FANTASTIC !!!!!! Could not have had a better experience. The place is awesome, perfectly clean, people are friendly, great saunas, kind atmosphere. Wow I truly enjoyed this place. I now go weekly, and feel rejuvinated every time. It is a family friendly environment- once you get inside ;) 5 stars!!! read more

I came here with a groupon deal a while back ( 30 dollars for admission for two people). This place is deep into Brooklyn, I recommend driving-- free parking for customers. this is truly a Russian Banya experience! You know it's good, when you see old Russian men lounging by the pool, wives scrubbing down their husbands in the sauna with banana looking- like- leaves, and people drinking Vodka at 1pm in the afternoon. On a Sunday fternoon, it wasn't too crowded and you could jump from the saunas, to the igloo room, to the pools/jacuzzi. My friend and I also took a break and I ordered a cappuccino. Wow, I was not expecting my cappuccino to come out looking so pretty, they put the drink in a clear cup so that you can see the different layers of foam, milk, and coffee. The drink is also accompanied with a Rock candy to stir in your drink and melt into a sweet pile of goodness. I really wish I had my camera to take a picture at that point!. My friend and I spent practically the whole day there and left all refreshed and happy. Another tip: come here during the summer, they have lounge chairs in the outdoor seating area, where you can sunbathe and relax. read more

The choices for the saunas was okay. The place it's self was dirty the staff was horrible I was so thirsty for water and u asked a staff to get me a cup of water and he told me in a mean way to go to the waitress and buy the water, but then he said if you want free water go to the dirty sink and drink from there. The towels were dirty it looks like they don't wash them but just dry them. Also they asked me for a valuable item in the front desk which the lady in front said give me ur wallet that was my first time ever that someone asked me. The place is very expensive $50 dollars per person and the place is no that grate, REALLY DIRTY, AND THE STAFF are REALLY MEAN. I do not suggest this place for anyone that's why they get a one star from me. read more

Beware: Don't bother with this place unless you're Russian, or are going with Russian friends. Staff is unhelpful and aloof at best, and you have to be aggressive to get something as simple as a bottle of water. It's definitely an authentic Russian banya experience but I wouldn't call it a relaxing time - I'm hoping the service is improved if you're Russian. The steam rooms and saunas were definitely effective, but the one giant hot tub was crawling with children. General atmosphere was cluttered, shirtless frenzy, and not even very clean looking. It was an interesting experience but I won't be back. read more

At the suggestion of a colleague, I went to check out a Russian Bath during a Brooklyn weekend. Through an internet search, I found the Mermaid in Coney Island. I was very impressed! There is a $30 admission fee if you just want to do the baths, but definitely get a massage!! It's great, although the cost is higher, of course. I wet alone, and being alone is fine for a massage, although during the bath part it was a bit lonely, particularly since everyone--and I mean everyone--was speaking Russian. It was like a short trip abroad, and certainly lent an air of authenticity. Despite some Russian in my heritage, I have no understanding of the language, not the rituals and customs about the baths--and there are rituals. First, the men and women are together, so bring a bathing suit. They provide towels and flip-flops (though I brought my own of those too). I just went into the different rooms as I wanted, but there is apparently an order. Mermaid has two different saunas plus an ice one and a steam room. There's a hot tub and a cold plunge pool as well (I didn't have the guts to do that!). There is an order: steam, sauna, cold--and the Russians repeat it up to five times. I could only spend about ten minutes in the sauna, but the Russians seem to do it longer. They also suggest wearing a felt hat or a towel wrapped around the head in the sauna. There are also chaise lounges outside and it was a beautiful day when I went, so it was nice to relax outside a bit, but there is smoking permitted out there so it detracts from the experience, at least for me. Part of the experience too is to have some tea--hot tea. The hot liquid makes you feel better; cold liquids induce more sweating. The tea was servied with jam, honey, and lemon. No sugar. I drink mine plain with lemon, so I was fine; I've never seen it served with jam. It's probably a Russian thing. You can make a day of it at the bath if you want ... there's food at the facility as well as drinks once the bath part is over, but I didn't do that. On to the massage ... I had a combination that started with a platza. It is done in the sauna and the masseuse combines what we would think of as a regular massage with almost a whipping (buit it doesn't hurt) with oak and birch tree branches (called venik), accompanied by a eucalyptus branch for smell. According to russian-bath.com, it "improves blood circulation, intensifies skins capillary activities and metabolism. Venik leaves release phytoncides - biologically active substance that kills or depresses the growth and development of pathogens. Essential oils released by venik improve metabolism and prevent premature aging of the skin." Who know? Anyway, it was quite enjoyable. This was done in two stages with a cold shower in between and some time in the sun on a chaise. Then I got what is a more typical Western massage, although my masseuse gave me a Thai-style one that I'd never had before along with some elements of Swedish and Shiatsu styles. Upon leaving, you can shower and dress in a sex segregated locker room. All in all, it was a fantastic experience and I highly recommend it. Everything was VERY clean. I felt completely relaxed, even though some of the massage part was rough--as they often are. As an added plus, the Mermaid is right off the beach in Coney Island, so I walked on the part of the newly restored boardwalk and enjoyed the views and seeing all the people. Soon, unfortunately, you get to the part of the Boardwalk where the City still needs to replace it, but before long, you are in the amusement area which, of course, has a long history. read more

