In a UK hotel sauna you usually wear swimwear, sit on a towel, shower before you go in and stay in for as long as feels comfortable, often 8 to 15 minutes per round. Check the opening times and any fee first, because many hotel saunas close in the early evening or charge guests extra.
Before you go
- Shower first. It is expected in almost every hotel spa.
- Bring two towels. One to sit on, one for afterwards. Many spas lend them; some charge.
- Swimwear. In most UK hotel and leisure club saunas you wear swimwear. Private saunas in holiday lets are up to you.
- Eat light. Skip the sauna straight after a big dinner or a few drinks.
Inside the sauna
Sit on your towel so no skin touches the wood. Higher benches are hotter. Keep conversation low; in a shared sauna, quiet is the norm. If there is a bucket and ladle, ask the others before you pour water on the stones.
Cooling off
Leave the sauna, cool down with a shower or plunge pool if there is one, and rest before the next round. Two or three rounds is a common routine. Read our guide to sauna and cold plunge for the hot and cold routine.
Questions to ask the hotel
| Question | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| What are the sauna opening times? | Many close by 8 or 9pm; some need booking |
| Is sauna access included in my rate? | Some hotels charge guests for the spa |
| Is there a minimum age? | Often 16 or 18 in leisure clubs |
| Is it shared with club members? | Busy at peak times, often before and after work |
| Is there a cold plunge? | Makes a real difference to a sauna session |
Once we have checked a hotel, you will find these answers in its Sauna Passport. Browse spa hotels with a sauna, hotels with a pool and sauna or our hotel chain sauna index.