Sauna Talk 1

Submitted by a reader:

Hi FuelMix FIM

How are you? 

I'd like to talk about my thoughts on why the Arena Sauna would be a failure in Hong Kong. I still think the decor is the fatal factor. BDSM theme doesn't appeal the majority of the Oriental races and I guess the ABC-Gateway group was trying to avoid fierce competition with all the other mainstream saunas especially Hutong. I would even foresee the closure of this unfortunate sauna in not very distant future. 

The whole of ABC-Gateway group will have to quit the Kowloon market and only leaving Action as its flagship sauna (Gateway sauna is too nearby and marginal as well). Ideally, I would suggest the ABC-Gateway group close up the Gateway branch and keep Alexander, at least apparently the latter was far more successful and was once considered the flagship sauna in town, now replaced by Hutong. Seeing lack of competition, Hutong raised(according to your blog) its admission again to a rocket-high $199, which is more expensive than many saunas in the west now. I would like to hear your opinions. 

Take care 
A loyal reader 

FuelMix says:   

1.  You may be right in your speculations.  With ABC gone, Alexander gone, Arena questionable even with a 24 hour opening and Gateway not that hot, it only leaves Action -  which is not open 24 hours (except on weekends and public holidays). It is a very strange outcome for a group that could have dominated the local market with better planning.  We think customers should write to the management of ABC-Gateway and request that Action should also be opened 24 hours.

2.  One theory we have about Arena is that the management deliberately took the risk to open a 24 hour S&M Fetish Sauna - knowing that it would take some time before it caught on.  Perhaps they have financial backers who are prepared to absorb the initial loss in revenue.  

3.  That being said, we cannot explain the absurd decision to have such a small play space, only 4 private rooms - but an enormous shower, steam and jacuzzi area.  From what we are hearing, even the customers that went to ABC - which Arena was intended to replace - are disgusted with Arena and don't return after their first visit.  So, if Arena's management is waiting for S&M to catch on, they are caught in a trap which is.....Arena continues to lose reputation and customers while management hopes S&M will catch on.  Like you, we have our doubts about Arena's viability.

4.  Apparently there are no plans to re-open Alexander in a new location. We reiterate our view that Arena in Tsim Sha Tsui and Action in Causeway Bay should be open 24 hours. 

5.  The HK$199.00 entry fee for Hutong is the "official" price. We suspect that those on the SMS contact list or regular customers are paying  about 50% less and up. A few days ago we were told again that Hutong is allowing anyone to enter, including fat white guys who were regulars at Central Escalator and fat Mainland Chinese who were regulars at Alexander. 

6.  Hong Kong sauna prices will probably be more than the West, simply because the rents here are outrageous.  

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