best banya i have been to in NYC!! the location is a bit remote, but once you get there you will think you are in some russian version of heaven. the rooms are all HOT HOT HOT and the cold pools are so very cold. i really like brooklyn banya as well, but the cold pools here at mermaid seal the deal (brooklyn banya has no pools, just cold showers outside the sauna). mermaid has a variety of rooms to choose from; straightforward saunas (2), wet sauna, steam room, and a jacuzzi. they also have an ice sauna which is pretty cool and worth a look, but really the focus here is on the blazing hot saunas. one thing that put me over the moon at mermaid was the smells! mermaid really hits all the senses. combined with the intense heat the saunas smell like fresh cedar, eucalyptus, herbs, and venik. the overall level of cleanliness was really impressive and there was a constant flow of freshly laundered towels. the restaurant was top notch as well. be had a few salads, pelmini, beers, and potatoes with dill. i really wish i had befriended a russian because some of the smoked fish dishes smelled wonderful, and other plates looked pretty amazing but i had no idea what they were, and think they might only exist on the russian language menu. in any event when i return i will ask more menu related questions. the communal area was pretty cool too, all wood (it reminds you of a well lit lodge), large and airy. we relaxed, steamed, played cards,drank a cold beer, read, ate, and repeated the cycle quite a few times. we left feeling like a million dollars for $35 and gas to the ends of the borough , to me that's the deal of the millennium. read more

I came here twice and love this place. I actually like it better than the spa castle. Its more relaxed. My favorite is the hot tub. And then going into the ice room. Its small but great to cool off after the hot tub and suana. Its also very clean ! The bathrooms are very clean and stocked with tons of soap in the showers and even have hair dryers in there! There is a small ice pool I did not have the courage to jump into! the dining area is nice with authentic Russian food. They also have beer and vodka. Most people come here to detox and drink tea and eat healthy but I just had mainly vodka! I will definitely come back again its very relaxing! read more

After burning down years ago the owners of Brooklyn's Sea gate Russian Banya, encouraged by high demand, decided to reopen Mermaid Spa after renovations. Open seven days a week from 8am until 11pm this sauna offers various rooms, including a pure steam room and others differing in humidity. Cold water and ice baths are extremely rejuvenating after sweating out all your bodily toxins. Best of all, there is a French/Russian restaurant within which offers great salads, dumplings, soups and more. Surprisingly, you are able to bring in your own alcohol- I've heard this saying that "there is no Banya without vodka" but the spa is certainly not a bar, so use proper judgment. I completely suggest the Mermaid spa as a great way to spend a day relaxing with family and friends. Entry fee for adults is $30 and $17 for children, the experience is well worth it. read more

As soon as we walked in, a woman behind the counter told us 8n a very condescending and angry voice that children under 50" are not allowed and that there is NO WAY "these" kids would be allowed. She kept rep We had 4 kids with us and they got very upset that she was talking that way. Even if thats the policy, the staff must be polite about it. It was very unprofessional and rude. Scared our k8ds (who are 7, 9 and 14 yo) and ruined our day with her attitude. We didn't have a chance to even say hello before she attacted us read more

Perfect banya right in Brooklyn. Not as "fancy"" as spa castle but it gets the job done. Conveinitly located in Coney Island.

