AIRE Ancient Baths Chicago

My husband and I flew to Chicago specifically to visit AIRE Ancient Baths for our 13th wedding anniversary. I had previously visited in April with friends and absolutely loved the experience, which is why I was excited to return and pamper my husband with the Love Connection 90 service — a 90-minute couples massage and thermal bath experience. Unfortunately, this visit was very disappointing. After spending over 90 minutes in the thermal baths, I asked an attendant when our massages would begin because I didn’t want to miss our service. We were told we were “next” and would start in about five minutes. However, when we were finally brought back, we were placed in separate rooms instead of a couples room as booked. The massages started late and ended early — not our fault, as they were clearly running behind — and the quality of the massages themselves was subpar. When checking out, I asked the receptionist if it was normal to be separated for the Love Connection service. She apologized and confirmed it was not normal, saying she would leave my appointment open for a manager to contact me. The service took place on October 11, and after hearing nothing by October 20, I followed up via email. I received a quick response that my message was being passed to a manager, but now it’s October 24 and I still haven’t heard back. As a spa owner myself, I hesitate to leave negative reviews, but this was a truly disappointing experience — especially given the cost and how highly this spa is rated. The lack of communication and follow-through afterward only added to the frustration. Sadly, I don’t think we’d return or recommend it, which is unfortunate considering how wonderful my first visit was earlier this year.

My husband and I booked one of the valentines packages which included access to the baths as well as a couples massage. After reading some recent negative reviews, I was a little anxious about our experience because it is pricey and we did pre-pay. I'm so glad I didn't let those reviews sway my decision to book because we had such a good experience! Staff was welcoming and friendly and provided us with a tour of the facility and instructions for our visit since this was our first time. We enjoyed all of the various pools, baths and steam rooms and were called for our massages toward the end of our allotted time, which I thought was perfect. My husband and I are frequent spa visitors and are particular about massage and we both had a good experience here. My therapist used firm pressure as I requested and was able to relax my neck and shoulders. The hot stones were a perfect finishing touch. After the massages, we had just enough time to take a final soak in the baths before heading out. The checkout process was smooth and we were on our way. We both felt relaxed the entire rest of the day! Thank you AIRE for a perfect Valentine's Day treat! We will be back!

I’ve been coming here for YEARS, and it only gets better with time! I have heard that AIRE massages are mid but I have never experienced a mediocre massage here (I’ve had about 5-6)! But these last two were TOP TIER! Last year on my birthday I had Jamie and she was amazing, I didn’t think this years massage would top what she did to me. But I was wrong! I got Jean as my masseuse and she did her BIG ONE! I mentioned it was my bday and I’m an athlete and she took that info and ran with it! She put her whole elbow and forearm into my back (an area I asked her to focus on) and released all the nots. OMG! She made my whole body melt the way she understood the muscles and released all my tension and focused on areas that needed some extra love. At first she had a medium pressure and when I asked for firm she adjusted and did not hold back! It was amazing! I want to thank her for such a beautiful massage, I shed tears of joy! I immediately went to the hottest bath after and just let my muscles fully melt. Absolutely amazing 10/10 experience per usual!

Was gifted an experience, and found it to be thoroughly rejuvenating. The outside of the building doesn't look like much, but the minute you walk through the doors, you immediately know you are in for something unique and transcending. The staff is extremely attentive, and the Greco Roman decor absolutely stunning. Blue baths of varying temperatures, stone work lit up with hundreds of candles, spanning arches, heated marble decks, steam room, salt water float pool, pool with waterfall exposed to outside air, expansive whirlpool, water/tea stations and juice menu. Secure locker rooms outfitted with personal amenities help you prepare to get back into the real world, although AIRE is so sensational you won't want to go back to it! This is a great spot for friends, family members and couples. My daughter and I enjoyed a couples massage after our bath experience, but were divided by a curtained glass wall, which provided ample privacy. If you are looking for a way to get your zen back, AIRE is the perfect place to find it!

I really like this place and I recommend it to many people, there's definitely nothing like it in Chicago. It has a gorgeous, romantic atmosphere. I was thrilled the first time I was here a year ago, but today I was a little disappointed. Considering the high level of service and the price, the walls and doors to the toilets are shabby and dirty, there's only one toilet on the floor, one of the Dyson hairdryers isn't working, and the couches where you can dry your hair are dirty. The rubber seals on the sauna doors are broken and let out steam, and they also removed the tea from the pool area; it was only available at the entrance, and only cold water was available. This isn't quite what you expect to see after the place was closed for several months for renovations. Also, in the massage room, instead of music, there's a loud fan noise, and there's no longer that wonderful relaxing atmosphere, although I have no complaints about the massage itself or the masseuses.