king spa & sauna

I can't believe this place exists in the United States, let alone 15 minutes from my house. First, let's acknowledge that it's not for everyone. You have to be comfortable with: removing your shoes in the hallway. Walking around stark naked among those of your gender. Lying prone on mats on stone floors at searing temperatures, while resting your head on a wooden block. Dressing in uniforms issued to you for the common areas, not your own clothes, bathing suits or even flip flops. Still with me? Here's an incomplete list of everything I love about this place It's immaculate. Beautifully appointed, granite walls, marble floors. Vast array of lotions and amenities, Everything beautifully maintained and in perfect working order. A helpful, polite staff, always on the job. Unlimited supply of freshly laundered towels, and spotless, fresh uniforms. After blissing out in the ladies-only area I donned the pink outfit and triedall the rooms in the common area. The only one that didn't particularly ring my bell was the salt room. The Fire Room was the hottest and most fascinating of all. If you want to last longer, bring in a towel soaked in cold water to cover your head and make sure there are extra mats on the floor. It was 178 at ground level, rising to 258 at the dome. You crouch to get in through a small door, most likely to prevent possible fainting. This spa is not for the infirm.The main hall is filled with antiques and cultural artifacts that I found very interesting.There's also a theatre room and lounges where you can nap, read or watch TV but not make out, according to some amusing signage. The food was phenomenal. Just show your key, you'll pay for food and everything else at checkout. A couple tips- you might bring an extra bath towel since the ones they provide are small, and little booties for the dry saunas in the main hall for extra protection from the heat. It's open 24 hours, so attention, Asian backpack travelers who are staying in hostels downtown and getting homesick, you could make an entire day of it, eat home cooking and have a place to stay overnight, particularly if you're flying out the next day since the location is convenient to O'Hare. Based on other reviews it sounds like a weekday visit would be your best bet, I was there during the day on Friday when the hot rooms stay open longer but it's not crowded yet. Next time- and there will certainly be one- I might splurge on a service.

I took my husband here for his bday. He enjoyed every bit of it! We tried all of the rooms. Gold Room, Salt Room, charcoal room, Ice Room. There were a few rooms we didn't want any part! We got couples massages they were fantastic!!!!!! Never experienced anything like it! We loved everything about it! Will definitely be back!

Going to King Spa is kind of like leaving the country for a few hours. So, the first thing that you should know is that it's not a typical luxury spa. You won't be sitting around in plush robes and slippers spinning lemongrass water and breathing in eucalyptus while the staff speaks to you in hushed tones. However, if you can open your mind to a different type of experience, it's really quite enjoyable. Not to mention the perfect respite from the nasty Chicago winter. I took public transportation here from downtown. It was actually quite easy and only took a little over an hour. I don't have a car and while Uber/taxi would have been quicker, I had plenty of time so blue line and Pace bus it was (plus about a 10 minute walk through a very quiet residential area). I would do it again - probably not at night, but during the day it was perfectly fine.Anyway, to walk you through the experience:-First you pay up front ($30) and are given a wristband that serves both as your key to your locker and your payment device for anything in the spa (treatments, food, etc.). From here, you go to the single-sex locker room (there's lettering on the floor advising you to take off your shoes -- one word of advice, pay attention to the signs at this place. There's not a lot of hand-holding, but everything is really self explanatory if you just read the signs). In front of the locker room is a check-in stand where they give you your uniforms (pink for women) - basically a t-shirt and shorts. Since I was new to King and mentioned it at the front desk, the woman at the locker room gave me a tour of the facilities, which was really nice. -From here you put everything in your locker and head into the water spa area that is adjacent to the locker room. Yes, everyone is naked in the water spa area. No bathing suits allowed. They do give you a tiny orange towel at the entrance. It's really not a big deal. Everyone is the same underneath their clothes after all, right? No one is looking to see what anyone else looks like. Once in the water spa area, take a shower (soap and shampoo provided) and then enjoy the pools - three hot tubs of different temperatures and one cold pool. There is a treatment area off to the side. I opted not to have any treatments (treatment areas are where I'd like a bit more luxury...and privacy...and there really wasn't much of either to be had here. Plus I was happy with just the spa/sauna experience for the day). -After the water spa, change into your uniform and head into the unisex main dry sauna area. It's like a Disneyland of saunas with 9 different rooms of various heat levels. Charcoal, Yellow mud, Ice, Salt, Amethyst, Pyramid, Fire, Bul Ga Ma, and the Base Rock Bath room (this one is a $5 extra charge -- however, you get a large towel with that, which comes in handy if you haven't brought your own). My favorites were the Bul Ga Ma, Pyramid, Amethyst, and Base Rock Rooms. I didn't enjoy the Ice room as I don't like being cold, but I can see how people would find it refreshing. And I couldn't bring myself to go into the Fire room - it was just too hot, but the killer for me was entering stooped through a little door, it sent off all of my claustrophobia alarms. I spent a good amount of time going back and forth through different rooms. A lot of fun overall. -There's also a movie room (they were playing The Theory of Everything) and an upstairs meditation/relaxing area with rows and rows of reclining chairs. There's also a central area between all of the rooms where you can relax in between saunas. -There's a restaurant on site. Very convenient and quite tasty. A whole list of vegetarian options, too. I had a tofu kimchee soup. Not spicy enough for my taste, but they had hot sauce on the side, and three packets later it was just right. It felt like very clean, healthy food but it was also filling enough. A little expensive, yes - the soup came to $12, a sparkling fruit juice was $4. Fresh juices were $7. But you're paying for the convenience, too. The eating area is small, but adequate.Overall, very nice place. Everything was very clean. A wide mix of patrons - many Koreans, but also many Eastern Europeans and Americans. All shapes and sizes and ages. Some children were there, but they were all very well behaved. The staff was very friendly whenever I had a question (note though, they will leave you along and assume you know what you're doing unless you ask, so don't be afraid to ask questions if you have them). I arrived on a Sunday about 11am. I was able to get into all of the rooms without a wait. Next time though, I'd probably try to get there a bit earlier. Around lunchtime it got considerably more crowded. And a bit noisy. Actually the noise factor is the one thing that's holding me back from giving 5 stars. Not only did some people actually talk in the rooms (nothing the management can really do about this), but you can really hear the noise from the main areas especially whenever the doors open. That's another reason I liked the Base Rock and Bul Ga Ma rooms so much (they're far from the restaurant and considerably quieter). A little soundproofing would really help the relaxation experience. I recommend bringing:-A book (I didn't bring one but wished I had, would have been nice to have something to read)-A watch (no phones allowed in the room and there aren't any clocks, so unless you have a watch it'll be difficult to know if you're staying in for the advised amount of time)-Socks (they're recommended for the hotter saunas, but not required. You can also buy them for $5)-Water bottle (if you drink a lot of water. There are water fountains throughout the facility)-Hair ties (if you have long hair, you'll need to tie it up in the water spa area. They offer rubber bands only)-Towel (if you like to dry off with something bigger than a face towel)Enjoy!

