polysome

I believe this guy advertises in Hunqz, might be trying to project his Hunqz rate to Thermas.

Better or worse than IDM/ Sun City?

Don't remember but the basic massage rate is like 500-600 TL (it's usually sign posted and offered as part of the "full package" along with the scrub, entrance fee and such - around 1400 TL or so). Fyi, these rates are at least 50% of what you'd get in a regular, non-gay hammam (and the premium ones are definitely much more) - quality varies. (E.g. The treatment I got from Firuzagha was quite good and thorough.) Extras: basically fucking. Or you suck them. I guess the standard assumption is that they only do "top stuff", nothing "gay" like kissing, etc. You can try and negotiate and it's probably a case-by-case answer. It's funny how their whole logic may work but, hey, to each, their own. Another update: I checked out Yesildirek at roughly the time of peak attendance. I only stayed for 5mins and didn't even get to take my clothes off. The place was super local, service seemed meh and the clientele was definitely on the older side, and again super local. It felt weird so I just bolted. Given that it's also off the main area, I'd say the effort to walk all the way out there wasn't worth it.

Updated info on the ground: Had the chance to visit Firuzagha and Cihangir. Cihangir - sauna only (no steam room), I availed of the services (scrub/foam massage + oil massage), got upsold extra services by both attendants. The scrub/foam guy was your typical "boom-boom-done", zero sensuality. He passed me on to the oil massage guy who did much much better. The massage was good and sensual as he tried to upsell me extras. I said no but he seemed horny (and wanted the business) so he just kept turning up the heat massage wise which made it quite good. There was kissing (unexpected). All ended with me blowing him. Over-all, hot session. Interaction with other clientele - there's many private rooms and I hear sounds which meant some people were getting pounded. I'd say it may take a while to get this going but I didn't stay long enough to figure out. (All considered, I may come back to try yet another attendant who has the look of your typical Turkish muscle stud) Firuzagha - Friday afternoon, high traffic. Clientele was also mixed but with a clear sub demographic of younger locals + tourists. There's a large classic hammam area and two dark room saunas. I'm led to believe that the action (if any happens) in the dark rooms as anywhere else seems too out in the open and there are no private rooms like in Cihangir. There's a lot of looks and wandering but not much action which is disappointing as the place and demographic seemed to have high potential. I availed of the scrub/ foam massage too - great service from an older attendant (really two thumbs up on the foam massage) but this clearly not an extra service type of place. I didn't feel like getting an oil massage but if I did, I feel like it would be quite good (for the price). (I think it works well as a cheaper local sauna but I'm not coming back for the action).

Just checked and sad to see that Balat Cavus just closed but good to know about the others. Will be visiting Istanbul soon (staying at Beyoglu), happy to report back! How different is the experience during week days and week ends?

Any action in the hot spring baths or hammams? Also, which areas are best to stay?

When's the best time to go? Approx. how many providers are in the venue?

Any new reports on Lisbon? Trombeta seems to have good reviews on Google Maps.

Nevermind, just saw the post above 😅

Could you comment on the providers - demographics, top/bottom, services on offer? Also, best time/day to come?

Are they more top or more bottom?

How does one find these "willing students"? Asking for a friend 😅

Any recommendations of places to check out? Cruising bars, clubs?

He's still there and he was great. Also could recommend David (the Barcelona guy with ink).

Bump