AIRE Ancient Baths Chicago

Feb 04, 2025

I thought the spa was great except for the valet attendants - they were incredibly rude, brought the wrong car back, and then thought they weren’t tipped enough so they scoffed and shook their heads right in front of my face as I was getting into the car. I understand that they might be a third party service but I left the experience with a sour taste in my mouth. Unfortunate because it was otherwise a great experience.

Feb 03, 2025

I’ve been a loyal customer for years and introduced a lot of my friends to this location as well; however, everything changed today. I had a booking for tonight at 6pm (wanted to treat myself for my birthday), as soon as I showed up things went wrong. I had a champagne with chocolates included in my experience as well as a mask with scrub and wellness shot. I was informed that they do not have anything besides the mast and scrub which already left me disappointed. Next thing I noticed is mold a (lot of it) in showers, that is completely unacceptable. During the baths experience I constantly heard staff yelling colors of bands to remind those it is time to leave. It was very strange. Perhaps, this business no longer strives to provide a quality experience. I don’t see myself going back to this location any time soon. Thank you AIRE for ruining my birthday.

Feb 01, 2025

This place is all about the pools of water and the scented steam rooms. Very relaxing.

Feb 01, 2025

This place was once beautiful and luxurious, but seems to have gone downhill. The locker room was gross…there were these big unsightly industrial dehumidifiers with tubes running across the floor. Ghetto. The showers were cold! There was a gob of hair plastered on the wall, and wet toilet paper on the floor. The pools were nice, but an employee came over and loudly declared everyone needs to be quiet even though there was no noise level (this seems to have happened to others who recently went there based on other recent reviews). One employee was taking the excess water from the floor that everyone walks across in their shoes, and was sweeping it into the pool… Steam room smelled like eggs. After attending this spa only one other time than this time, I think I’m good if I never go again.

Jan 31, 2025

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 Madrid 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 there and left.

Jan 29, 2025

Truly amazing space and experience! Going back soon!

Jan 29, 2025

$$$$

Jan 29, 2025

Amazing spot!

Jan 29, 2025

Beautiful space. Great staff. I felt very good after coming here for much relaxation needed.

Jan 29, 2025

God damn I've never felt more relaxed in my entire life haha. Absolutely loved coming here in the dead of winter to unwind and relax. My bf and I came for our anniversary and it was very romantic and beautiful. The staff is very friendly and helpful, the amenities are plenty, and the spa itself is tranquil af.

Jan 29, 2025

Saw this place on the internet thought me and my sisters would try it out so i looked it up and saw all the horrible reviews and thought well maybe they are making changes and decided to call and find out more info and get a vibe for myself and the lady on the phone was horrible and i will not be visiting

Jan 22, 2025

10/10 experience. Highly recommend.

Jan 22, 2025

Baths and saunas ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Service ⭐️⭐️⭐️ Atmosphere ⭐️⭐️⭐️ Price for what you get ⭐️⭐️⭐️ There are some strong points and some weak points. It's probably a 3.5 but I am rounding up. I wish the massage could jave come first. Trying to soak and enjoy the baths then to walk upstairs soaking wet with the sheets sticking to you is not the most enjoyable. Massage was good though. Locker room attendees for the men and womens lockers were ok.. They seem very rushed when explaining everything and ready to just move on. For some it could be a bit off because there is really no privacy in the locker area. The baths and the sauna were lovely. The atmosphere gets dragged down by the sheer number of people at times. It doesn't even remotely feel like a private experience. I know they say they keep the number limited but there were certainly a lot of people by the time we left. Overall good but room for improvement. Was nice once but will check out another luxury spa next time.

Jan 22, 2025

I am sick with Covid and they refuse to refund my money. The lady I spoke with on the phone was rude and didn’t care I am very sick. My daughter and her friend are still going and we paid in full. If they refuse to refund me I will definitely show up sick with Covid! I’m Shocked that a place like this would not refund 1 out of 3 of us. The 2 others are going tomorrow. Please know if they don’t refund me I’m DEFINITELY going with Covid and will expose everyone. I’m not going to just lose $175.

Jan 22, 2025

I would highly recommend this place. From valet to stepping inside they have someone there to help and guide you. I really appreciate all the amenities in the locker room and the locker room attendees. You really don't have to bring anything.The massage was nice and I really enjoyed the experience. I am already planning another trip.

Jan 22, 2025

Terrible customer service. Frustrating dealing with any business that operates using a central call center. I have even gone in in person and the manager refused to call me back. All I want is a refund for my original service after upgrading services . At this point I will just contact my credit card

Jan 22, 2025

What an experience! So beautiful and relaxing! A treat!

