AIRE Ancient Baths Chicago — Attraction in West Chicago Township

I've pondered for quite some time whether to write a review, but as over a month has passed without any acknowledgment from Aire's management regarding the email I sent, I've decided to share my experience here. As a long-time admirer of Aire, having frequently visited their NYC location during my time there, been to their Barcelona location, and been a regular patron at their Chicago location since relocating, it's disheartening to say they've now irrevocably lost a loyal customer who often recommended their services. Below, I've included the concerns I previously communicated via email, which highlight a series of issues that starkly contrast with the high standards Aire is known for, especially given the premium prices that I once found justified by the quality of experience. Unfortunately, the severity of my last visit and the absence of any follow-up have convinced me to refrain from returning or recommending Aire to others.

The women's locker room - I asked for a larger robe and she brought me the robe I handed her and said you didn't have any. She then went to her locker again and said oh here is the last one and handed it to me. It was just odd how it was handled like she just didn't want to deal. The women's locker bathroom - the toilets - one of the stalls had no toilet paper, there was toilet paper all over the floor and the bathroom looked and felt dirty. The bathroom doors needed a good scrub and overall is felt unsanitary considering what we are there for. The Pools - I can't remember the names but the pool that is the hottest was white and filmy looking which was shocking to see as your pools are always so pristine and clear. So that felt a little odd and made us uncomfortable The pool with the jets - it was so white and filmy and had so much stuff floating around in it. I then walked over to the staff stand where 6 employees were standing around to inform them that the pool had a lot of stuff floating around in it. They did address this quickly and sent someone to clean it but by that point we had zero desire to go back into that pool, it was just a gross experience. The steam rooms - had a very strong mildew smell. Mind you I've been to tons of bath houses and I will say this is the first time I smelled such a strong mildew smell like that before and the first time at this bath that I experienced that smell at all. The unisex bathroom on the main level by the baths - felt disgusting! Even with the dim lights you could clearly see that that bathroom needed a deep scrub. The corner by the toilet needed some extra love. Again this was shocking to feel like this especially since I haven't experienced this the past two times at this location or any of your locations. We were told our massages were going to be in 45 minutes. It was well over an hour before our massages. That wasn't an issue, the issue is that no one informed us that we were going to be the last massage and they were closing early. We had the expectation of getting our massages and then taking another dip into the hot baths like we've done in the past but didn't get that opportunity because when we came out of the massage the candles were out and we were the last ones leaving. Communication would have been appreciated about this so we knew and didn't leave feeling a little disappointed that we didn't get to enjoy the best part of a dip post massage. Our massages were great! Zero issues with that experience itself but while we were getting massages we heard what sounded like a leaf blower and it was getting closer and closer and then realized it was a leaf blower and he was in the massage area and the masseuses' had to tell him to stop because we were in there and then he continued with the blower anyways. Kind of defeated the experience in that moment.

The greeting staff were great when we got...

I have been going to Aire for years, since they first opened in Chicago. The baths and massages got me through some tough times and I always looked forward to my 2 hours away from reality.

However, my recent visit was far from relaxing and the service was just not up to par. I ran the Chicago Marathon this year and took advantage of their free foot relief for marathon runners and booked a 30-min massage along with bath time 3 days after my race knowing that I was too sore to have them work on my legs any longer than 30 mins and also the free foot relief was only being offered for a few days. I got to the spa, check-in was smooth, yes, I was visibly walking funny from running the race 3 days prior, no one showed me where an elevator was, not one person offered to help me walk down the stairs as they literally watched me struggle as I saw 3 host attendees sitting at the bottom of the stairs staring at me as I walked down the stairs struggling. I got to the stand and still no one bothered to attend to me for 10 minutes. I had asked for a lower floor massage room so I didn't have to climb up and down again. I was finally attended to and started my bath journey, which was great and therapeutic as usual. I was called for my massage, went into the room which was on the lower floor, but the massage room was inundated with a weird smell and the pipes were rattling so hard I couldn't even hear the relaxing music! How is this an acceptable room for a massage therapy, it shouldn't matter if it's 30 mins or 3 hours, it's not about me being cheap, it was about me knowing what my body was going to be able to handle, which the therapist told me she doesn't work on legs during a 30 minute massage. I asked her then what's the point since that's what I needed and there were no parameters listed on the menu or website saying that NO LEGS during a 30-min massage. I also asked for a change of rooms because I am not paying for a freight train in my room. They changed my room ALL THE WAY UPSTAIRS, knowing full well I was struggling. The hostess rolled her eyes at me as I was hobbling up the stairs and obviously inconveniencing her time. The massage felt forced, rushed and not relaxing at all, as if I asked for a ridiculous request. I forgot about the foot relief freebie and when I asked my therapist, she said it wasn't on her sheet, left the room and said I was right, but that the massage was over and gave me this envelope of foot masks and told me that normally she would have put them on during the massage but since I REMINDED HER after the fact, I'm on my own!! So, it's my job to do her job, there is no communication between the reservation and the therapist and I am stared at like a circus animal because of a side effect of running 26.2 miles just days prior. I walked back up to the changing room an left as fast as I could. If you don't spend more than $500, walk normally or REMIND them of what you paid for, DON'T bother coming here!

