reason is simple: I never wanted to run into someone I know from work. Sex is a private affair for me.

I've known quite a few guys who adore bathhouses and enjoy sharing their stories. They love hearing about my gym exploits, too. Personally, I enjoy the good-looking men at my gym, and I prefer to see everything in the bright light of day. And the need to be discreet adds a little something to the sexual tension and eventual release.

There are bathhouse guys who enjoy the dark, maze-like rooms, naked men walking around in towels, the sound of water and fake-sex porn, and the group/social randomness of it all. Depending on the time and day you go, I suppose there is a chance you can still meet someone fun.

Popular? Enough to stay alive.

[floridarob]

On 2/12/2019 at 10:43 AM, RockHardNYC said:

There are bathhouse guys who enjoy the dark, maze-like rooms, naked men walking around in towels, the sound of water and fake-sex porn, and the group/social randomness of it all. Depending on the time and day you go,

you sure you've never been there, lol

[RockHardNYC]

2 hours ago, floridarob said:

you sure you've never been there, lol

Please. I have a framed collage of membership cards from bathhouses around the world. Just can't share any firsthand NY experiences. I assume all gay bathhouses share similarities, including crabs and bed bugs.

[SolaceSoul]

Flex in Atlanta is still open, and by all accounts, still thriving. The area around it has gentrified rapidly, so its surprising that it has lasted this long and hasn’t been sold for yet another high-rise.

I used to enjoy visiting various bathhouses whenever traveling. In the USA, the last one I visited was Club Lauderdale in Fort Lauderdale several years ago. I believe it’s still open. I think the one in Tampa as well as the one in Miami is still open. A few years ago, there were two in Dallas but I believe there is only one left. Same as in Houston. 

Pre-internet days (not just during pre-height of the AIDS crisis), bathhouses were a popular hookup method, and in some cases, were good for relaxation and working out. Also, the physical quality of the patrons was higher. Now? To be kind, not so much. As a previous poster mentioned, if one is into physical appearance and has an age range preference, the dying bathhouse scene in the USA is not worth the cost or the time.

The Internet and dating apps have changed the game. Also, in major metro areas, private clubs and sex parties — usually on invite-only emaillidys and strict membership requirements by category) have replaced bathhouses (and adult bookstores / peep shows). 

Outside the USA, it seems that the bathhouse, or sauna, Illa’s remained more popular. I know several Americans who wouldn’t be caught dead in. Bathhouse in the USA, but whenever they travel abroad, cannot wait to get to the local sauna.