Real Saunas

SINGLE-GENDER SAUNAS

A few years ago, there were three hotels in Manchester city centre with single-gender changing room saunas. Now (November 2017) there are none.

MIXED SAUNAS

The Macdonald has the most extensive heat facility with a standard sauna, infra-red sauna, steam and ice room. Also some heated chairs. No pool.

The Lowry, which had previously been notable for expressly stating that it was usual to go nude in their saunas, has had a couple of revamps. So far as I can tell there is now just one mixed sauna. Definitely no pool.

The Midland Hotel now has a very expensive day rate to go with the fancy spa. There is a new sauna poolside, which is joined by some experience showers. The swimming pool and hot tub have not changed much except to add a waterfall shower. Membership is available.

The Radisson Edwardian Blu sauna is practically poolside, in an area including a steam room and two open showers. You can use it in just a towel but you’ll be heading back to the changing room to shower. It is mostly used in swimwear. Day rate is £15 if you’re not staying or having a treatment. Membership is available.

Park Inn by Radisson has a pool-side sauna.

The Hilton has a pool-side sauna, a rare proper one where you can pour water on the coals. Also a steam room and hot tub.

New-ish hotel Innside has a large sauna with glass doors that look onto a mixed shower. Although towels are freely available you are asked to take only one. Automatic. Also a steam room. No pool.

Sacha’s has a small dingy sauna, a steam room, and a small pool. There’s a very powerful shower though. Facility is at extra charge to hotel guests. Membership available.

The Malmaison has a large sauna and smaller saunarium in the downstairs spa. Towels available. No pool.

The Novotel has a sauna which has been updated recently.

OFF THE LIST

The Thistle no longer has a gym at all. It was the last with male and female saunas, and had the cheapest day rate.

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