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Basement Sauna
Saunas

Basement Sauna

Discover your new base!

Manchester, UK
2.6
205 reviews

Neighbourhood

Manchester

Category

Saunas

Vibe

Saunas

Official website

About Basement Sauna

Basement Sauna in Manchester is the go-to spot for some chill vibes and good times in the city's gay scene. Tucked away in an old Victorian mill in Ancoats, this place has been setting the bar high for over 20 years. It's not just any sauna – it's a cool, laid-back spot where guys can hang out, unwind, and meet new people. The place is kitted out with everything you'd want for a relaxing day (or night) – think steamy sauna, steam room, and a couple of spas. And when you're done sweating it out, there's a bar that's open till the wee hours. Whether you're grabbing a quick drink or hanging out for a bit longer, it's all good. But here's the kicker – they've got deals that'll make your wallet happy too. Different days, different discounts, especially if you're under 30 or over 30, they've got you covered. Just remember to bring your ID, they're pretty strict with the rules to keep things safe and fun for everyone. So if you're in Manchester and looking for a place to chill, meet some cool folks, or just enjoy a laid-back vibe, Basement Sauna's your spot. It's more than a sauna – it's a community, a hangout, and a great part of Manchester's vibrant gay scene.

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Location

Basement Sauna

Basement Manchester, 18 Tariff Street, Manchester M1 2FN, UK

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WhereIs.Gay rating

2.6

205 reviews

Overall rating across WhereIs.Gay, Google Maps and Yelp.

Rating by source

  • WhereIs.Gay
    2.5
  • Google Maps
    3.2
  • Yelp
    2.0

WhereIs.Gay reviews

Submitted by WhereIs.Gay visitors and approved by our team.

WhereIs.Gay visitor

1 Sept 2023

I've been to this venue a few times and am not impressed. It's expensive for what it is and the staff - especially the security staff - are all too often rude and unhelpful. Based on my experience, it needs to improve a lot if it's going to survive.

WhereIs.Gay review

WhereIs.Gay visitor

24 Apr 2023

A gross invasion of privacy by the doorman! I am all for security but this idiot going through my wallet, cash bankcards and credit cards is simply not acceptable and I'm sure illegal, I will be looking further into his actions!

WhereIs.Gay review

WhereIs.Gay visitor

24 Mar 2022

Have been to other saunas this one is probably the best one. Staff are amazing. Always clean, some people complain thats because with every sauna u get the odd few dirty dogs. sundays are very busy. wednesdays are good for students £10 entry under 30 on wednesday. They also have a bar and sell alcohol.

WhereIs.Gay review

Featured Google Maps reviews

Selected by Google Maps. Read more reviews on Google Maps.

Absolutely degrading,Rude staff, constantly fault bathrooms, and non-functioning heating. They often close off part of the dark room without warning you before you pay the entrance fee. I absolutely do not recommend. The positive reviews are certainly self-generated, so be aware of what you're getting into.

Review from Google Maps

S Harrison
S Harrison

3 months ago

I was very nervous what to expect on my first visit... but I can say I was pleasantly surprised.. The management and staff a great welcoming. The facilities are well maintained and exceptional clean.. nothing sleazy about this place very respectable. STRICT NO MEANS NO POLICY.. I have been many times now and have taken friends who have also been pleasantly surprised... there is always something to suit everyone's taste, I find sat sun are best times to visit.... enjoy your visit 😘🤪 I would also like thank staff I left my phone bank card on my locker and they practically chased me up the stairs to return it before I even realised I left it behind... so massive thank you for your honesty

Review from Google Maps

Mobro The legend
Mobro The legend

a month ago

I came here on my birthday since its free did £5 for membership but it wasnt a big deal, this is the first time i have experienced a sauna that has a bar but a bit annoyed they didnt have more refreshing snacks other then that i was looking forward to rude staff like the reviews mentioned but no one was rude just professional, i was a bit surprised with all the cameras everywhere but with how the sauna runs things it makes sense i checked out the kinky room if im lucky enough ill bring a date here, snack recommendations (for myself not for you) Those big asian pears, either the peach milk from the chinese supermarket or ayran from the turkish shop near shudehill Since they have small lockers dont come packed

Review from Google Maps

G T
G T

5 months ago

Let me be clear! I was surprised by the number of negative reviews, but as someone who visits gay bathhouses wherever I travel, I had to stop by during my visit to Manchester. Unfortunately, I couldn’t enter the venue this time because I forgot my ID (and yes, it’s standard practice for bathhouses across most European countries to ask for identification, which is perfectly fine). I’ll come back and update my review once I actually experience the venue itself. But one important thing: there are dozens of negative reviews about the receptionist, the “guy with glasses,” as many call him. Well, I met him too, and we had a lovely chat. I asked him about the negative feedback, and he explained who usually writes those reviews (guess who is not allowed to enter and gets pissed 🚭🚯💊💉). He also clarified the so‑called “cold shower” issue, which makes total sense: when 100+ men on busy days keep pressing the shower buttons constantly, hot water for the boiler doesn’t always have enough time to reheat the water. So it’s not the staff’s fault; it’s just how the system works in their case. Take a quick shower - you’re not at home! Overall, I had a great impression of the guy. So please, keep your judgment balanced when leaving negative reviews. I’ll definitely be back. P.S. Towels and condoms are free. Flip-flops (not disposable ones, but proper reusable plastic ones you can keep) cost £3. Keep up the gay culture Manchester. Much love!

Review from Google Maps

Thomas Richards
Thomas Richards

5 months ago

I was put off visiting this sauna by reading all the bad reviews on here. After visiting a few times I can honestly say that the place is fine. The staff are there to do their job, they have all been fine with me (treat people like you want to be treated). The place is clean, staff are cleaning and making sure everyone is happy constantly. I am at a loss as to why people can not understand that they HAVE to see physical I.D - this is stated on their website, and after a incident that occurred with a friend of mine, I am glad they do this as the staff barred this person and without I.D and knowing who he was this would of been almost impossible to prevent him trying to enter again without some sort of I.D. The place is good and if you go for the right reasons you will not have a problem. Enjoy and give it a go

Review from Google Maps

Featured Yelp review excerpts

Excerpts provided by Yelp. Read full reviews on Yelp.

Tomas F.

Tomas F.

18 Jan 2014

The largest and cleanest sauna in the northwest, Slightly more expensive than some in the area, but you pay for what you get... Great facilities,...

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Review excerpt from Yelp

Rick D.

Rick D.

29 Aug 2019

Not too bad! I recently visited this venue for the first time ever on a Sunday afternoon / evening. Was a bit hesitant at first having read some bad...

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Review excerpt from Yelp

Leslie H.

29 Jul 2017

No Response Tired calling them 5 times and the phone just rings. sent e-mail and no response to that either. So not a good place to visit if it is your...

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Review excerpt from Yelp

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Listing details

Last updated
24 January 2024
Listed in
Manchester › UK
Data from
WhereIs.Gay community, the venue, Google and Yelp