Steamworks

This health club is hiring extremely rude, racist and hostile employees. The manager of its business is conducting the same practices.

I have been a loyal customer since 2011 and considered myself an outspoken advocate for Steamworks as a safe space for gay men to socialize. I have always purchased a VIP membership. I have always tipped staff. I have never caused trouble or attempted to bring negative attention to myself or the establshment. Last year alone I spent over $ 1500 to use their facility. Never once have I had anything negative to say about Steamworks until recent events that have unfolded.
Nearly 6 weeks ago I visited Steamworks, but on this occasion I was told I was not allowed to enter the facility. When I asked why, the door staff told me that they could not provide me that information and that I would have to call during business hours to speak with the manager, Brian Short. There was no ability to reconcile or figure out what the mixup was. In fact, as I tried to get an answer, I was rudely dismissed and treated like the scum of the earth. Mind you all of this happens with a line of customers also waiting to get in. I have never been so embarrassed. The same staff that just days prior checked me in with smiles kicked me to the curb. So as I was instructed, I called Brian Short during business hours to figure out what the mixup was that led to me no longer being allowed in the facility. Fast forward to now, Brian, nor anyone from Steamworks will return my calls, emails, letters to explain what exactly I did to deserve such disrespect.
Steamworks may monopolize the market for quality «day spas,» but I expect them to treat all customers with respect. That includes notifying their customers when they are no longer welcome in real time. It is not appropriate to inform the customer he is barred after the fact on a return visit when travel time and money have been Invested. Allowing the issue to become the past, subject to here-​say and void of any of the scrutiny a real time confrontation would offer demonstrates what kind of childish establishment we are dealing with.
To make matters worse, I have friends who still frequent that place who have told me that staff have revealed to them why I am no longer allowed to enter. The accusations, if true, are a clear violation of their corporate privacy policy and a personal attack on my character. Such statements would be slander before a court of law.
I encourage anyone else who has been treated with similar disdain to share their experience. Unless people speak out about their unprofessional business practices, they will continue to behave just as they do. And for those who may be reluctant to speak out, I remind you, loyalty as a customer means nothing to them. Look what happened to me.

First of all, I just want to say that I’m appreciative of any place that offers a sex positive atmosphere to gay guys who just want to have a hug, tug and a poke without a lot of fuss. How successful you are in hooking up is really going to depend on how you look or how big your cock is; but, there are plenty of glory hole areas to give anybody an opportunity at gagging on whatever their heart’s desire might be. Most guests are nice, and the guys that have been jerks are usually addressed immediately by staff when reported.
I’ve been a VIP member for probably a couple of years now. The last year or so, I seriously considered dropping out of this place because not only was incessant remodeling closing down significant parts of the club; but, they simultaneously raised the prices on everything: rooms, lube, gear, sodas and chips! Raising the prices when half the club was closed down seems really tacky, and greedy to me. It also «literally» started to smell poopy in there… I don’t know if that’s from the lack of regular cleaning, or if the same guy forgot to thoroughly douche and let a «Payday» slip out the times I was there.
Now, Steamworks has signage stating that they are in the 4^th stage of remodel (they started off with two). My VIP membership is up in April, and I’m not sure at this point that it has been worth it. For the most part, it’s a decent enough place to hookup — I just think that someone, at some point, will do better.

January 2016. The club is now complete as far as the facilities. A couple more things to be done up front. Plenty of showers, bathrooms, and towels. New dry sauna. Nice. Very busy on Sundays. There are themes for different days of the week, for example there are bear nights, lights out night, and I can’t think of the rest. If you are on the DL, closeted, or think you’re straight, there is a way of getting in. Welcome sailors, marines. Check out their website. The clientele is average as far as looks, with a few hotties strewn about. They don’t look like the fellows in their ads but you’ll have a good time. If you want beauties, go rent a movie.
The televisions in the rooms need to be replaced and placed lower.
John is really great. Where’s Cliff?

Well the new redesign is good but in the steam room you got to look out for the exposed steam vent. Major burn factor. also they could do without the «Monitors» who walk thru the sauna and steam room with a flashlight… Heaven forbid someone might be having SEX …
Wide variety of folks come here. something for every taste and desire

This place is somewhat hidden within a industrial part of Berkeley a little bit outside San Francisco.
It’s my first time trying out this place visiting from Hollywood Ca. The staff here are somewhat friendly and the prices vary depending on what you’re looking for.
*Xlarge and Xtreme rooms *Private rooms
*Private Douche stations *Public play areas *Great music and live DJ’s
this place was a little bit «too futuristic» for me, it has a lot of metals and cold steals nothing warm or inviting. Although it’s very very clean and great Maintenance the crowds sucks (so proud of LA) place is cool it just looks like something out of a «movie set».
More tips on bathhouses & Men’s clubs feel free to (msg me!)

