Pause Venice — Attraction in Culver City

Ok, Ive gone to float a hand full of times at Pause (although the front desk girl didn't know this for some reason). Usually an amazing experience but this time it left much to be desired. Im a streamer on Twitch and wanted to stream my experience. First when I walked in to use the restroom it smelled awful in the hallway. Like moldy mildew sulfur and brimstone bacteria infection. It was nauseating. But it wasn't in my room so I didn't mention it. Float fine, great, cool, ok. But then. I always look forward to the zen room afterward which usually has turmeric ginger tea candles and meditation music, warm and inviting. Id bragged to my community about this amazing zen room. Hit the corner and nope foiled again. It was cold dark, the battery operated candles were turned off and no tea to speak of. But I could hear the front desk girl flirting with some guy at the front desk. I walked past a used tea set (which should have been collected by her) to the front desk where they both had their mask pulled down under their chins having a merry ol time. Im standing there hair wet cold like a beggar; waiting for this unprofessional heffa to acknowledge my presence. She looks over at me as if I was interrupting and I said "there's no tea in the zen room". her response "Tea? I can get tea, I guess"like She was doing me a favor. The guy said "Ill let you go and she told him it was ok and waved me off like I was trespassing on her property. By this time it was almost time to close, she brought my tea (begrudgingly) which was so hot I burned my hand then because it was almost closing I burned my mouth. Said forget it went to the front, no one. I waited, 5-mins then10 so I walked toward the door. Of course she pops up, and asked if I want to purchase more sessions. I just rolled my eyes and pushed the door open with my burned hand. It seems from most other post that the service is usually good but I am ethnic so...

Exposed to Illness at Pause

I came to Pause Wellness for an IV treatment before an upcoming trip. Instead, I was seated one foot away from a visibly sick man — coughing, sweating, and congested — in a cramped IV lounge designed for only two people.

Cramped Space, No Screening

After check-in, I was placed in the “IV Lounge,” which is a small section with two chairs, pushed close together with little separation and no barrier. During the first 10–15 minutes — including order confirmation, a brief doctor check, and the start of the IV — it became obvious the man next to me was unwell. His symptoms were not subtle. He looked and sounded actively sick (runny nose, coughing uncontrollably, congested).

Late Reaction, Unacceptable Risk

When the nurse finally returned, I asked to be moved. At the same time, the man requested a mask. Only then did the nurse respond and relocate me to a chair near reception. She apologized and said she hadn’t realized he was sick — but at that point, I’d already been in close quarters with someone who should never have been placed next to another client.

Failure in Basic Health Protocol

This should have been caught earlier. There were at least two staff interactions with him before the IV even started. No one flagged that he was clearly symptomatic. That’s an oversight in any setting, especially at a place that markets itself around wellness and prevention.

Recommendations for Pause Wellness

Screen and separate visibly ill clients immediately — this is basic health protocol.

Redesign the IV lounge to provide actual space and ventilation. One foot between chairs is unacceptable.

In conclusion, Pause completely missed the mark. I came in seeking health support and walked out feeling exposed and frustrated. I won’t return, and I’d caution others who are serious about avoiding illness to...

Fwiw, I've floated for 7 years now, started at Nova Ctr here in Woodland Hills, Just Float in Pasadena, and then Annica Float Club and Float 60 back in Chicago. I have been to this new float place twice now. First time several months ago was perfect! Exactly as I expect a float to be. This 2nd time left me a bit suspicious because the actual float room tank had a sweat sock smell. First time I've ever smelled that in the float tank! Now, I'm not a professional maintenance person, but I did contact my previous float studio owners and was told basically it should not have this smell. Nor have I ever experienced this smell previously at any float. Now, nothing bad can happen to you bec of concentration of salt in the water, but I think that some work needs to be done in their float tank room filtration system. They do have 3 pods as well, but I have not used theirs. Overall, a relaxing space, easy parking, great location, welcoming employees. Just need to address and correct that smell in float room tank bec it's not the norm. I def will go back after some time before i decide to float elsewhere bec I recognize maintaining these tanks isn't that easy and hopefully this gets addressed. ☆This review is for my visit 6 months ago but i see some other recent reviews have experienced gross floating conditions, so I will be waiting longer...