Onsen Ma
Onsen Ma
3.5
This location was reported permanently closed
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3.5
30 reviews
Excellent
8
Very good
11
Average
4
Poor
1
Terrible
6
bimdonesia
Hong Kong, China2,502 contributions
Jul 2015 • Solo
On a freezing day while on holiday in Melbourne, I went to Onsen Ma to warm up. I used to live in Japan, and I love onsens.
Located in a lane off Bourke Street, it's actually fairly easy to find.
The onsens are separated by gender but on being directed to the women's bath, the curtain said "male" in Japanese. I questioned this and was told they alternate the baths-- fine, but perhaps have more attention to detail and change the curtains so that they indicate the correct gender!
The baths are small and if the maximum 6 guests are all bathing, it might feel a little crowded. It might also get noisy.
Some Japanese guests who were bathing at the same time as me were complaining (in Japanese) about how the water smelt of chlorine, after which I noticed the same thing. Of course, it is definitely not authentic hot spring water used but it is not nice to smell of such chemicals after bathing.
I had a fantastic shiatsu massage afterwards-- definitely the highlight.
If I lived in Melbourne, or visited again, I probably would not return. There is another onsen in an inner city suburb that is perhaps more authentic, as well as the hot springs in the countryside.
Located in a lane off Bourke Street, it's actually fairly easy to find.
The onsens are separated by gender but on being directed to the women's bath, the curtain said "male" in Japanese. I questioned this and was told they alternate the baths-- fine, but perhaps have more attention to detail and change the curtains so that they indicate the correct gender!
The baths are small and if the maximum 6 guests are all bathing, it might feel a little crowded. It might also get noisy.
Some Japanese guests who were bathing at the same time as me were complaining (in Japanese) about how the water smelt of chlorine, after which I noticed the same thing. Of course, it is definitely not authentic hot spring water used but it is not nice to smell of such chemicals after bathing.
I had a fantastic shiatsu massage afterwards-- definitely the highlight.
If I lived in Melbourne, or visited again, I probably would not return. There is another onsen in an inner city suburb that is perhaps more authentic, as well as the hot springs in the countryside.
Written 3 August 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Shellie F
Melbourne, Australia76 contributions
Oct 2015
The intense smell of chlorine was enough to put us off. We booked a one hour private bathe but ended up leaving early.
Written 6 February 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Stace K
Melbourne115 contributions
Jul 2017 • Couples
Visited here around lunch time on a weekday so it was very quiet which was great. Although I have never been to Japan, it felt like an authentic Japanese experience of a bath house. It is in an old warehouse so it is a bit shabby - but I couldn't decide whether it was shabby chic or just plain shabby and in need of a spruce up. The peeling paint and worn wood around the pools was kind of charming to begin with ... but then sitting in the pool I felt this was more due to neglect than an actual worn out style they are going for.
We chose the private pool and massage and it felt quite overpriced. The bath was relaxing... but nothing more special than sitting in a large hot bath. You would certainly have a more pleasant experience at the Peninsula Hot Springs in Rye. Aside from that, the main contentious point for me was the bacteria-like smell emanating from the pool. At first I thought it might just be a lingering smell from a previous user but the more I sat in the pool the more I realised the smell (of old smelly feet) was all over me and it was the water that stank. I started to feel a bit icky at that thought and was pretty keen to shower and clean. This contributed to my feeling that it was a little neglected on the maintenance side and perhaps the chipped paint and peeling interior weren't for the aesthetics but just... lack of maintenance.
I didn't stay in the pool very long due to the smell issue so an hour seemed like a long time. The flip side to the average bathing experience was the massage, it was really effective and very relaxing. Although, quite overpriced, the whole experience cost $300 yet it was just a standard bathe and massage on a mat on a floor, I have paid this much money before at actual spas for quality massage suites, herbal tees, personalised therapy etc. Quite a good experience but I think some more maintenance, especially on the hygienic side of the pools would bring up the experience a bit more.
We chose the private pool and massage and it felt quite overpriced. The bath was relaxing... but nothing more special than sitting in a large hot bath. You would certainly have a more pleasant experience at the Peninsula Hot Springs in Rye. Aside from that, the main contentious point for me was the bacteria-like smell emanating from the pool. At first I thought it might just be a lingering smell from a previous user but the more I sat in the pool the more I realised the smell (of old smelly feet) was all over me and it was the water that stank. I started to feel a bit icky at that thought and was pretty keen to shower and clean. This contributed to my feeling that it was a little neglected on the maintenance side and perhaps the chipped paint and peeling interior weren't for the aesthetics but just... lack of maintenance.
I didn't stay in the pool very long due to the smell issue so an hour seemed like a long time. The flip side to the average bathing experience was the massage, it was really effective and very relaxing. Although, quite overpriced, the whole experience cost $300 yet it was just a standard bathe and massage on a mat on a floor, I have paid this much money before at actual spas for quality massage suites, herbal tees, personalised therapy etc. Quite a good experience but I think some more maintenance, especially on the hygienic side of the pools would bring up the experience a bit more.