And no response at all to the syringe thing. You’ve had a few days to formulate a reply, but no! You obviously don’t give a sh*t.

I use to be a VIP Member, yes I use to go all the time but with the The construction going on at like 7am, yes 7am WTF? This place is super dirty, they don’t clean the restroom, there is paper on the floor it’s probably because the housekeeping that they have hired are so fucking lazy. The General Manager Brian, is always super busy on his knees sucking cock in the back room through the Gloryhole’s. Yes I know all of this because like I said I use to go there all the time. I have also brought this to upper management corporate in San Francisco and they did not give a shit. It’s stupid because that’s how businesses go down the drain, one customer at a time that they loose, especially one that used to bring lots of money to them.

Steamworks is a substandard bathhouse that people go to because there really is no other viable option (not into driving an hour to go to the extremely «hit or miss» Watergarden). I definitely agree with most of the comments of the latest reviewers. It’s really irritating that Steamworks is charging full price even though more than half of the club is inaccessible, including the most popular areas of the club such as steam room, hot tub, long-​anticipated sauna, and onsite laundry so there may not be a good supply of fresh towels and bed linens.
For your full price admission, you get to experience gravel, dirt, and dust everywhere, constant ear-​shattering construction noise and the uncomfortable presence of the workers within the few remaining play spaces in the club. The full charge admission is bad enough, but the absolute worst part is that even with all of the crap that we’ve been putting up with during this remodel, Steamworks even had the nerve to RAISE the prices of its weekend lockers as well as its basic and standard rooms during this time. At the time that the construction work began, lockers were $ 14 (weekday) and $ 17 (weekend). Now lockers are $ 15 on weekdays and $ 20 on weekends. Basic rooms were $ 22 on weekdays and $ 25 on weekends; now they are $ 23 and $ 28 respectively. As for standard rooms, they used to be $ 25 on weekdays and $ 28 on weekends; now they are $ 28 on weekdays and $ 33 on weekends! And of course depending on the waiting list and the length of time for you to get your room, you may only get to use your room for a few hours even though you’re paying full price for the room. This is because your «room time» begins the second that you check into the club, not when you actually get your room. So, on the weekends, you almost never get to use your room for 8 hours even though you paid for 8 hours. This really sucks whenever you might want to take a break and relax in private or maybe take a nap.
The lack of respect for their customers is infuriating! I’m referring not only to how they do business, but also the unfriendly and bitchy attitudes of several of the staff members who work there. Lacking any alternative, I’ve been coming to Steamworks for the last 15 years. However, over the course of the last year or so, Steamworks has left me feeling pissed off, ripped off, and insulted by the general «Take it or leave it because I don’t give a f*ck» attitude of the management and the staff. The remodel is unpleasant, but I doubt that that general attitude and overall experience will improve even after the remodel is finished. As long as they are the only bathhouse within a 50 – 60 mile radius, they will never give a crap about providing anything even approaching good and friendly customer service.
****Note*****
Now that the construction is FINALLY done, I will update my review after my next visit which should be within the next week or so.

I have been a regular monthly visitor to Steamworks Berkeley for probably 10 years. Have always loved it. Until they started remodeling. Okay, I understand remodeling is not easy for a business that’s remaining open. However, most of what I go there for (steam — hello — it’s «Steamworks») is not there and hasn’t been for months now. I’ve tried going twice since the steam room (and other related areas like the attached showers) has been shut down, but it’s just not the same. What bothers me most is that Steamworks continues to charge full price for a half-​experience. There’s no construction discount. It’s just not worth full price now with half the facilities gone or re-​routed in weird ways. They used to offer a $ 5.00 discount in years past when they were fully functional, and now it’s no discount at all when one is really justified. Maybe there’s some kind of discount to be had if one asks for it, I don’t know, but it should just be freely offered across the board. I won’t be back to Steamworks at full price until I’m assured the remodel is over — and who knows when that will be. Meanwhile, Watergarden in San Jose is a great alternative.

