Turkish baths in Istanbul

We visited 2 hamams (baths) in Turkey. One was outside of Kusadasi, the other was in Bodrum. Neither was anywhere near as steamy as the steam room in American health clubs. There's no denying that hamams are a bit warm and somewhat steamy. But definitely more tolerable than their American counterparts. At one hamam, it was coed, at the other it was segregated, with a female attendant for the ladies. So it would probably be a good idea to bring a two-piece bathing suit, just in case. A one-piece suit covers up too much skin and they can't scrub you down well with a one-piecer. And some flip-flops. Those marble floors are awfully slippery when wet. Enjoy!

My husband and I visited the Cemberlitas Hamami a few years ago in Istanbul. Initially, we were unsure about it, but it turned out to be a highlight of the trip. This particular hamami was segregated so I was definitely more comfortable. Here's the protocol: when you arrive you get a locker & towel. You undress, then relax in the heated marble rotunda. After a while - and you may have to wait 15-20 minutes, so just enjoy the wait- an attendant will come to wash & massage you. I gave her a tip directly, so she spent a bit more time on me and she even sang a Turkish folk song. It was really a delight. I'd highly recommend this hamami as it was quite old & beautiful. Word to the wise: take nice undies because women are expected to undress (partially or completely). My husband told me that in the men's area that the protocol was to keep a towel on at all times.

To answer your question, though: No, this particular hamami was not overly steamy like American spas. But it was quite humid, but pleasantly so.

Thanks to both Patton and Rick for their replies. They were both very helpful.
Laura

In September 07 my husband and I were deciding between 2 major ones that cater to tourists and ended up going to Cagaloglu Hamami.

They have different services, self bath, get washed by attendant, and massage, we opted for full service, but I must say the wash plus soap/lather massage was about 15 minutes total, and was not worth the extra cost or relaxing. I read if you get oil massage offered through other bath, its more like a massage to the muscles.

It is a bit odd for me being modest American, seeing a bunch of naked women being washed, all eight of them laying there along each side of octogan slab. Although I read that you can go with a bathing suit which I did intially, it is not standard, and they asked me to take it off, like everyone else. My husband reported that the male attendants make sure the loin cloth is always covered.

The steam and historic atmosphere was neat and not that hot. We purchased our own scrub mit and were able to take it home