I went on a Saturday evening, parking lot was full. This was my first time at this place. The person that checks you in didn't bother asking me if it was my first time and asking me if I needed any assistance. When I went into the locker room, the staff person (young kid) approached me really rudely. You first have to take your shoes off and any small items, place them in the small lockers. From there you can enter the locker room and place other items such as bag and such in there. Ton of naked dudes roaming around here from young boys to old men, I'm a confident dude but too many naked dudes. The area where the showers and pools are where the naked men are coming in and out of. I believe they're naked inside the pools, but I could be wrong, I didn't get that far because it was uncomfortable. Anyway they provide you used, worn down shirts and shorts. I believe you can only wear socks or go barefoot (don't know how clean the floors are). I spent all my time in the co ed area. It felt like a water park minus the water. The sauna huts are nothing special, you are basically lying on the floor. The mats provided are soaking wet due to the other folks using them prior (gross). Massages are provided but wayyyyyy overpriced just like the restaurant there. I approached the masseuse for a chair massage and he quickly said NO, very rude. I came back later and asked a different person and they said it was a 10 minute wait. They do have lounge chairs for relaxation and theater but I didn't get that far because I was already annoyed. Honestly, not worth going and paying $30. I'm sure there are better places.

This was my first visit at this spa so I did not use all of the services offered. I did take advantage of all of the rooms/saunas and amenities that you get for the $30 entry fee. I did not have a problem with the facilities nude policies (because I love and am used to spas of that nature). I love that it is 24 hours. Downside...me and my girlfriend went during a very crowded time...so noise sometimes was a bit bothersome...but we were there so long that it eventually died down and ended up so relaxed that it didn't matter. The services seem to be a little pricey, but I am a young and fabulous broke person...some of the lengths of services don't seem too bad for the price. Other than that...as a first time visit I was very impressed. I got the V-Steam Bath...that was an experience...not a bad one though lolI am excited to go back and hopefully make this spa a monthly ritual for getting away literally ALL day! For $30 I was very satisfied!

I visited multiple times and as time goes by, it is getting more crowded but still a good location to relax for an entire day!

I went to King Spa for the first time for relaxation.. But it turned out to be a horrible experience. Just a little warning for fellow travelers, DO NOT GO TO KING SPA if you expect body treatments. 1. Staff were rude and not at all friendly (or courteous). The only smile you'd have if you go to King Spa is when you were handed uniforms. 2. Sauna rooms were small (and can be crowded) with (some) worn out mats. 3. AND WORSE OF ALL: please please do not EVER EVER have a SCRUB service. It will not be a treatment for your body.. It will be a mistreatment. I took Aroma Gold Scrub Massage (including facial). I could not even start to list my discomfort. I had aches in my arm and tigh afterwards. Plastic scrub bed, warm water ocassionaly thrown at you, soap and oil that WILL NOT make your skin glow and in fact will dry it, those are just a few things that would definitely ruin your (expected) relaxation day... for USD 110 :) It does not have private room for scrub, so expect to see 8 other people with you. What it really is just a waste of money (and time). Needless to say I will never again visit this establishment. I have only bad memories from it. Please go to other Spa Places that really will relax your body and mind.

