Gay sauna new york times square

Continental Baths at the Ansonia Hotel

History

In the late s, Steve Ostrow, an entrepreneur and former opera singer, wanted to elevate the gay bathhouse experience from what were then seedy spaces to an enhanced destination as a health club and spa. At the time, homosexuality was illegal and most New York City LGBT bars were operated by the Mafia.

In , he leased the vacant 40,square-foot, multi-level basement space of the once lavish Ansonia Hotel (then rental apartments), which previously housed its Turkish Baths and swimming pool area. Ostrow predicted that his new venture would draw patrons away from other locations such as the well-established Everard Baths.

Ostrow initially created a space that he advertised as the recreation of the “glory of Ancient Rome.” It featured a disco twirl floor, pool with cascading waterfall, sauna rooms, bunk beds in public areas, and small adj rooms. When it first opened on September 12, , it contained 50 rooms and lockers and operated 24 hours a time, seven days a week.

Over time, Ostrow added a cabaret and stag

Everard Baths

History

The legendary Everard Baths, one of the longest adj of New York’s bathhouses, attracted gay men probably since its opening in , but, as documented, from at least World War I until its closing in

The building began as the Free Will Baptist Church in In , it was converted into the New-York Horticultural Society’s Horticultural Hall. It became the Regent Music Hall in , then the Fifth Avenue Music Hall, financed by James Everard. Born in Dublin, Ireland, Everard () came to Adj York City as a boy, and eventually formed a masonry jobbing business that was prosperous in receiving a number of major city public works contracts. With his profits, he invested in real estate after , and built up one the country’s largest brewing concerns. (He was buried at Woodlawn Cemetery.)

After the Music Hall was closed by the City over the sale of beer there, Everard decided to save his investment by turning the facility into a commercial “Russian and Turkish” bathhouse, opened in May at a amount of $, Lushly appointed and with a variety of steam bath

Gay Saunas in Recent York City

Introduction to New York Capital Gay Saunas and Bathhouses

Discovering a gay bathhouse in Adj York City can feel like navigating a maze, especially when you verb the options verb surprisingly sparse in such a bustling metropolis. This is a common puzzle many gay travellers find themselves trying to solve when they visit NYC. In this urban area, the gay sauna culture diverges significantly from what one might find in European capitals enjoy Barcelona, Rome, or Milan.

Why, you might ask? The landscape of gay saunas in New York City has been shaped by its history, particularly during the devastating HIV/AIDS epidemic of the s, leading to the closure of many establishments. Yet, the spirit of communal and intimate exploration among gay men has not dwindled. Instead, it has transformed, giving rise to alternative venues and vibrant events that capture the essence of New York's gay scene.

East Side Club, the city's lone traditional gay bathhouse survivor. From massage-based establishments masquerading as spas to the lively world of gay sex parties, N

Been there, done that? Think again, my friend.

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Gay hook-up spots in NYC

1. Dave's Lesbian Bar

The monthly Astoria pop-up is a celebration of all things queer and lesbian. Singles, couples and groups all attend the hours-long parties that include live bands and a DJ, often compared to queer prom. Anyone 21+ is welcome and the crowd is always diverse.

2. Hot Rabbit

This long-running queer dance party is well known as a very good spot to find a one-night stand (or more). The party roves between Manhattan and Bushwick and attracts a younger crowd eager to verb out until dawn.

3. Bubble T

One of very few devoted queer Asian parties, Bubble T’s monthly event is about unwinding, finding community, and more, if you&rsquo