Centralbadet — Local services in Stockholm

I’m giving Centralbadet 3 stars not because it’s bad — in fact, it’s a beautiful and unique place — but to draw attention to several issues that could be improved. I’ll gladly update my rating once some of these are addressed, because this spa truly has the potential to be the best in Stockholm. Booking system confusion – Many people avoid this place because they believe it’s gender-segregated, due to the need to select either a “male” or “female” ticket. This creates unnecessary confusion. The spa is actually mixed-gender, and the ticket type just refers to which changing room you use. Please make this clearer on the website — it could really increase attendance. Changing rooms – Beautiful wooden lockers and a calm design, but the hairdryers are out of place and nearly useless. They look like cheap plastic models from a gym locker room, and they barely work. Please upgrade to proper, modern dryers — even mid-range salon models would be a huge improvement. Showers – The men’s showers after the locker room are uncomfortably hot, and there’s no temperature control. This feels unsafe and needs adjusting. Also, the plastic mop in the corner completely breaks the visual aesthetic — consider a wooden one or wall-mounted solution. No shampoo was available during my visit either. Sauna dress code – This is the most problematic point. Swimwear is required in the pool and Roman bath areas but banned in the sauna. I understand the Swedish cultural norms, but the result is that men wrap a towel and walk in — easy — while women struggle with bulky towels in a hot room. It’s simply not comfortable or fair. If you’re going to forbid swimsuits, please offer proper lightweight sauna wraps or cotton sheets (bastu-lakan). This small change would make a huge difference in comfort and inclusivity. Pool water quality – The amount of chlorine in the pool is excessive. It stings your eyes immediately. This is surprising, especially compared to the much busier city pools (Stockholm Stad), where water quality is excellent and there are often children present. Here, the number of guests is much lower and all are adults. There’s no clear reason to use that much chlorine — it feels well above the norm.

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To sum up: Centralbadet is a special and relaxing place that deserves a higher rating — and I’ll be happy to give it one as soon as these issues are resolved. I truly hope the management takes this feedback seriously, because this could be the go-to spa experience...

I have been spending long periods of time in this beautiful country that I truly love, and for the past 10 years this spa has been one of my favorite places to relax. And not only that, but I also inform the management that I have recommended their place to many of my friends and fellow travelers — in other words, I send them customers, even if they don’t know it. Unfortunately, today was the very first time I felt disappointed.

Despite being a member, I was suddenly asked for my ID, to check ,to verify if it’s really me, they said “the address has changed and the verification method has changed”… and right away I thought: this is a spa, not the police! And if I didn’t have my ID card with me when I went swimming—well, I’m not obliged to carry it with me! This was to ENTRY. AND TO EXIT I could not exit with the key system because I had “exceeded the 3-hour limit.” Honestly, I had never been properly informed of such a rule. Perhaps it was mentioned once a long time ago, but in all these years no one had ever reminded me or raised the issue again, even though I have often spent longer hours here.

The real issue is not the money or the time — it is the lack of clear communication. If new policies are introduced or enforced more strictly, there should be a clear announcement placed in front of the reception desk, visible to everyone, so guests can read it and be reminded. From what I read in other reviews, I am not the only one who has faced this problem.

What felt even more inappropriate was being asked to show my ID several times. At first, my European Union ID (with Latin characters) was even questioned as “not acceptable,” which was both frustrating and unnecessary. This is not the type of atmosphere one expects in a spa, a place dedicated to relaxation. It felt more like airport security than a wellness center.

I am writing this with respect and genuine care for this place, because I would like it to maintain its dignity and reputation. I fully understand the need for order and quietness, but it should be handled with more discretion and much better communication. A simple visible notice at the reception or a polite reminder would prevent misunderstandings and preserve the zen atmosphere that makes this...

We just enjoyed a relaxing morning at this city centre bath complex. I had been nervous with so many reviews giving a fairly poor impression but thankfully that wasn't our experience. We had booked for a massage and three hours relaxation together with a self spa kit for my wife. As first time non native visitors we would have appreciated a little more information at the first welcome desk, but the lower bath reception desk team were fantastic. They provide two towels, a robe, slippers and the locker key. Changing rooms are separate. You leave most of your stuff in your locker. I just took through one towel, my swimwear and a water bottle. The first area is jacuzzis, cold water dips and foot baths together with loungers for relaxing on. This area is where you wear your swimsuit. You then walk through a second changing room with showers to remove your swimwear, wrap your towel around you and explore the sauna area. There's a standard sauna and steam room. There's an aromatherapy steam sauna with a bucket of herbs giving scent to the room, gentle music and a light display. The sand sauna was my favourite. There's a gentle breeze from a big fan which prevents you overheating and the noise of the desert wind. Finally there is an infrared sauna room with six chairs and infrared sets. People followed the rules mostly. There were a few folk in their swimwear and a few letting it all hang out on the towels in the natural fashion. But most had their towels wrapped around to cover their modesty. The next floor up had the 25 m pool which is lovely. The water is a good temperature for swimming, decor is fantastic and there are seats all the way round at two levels, some in the sun which was streaming through the window. If you have the energy to mount a further four flights of stairs then the roof terrace has a wide range of gym and exercise equipment as well as loungers to catch a bit of sun. The whole place was clean, well presented and the staff were friendly and helpful. We didn't try any of the food at the restaurant so I can't comment on that. And the massages were both really good and very relaxing. I would love to have stayed longer and would...