Written 19 July 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
edward R
5 contributions
Mar 2018 • Solo
Having lived in Japan for six months and receiving a gift voucher from my brother for my birthday I was excited to experience a little taste of Japan here in the heart of Melbourne. The reception staff were extremely polite and courteous and made me feel very welcome when I arrived. Having followed the correct Japanese etiquette (shower and cleanse) before entering the onsen, I noticed that there were two older men in the adjacent sauna (window overlooks the onsen) and one younger man in the onsen. After showering and entering the onsen, I noticed that the younger man in the onsen had entered the sauna with the two older men.
I immediately relaxed after entering the onsen, only to look up and see one of the older men fondling himself and looking towards me. I closed my eyes for a moment, thinking he may be just scratching himself. Upon opening them, I saw that he was fornicating the younger man. I turned my back on them and one of the older men left the sauna with an errection. Shortly after he re entered the sauna and the younger man then exited, also with an errection. He came and sat in the onsen next to me of which I said "what the F#$! is going on in there". I then exited the onsen, showered off and left, of which the younger man followed me into the change rooms. I looked at the younger man in the change room, who then returned to the onsen.
I then stopped by the reception and asked for a full refund, of which they gave me and reported what had just happened. They were understanding, however they did try to say "it happens but we often can't enforce the rules".
Having experienced onsens in Japan and in Collingwood (Melbourne), I have never witnessed men fornicating each other in a public space - it was totally inappropriate. It was disturbing and it has turned me off onsens for a long time. I did appreciate the customer service of the receptionists, however this is an experience that I will not forget. Just be aware!
I immediately relaxed after entering the onsen, only to look up and see one of the older men fondling himself and looking towards me. I closed my eyes for a moment, thinking he may be just scratching himself. Upon opening them, I saw that he was fornicating the younger man. I turned my back on them and one of the older men left the sauna with an errection. Shortly after he re entered the sauna and the younger man then exited, also with an errection. He came and sat in the onsen next to me of which I said "what the F#$! is going on in there". I then exited the onsen, showered off and left, of which the younger man followed me into the change rooms. I looked at the younger man in the change room, who then returned to the onsen.
I then stopped by the reception and asked for a full refund, of which they gave me and reported what had just happened. They were understanding, however they did try to say "it happens but we often can't enforce the rules".
Having experienced onsens in Japan and in Collingwood (Melbourne), I have never witnessed men fornicating each other in a public space - it was totally inappropriate. It was disturbing and it has turned me off onsens for a long time. I did appreciate the customer service of the receptionists, however this is an experience that I will not forget. Just be aware!
Written 2 March 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
R&S
London, UK14 contributions
Jan 2019 • Solo
I received a gift card for Onsen Ma in December 2018, as I had visited in 2017 and had a positive experience. After calling countless times with no response, I finally heard from the owners via email in January 2019, who explained that the Onsen is closed for renovations.
Their website or Social Media pages do not have information about being closed for renovation, but you can still purchase gift cards, which is a bit dodgy.
Fortunately, we have been refunded for the amount of the gift card now.
Their website or Social Media pages do not have information about being closed for renovation, but you can still purchase gift cards, which is a bit dodgy.
Fortunately, we have been refunded for the amount of the gift card now.
Written 17 February 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Valerie
2 contributions
Apr 2019 • Friends
Business is closed and have not been able to make any contact to redeem $300 dollar voucher. Still trying to find a way to organize a refund. DO NOT PURCHASE ANYTHING FROM THE WEBSITE
Written 3 April 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
OzJenny
Australia24 contributions
Mar 2019 • Friends
Bought gift voucher 11/2018, tried to redeem 3/2019. Looks like business has been shut since 6/2018!!!
Just lodged report of misconduct to ASIC, hopefully they will remove the website!!!
DO NOT buy any gift vouchers!!!!!
Just lodged report of misconduct to ASIC, hopefully they will remove the website!!!
DO NOT buy any gift vouchers!!!!!
Written 23 March 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Toni K
Melbourne, Australia4 contributions
Feb 2019 • Business
urgent all buyers this business is closed its doors doesn't respond to any email or message left. Do not buy any gift vouchers on line.. totally dodgy business.
Written 20 February 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
MartyMate
Melbourne, Victoria, Australia14 contributions
Aug 2014 • Friends
Located behind the Hotel Windsor in Meyers Place this place is unobtrusive and in one of the coolest little laneway in Melbourne. The bathhouse is fantastic. I booked a private bathhouse with a girlfriend for an hour of catching up, before we headed off into city for some shopping. Even though I live in Melbourne I gave myself a treat of staying at the Windsor and the bathhouse. Bath is huge and you have all your own facilities .. everything is thought of. Very relaxing and so unique being in the city. Recommend it to friends, solo, couples.
Written 5 August 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Leslie
Melbourne, Australia3 contributions
Jan 2019 • Solo
Have been trying to get in contact for weeks with no response. I was gifted a voucher and can’t make a booking. No one has responded to calls or emails. Looks like they’re closed for business, but website is still live.
Written 18 January 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
How private are the "private" baths? Do you still change in communal change rooms, for example? Or do staff come in during the session?
Written 11 June 2017
ExperiencedOz
Ballarat, Australia
1 contribution
You have a private changing area along with your private bath. Staff knock when your time is up.
Written 31 January 2018
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