About Hawk’s Gym & Spa
Hawk’s Gym & Spa (Las Vegas) – which closed permanently in April 2023 (www.travelgay.com ) – was a unique all-male fitness and spa complex located at 953 East Sahara Avenue (www.travelgay.com ). It combined a weight room and cardio gym with sauna and steam rooms, private “play” areas and a lounge. Notably, it was the only gay-owned, gay-operated sauna club in Las Vegas (spartacus.gayguide.travel ), making it a key hub for the LGBTQ+ community. The venue was open 24/7 (gymnavigator.com ), so it catered to early-morning workouts and late-night parties alike. GayCities notes that Hawk’s featured “fitness equipment, an oversized steam room, showers and video rooms” alongside its famous private play spaces (lasvegas.gaycities.com ). Over the years it earned a reputation for being a clean, safe and fun environment for men to socialize (www.bestprosintown.com ). These signature amenities – combined with themed events and a welcoming staff – made Hawk’s Gym & Spa a notable landmark in Vegas’s gay scene.
Events and Programming
Hawk’s Gym & Spa did not host concerts or sporting events, but it ran many adult-themed parties and promos. Weekly the club had special theme nights. For example, one of the most publicized was a Monday “jockstrap fetish” party (encouraging schoolboy or athletic gear) and a Thursday buddy-night (two-for-one entry) (www.ellgeebe.com ). The venue also held “Blackout” promotional nights (with lights dimmed almost off) and featured its infamous “Cockpit” room for group play (www.timeout.com ). On weekends there might be dance or DJ nights in the lounge. Entry to these events was typically handled at the door rather than sold in advance. Patrons would arrive at the front desk and pay the cover charge or day pass on site. While Hawk’s itself did not sell online tickets, local LGBT websites and club calendars often listed these events in advance. (In any case, walk-ins were common – arriving early was the usual strategy for popular nights.)
Tickets and Booking
Hawk’s Gym & Spa generally used pay-at-door admission rather than online ticketing. There was no dedicated box office; visitors simply checked in and paid at reception. According to listings, the standard day-use fee was modest – around $7 for general admission (spartacus.gayguide.travel ). Guests could then optionally rent a locker and towel for roughly another $10–$15 (spartacus.gayguide.travel ). Some reviews mention that on the busiest Friday/Saturday parties, cover charges rose slightly compared to slower days (www.bestprosintown.com ). In short, prices were in the “bar/club” range, not a flat monthly gym membership rate. Because events were announced locally, one booking tip was to follow Hawk’s on social media or LGBT event blogs, but most people planned to just show up and pay at the door. (For group visits, calling ahead by phone could confirm availability, but in practice walk-ins were the norm.)
Seating and Layout
The layout of Hawk’s Gym & Spa was more like a large wellness center than a theater. There were no designated seats – it was essentially open space. The front area contained the workout gym with weights, benches, cardio machines and lockers. Toward the back were the spa areas: an oversized steam sauna, a dry sauna, a large whirlpool/jacuzzi, and multiple semi-private shower stalls (lasvegas.gaycities.com ) (spartacus.gayguide.travel ). Several “lounge” corners had chairs and sofas for socializing. Off to the side you’d find themed play-rooms (like the “Cockpit”), a darkness room, and even workout-sling apparatus for fetish play (www.timeout.com ) (spartacus.gayguide.travel ). Overall the space felt maze-like and expansive (www.bestprosintown.com ). For viewing activity, the most popular spots were the lounge seating or the open gym areas, as the private rooms had limited visibility. Music and conversation carry throughout, so the crowd’s energy fills the venue. In terms of acoustics, it could get loud with dance music in the lounge and chatter everywhere; the steam room or locker area were usually quieter places to rest. There were no bad “seats” to avoid – most people just pick a locker or couch nearby and move around as they like.