Jan 15, 2025

Baths + Saunas ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Service + Staff ⭐️⭐️ Should have an epsom salt bath. The baths, steam rooms were amazing. It is painstakingly apparent that AIRE 1. Doesn’t hire staff with experience. 2. Pays them garbage so they don’t care about their job. Was expecting Gibson’s service but got Rainforest Cafe service. This place is expensive and I know the money isn’t going to the staff. They have set sentences that they have memorized and don’t deviate from their script. Programmed robots. Asked three different staff members about the juices and none of them tasted any of the juices and couldn’t offer any insight. They should be able to offer their perspective confidently. Let them taste the damn juice! Train them better and pay them better. Empower them. All the guests were SUPER respectful with their talking volume, the volume didn’t bother anyone. No need for staff to tell people to quiet down every 5 minutes, using the same exact words every time, like a broken record. Y’all are not that fancy. Everyone was annoyed. Also, think of a better system than interrupting guests every so often asking to show bracelets. Or charge a fee that reflects that level of treatment.

Jan 15, 2025

If you’re considering a visit to Aire Ancient Baths in Chicago, think again. My recent experience was incredibly disappointing, and frankly, a waste of money. The place has clearly gone downhill and seems to prioritize profits over providing a quality and relaxing experience for its guests. From the moment we arrived, it was clear that something was off. The locker rooms were filthy, with hair scattered all over the floors and showers—definitely not the level of cleanliness you’d expect from a high-end spa. To make matters worse, we were forced to share lockers, and the locker room was packed with twice as many people as it should have hosted. It felt like they had completely oversold the experience to squeeze out more money. The staff’s overbearing presence was another major downside. They interrupted our relaxation at least ten times to remind everyone to keep quiet, despite the fact that the atmosphere wasn’t loud at all. To top it off, they kept asking to see our wristbands. It was incredibly frustrating to be interrupted so frequently for no apparent reason. Adding insult to injury, they’ve raised their prices significantly and justify it by claiming you receive a face mask and juice. However, actually getting these items required us to ask multiple times, only for them to finally oblige after our insistence. It was as if they never intended to follow through on their promises. The entire experience felt like a clear demonstration of profit over customer satisfaction. It seems like they’ve cut so many corners that they’ve forgotten what made the place special in the first place. Given the poor cleanliness, it’s only a matter of time before this becomes a health issue. Overall, I left feeling disgusted and cheated. It’s clear Aire is no longer the luxurious retreat it once might have been. It's disappointingly gross, and I definitely won’t be returning. If you value cleanliness and a genuine relaxing experience, I would advise spending your hard-earned money elsewhere.

Jan 15, 2025

I’ve been here 3-4 times. Love the atmosphere. The hot baths were great. This time, the steam rooms were not working though, and the staff seemed to not care. It was strange. They told me it’s working, but I kept telling them that it’s not hot and steamy. It’s like a luke warm bath… not a steam room. One had no steam at one point. I was disappointed that they seemed to be just brushing it off, given like the other review mentioned, how much money we pay to go here. And the steam rooms are my favorite part. Now I’m not sure if I’ll come back again. I’m writing this review in hopes that they’ll fix this for those coming in the future.

Jan 15, 2025

Meh, not worth the price. Don’t get me wrong it’s a nice spa but for the price there are better spas in Chicago. I went on a Saturday morning so take that into consideration but the baths were quite noisy, patrons and so many staff members talking. The lockers were close together and the showers were dirty. Lacks the details that a spa of this price should have.

Jan 08, 2025

It was incredible. Relaxing, with a great Spanish wine, cheese, and grapes. The cold plunge and the whole body massage was a highlight of the day! I want to thank my children for the incredible experience they bestowed upon me!

Jan 05, 2025

Expensive but amazing!

Jan 05, 2025

Great experience!!!

Jan 05, 2025

Overall, I was slightly disappointed. The massages were basically deep tissue and we did not ask for that. When I asked the massage therapist to ease up she gave attitude back. Then when in the salt bath, a worker interrupted us to ask if we have our wristbands on which you could clearly see we did but yet two more times we were asked. It’s not very relaxing at all. Then the workers literally go up to you to ask when you got there because they have a two hour max time limit that you can be there- however you pride yourself on a relaxing experience- come up with a better way than verbally asking multiple times if we have a wrist band on. Honestly, not worth the money.