Pulteney 431 Sauna - Adelaide, South Australia

James B.

This venue is in desperate need of a deep clean and significant upgrades. From the moment you walk in, the overwhelming stench is impossible to ignore—it’s reminiscent of an unkempt nursing home. While the primary clientele may be older, that’s no excuse for neglecting hygiene and maintenance. The carpeted areas are a major issue, trapping odours, bodily fluids, and moisture, making proper cleaning nearly impossible. A gay sauna should have surfaces that can be thoroughly sanitised with industrial-grade cleaners.

The towels have a musty smell and need proper soaking and disinfecting. The vinyl mattresses, which were once cleaned regularly, now seem to be left to accumulate layers of mystery fluids. The spa water is another concern—despite being chemically treated, it clearly isn’t changed often enough given the activities that take place. The unpleasant taste when unexpected splashed water gets in your mouth is enough to make you question its cleanliness of this ‘human soup’.

The wet room is particularly unbearable, with a stench that makes it difficult to breathe. The showers also need regular cleaning, as there is a strong scent of human excrement. The only remotely tolerable space is the dry sauna, where the cedar helps mask some of the odour.

Management should consider investing in a better air filtration or extraction system—the air inside is thick and stagnant.

I came home last night and had two showers, yet I still couldn’t remove the stench of this place from my skin. If you can’t smell what I’m talking about, you’re probably part of the problem. While some might argue that it’s a “busy facility,” I was there on a Friday early afternoon with multiple staff present, and there were maybe 15 patrons in total. There is simply no excuse for allowing this venue to fall into such a state of neglect.

This is a wasted opportunity. If Melbourne, Sydney, and Brisbane can maintain high-quality facilities, there’s no reason Adelaide can’t do the same. Investing in cleanliness and modernising the space could attract a broader clientele. Please take action before the health inspectors do.

J R.

Unfortunately this is the only sauna in Adelaide and it seems the owners take advantage of this at the expense of their customers who pay ~$30 for entry and are treated to a small, claustrophobic changeroom, dirty carpets, dirty showers, musty stagnant air, towels that feel like sandpaper and arguably the weirdest music playing all night. The gloryholes in the suckatorium are not at a level that most can use comfortably and the upper level is so high you can’t see what’s on the TV while being attended to below. Add to this the choice not to serve liquor, the rude staff (excluding Paul who is amazing), and the early closing time of 11pm during the week and 2am weekends. While I appreciate that things cost money, simple housekeeping and small improvements like mood lighting, carpet cleaning and a splash of paint will make this place new again. The music choice could do with an improvement instead of the late 90s techno rubbish that plays on repeat. I hate to sound so negative but guys please, as the only sauna in Adelaide and in fact the oldest in Australia, this place should be given the care and maintenance it is due. These are just some of many improvements that I recommend but it will seriously attract a more broader crowd and bring in more money for your business.

Carmello D.

Need renovations. Frustrating that they don't have any alcohol, the rules about no sex in the hottub aren't enforced meaning often old men are having intercourse in it. Not even chemicals can fix that. On close inspection, there is mould on the underside of the wood in even the dryest sauna areas. Needs an urgent upgrade to prevent tourists expecting the venue to be similar grade to those in other cities and then being let down. The elastic the key came on was extremely stretched. Has potential, but does not feel premium or clean enough to charge nearly $30

Robert V.

Pity the old guy who speaks to you like school kids is wandering around and that some of the staff can barely understand what you are trying to tell them and their customer skills are diabolical. They have NO IDEA how to diffuse any problems. A couple of the other door greeters are fantastic and people you can talk to with no problem. The likes of the spa, etc, look like they need a good spruce up. Finding a loose tile on the ground? 😳😳

Lou M.

If you look at my other reviews about saunas around the world, you will see I am very demanding. I went here with low expectations, and I found a very friendly staff. On Friday, it was Paul there, a very nice guy with great interpersonal skills and committed to customer service. The venue is spotless, and the air quality is great. I met two nice guys and had a great time. I wish I lived there and I will be a regular. I am very fit and very selective with guys, but this sauna worked well for me. I highly recommend it, especially Friday evening.

Robert V.

Friendly place for many of the staff which definitely it its great point. However... that old guy who walks around and speaks to people like they're primary school kids really sullied the experience. We're paying customers! Perhaps the guy should just retire. Other problem is that the place really does need a tidy up.

B B.

I'm new to this but I really like it, it feels so tight, I going to have to go more often.
Update: I love this place, juicy
Feels good,,🫦

Mark J.

This place is friendly but tired it’s the second time I’ve been here and to be honest the grumpy old guy at the front desk is rude and not very helpful. It’s a sad welcoming to what is Adelaides only gay men’s sauna. His attitude remains a bad taste to leave this beautiful city on. He has no joy,no appeal and definitely is the most unattractive soul I have met in my visit here. Maybe it’s time to give up the front of house. You’re one sour puss and I hope you shift your poor attitude in this ever changing world.