I have been here now 7 times and now I am not going back. I can't believe how bad the service has become, or may be it's always been that was for those that don't spend $500 as I had prior to this visit. I had always booked a 60-min or 90-min in the previous 6 visits, and have done a couples massage as well costing well over $600 without tip. So, I don't really know where the bad service is coming from, but it was enough for me to book elsewhere 3 days later, spend far less, and have a MUCH better experience. Shame on you, AIRE, you've lost a...

I recently visited Aire Chicago for much needed relaxation and a rejuventing massage with a dear friend. Being that we were from out of town, the location was relatively easy to find. The ambiance was everything from the soothing music, pleasant aromas, and overall atmosphere. Upon entering the changing area, you're greeted by a friendly attendant who will show you to your locker. There is a robe and non-slip water socks already placed in the locker. Do not be afraid to ask the sizes of the robe & slippers before trying them on. They have plenty of different sizes to accommodate. All of the areas I visited inside of Aire seemed to be very clean and well maintained.

The massages were nothing short of amazing. Being a massage therapist myself, I can say she hit ALL of the right spots. The massage therapists were very courteous and professional. Aire paid close attention to the little details. I say that because I was wondering how I would feel having to remove my wet bathing suit for the massage and then have to put it back on after the massage. To my surprise, my massage therapist placed my suit and my socks in a warmer during my massage. At the end of the massage, she slipped my wamed socks on me and handed me my warmed bathing suit. It felt phenomenal slipping back into it.

I will say there are quite a few stairs in this establishment. They do have an elevator, but it is not easily accessible as you have to wait for someone with a key to escort you up and down. When reserving our appts online,  it was selected that due to the stairs my friend would need additional assistance. That request went completely unnoticed. Once we were ready to enter the bath area, we had to locate and wait for someone to escort her downstairs where the baths were located. This is a timed experience, and our time started after the quick tour. After being in the baths for 15 mins, we were called out of the baths for our massages. There was some confusion on their end, which slightly delayed us from being escorted to our massages. Meanwhile, we're standing there waiting as they try to figure it out. I admit I was a tad bit annoyed because this experience is a timed service. We could have been enjoying our time in the baths instead of waiting on the side. After waiting, they finally called us again for our massages and guess what they wanted us to go back upstairs for the massages, which meant we would need the elevator = More waiting. They finally moved our massages to a different room, which was downstairs on the same level as the baths. After the massages, we were led back to the bath area, where we enjoyed the rest of our time without any issues. They are very strict about keeping your voices down so not to interrupt anyone else in which I appreciate. Before leaving the bath area, be sure to use the free salt and give yourself a good body scrub. Upon checkout, we did bring up the issues we experienced with the elevator and was told that the elevator was for the bath use and did not apply to the massages. If we need an elevator to go up and down, you would think that all services would be made around the accommodations we requested. I would suggest that they pay closer attention to the special conditions requests when scheduling services in order to avoid unnecessary discrepancies. Overall, we enjoyed our time at Aire.

They run specials at the beginning of the month, so be sure to sign up for their...