Getting There and Parking
Hawk’s Gym & Spa was located at 953 E Sahara Avenue in the Sahara Plaza (a commercial mall on East Sahara) (www.travelgay.com ). The closest cross-streets are South 6th Street and South Maryland Parkway. By car, visitors typically take I-15 or Highway 215 to the Sahara exit and head east. The plaza has a large shared parking lot, which was free of charge. Signs for the mall and businesses make the entrance easy to find. Note that on busy nights the lot can fill up, but street parking is limited on Sahara (avoid blocking business entrances). Rideshare drivers generally drop guests at the main mall entrance; taxis are also permitted there. For public transit, RTC buses run along Sahara. The Sahara Express (SX) and Route 109 buses stop near 6th Street (www.timeout.com ), just a short walk to the club’s entry. One can also walk from nearby hotels (for example the Aria Suites on Eastern) via Sahara Avenue. As always in Vegas, plan extra time for traffic – especially during Pride Week or conventions, Sahara Ave can be busy. Once downtown Las Vegas or the Strip (via Maryland Parkway or Paradise Road) are a few miles away, it’s often faster to ride-share than walk late at night.
Inside the Venue
Upon entering Hawk’s Gym & Spa, you’d see a reception desk where staff would verify ID and payment. The basic protocol was to check photo ID (21+ years, men only) and issue an access card. No formal coat check existed – guests usually proceeded straight to the lockers. The building interior was a typical commercial gym style: tile floors, high ceilings, fluorescent and neon lights. In practice, many visitors arrived in street clothes or gym gear, then changed into swim or workout attire in the locker rooms. Lockers were ample (reportedly around 98 available (spartacus.gayguide.travel )) and secure (bring your own padlock or rent one). Free disposable towels and spa slippers were offered, plus the option to rent fresh towels. The locker area led to private showers and restrooms; each shower stall and bath was cleaned regularly. The spa side had hot and cold showers, a drying area, and toiletry dispensers. The main lounge area had tables and chairs and a small snack bar/kitchen counter. A modest menu (sandwiches, snacks, soft drinks) was available for purchase (spartacus.gayguide.travel ). There was no full bar, and smoking was not allowed inside the building. Free Wi-Fi was not advertised, but cell coverage is generally good in the plaza. A large TV sometimes played in the lounge, and background electronic music kept things lively. Overall, guests found the atmosphere relaxed but energetic: one reviewer noted the place felt “maze-like” with various rooms to explore (www.bestprosintown.com ).
Nearby Amenities
Several eateries and services at the Sahara Plaza catered to patrons. Notably, Vickie’s Diner (953 Sahara Ave, Ste A2) is a Vegas landmark open all day for classic comfort food (great for pre-gym breakfast or a burger afterwards) (www.mapquest.com ). There’s also a Korean/Asian cafe (Garden Restaurant), a halal grill, a Subway/Panda Express to-go counter, and a Starbucks – all within a block of the gym. For more variety, a 5-minute drive takes you to eastern Sahara businesses: casual Mexican grills and sandwich shops. LGBT-friendly bars and clubs (such as Piranha Club) are a nearby half-mile west. Directly across from 953 Iraq, the Gay & Lesbian Community Center is located (useful if you’re looking for local resources). Hotel choices in the immediate area are limited to budget motels; most visitors stay on the Strip or in downtown. However, a new Arts District hotel (The Observer) just opened near Sahara. If arriving by taxi or on foot from downtown, know that South 6th Street between Flamingo and Sahara offers several shops. Late-night rides, taxis, and ride-shares can pick up at the mall entrance (Sahara/Catalina). It’s wise to arrive an hour early on show nights to dine or grab a drink – rush hour and post-club traffic can cause delays.
What Makes This Venue Special
Hawk’s Gym & Spa stood out in Vegas history because it was unlike any ordinary fitness center or bar. It fused a working gym with a full spa and social club, exclusively for gay and bi men. Instead of going out to a bar after a workout or vice versa, patrons could do everything in one spot. Many local guides and patrons emphasize that blend: GayCities calls it a “private men's social club” with spa and play amenities (lasvegas.gaycities.com ). Unique fixtures like the dark “Cockpit” cruiser room, slings, and a full-size steam sauna were rarely found in other gyms (www.timeout.com ) (spartacus.gayguide.travel ). Over decades, Hawk’s became a cultural touchstone for Las Vegas’s queer scene – a place for athletic skate-offs by day and impromptu dance parties by night. Legendary routines (like the weekly fetish strap contests) and charity fundraisers gave it community lore. Guests repeatedly praised its inclusive vibe; one review summed it up as “friendly and welcoming” with a lively, multi-generational crowd (www.bestprosintown.com ) (www.bestprosintown.com ). Even though the equipment was called “outdated” by some reviewers (www.bestprosintown.com ), fighters loved the atmosphere. In short, performers and visitors loved Hawk’s because it felt like home – an all-hours, all-welcoming space with loads of amenities that simply don’t exist anywhere else in town.
