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| - I've been to Hammam Spa 3 times now, all of which have been during promotions (they have new ones every month) and for facials. I have a hard time justifying paying the full premium here vs. a joint like Pure + Simple, as well as not just paying an extra $20 or so bucks to go to a nicer spa in the neighbourhood (e.g. at the Ritz or Shangri La).
Hammam is pleasant. It's a nice little retreat at the northwest corner of King and Portland, with little being the operative word. The amenities are limited to a tea room and their steam room, or "hammam". All amenities are available to men and women. You are provided a wrap, a robe and flip flops in the locker room, to walk around in. I would recommend wearing a bathing suit underneath if you want to use the steam room, as the alternative is spending the rest of your time there in a damp wrap.
The tea room can comfortably seat perhaps 10 people, before it starts to feel cramped. There are apples / dried cranberries / almonds to snack on, and water, juice and tea, alongside a selection of predominantly lifestyle magazines. The star attraction, the hammam, is of a similar scale and is included in your stay if you spend over $100. Otherwise, I believe the charge is closer to $50 for entrance, which is not justified in my humble opinion. 2 out of the 3 times I was here, the face towels in the ice bowl outside the steam room were completely depleted (literally was a bowl of ice with a sign saying "enjoy"). Sometimes there are big towels available for you to lie on, depending on your luck. The hammam is eucalyptus scented and quite hot, but not very relaxing given the side conversations which always seem to be happening in there. It's no fault of the spa, but it's hard to zen out when you can hear the couple beside you talking about the coworker they hate.
There are no clocks anywhere (which can be stressful for type As...). Your attendant will come find you when it's time for your appointment. The treatment rooms are nice, and the facials I had were fine. I prefer the dermalogica facial over the skincetuicals (which was more mask-oriented). To be honest, I've received better "extras" (e.g. the hand / foot / shoulder massage) at cheaper places like Pure + Simple. I am 80% sure that during one of my treatments, when a mask was left on, I received a brisk scalp massage and then could hear the cosmetologist texting. . . I digress. What I do like about Hammam, is that they have never pushed product on me (contrary to some other reviews I have read).
Bottom line: a little bit more "spa like" than your standard no-frills joint, but not even close to the range and scale of amenities available if you pay a little extra (or even a little less at the Elmwood Spa, which offers a hot tub and a pool). 4 stars, because there is nothing offensive about the experience to deserve lower.
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