City Spa & Health Center — Attraction in Los Angeles

I haven't wanted to write a review for City Spa because it's my own secret paradise but they deserve the recognition. This is Los Angeles only Russian Banya and it's as authentic as you'll find outside of Moscow. Founded over 70 years ago, the spa is centered around its multi level gas sauna with extreme heat. Here you'll find patrons beating each other with oak and eucalyptus branches. This is the best sauna in all of Los Angeles. Just outside is the cold plunge. It averages temps in the low 40's and is a perfect for those who aren't faint of heart. After the cold dip I sit for a while and let my body rejuvenate before I enter the steam room. There's no lack of steam and you can ask the staff for a spray which includes eucalyptus and other essential oils. Next I jump into the cold swimming pool with a temp in the low 60's. After a swim I relax in the jacuzzi. Then I use the salt sauna followed by the cold dip and do the entire circuit over again. They also have massages, a rooftop sun lounge, a gym, a sleep room, and last but not least an authentic Russian restaurant with item like borscht, lamb chops, watermelon with feta, branzino, and Russian dumplings. The food is wholesome, healthy, and tastes homemade. Some days are men only and some days are co-ed (bathing suit required) so check...

This place is not Fancy ! It is very unique and authentic. It's like an old bath house from another era . They offer massages and the infamous Platza. It's where you get beaten by wet oak leaves in the sauna . Serious exfoliation and circulation on the surface of the skin . They have a great open roof deck where you hang out and play chess or Backgammon while eating seeds or dried fish and some other russian delicacy . my favorite feature is the large pool that you can just dive into after you max out on steam or dry heat from the old school sauna . It's temperature is between the Jacuzzi and the...

Solid, old-school banya/schvitz. Was finally able to check it out earlier this year and just went for a co-ed session with my wife and our friends this past weekend. Once you get used to the way they run things, the place never disappoints. Sat down and had their kitchen menu as well. The kabobs and pierogis were very good, and the borscht never disappoints. Be sure to check the website to understand the hours, and make sure you leave a voice message on their phone when asking about a massage appointment (they run around away from the desk to take care of the place, but always...