We went there after surfing on New Year's day and really enjoyed it. The pools, saunas, and steam rooms were clean and comfortable. People were chatty and pleasant. No kids (which was great). The service was matter-of-fact and efficient but not particularly friendly. We had lunch there (soup, dumplings and roasted vegetables), which were very tasty. Upon leaving our waiter mixed up the locker numbers and they tried to charge us for someone else's lunch - it was a mistake and cleared up, but definitely check the bill before you pay. Take flip-flops (slippers) with you. Would definitely recommend! read more

ice baths -- check. eucalyptus steam room -- check. variety of saunas -- check. bottles of grey goose & VSOP & 23oz pts of beer -- check. hot towels -- check. good food -- check. i LOVE this banya. it's always clean and there are always russian bulls to beat you with vanik. read more

this place is a bit pricey, but its a very nice spa. there's about three saunas, and a nice steam room at a decent size, I like the cleanliness of the place. there's also a nice Jacuzzi and a cold room, cold pool. the Locker room itself Is also clean, but since this place gets crowded try to come as early as possible. the staff there was very nice, and the food was average. over all its a relaxed vibe and its great for some family time. read more

LOVE this place. Worth the trip from anywhere for an amazing banya experience. Hot means HOT and cold means COLD, which is why I love Russian banyas. And of course, the delicious food! After a few cycles of heat and plunging, nothing feels better than a belly full of potato dumplings and an ice cold vodka shot. Staff is very friendly, everything is extremely well attended. Every time I've come, have ended up making friends with the regulars who come too. It is has a lot of neighborhood character. This is where you go to relax if you don't need fussy scented candles and frills. read more

Placed on the edge of Seagate the Banya is better off arriving via car or service. The locker room is a bit off, not kept up and small. Showers have soap and shampoo as many other spas. Food is authentic and average in prices for NY. Spas are just small, other Banya's are larger and on a weekend morning it will be difficult to find a seat in the dining area as well as in the sauna's. Towels seem to run out quickly and there is only two or three places to get them when needed. I like this place during the week, weekends it is quite crowded with family's and large groups. I am awaiting for the BRC spa in NJ to reopen and have tried the other Spa's in the city but find them just not pleasant. I like the staff at Mermaid, if you speak Russian you will be treated a bit better than if you do not. Just my findings but not true consistently. read more

My new banya! I have been going to 10st spa for 15 years, this place has ruin that experience for me. Super duper clean! Respectfully customers in the spa even if it's crowded everyone nice and quiet in the steam rooms. Yes their are all Russians don't be racist respect and be quiet , you are their to relax! As far as food I would focus on the steam and eat after somewhere else. I'm in love! read more

I guess I was unlucky. (?) Too bad because I really wanted to like that place ( since I live nearby and planned to go back often) Not very clean, not very relaxing. Could not bear to stay there for more that an hour. I am not sure where all those positive reviews are coming from. Very disappointing. read more

This place has a nice assortment of dry and wet saunas AND an icebox which is a quiet the variety. I have a car so it was easy to get to. I'm not sure if I would go here if I didn't have a car. The food was quite delicious as well. read more

Place isn't bad, but it's lacking a pool in my opinion. I love just hanging out in a pool and enjoying the water in between bath sessions. The rooms get pretty packed in on weekends and the food was definitely good (but not cheap). I would say that it's one of the better banyas in Brooklyn. read more

Everything is ridiculously overpriced, particularly the restaurant, and on top of the already high prices, I checked my credit card bill 2 days after visiting and they had added 20%. This was added after I had signed the receipt for a different amount. They just decided they would try and sneak an extra 20% to my bill after I left. This place is run by frauds. I wouldn't recommend this place to anyone, and if you must go, pay in cash. read more

I have been numerous times to this spa/bath house, and I leave feeling relaxed and renewed every time. There are tons of different saunas and steam rooms, plus an ice room, jacuzzi, 2 ice baths, and an area outside to relax. There is also a great selection of Russian food and drink to enjoy and maintain energy as detoxifying. I brought my two brothers here for their first time and they really enjoyed it! read more

Very relaxing, I left with a glow I haven't had since my first pregnancy. (& the staff is easy on the eyes!)

