Very bad customer service, the front desk man told us that his staff are in training till 6pm, and we asked if we can come back after six and make appt now, he said not sure if they are all coming back to work for that day . He suggested to us that why don't you go to the one around the corner from him... read more

I have been to spa world and I was looking for a WAY cheaper option. Especially when spa world groupons are taken off... So this place is okay. It is pretty sketchy, I would go during the day. There are very few non Koreans in the spa. The employees speak no English, so be ready for hand gesturing. I got the 30$ skin scrub- this was my first Korean scrub so I don't really know how it compares. It was a pretty pleasant experience. The ladies are gentle with sensitive skin. They use Irish spring soap and then rub your new skin down with hair conditioner. The bath house itself is fairly clean but very small and worn (compared to spa world). The temperature of the hot pool is very hot. The steam room was so hot I couldn't go in, and I love steam rooms! Emphasis on small. Ladies go with a friend and enjoy yourself. Just be ready for the lack of frills. read more

Totally terrific! It was the best spa and brown sugar massage, i will have it again!!

I have NEVER felt so repulsed in my life. SO unsanitary. I didn't like Spa World but atleast was a returning customer. I ran out of this place so fast, I didn't know what to do w myself: 1) front desk lady or answered the phone & greeted us barely spoke English 2) NOONE their spoke English 3) my massage wasn't a massage- it was a rub down of filthy oils. the lady was beyond rough, so much that I had to run off the table and beg her to end my massage early 4) they wouldn't give you more than a 2 inch towel I am truly traumatized. read more

I am a jjimjilbang addict! Getting scrubbed down until your skin feels like a baby's bottom....YES PLEASE!! I haven't had a chance to fly back home to CA in a while, so I decided to check out the Korean saunas in VA since I was in town for a wedding. Riverside Sauna is a lot smaller than the Korean bathhouses I've been to before, and it may not be a new establishment...but for the price and amenities available, it's worth every penny!! They have two heated rooms, one of which was a salt room where you can sweat before showering and going into the wet area. For those of you who have never been to an Asian bathhouse, please shower AFTER you go into the sweat rooms and BEFORE you even think about getting into the steam room or hot/cold jacuzzi. After showering and steaming for an hour I was ready for my scrub! At this location the scrub lasts about 45minutes, and only costs $30. The lady scrubbing me did a great job, and wasn't too harsh which was good... especially since there was a communication barrier. Lots of smiling, nodding, and hand motions occurred, but all that mattered in the end was that my skin felt amazingggg! If only this place were closer, I would be here every other week!! One side note: the regular scrubs here do not include the cucumber facials and milk treatment, that only comes with the scrub+massage. I left a super happy, super scrubbed, and super smoooooooth customer. Keep calm and jjimjilbang on people! read more

Wonderful. Better than Sun Day Spa because it has a salt room and clay relaxation room. There is also a more friendly hangout vibe here. The steam and dry saunas are great. The hot and cold whirlpools are a bit extreme in their temperature. The body scrub is incredible and is finished with a hair wash. All for $45. Love this place! read more

I go there every week the place is good the price even better the stuff need to improve themselves. But i love this spa very close to where I live read more

I have been coming here since 2007 and haven't had any complaints. I have been coming here before Spa World ever opened. If you are coming here tryingto compare it to Spa World - Don't. This is a mom and pop kind of shop. It is not fancy but it gets the job done and the women here are so sweet. The language barrier is a little difficult but i have it down just pat after coming here for so many years. i typically just get the body scrub and i literally leave feeling like i have brand new skin. It's hard for me to get friends to come with since everyone is a little shy about getting completely naked however it is amazing and worth it. i have brought three friends with me and we are all obsessed. read more

I would give 3.5 stars. I like this place. This is the place to go if you want a no-frills, rough-n-tumble massage. It's a bathhouse where everyone walks around nude (not coed though), and they do massages in a wet room on a bare table. This is how they do it in Asia and other countries where bathhouses are common, so sanitation practices are a little "different"--they hose down the massage table with a quick scrub of Irish Spring soap and a bucket of hot water, and yooooooou're up! They'll get all the knots out. Just don't expect candles and soft music and mood lighting. read more

If you are looking for a traditional Korean bathhouse this is it. I would have given this place four stars, but the staff were unfriendly.

