Hilton Downtown Minneapolis 1011 Marquette

Reviewed on 4-29-11

This Sauna is a standard electric unit with two benches but larger than most seating perhaps 20. On the first night the Sauna had a full rather large bucket of water left by staff. The second Sauna on 4-30 had the remnants of the water level from the night before so the staff is not necessarily super attentive to the water.

Temperature is estimated from the experienced review staff at approximately 70c. The sauna was adequate but not exemplary. With using 2/3 of the large bucket the reviewer was heated properly but would not have been without the water. The Sauna also contained screws that were not fully depressed causing issues when first placing back or legs. Further the double bench did not extend next to the heater so to "trow" on the water one had to physically get up, or sit on the wives bench which is not proper.

All in all acceptable but only average in terms of style, heat and character. I thank the staff for the water but would encourage them to "turn up the heat" and depress the screws further.

Looking for a sauna...

Maplelag No Suit New Sauna March 5 2011

This Sauna which has been featured previously had a second review on the aforementioned date. Temperature upon entrance was 96 centigrade and held steady during the obligatory 30 minute session. With the temps in this range (boiling is 100 centigrade at sea level) no water was required. The sauna allowed for nice even heat, had the crackling sound that wood fire is famous for, and allowed for a full detoxifying experience prior to the Lotvola Cup. This Sauna and the previous version has shown good heat on an overwhelming majority of occasions and is recommended. Watch out so the Stella doesnt boil!http://www.chemcases.com/alcohol/alc-03.htm

The Sauna - 2011 Doritos Superbowl Commercial Ad

Cobblestone Cabins Lake Superior circa 2005

This historic review comes from ~2005 which was the last time the review crew stayed at this resort over the summer. The sauna is a wood fired entity with the wood being loaded from the inside. The review crew included Mr. Mogren who is now on a world adventure and could not be reached for comment on the Sauna but whose actions at the juncture suggested a favorable response. The Sauna is approximately 20 vertical feet above the shore of Lake Superior and has steps going down to the "cobblestone" beach. The proprietors have stashed about 30 pair of old trainers in the steaming room that you can use to run down to the beach and dunk in the Big Lake. The Sauna has always been hot, and while being very old and somewhat rickety inside is always a pleasure to partake in. Because of the setting this Sauna is simply one of the tops in the world, very very hot sauna coupled with very very cold plunging any time of the year. The view out the old window onto the lake and outcrops of rhyolite is also stunning. This is what Sauna is all about pure and simple.

ABR Wood Fire Sauna

This review comes from early January 2011. The Sauna was upgraded somewhat in the off season including taking out the window and adding insulation. This is a traditional wood fired multi bench sauna with a changing room. The Sauna is an outbuilding and the wood is added from inside the sauna room itself. The Sauna also contains a shower. The proprietors do a good job of having loofahs and other amenities including scents for the sauna. While not being on a lake the Sauna has very good snow rolling being in the UP with almost daily powder. The Sauna was up to about 200f which is about the perfect temp for being able to take a long but very enjoyable Sauna. This Sauna has the look and feel of a classic and partaking after putting in 30k is always a treat. This Sauna receives the Has Heat-Will Repeat rating. On all past partakings the sauna was also up too snuf with good heat.

Maplelag No Suit Sauna

This is a historical review of the Maplelag No Suit Sauna. This review comes from December 9th 2010. The old Sauna received a rebuild in summer 2010 and the reviewer was allowed to partake in the inaugural new old sauna session. This is a standard design wood fired outbuilding sauna with wood stoking coming from the changing room. Temps were very good on the inaugural night approaching about 190f. Snow rolling and swimming opportunities are just outside the door as long as the proprietor has cut the requsite hole in the ice. This Sauna has 3 benches allowing all to partake and those on top to get good heat. This Sauna has been featured in numerous midwest Sauna books (in the old incarnation) and has great historic feel. You are about 20 feet above little sugarbush lake when in the Sauna. On the second night we got it closer to 200 than 190f which was nice. All in all nice view and setting, good heat, and historic feel. A good historic but new Sauna. Watch for a review of the old Sauna from the archives soon. This Sauna receives the "Highly Recommended" rating for doing very well in all categories.