LOVE YOUR PLACE!!! EVERYTHING the sauna, the steam room, iced cold pool, hot tub. The food is amazing. A lot of varieties and everything whats on the menu is available. Very good and fast service. The Best experience of Russian Bath House from somebody, who been using different bath houses for past 30years read more

As of this past week, the Mermaid has not improved on the overcrowding even early on weekday mornings. In fact things have gotten worse. As of January they have raised the price. What is even more upsetting is that a "security guard' Is now standing, imposingly, at the entrance and at time walking and standing in the dining area. WHY? Has there been trouble that we are not aware of? The "security guard" is unsettleing and takes away what should be a relaxed atmosphere. When asked about the "security guard" the owner refused to commend. Several others told me they were upset about the "security." The Mermaid has in the past been the very best Russian Banya with excellent steam and saunas, an excellent and hard working staff. It would be a loss if the Mermaid can not get back to its former excellent self. read more

Easily the worst sauna in Brooklyn. Terrible food and even worse service. After using the jacuzzi I found myself itching my skin off for the rest of the day. Also this is a "silent" sauna, so pointless to come here with friends as a social occasion. There was someone meditating in the sauna, and when my friend and I were talking, he threatened to kill us, after throwing what amounted to 100 obscenities in our direction. Explaining this to the owner rendered 0 result. Boris is too busy being a cool owner so he won't even address you as a person because you're beneath him at his facility. It's concerning that this facility stays open considering the amount of health and safety violations they receive. Save your $50 and go elsewhere. read more

I was lucky enough to find a Groupon deal to go to this spa. The coupon lasted for a couple of months. We (my husband and I) went to Mermaid Spa this past Sunday and we were so happy with everything. The only thing that we didn't realize until we got there was how far it was from the Coney Island train station. Oops! We walked it and took the bus back. You wouldn't know that this was a spa from the outside. It's located in a warehouse like area. But once we were inside, the staff treated us very friendly, explained to us where everything was and we were ready to explore what they had to offer. We had only been to 1 spa in NYC in the past but it closed. This one was much bigger than the previous one. We loved the jacuzzi and outside patio. We shared the HUGE cesar salad with chicken. The sauna and steam rooms were TOO HOT for us. We would love to go back. read more

I've been going to bania as long as I remember myself abroad and in US, in NY in particular. And I've been to virtually all NY saunas, both Russian and Korean (still prefer Russian). First time at Mermaid Spa was 6 years ago and instantly became a fan. Renovated recently its even better now than before. What defines this sauna from others is: 1) warm inviting relaxing atmosphere, just like bania is supposed to be: wood in the walls and ceilings, very-very clean, outdoor backyard is the best. 2) absolutely adorable personnel: so attentive, so kind and professional at the same time, they make you feel like you are at home and they are your caring family, that's why I'd say more than 50% of clients go every week (its so good its addictive). Hi to Yura and Tatyana, they are the best! 3) the best quality of saunas among NY Russian saunas (they have 4). Recommendation: rather go in the morning or afternoon, you 'll be sweating with pros, they do bania the right way. 4) amasing food, always fresh and taaaaaasty: Yey, give it up for Mr. Cook!!! The price is right: 30$ to get in - not too much, not too little, good price for great time. Got a 10 times pass for 250, they gonna see more of me , love this place, Im there every week (wanna be healthy and beautiful forever ). read more

No better way to a unwind after a stress filled work week & prepare yourself for the one coming. Love this banya it is cozy and clean, rooms are always hot , cold plunge pool gives my skin the love and attention it needs!! A+ read more

I have decided to visit mermaid spa in Brooklyn for the first time on Feb 5, 2014 as I was recommended by my friends who go there on a regular basis and this was a big mistake. I arrived in the afternoon to huge piles of snow and ice on the parking lot which should have been cleaned and it was very dangerous to walk on. As I came into the spa I barely made it inside without falling. After finishing with the spa I left walking to my car and I slipped and fell on the ice hurting my back and was in no mood after a relaxing day. I came back inside to the front desk and asked for the owner name. She said his name is Boris and he is on duty today. I asked to call him to make complain about my injury and was told by the girl that she will call Boris (I don't know his last name). I've waited for 15 minutes in pain and no one arrived. I'm really disappointed by being irresponsible and not cleaning out the ice for customers to be safe and also not coming out to listen to customer's complaints. read more