They are now re-opened after some renovation. Review on the Women's side: -the locker room is now more open and spacious. They have some chairs but could use a few more that are more comfortable and maybe some lounge chairs where you can lay down if you don't want to be in the pool area. Locker room has hair dryer, lotion, tissue, cotton swabs. -They use to charge $15 for entry, it's now $20. Still worth it for me to go here than Spa World. -The prices of their scrubs and massages are well worth every penny! I got a $30 scrub and it lasted about 45 minutes to an hour. Included hair and face wash. My mom got the special they have, $70 and it includes scrub, massage, face and hair wash, cucumber mask. This one was about 1.5 hour. **Tips are not included. -Tried their hip bath ($20, 30 minutes), it's like sitting on a toilet but instead, little box stools with large cutout holes on the top. They are lined as they wash the lining after each use. Below each hole sat a hot plate of medicinal herbs. An ajumma attendant assisted us until we got situated. You remove your clothes, she draped me with a pink satin-ish body skirt (drapes over the entire body). You then sit on the box and cover it with the skirt. 10 minutes into the sitting, it got really hot down under so I asked her to turn it down. Another 5 minutes went by and she came in to tell me to tuck my face in their too for the full effect. For the rest of the 15 minutes, I was literally getting full on steam body and face facial! It was definitely an experience. Thankfully, my friend did it with me so I had someone to talk to. Doing it alone with make the time go by slowly and you may even get bored. -The ladies here will scrub every inches of you. I always leave feeling clean, relaxed and refreshed. Definitely recommend this place if you don't need the fancy Spa World. read more

I Just went to this place and had a body scrub and massage. Feel much better after it. This place is small, but full of nice and friendly staff and clean with many amenities. Price is good. I can afford to go once a week. Haha. That's because I have only one day off from work. Yes, this place is only .8 mile away from my home. I definitely will go there for a body scrub once a week. If you have time, you can certainly explore the restaurant in the same building. You can waste a whole day in this building. read more

I have been going here for almost 5 years and I don't write many reviews but this place deserves some support! I love it so much. Now, keep in mind this is a pretty old-style Korean bath house. But, there service/prices definitely make up for it. I've tried other places but nothing beats their scrub & massage service. Very THOROUGH and it's SO refreshing. I always leave satisfied with the work done on me, and glad I made the trip. I wouldn't say it is "not clean" as some others are reviewing, but you have to keep in mind they have been open for over a decade now. Everything seems sanitized and clean as possible in my opinion. Nothing too bothersome. Plus, they had a small renovation last year. There is a salt room, steam room, sauna, and another hot room outside. Also with a cold and hot bath tub. Really gives me options to relax! Of course b/c it is not a pool, you do have to take off all your clothes, like I said before it is a old style bath house (mokyoktang), but they do provide you with a rope and few towels. TIP: You should plan take whatever else you need before going. (shampoo, face wash, body wash, etc.) if you prefer, but it is provided for you. Service wise, I found fanatiastic. Keep in mind they are older Korean women, the way they talk could be misinterpreted as being rude but it's most likely not! The front ladies are so sweet, may speak little English but with patience, they will provide you with whatever you need, ASAP. Lastly, they are ALOT busier on weekends, so I'll try to make it during the weekdays. Their services end around 7:30-8PM (depending on the wait) so make sure you try to fit the time wisely. You are welcome to still go in and just use sauna before closing time 10-11PM, just try to give a phone call before going in. Over all, it is most likely the best bath house (Spa) in the Washington area that I have tried with great service. read more

I love this place! It is only $20 to get in and they have everything I need. It's not as big as spa world but I think they are clean and friendly enough to enjoy my spa day. read more

I love Riverside Sauna. I have been going there since 2007. I live in the Ashburn area, and I don't mind the drive. The people who work there are so friendly. You don't get to communicate with them since they don't speak any English. But, at the end of the day, they know what they are doing. The place is very clean. And the price is cheap compared to other places. I always feel like a new person after a body scrub and a massage every time I go there. My body says:" Thank you. I am fresh. I can breath:)" Everyone should try it at least once. You will never Ever regret it. read more

I just completed my first trip at Riverside and I must say that it was an experience like no other. I arrived five minutes after the spa opened and was greeted by a man who spoke little English but was pleasant. However, that's where it got a little confusing. There were no instructions or anyone to tell you what to do, so it was kind of a mystery. I do advise everyone to read their website as it give more detail about what to do when you arrive. The scrub is awesome, but the cucumber facial is AMAZING. I would go every day just to get that. My face has never felt smoother or softer. I will second all of the positive reviews. And I will say that even though I was naked in front of strangers for two hours, it didn't seem like it. I was a great experience and I will probably go back in a couple of months. read more

