Phoenix Sauna

Was there nearly a decade ago. Loved it. Hottest guys ever. Just love German guys. Everything is big in them... :)

It's quite striking how many reviews are deleted here for alleged defamation (approximately every fourth review!!!). That's unprofessional. And frankly, the sauna is just okay in terms of value for money, and as a gay man, you can't visit this so-called "gay sauna" on Mondays anyway. Luckily, there's another "real" gay sauna in the city, and also one in Essen.

There's incredibly loud, annoying music playing on the lower floor. Does it have to be like this? It makes the "relaxation cabins" practically unusable for people like me who just want to lie down and relax. Please turn the music down and change the genre to something more appropriate for a sauna club – something calming and relaxing. Please!

The atmosphere and most of the guests at Phoenix were really pleasant and welcoming. We were there on a Monday evening, when couples were also allowed, and got along great with everyone. The vibe was relaxed, and we had a lot of fun with the other guests. Unfortunately, the evening was marred by an older employee at the bar. After I politely asked for two dry towels, as ours were completely soaked and we wanted to cover the swing, he reacted unnecessarily rudely and showed little customer service. Even handing over some glasses was immediately interpreted negatively. In addition, he refused to serve me any more alcohol, even though the drinks were meant for my boyfriend. As a woman, you want to feel comfortable and treated with respect in a club like this. The disrespectful and, at times, intrusive tone of this employee was all the more unpleasant. It was particularly disappointing that I later calmly approached him again, while handing over my slippers and towels as a matter of course, and simply asked what the problem was. Instead of resolving the situation, he even allowed a stranger to loudly interfere and shout at me (simply because the man apparently had to get home quickly and didn't want to wait). The employee only reacted much later. In the end, we were banned from the premises. Aside from this employee, we would have had a very positive experience at the club that evening.

Having been a few times, I can say that the sauna is above average. The cabins and facilities are frequently cleaned, and overall it's clean. The staff is friendly and cheerful, which makes for a pleasant experience. The quality of the other visitors can be inconsistent, even on the same day. Sometimes it's fantastic with great encounters, other times much less so. The older people can sometimes be difficult, pushy, and don't understand that a refusal means a refusal. But I think that's the case everywhere, not just at the Phoenix. Otherwise, I love it when there's foam in the steam room. It's fun. It's a shame they don't do it more often on weekends. The towel-free area is a nice touch, although I think for hygiene reasons it would be better if you could keep your towel on.

Update May 5, 2026 My very last visit wasn't so great, which is why I've decided to leave this sauna behind, just like the competition*. The pool was cold, which was very disappointing. The layout of the facility has hardly changed in 12 years, and the sauna infusions used to be more fun. They didn't bring ice cubes, with the explanation that they were only for the big infusions? They were all equally organized, and that's not the end of the world. I can partly understand the lollipops and chocolate candies; our economy only allows for such things to a limited extent these days. However, the sauna master simply wouldn't let the last two people in, even though there were only six of us, and he hadn't even started yet. Not very nice. I didn't want to say anything more about it, but now I feel guilty. The general attitude is, let's say, aloof. And it's too extreme with two or three ladles of hot water right at the beginning, so there were only four of us left. We were already there after the first round. There was little sign of fruit or the sauna master outside for 15 minutes. Complete silence. As soon as I got up, my necklace was gone, even though there were only four people sitting there, although I knew who it was. Never mind. The owners can't be held responsible for that. I must say, though, that the cashier was really nice and accommodating, and the staff generally seemed a bit more cheerful than in previous years. I mean that sincerely, and the sauna really saved my neck in my younger years. I've met some wonderful people there, and some rather odd ones too. For me, it's like art. Like being in a movie where I got to be the lead, and for that I say: THANK YOU. Also to Kalle and his team. My first visit, as far as I remember, was when I was about 21. Now, at 33, I say: keep the good times rolling. Best regards, Noah After the renovation, the sauna's shape is exactly the same, except for the bathroom with the flush toilets. Really practical. However, the pool... a large part of the hammam would hardly be needed; that would have doubled the pool's size. Generally, I'm disappointed with the temperature in the Phoenix sauna. From the third sauna infusion onwards, you unfortunately have to wrap yourself up in a towel because it's simply unbearably cold. On the positive side, they finally start changing theme parties and the like. The steam room, unfortunately, has remained as it was. Nevertheless, I'd gladly come again.

It's worth going back. Clean, friendly, and suitable for a pleasant time.

Unfortunately, I had a bad experience. After the steam room, my towel was gone. The waiter said, "Anyone can say that, just take one from someone else..." And the cabins were unfortunately very dirty, even though it wasn't busy today.

Best sauna in Europe. There's absolutely nothing to complain about. Everything's great... no wonder the Phoenix rating has risen again from 3.6 to 4.4. Wow, respect!

A good sauna, but if the staff aren't in the mood, they quickly make it clear you're not welcome. At the bar, he had other problems, which is understandable. But when you book a 90-minute massage and he says after 30 minutes that we can stop, that's just outrageous. Customers don't go for massages for fun, and then something like that happens. That was the end of the tip.

The sauna (all local) is great. But the fact that women are now allowed in is absolutely humiliating and I don't think it's right at all. It's no longer a gay sauna!!! What a shame. It would be best to go back to normal and become a gay/trans + bi (without women) sauna. There are plenty of saunas for couples and heterosexuals in Cologne. Otherwise, you'll lose your regulars and other customers.

I'm planning to go to this Bear Day next weekend... I'm curious to see how it goes. It'll be my first time in a sauna. What do I need to know?

Very nice place to be and very friendly personell. But what a pity, I could not find a button to switch to another language like English. Should be on the website for such a renowned gay sauna, beyond country borders. 11 months later - still only German language. .. if you need help - let me know ..