I go to this Russian bath house for many years. It's the best Russian banya/spa that I know: cozy, great steam rooms, friendly staff, tasty food, health juices, big selection of beer. read more

Best true Russian banya in NYC love it here spend the day and you feel great leaving. For all of you who say it's expensive it's very clean plenty of towels and good things are not cheap just cheesy and grossly dirty. read more

They really fixed up the Steam Room to the point that its almost a trippy and the perfect amount of steam. I have yet to see a better steam room in the 5 boroughs. Ambience is superior to any of its competitors in terms of the services. The towels are plentiful even on a busy night, The jacuzzi was upgraded to what seems to be very high power jets and that really makes the experience. My girlfriend loved her (I think expensive) but effective massage. I had the borsht and think its some of the best I've ever had. This banya is probably the most expensive I've seen but you really do get what you pay for and if you want a creative date that shows you know the places to go for some fun, this is it. I can also tell you if you think you are coming down with a sinus infection, this might be a great idea if you really go through the entire experience. That said, you pick: $40 admission or a course of antibiotics? I've avoided many a sinus infection here. read more

I bought a groupon special for the spa because I had missed out in another special for anther spa that I eventually went to and was not please. Mermaid spa was clean and the reception and the cook were great. Treated my husband and I like family. Helped us with a few Russian terminology. The sauna and the ice plunge were great and big enough to enough. I would visit this spa again. The outside is not to be desire, but once you open the door of will forget about outside. Side note great food too.g read more

Fantastic! Best Russian Banya I've been to, hands down. Super clean, very comfortable set-up. Love the ice plunge, steam rooms and saunas were all super-hot. I actually liked the fact the whirlpool was not too hot, I like to start there to loosen everything up. There's plenty of heat to be found, no worries there! Bring your friends and be sure to have a snack, they have an extensive menu. Waiter & waitress would be the only thing I would complain about--they were a bit rude, told us to move to another table for no apparent reason then took forever to get them to acknowledge us, though they were standing around talking to each other, so minus a star for that . Other than that everyone there was very nice, surprisingly so. I liked it so much I bought a card for 10 visits! Forget about parking in the lot, it is almost always full, but there is plenty of street parking. read more

I usually go to Korean spas, but went for the experience of a banya with a Russian friend. It was clean, service was okay and the food was good. But the best part was the heat of the saunas, they were HOT, 15 minutes is pretty much the most you can do and then a nice cold plunge or shower feels perfect. By the time I got out my muscles were loose and the crick in my neck from staring at a computer 10 hours a day was gone. One word of caution, the dressing rooms are very cramped and very tight so more than 4 women trying to get dressed in there is impossible. read more

Great for Brooklyn. Has hot saunas and steam room. The food is decent. Not as good as the nj places I've been to but pretty good. Would be nice if there was a pool read more

I have to say, that I would even give it 5 stars, but it is too crowded a lot of times (which means it is that good!!). I go there with my friends at least once a month and I always enjoy it. Staff is very good and friendly. They have every sauna you want and a cold pool. Massages are great. It would be nice if they had a pool. But overall great and enjoyable experience. read more

I went here a couple months ago with my best friend Antonina who is originally from Russia. I had never been to a Banya and I have been bugging her to take me some time. We made an entire day out of it, we first went shopping in Brighton Beach to get some yummy russian foods and alcohol to bring home, I got a lovely georgian wine that was delish. Then we went to Banya. We first ordered some tea and fruit salad along with their avocado salad that was soo amazingly delish. Then we put our branches we bought from the russian pharmacy into the buckets of water to soak. We hit each sauna a few times but she could not convince me to jump into the icey cold pool after. We spent the day from the sauna to food then back to sauna and met a bunch of nice people that we hung out with. A guy was coming around with a special on massages so since I wasn't able to beat her with the branches well because the steam got too much for my breathing after awhile she paid one of the workers to do the branches for her and I got a Thai Massage. The massage was absolutely amazing and felt so de-stressed afterwards. I plan to go back very soon it was an amazing staycation! read more