Went to Riverside Sauna for the first time this morning. I lived in Japan and have visited Korea, and this place strikes me as very typical of a small 20-year-old public bath in either country. It's pretty worn looking, yet clean and sanitary. I got the 30 minute scrub from Mr. Choi, and it was great, similar to the many scrubs I have had at other facilities. In the last ten minutes or so he massages with great pressure--might be a little strong for some people, so speak up if you need to. The cost was just right: Entrance fee $15 (despite the website listing of $20, this is permanent) 30 Minute Scrub $30 If you are debating between here and Spa World, it is hard to compare. Spa World is like driving a Cadillac (driving with a big crowd, mind you)--and you pay for it. Riverside Sauna is like a reliable old Chevy, does the job when you need it. If you live inside the beltway in Northern Virginia and need a cheap Korean sauna fix, go ahead and try this place out. read more

After building up the courage for a bit, an old friend and I decided to plunge headfirst into the somewhat intimidating realm of the Korean sauna I had heard so much about. This place came highly recommended by a Korean friend of mine who regularly frequents saunas and definitely knows what she's talking about. Now for the nitty gritty. Yes, you will be naked, yes, you feel self conscious -for about 5 minutes. And then you realize that everyone else is stark naked as well, and is too busy enjoying the amazing steam rooms, hot tub, and cold pool to bother worrying about appearance. The scrubs are amazing and reasonably priced, and the ladies who do them are absolutely lovely. Plus the shampoo and mini massage at the end is awesome! This place was definitely worth checking out and I can't wait to go back! read more

I was in there for more than two hours just waiting for scrub/massage service. The place is so disorganized that they don't know who is there first or last. I kept telling to the lady that I have been waiting for a while and that I was there before all the people but she kept on ignoring me and did not even acknowledge me. I don't know if it was favoritism or she was just confused but it was very disrespectful and disappointing. I had to go to the lady at the at the front desk to let her know and she was shocked that I was still out there waiting. Then she came inside to talk to the lady but by then I was too furious that I l had to leave. read more

Had to register to write a review about this place. Very unfriendly service. I came here for a body scrub on a Friday night. However when I finished showering and asked for the body scrub, the staff told me they no longer offer it. This is more than one hour before the closing time. If you don't offer some service after a particular time, write in on the website and tell people when they come in. I tried to ask the staff for a re-entry coupon so I can come back for a body scrub, they refuse to do it. Stay away! read more

The place is pretty small. $20 for admission and $30 for 45 minutes body scrub. $60 for 60 mins scrub + oil or $70 for 100 mins scrub plus massage. They have 1 sauna in the dry area (in common area) around 111 F degrees. 1 steam sauna and 1 dry sauna in the bath area around 120-130 F degrees (pretty hot). Steam is like REALLLLLYYYYY steamy lol. I think they have morning rush (8 am to 12 pm) and evening rush (6-8 pm), so scrub is unavailable during those time. I came in around 11:30 AM and next scrub appt is 1:00 PM, so expect to spend about an hour around the area before your scrub appt. The ladies speak few English and they only give command during the scrub (side-down-up-sit). The lady I have done a very thorough job of scrubbing. I think I got scrubbed too much and I kinda break out in some places the day after. If you afraid of the pain, try to soak in the pool for 30 mins before your appt, it helps. Only thing I take a star off is the pool. The place/bath area is small hence I was bored and cant take my phone in to play games, so I start to notice things around me. The pool has a lot of dead skin floating around. Kinda gross but I understand it's public and everyone dip in it. I wish they have some sort of filter? or hope that they change the water daily. read more

I've been going to this place for 7 years now. Love the body scrub. It's phenomenal! Got my mom hooked on it too. She is from out of town but we have to go at least once when she is visiting. My only complain would be the long wait sometimes. I haven't been there since they renovated. Looking forward to it. read more

I found my replacement for Spa World! Although it does not have as many amenities Spa Riverside does offer what is needed at an affordable price and with wonderful staff support! I highly recommend this establishment to anyone in need of a traditional Korean spa and scrub. read more

I actually went to this place like two years ago. I didn't like it then because compared to spa world, this is...... this is..... very small. It reminds me of the cheaper saunas that I used go to when I was in South Korea. For some odd reason, I decided to go back. I was alone (adventurous me) when I went there. This place is the same as spa world but smaller. There's only one hot pool and one dry sauna. I repeat, it's really small (being used to spa world). I went there and tried their scrub and massage. I never tried it in spa world because their massage services are quite pricey. For this place, its much cheaper. $60/hour (but it seemed more than an hour) for the massage and $20 for the scrub. Actually, after the massage and scrub, I almost forgot where I was. The masseur was looking for muscle knots and when he found some on me, he went over and over them. He also massaged my back and my legs by stepping on them. Whew! It was really gooooood!!!!! If you're looking for a cheaper massage and scrub, this is a very good place to go to. Yes, I agree with the previous reviewers (m a., Arthur, and Mary) - no frills and just the essentials. read more

