Warm up at Hothouse, Capitol Hill’s affordable women's spa and sauna

Let's face it, winter's not over, and there will be plenty more gray days ahead that will make our bones ache and our souls weary. But while Mexico may not be on the horizon anytime soon, Hothouse Spa & Sauna on Capitol Hill could be all the getaway you need.

Located in the hip Pike/Pine corridor, the women's-only spa is open to those ages 14 and older. For a mere $12 (cash and checks only), you're free to indulge in the house motto -- "warm up and chill out" -- which includes hot tub, steam room, sauna, relaxation room and, for the truly adventuresome, a cold plunge. The spa area has heated floors, showers, lockers and filtered drinking water.

From the moment you enter the small waiting room with its cloister-like ambiance, you'll feel the weight of the world lift from your tired shoulders. The spa is reminiscent of an ancient bathhouse, with low light, flickering candles, wood floors and a whiff of subtle incense. Turn off your cell phone and drop whatever baggage (internal or otherwise) you're packing.

If you're used to something on the scale of a spa like Olympus Spa in Lynnwood, be prepared for environs that are more intimate. Hothouse accommodates up to 14 women at a time, which makes sense as the spa pool is only about 6 feet by 5 feet. There are no private rooms, so if you're the shy type, bring a bathing suit.

Hothouse is open from noon to midnight each day except Tuesday, with the last entry at 11 p.m. Reservations are not taken, so during winter months consider coming early or late in the day. A full house is common during the peak hours of 6 to 9 p.m., but if the spa has reached capacity, you can give them a contact number and they'll call you when there's room.

Towels rentals are available for $1 each, or bring your own. Hothouse recommends that you bring two -- one to dry off with and one to sit and sweat on. Take note, the bathroom lacks hand towels, so keep yours handy. Lock rentals are also $1.

Even though there's only one massage room, a six-woman therapy staff allows for the availability of massages (cash and checks only) during all business hours. Reservations for massages are not required, but are recommended. Twenty-four hour's notice is required to cancel or change an appointment; there is a $25 fee for a late cancellation.

You can also gather your gal pals and book a private spa session. Hothouse has two packages available: four hours on Tuesday for $250 or a two-hour block from 10 a.m. to noon Friday through Monday for $150.

A word to the wise about location: The address for Hothouse is 1019 E. Pike St., but that will take you straight to the front door of an apartment building. The Hothouse entrance is on 11th Avenue, in the back of the building behind the Wildrose Tavern and down a steep flight of wooden stairs. Look for the brightly colored sidewalk signs with the helpful arrows pointing you in the right direction.

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