Visitor Tips and Information
If you had the chance to visit (and now note that it’s closed as of 2023 (www.travelgay.com )), come prepared. The club enforced a strict men-only, ID-check policy (no admission for women or children). Hats and heavy fragrances were discouraged for hygiene. Dress code was very casual: most people wrapped a towel or wore swim briefs in the sauna area, and lounge gear in the common spaces. Flip-flops or shower sandals are a good idea, and don’t carry valuables – lockers await, but bring a padlock or coin for them. No outside food/spins are allowed (food was available inside at the café). Photos and smartphones were generally not allowed in the darkrooms or sauna for privacy reasons. Good etiquette is key: this is a social space, so be respectful and friendly. Arrive early on days with special themes to avoid lineups. Since Hawk’s was open 24/7, timing is flexible – off-peak visits (early afternoon) will be quiet and nearly empty. One common tip: the shower and steam facilities run hot and humid, so stay hydrated and don’t stay in the steam room too long. Also, check reviews or local message boards for any last-minute changes. (Note again: the venue has been closed, so for similar experiences try other local gay spas like Entourage Vegas.) Overall, think of a trip here as going to the gym and a club combined – bring essentials like ID, sneakers, and an open mind, and you’d be set for a fun, unique experience.
Is Hawk's Gym & Spa still open?
No. Hawk’s Gym & Spa permanently closed in April 2023 (www.travelgay.com ). Any plans to visit should note that the facility is no longer in operation. For similar gym/spa experiences, you may look for other men’s spas or saunas in Las Vegas (e.g. Entourage Vegas), but Hawk’s itself is not open.
What were the admission prices at Hawk's Gym & Spa?
When it was operating, Hawk’s charged a day-use fee at the front desk. Listings from guides showed a standard day pass around $7 (spartacus.gayguide.travel ). Locker and towel rentals were extra (around $10–$16 combined) (spartacus.gayguide.travel ). On big party nights, the cover charge could be slightly higher (www.bestprosintown.com ). There were no fixed box-office tickets; all admission was paid on-site.
How do I buy tickets or passes?
Hawk's did not sell tickets online. You simply showed up and paid at the door. Admission was the same as buying a gym day pass. There was no separate ticketing website; at most you could call the venue’s phone number ahead of time to check on a special event. In practice, arriving early was the easiest way to get entry on busy nights.
Where is Hawk's Gym & Spa located? What are parking options?
Hawk’s was in the Sahara Plaza at 953 E Sahara Ave, Ste 35-B102, Las Vegas, NV (www.travelgay.com ). There is a big free parking lot in front of the mall; parking was always complimentary. The mall has a few entrances off Sahara Ave. For drop-offs, the main entrance on Sahara was most convenient. If parking on-street, be careful of signage (the plaza parking is shared by multiple businesses). Overall access by car was straightforward with plenty of parking.
Which public transit serves the venue?
The RTC bus network covers Hawk’s Gym well. The Sahara Express (SX) bus stops on Sahara Avenue near 6th Street, and Route 109 also runs along East Sahara (www.timeout.com ). Both stops are just a short walk north to the plaza. There’s no direct subway or monorail; you must take the bus or a rideshare. After disembarking, head south from Sahara & 6th into the mall entrance.
What is the best way to navigate inside the club?
Hawk’s is open-concept. Upon entering, go to the front desk, then you can proceed to the locker area or workout floor. Signage or staff can direct you to amenities. The gym equipment is near the front, spa areas (steam sauna, whirlpool) towards the back and sides. If you’re meeting people, the lounge chairs near the snack bar are a good landmark. Managers often leave maps at the desk, but generally it’s intuitive: lockers lead to showers, and the lounge is by the snack café.
Are there VIP sections or special seating?
No formal VIP seating existed at Hawk’s. All areas were open to general admission once you paid. There were no reserved chairs or tables that required a special ticket. Everyone shared the same lounge chairs and workout area. (On occasion, the club might section off a part of a room for a private event, but this was not a fixed VIP section or paid upgrade.)