Others had a lot of nice things to say and I have to wonder if the owner put them all up to it. Just wondering, not pointing a finger. I went for the 30 minute scrub after reading about how wonderful it was and how it really feels like 45 minutes. Well, I happened to look at the clock. At 10 past the hour, i was called, I laid down and waited 2 minutes. then the Scrub started, definitely good technique, but rushed. I was DONE at 27 past the hour. That is 17 minutes ON THE TABLE and 15 minutes of scrub. The massage at the end was OK, he used his forearms and tried to work out knots in my back... he found them alright, but going 100 miles per hour and rushing to get in his 20 rubs was really worth a heck of a lot less than $20. The 2 stars are for the cleanliness. I would have given 0 stars if the place had not been very nicely kept. Although their website lists other rooms besides the sauna and steam, i did not see anything that resembled a red clay room. There was a nice looking massage room where I suppose the acupressure happens. There was another big empty room with a flat, wooden platform with cushions, I guess to lie down on. I will not be back. read more

I went here a week ago. Very small! Also they do not offer any other services like facials and massages etc separate from the sauna. But I must say im from los angeles and this place provided me with the best scrub ever. My skin was smooth! The massage kind of hurt but next time I would just get the scrub. If you're for something simple this is your place, if not go to spa world! read more

I love this place! I honestly could not believe I was covered in so much dead skin. It was rough, but really good!

Went to this place. Second time at a Korean Spa. Very small but nice. 15 bucks for entry. I would go back

After reading the other review I decided to try this spa in Annandale, It is not easy to find because it sits back off Rte 236 behind another building which faces the street. It is a very small but friendly place with a Korean clientele. The spa has a sauna and steam room plus a hot and a cold pool in addition to many showers. They offer body scrubs for $30 and a massage for $30 per 1/2 hr and $60 per hr. The clientele was very friendly to me when I was there. I had the body scrub and a 1/2 hr massage. The masseur was very competent and put me into a state of relaxation. Since the prices are so inexpensive, I visited the spa several times. The entrance fee is only $15.00. If you live inside the beltway this spa is very convenient. It has the same offerings as Spa World but smaller and much cheaper. I will definiteley go to the spa again. read more

Sure you can get in for $20 and do just the Hottub, Sauna and Steam but you MUST get the Scrub because it will change your life! I get one every week and the dudes make you feel like a King. I'm Anglo and half the wonderful experience is just enjoying the Korean culture of graciousness and respect. You feel like an honored guest -which is great but I leave realizing that I can practice that same high-level of courtesy in my everyday life and make my fellow man feel honored. If you get the Accupressure Massage be ready to hurt because they dig deep but you can request a Swedish Oil Massage which is rejuvenating and relaxing. The mostly-Korean clientele seems open to conversation -if you wish and I always learn something new. I really prefer the much more intimate atmosphere as compared to SpaWorld. It's quieter, less bright and more welcoming. After a hard week at work a visit to Riverside takes away my stress. Many of my friends and colleagues find it strange that I enjoy the experience but I know I'm richer for it. read more

I like this spa because the steam room is HOT, the hot tub is Hot, the price is very reasonable, it is close, not crowded and clean. Spa World is nice but this is somewhere I can go on a regular basis- kind of like your neighborhood sauna. Can't wait to go back. The scrub was fabulous- :) read more

I received The scrub and message package , and the result was excellent. She did a great job and tried hard to get the stress knots out of my shoulders. It is not a fancy place, but can get great results. If you are pressed in time, make sure to tell them, because I was done with my Pre-soaking activities, hot tub, cold tub, dry sauna and wet sauna, hot stone room (highly recommend) and was still waiting for my actual session to begin. It made me late to head back home before rush hour began, so it took me close to 2 hours to drive home, normally 30 min drive from that location to my house. I must mention that the place is NOISEY! The little Pre-sauna area has a loud TV on with Asian (non English) programs running. While I was resting in the Stone room, I was not able to relax at All since that room is adjacent to this TV area, and while getting scrub & message, the other tables' ladies were very loud, laughing and speaking in non-English language. I had to ask my message person to ask them to be quiet ... It should be the normal spa etiquette to whisper or just not speak at all. I will go back since the end result was definitely worth the minor discomforts. read more