INTRO:
Okay, I have heard a lot about this place... even driven by the outside to give others directions, but had never been inside. So this week decided to take the plunge and check things out for myself. I went on a Tuesday afternoon.

I have some pics which I will post soon.

Location:
If you are familiar with Plaza Rio you understand that on the east side there is the via Rapida and the river/rio. One the west side is the main boulevard where Sanborn's is located, Avenida de los Heros. Sanborn's is on the southern end of Plaza Rio, nearest the intersection where the traffic circle has a statue of Cuauhtemoc the Mexican Indian warrior. The other three corners are a tile shop, Calimex, and Camino Real Hotel.

That cross street, Cuauhtemoc Sur, will take you west to Rosarito, or east to the Tijuana Airport. Take it east over the rio, through several signaled intersections until you come to PINO SUAREZ. There is a farmacia on your left with a blue and white sign. Turn left.

On Pino Suarez go about 4 blocks and watch for the Banos Toalla sign on the LEFT side of the street.

Parking at the time I went was easy... I found a spot right across the street in a mixed commercial/residential neighborhood. Everything looked pleasant and safe... I was not uncomfortable driving there or parking on the street. The entrance is clean and while the sign is not extravagant, it is visible and easy to find.

Cost: If you want to go into the Vapor General area... it will cost you $90 MN pesos. You get a key and lock for your locker, a terry cloth towel, and a sheet wrap for around your waist. All were clean and sufficient. You can rent flip flops if you want, bring your own, or go bare foot.

The Lockers were clean and new... Everything is brightly lit and easy to find. After you strip and lock your clothes up, put the wrap on, and start walking around. There is a cleaning guy who is always mopping, spraying disinfectants, and keeping the place spotless. If you want him to go get you a drink, he will... tip him.

There is a outside patio, (the only place to smoke) jacuzzi spa, smaller and not in use sauna, changing room and toilets. The steam sauna is where all the action is. This is a three room complex with a shower, rest area, and the sauna. Inside the sauna there is a partition... most of the action is behind the partition... mostly.

Unless you really like the steam vapor it can be repressive in there, and you can't see your hand in front of your face. So your first few minutes you have to feel your way around.

My impression, and only for one visit: There were several couples who obviously felt it was cheaper to go there to a motel. There were several guys, whom I presume were married or deeply closeted... afraid of everything and everyone for the most part. They wanted to "act" like they were there just for the steam and showed a lot of bathhouse "attitude." There was action, but it was between the same guys... who would play, shower or sit in the jacuzzi, then go back into the sauna and play with each other again.

Only two guys there were friendly, and they made the trip interesting. (Hmmm... two are not enough? ) Most seemed like regulars who knew each other and just wanted to chatty Kathy with their friends. The attendant was very friendly.

The owners are to be complimented... this place is excellent. On a par with some of the nicer spas I have visited in Europe, except much smaller. It is clean, new, nicely and stylishly appointed, and everything is in good condition and well maintained. It has the look and feel of a small private club.

Unfortunately, many of the patrons treat it like a private club as well. THEIR private club. Frankly I hate these "attitude-on-board" places where you can get clean, get wet, but you just can't get off. There were some guys who were so closeted-acting, I wonder why they were there? I was the only gringo there... could that have been a problem? Usually just the opposite...

That said... the place is nice enough that I will give it another try. The attendant said that Sunday afternoons were much busier. And during the week... perhaps I was there too early? But by the time I paid to get in, bought a Red Bull, tipped the attendant, I've gone to a bar for the same money and hooked up with a lot less fuss. But at least at the Toalla, you already had a place to do the deed!

I will keep trying because I believe that a business that goes to the obvious effort this place goes to, deserves to be rewarded! It has everything needed to be a success, and I hope it does succeed. I will revisit this post with exact street names soon. Perhaps an update! But the directions are correct and the place is not hard to find if you have a reasonable nose for directions.