I’m a regular there, all staff know me, all are amazing and friendly, never had a rude response or behavior, Jay and jorgy (I hope it is the right spelling) are fabulous!!! Very nice and caring, anyone is having a rude response. Simply is because you are rude to the staff. Full stop… Well done Steamworks… Love you all

Staff at the front desk are incredibly rude and extremely bitchy for absolutely no reason at all. Someone should tell them that that bitchy queen thing went out of style years ago.
Its not your paying customers fault that you hate your job. Along with the remodel they should seriously consider replacing the front desk staff, they’re plenty of friendly decent guys that you can find to represent your establishment that would create a more positive experience for your paying customers. Now the guys cleaning the rooms are always very friendly, they should keep them.

Had lots of fun, despite a good chunk of the facilities being closed off for construction. The new shower is sweet and the sling and f*ck bench are still available… I tried this place a few times on Friday or Saturday evenings. Prices aren’t bad and customer service is moderate. If you have a few hours to kill I suggest you check it out.

I would have to admit, it is one of the safe facility you can go and have no worries of being hassel for being yourself. The neighborhood is very quiet along with watch groups that would come to your aid if something should every happen while arriving or leaving the facility. Police are always on patrol around the facility and easy access from the Interstate 80. This place provides members with all the necessities for a safe and healthy visit. I know members may talk about the construction going on, but it is better than some of the other facilities in the bay area with no remodeling going on. I advise all to come and experience what this facility has too offer. PS be aware of the rumors floating around they are not true. So don’t be apart of the rumor mill. Come and have a great time at Berkeley.

If there was a zero star option I would choose that. I have never been so disgusted and turn off in my life. And considering I’m comfortable in the leather crowd and beat crowd, that says a lot. Maybe once they complete their remodel this place will be better but right now it’s a real rip off. The people at check in were rude and mean. The place is dirty. It doesn’t look like anyone is actively cleaning it. They could also do a better job with more of their gear. Presentation is key and this location just doesn’t have it.

This place is ongoing renovation. Patrons are mixed and depends on the day of the week! Sometimes you have to be awake all night to get lucky! Lol steam room needs to be redone and the jacuzzi is better now! Crews are very friendly!
That’s all!

STAY AWAY during construction!!! Huge parts of the club are closed and the in-​room video doesn’t work! Despite this, the owners have raised prices substantially on everything. Even the lube is now 100% more expensive.
The staff is getting pounded by customer complaints but are told by the management to just push back. When the in-​room video doesn’t work they don’t tell customers when they check in and still charge $ 13.00 more than a room without video!
Steamworks is in a money-​grab mode and are sticking it to their loyal customers.
STAY AWAY for now. Go to Eros or Watergardens until Steamworks gets their _​hit together. Sorry Steamworks..

Had a great time tonight. Was my first time going there. All different kinds of guys, races shapes and sizes. Staff was very friendly at the front desk. If your a bigger guy, ask for a larger towel. I arrived Sunday around 8pm. Was packed. Then around 9pm people started to leave. They had vending machines in the back which I thought was odd cause you turn in all your valuables and wallet at the front desk on
Arriving. Vending machines should be in the front when u still have your wallet. Everything in there i would have gotten. Poppers, cock rings, mouth wash, and so on. Aside from that. It was very clean! No bad smells at all. Reminded me a lot of a Calistoga spa. Am looking forward to going again.

What better way to cap off your San Francisco.Experience.Return to the scene of the CRIME. Who knows you may bump into the second time around. Or in the dark. Could be the hot guy from your first STEAMTRIP… OR
The The Guy who Caught your Eye in the Club. Sitting in the jazucci. .Now eyeing you…
Let the STEAM take Hold of all your Senses.
And JUST BE…

Since it looks like I will be providing the most up to date review for Steamworks for 2014, I will try to be as detailed and thorough as I can.
I went to Steamworks on Sunday evening, March 9, 2014. There were about 132 people and the wait times for rooms weren’t that bad. I was impressed by how clean it is there (although you may step on a stray condom or some «junk»). The music was good and the guys were sexy. I was surprised at how high the sexual temperature is here. If you want somewhere to relax and get your needs satisfied, this is the place to do it. There were actually a pretty good amount of attractive guys and I even got a number.
The only improvement that I could see this place needing is more hot water in the showers and more places to get towels and lube, etc. It was lukewarm when I had went in the first time, and the same the second. I think this place is going to be my stress reliever and my go-​to for my personal spa days.