Spring Fever Spa: The Ultimate Guide to Lost Vegas’ Soak n’ Poke
Rarely does a town’s most notorious sex hotel so blatantly advertise what it is, but this was Las Vegas. Not only that, it was the ’80s. A postcard advertising Spring Fever, located on Boulder Highway and East Sahara Avenue, showcased “romantic private spa suites,” enticing locals with affordable hourly rates. For many Las Vegas residents who were at least 15 before Spring Fever Spa closed, memories of the campaign remain vivid, with reactions ranging from shock to amusement.
Hot Tub Time Machine
Inspired by the California hot tub craze, Spring Fever, affectionately known as the Soak n’ Poke, featured 22 octagonal suites, each equipped with a bed, sauna, shower, and lounge. In the center of the octagon lay a Jacuzzi, surrounded by floor-to-ceiling mirrors on tile walls, reflecting the intimate encounters within. Opened in June 1979 by Michael S. Mack, Charles Mack, and Laurence Friedman, Spring Fever quickly became a hot spot for those seeking a steamy escape.
New Hands
In 1991, Spring Fever underwent a change in ownership when Michael O. Washington, a decorated Vietnam War veteran, took the reins. Despite his previous notoriety for receiving a heart transplant from actor Jon-Erik Hexum, Washington’s ownership of an outcall service called Swinging Suzy’s Dancers and Entertainers raised eyebrows within the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department. While legal for escorts to accept payment for services, Washington’s decision to have escorts visit Spring Fever led to legal troubles and a three-year prison sentence.
Burn Baby Burn
Tragedy struck on July 20, 1994, when Spring Fever burned down, forcing the evacuation of three couples and several employees. While rumors circulated about a jealous spouse starting the fire, Clark County fire investigators attributed the blaze to a lightning strike. This incident marked the end of an era for Spring Fever, leaving behind a legacy of scandal and intrigue.
In the heart of Las Vegas’ forgotten history lies the tale of Spring Fever Spa, a once-thriving establishment that captivated locals and visitors alike with its steamy offerings. From its provocative advertisements to its fiery demise, Spring Fever’s story is a reminder of the city’s ever-evolving landscape of pleasure and peril. As the embers of its memory fade, one can’t help but wonder what secrets lie buried beneath the ashes of Lost Vegas.