Are men of all backgrounds welcome?
Yes. Hawk’s welcomed men of any ethnicity or orientation (straight, gay, bi). In practice the clientele was mostly gay or bisexual men since it was marketed as a gay men’s venue. Very few venues openly cater to only gay men, so by definition it was LGBTQ-focused, but no one was turned away for personal identity. The dress code (casual or fetish attire) was the only real “requirement” beyond being male. Visitors of all shapes, sizes and ages (18 or 21+) reported feeling welcome (www.bestprosintown.com ).
What was the dress code at Hawk's Gym & Spa?
Hawk’s had no strict dress code, but in practice guests wore very little. The spa encourages freedom of attire: bathers often strip down to towels, swim briefs or fetish gear. The only guideline was hygiene and comfort. For example, denim, boots or street shoes were discouraged in gym areas. Fetish-inspired outfits were actually encouraged on themed nights (www.timeout.com ). On fitness days you could wear gym shorts and a t-shirt in the weight room, then switch to a towel or speedo in the spa. Essentially, wear whatever feels right for working out and socializing in a nudist-friendly space.
Can I take photos or videos inside?
No. As with most bathhouses and men’s clubs, photography was strictly prohibited. This is due to privacy concerns for a same-sex adult space. You could bring a phone for personal use, but it was generally understood that you should not take pictures on the gym or play areas. Managers could ask violators (even of video) to leave. Simply put: avoid using cameras or taped recordings inside.
What is the age requirement?
Hawk’s Gym & Spa required guests to be adults. It was 21+ (check-in with valid photo ID was mandatory) because it catered to an adult crowd with explicit facilities. Even if no alcohol was served, the sexual nature of the venue meant minors were not permitted. If you are planning a similar visit elsewhere, be sure you meet the age rule (usually 18+ or 21+). For Hawk’s specifically, under-21 was not allowed.
Are lockers and towels provided?
Yes. The facility provided lockers for storing clothes and valuables. Typically you brought your own padlock or used a locker that accepted quarters (policies varied). Towels were available at reception – one is usually included with admission, and you could rent a fresh towel for any additional fee (around $10 over the base cover) (spartacus.gayguide.travel ). Complimentary shampoo and soap were usually stocked in showers. Just remember to pick up your towel and secure your items before heading into the steam or gym area.
What food and drink options were inside?
Hawk’s had a small in-house refreshment area. There was a snack bar in the lounge that offered light fare (sandwiches, salads, chips) and soft drinks (spartacus.gayguide.travel ). It was more of a café than a full restaurant. No alcoholic beverages were served. Water and perhaps sports drinks were sold as well. Outside food or alcohol was not permitted inside – you had to purchase from the on-site station if you got hungry or thirsty during your visit.
Is Hawk's Gym & Spa wheelchair accessible?
Since Hawk’s was on the ground floor of a modern commercial building, the main entrance and lobby were wheelchair accessible. However, the tight spaces of some spa areas (like steam rooms, darkrooms, and narrow hallways) might not accommodate a wheelchair easily. If mobility is a concern, it would have been best to call ahead. Overall the gym floor and locker rooms were fairly open, but expect some areas to be challenging to navigate in a wheelchair.
Did visitors need reservations or could they just show up?
No reservations were required. Hawk’s operated on a first-come, first-served basis. All you needed to do was show up during business hours and pay admission at the desk. For very popular party nights, there could occasionally be a short wait if capacity was reached, but generally walk-ins were accepted any time. If you had a large group, it helped to call ahead just to make sure they could handle the volume.
Are dogs or pets allowed?
No. As a fitness and spa environment, pets were not allowed inside. Only service animals with proper documentation can legally enter most public facilities, and even then, it would be highly unusual for a men’s spa to permit animals in locker/shower areas. So plan to leave pets at home or with a sitter.
What should I bring for my visit?
Bring a valid ID, your swim trunks or workout clothes, and clean flip-flops or sandals. You’ll likely want a padlock for a locker. If you prefer, bring your own towel and toiletries (though these were available at the club). A water bottle or sports drink can be handy for the gym or sauna. Leave jewelry and valuables at home if possible. Also, bring cash or a card to pay the cover fee and any extras. Having an open mind for a communal, nudist-friendly environment is a good tip!