This is what would be considered a co-ed sauna in Korea. One of the main differences between this place and what you would find in Seoul would be the price. This place is extremely expensive, and they know it. What they charge $35 for, in Korea would cost $14. I watched people dropping hundreds of dollars on themselves for things that would cost a fraction where this kind of place was invented. I almost think it may be cheaper to buy a ticket to Korea, go to a Sauna and come back. The men's bath room has 3 hot pools and one cold. The steam room scented with herbs is very nice, as is everything else but it is way too expensive.

King Spa is many things: unique, relaxing, fun, and definitely off the beaten path!For the uninitiated, King Spa is a Korea style spa and sauna. There are varying hot tubs and cold pools as well as hot and cold rooms to experience. If you want to get the most of the experience, be willing to go beyond your comfort zone. The system works where you sign in and receive a bracelet with a locker key. Any food, drinks, services, etc. are charged to your bracelet. You pay at the end of the night,. The experience can be extremely affordable if you watch what you spend. The spa also provides you with a uniforms to wear during your stay and towels.The hot tubs are amazing! They are also unisex and nude. Do yourself a favor and don't shy away from stripping down! They also offer body scrubs and massages. While not for the faint of heart, a scrub makes your skin feel amazing and new. If you can afford it, don't miss out! The whole spam is extremely clean and well-kept. You can tell the staff works hard to keep things spotless!The saunas are in a common and clothed area. My personal favorites are the hot room made of salt block, the charcoal hot room, and the cold room. The science is pending regarding the actual scientific benefits of sauna hopping, but it doesn't make it any less enjoyable! Have not had an negative experiences with other sauna goers or staff. Respect the space of others and they will show you the same!Don't miss out on the food and juices here. While not the best Korea food I have ever had, it is definitely a treat! Everything is fresh as well as tasty. Wonderful sides!

If you've been to a jjimjilbang before, this place is 5 stars. Clean, exceptionally attentive staff, a really cool restaurant with excellent service and food. I was especially impressed with the diligence and politeness of the staff in the men's spa. As you would expect, many guests were new to the experience and didn't know when to shower, how to dry off in the right area, etc. The staff was firm but polite in correcting patrons when they committed a faux pas (coming out of the steam room directly into one of the baths--no!! the sign clearly says shower first after coming out of the steam room).To the traveler using Trip Advisor to figure out "what to do today", I rate King Spa 4 stars because some may be very uncomfortable with the casual nudity in the same-sex areas, and the uniform/no-underwear/barefoot/lay-next-to-a-stranger-of-the-opposite-sex-in-the-sauna reality of the common areas. It's remarkably non-sexual or creepy, but I can't get my wife to go. She says it sound "boring and weird". I'm sure she's not alone in this assessment.So in conclusion, if you're the adventurous type who's open to other people seeing you not at your best, without question give it a try. If this makes you too nerved up, go to #2 on the list for things to do in Niles, IL.

I made the mistake of going at 6 pm on a Sunday. The place was crowded and children in the wet sauna area (allowed with their parent). The dry sauna areas were full of people talking and using their phones (both are prohibited as a courtesy to others). It was also not cleaned up ... towels left all over the place. I will go again but either really late or during the weekday.

This is a Korean spa. The bath areas are divided between men and women as the locker areas and bath areas are for the naked! It was a great experience. The pools were clean, warm and relaxing and the steam sauna was one of my favorites of all the saunas offered. Don't fear the nudity. There were all ages and body types so you won't be the oldest, youngest, biggest or smallest. I took advantage of the body scrub and recommend it to all. It was 40 minutes of scrubbing, massage and warm water which was fabulous! Other services are also offered. In the common area everyone is dressed where food, movies and services are offered. You may find discount coupons to reduce the already modest cost. It was a great day and I'll be returning as soon as I'm able!

My wife and I were in the Chicago area this past fall. We found this place on recommendation of others and had a relaxing evening. We were not sure what to expect but went with the flow and we both enjoyed the amenities. My wife received a deep tissue massage and said it was the best she ever had. All total, we spent around 5 hours enjoying the dry saunas and wet areas. We even considered spending the night. Will return in the spring when we are back in the area.

Called in from New York (Dec. 15th) to purchase a Gift Certificate with a credit card as a Christmas gift for a relative who lives in Chicago, no more than 20 minutes from the spa.....I was told I could only purchase one on line or in person....and that they could not guarantee delivery of the gift certificate by Christmas if I chose to do so on line.....WHAT!? I was willing to pay any additional service fee if necessary..... It takes two minutes to process a card over the phone, throw it in an envelope and stick a stamp on it..... I guess some companies are just too successful and smug to extend any customer service!!!!! Oh by the way, this relative had spent considerable money at the spa in the past....Talk about bad business ....

Very relaxing for a mini getaway. Just keep an open mind, there is nudity in the steam room, whirlpool, and locker room. The saunas are very relaxing in the open areas, a nice movie room, with soft laid back seats, good food, and reasonable prices. You can even bring kids, but make sure there well behaved,