Colony Sauna 4

2nd Floor, 177 Prince Edward Road West
Kowloon
Hong Kong
Tel: 3486 1342
MTR: Prince Edward Station, Exit B1

Open 24 hours
Web: http://203.86.167.152/ads/Colony/


View Larger Map

Decor And Layout

The first impression is one of open-plan spaciousness and high ceilings. That's not surprising since the building dates back to the 1940s or 50s when floor areas were more generous. The lounge, the main counter and the lockers flow seamlessly in a colour scheme of apricot walls, dark wood flooring and dark window frame accents.  Exposed pipes are painted. A customer can actually breathe in this large space and it's a contrast to the cramped, crummy or sometimes la-la designed attempts at fag hip seen in other local saunas.

At the time of writing this review, Colony Sauna has been open for 10 weeks. FuelMix went on a Thursday evening around 6:30pm.


The Lockers

The lockers occupy 2 levels of a loft space constructed in one corner of the lounge.  3 things:
(1)  the loft ceilings are really low;
(2) wet feet are not the best way of climbing the non-railed ladder steps to the upper lockers;
(3) the lockers don't have a separate shelf to store shoes. Store them  on the floor under the ladder;

But the towels are spanking new, thick, soft and fluffy.  Towel changes are available at no additional charge (well FuelMix wasn't charged anyway) from the main counter.

There's no real privacy in the locker area - except for a healthy, solitary potted palm. But the locker area is well lit, has a full length mirror, hair dryer, ear cleaning buds, tissues and a comfy white leather sofa bench to sit on while changing.



The Main Counter

As well as being the nerve centre, it's also where you'll find free cakes, pastries and soft drinks, plus a collection of mags and porno mags.  The sole staff member on duty  (who works there part time) spoke perfect English.  He pointed out that the design ethos was to create a "clubby, colonial feel where guys come by to chat, relax, fuck, unwind and socialize".

Hint:  Try the Belgian Chocolate cake.  If like FuelMix, it also ends up on strategic parts of one's muscled body, then being the centre of conversation is.......well, a piece of cake.

Hint No.2: Not a single cup noodle in sight.  Imagine that.



The Lounge

The Lounge is an eclectic, combination of classical quasi-Parisian and post modernist, punctuated by fresh flowers, candles and lamps. Standing back and looking at it, FuelMix agrees that it somehow pulls off a colonial feel.  The sofas are comfy, which is not surprising since the place is open 24 hours and people sleep on them overnight.

The music is the "can't put my finger on it -Enigma sounding type", but the good news was that as the evening wore on, it was replaced by baroque, which the staff then turned off after midnite to allow people to sleep.  Incidentally, blankets and toothbrushes are available free from the main counter.

The conceptual emphasis on "clubby socializing" explains why the Lounge doesn't have any TV screens, karaoke rooms or internet access.  When FuelMix was around, there were about 12 people there.  The vibe was low key, chill, non-attitudinal with a moderate conversational murmur.

The Balcony

At the end of the lounge are full length folding glass doors that open onto a wrap-around balcony.  If ever proof was needed that this is an old building, this was it.  Way back when, such balconies would have been the main source of ventilation for what used to be an upper class Chinese private residence.

The balcony wraps around the intersection of Prince Edward Road West and "The Ladies Market". The noise is a cacophony, but the entire balcony is shielded by a canopy and fencing, so privacy is guaranteed. People go out there to smoke, there's comfortable seating, nudity is tolerated and apparently, so is action - at least so said the staff member with a wink.

Unlike some saunas in town, this place is spotless.

What about the facilities? Wait for the next post you dumb fuck.

2010 FuelMix All Rights Reserved