The Float Shoppe

The float was great, the massage was good, but I have to admit the place wasn’t clean. I was almost motivated to ask if they needed referral for a cleaning crew. The floors and carpets were visibly dirty-​a real turn off. And there seemed to be a lack of «flow» to the internal traffic. Like, why take someone out of their float zone, all wet and robed, and put them downstairs crowded with nervous newcomers, jamming near the front door, only to take you back upstairs for a massage? Me thinks there is a better way. The staff are young. The business is competitive, but the place seemed to lack a mature, mindful aesthetic.

The Float Shoppe is a beautiful place where skilled people do great things and the float tanks are true sanctuaries. I love the various offerings they have: floating, yoga, acupuncture, infrared detox, and counseling. I’ve experienced them all and have found much healing and cultivated happiness by bringing these healing actives into my life. One of my favorite places in Portland for sure!

Wow. Still reveling in my first float experience. Pretty inexplicable.
However, what I can comment on in concrete terms is the quality of the establishment. Easy to find, warm, welcoming environment, and incredibly clean facilities (for those squeamish about hygiene). What was really outstanding was the staff, Dylan in particular. He provided both an intake and exit interview so to speak. Providing information and answering all our questions going in as well as debriefing us on our way out and chatting with us about our experiences. We were the last float sessions of the evening and he did say that he can’t always talk as extensively with people in earlier sessions when others are coming in afterwards.
Still feeling great and can’t wait to go back. Highly, highly recommended.

I experienced float therapy yesterday and had a wonderful time. I really loved the silent isolation and found myself meditating and mentally escaping all stress. I had the «pod» and my boyfriend had the open tub. From his response it sounds like the pod is the way to go. I absolutely loved it and the water temperature matched mine so I didn’t even know where the water met my body. I would definitely love to go back and will recommend it to others that are open to new experiences. It really does feel like you are floating in space. My boyfriend said he would feel a bit cold due to the openness of the tub. So for him, the 90 minutes went by slowy… but he is also wanting to go back and try out the pod!

This was my first floating experience, and I loved it!
I arrived early and got to soak my feet while sipping tea. What a lovely bonus! The woman at the front desk was very welcoming and did a great job preparing me for my first float– telling me what to expect, how to acclimate myself to sensory deprivation, and so on.
I floated the infinity tank, which was a good intro experience– it’s an open air tank and didn’t make me feel claustrophobic. They supplied me with a little inflatable neck pillow which did a marvelous job of supporting my neck and kept me from worrying about what would happen if I fell asleep in the water. Ear plugs were made available as well, and they did a great job of eliminating the last little bits of noise that seeped into the room once the door was shut.
What a great gift it is to have 90 minutes in which nothing is demanded of you! To just float and breathe and think of nothing is the most wonderful antidote to stress. I felt genuinely renewed afterwards.
I’m so glad I tried floating, and I feel lucky to have been introduced to it at such a great place. I would happily recommend The Float Shoppe to anyone!

Been here several times and I have nothing but great things to say about this place. The staff is always friendly and inviting, and they never make you feel like you are inconvenience if you ask questions.
If you’ve never tried floating before, I would highly recommend it. It’s just as relaxing as a massage in my opinion. I highly suggest you arrive early so you have a chance to wind down and relax before your float.
The last time I was here, I got the float sandwich which is a 90 minute float, a 60 min massage, and then another 90 min float. I felt so relaxed afterwards, and I had the most incredible night of sleep ever.
This place rocks!

When I discovered the Float Shoppe it was to help the pain with my broken leg, as a new type of «medication free» therapy and it worked amazingly well, completely removing my pain for hours at a time. I was able to go through the the complete process, including surgery, without the aid of pain medication. Since then my bones are healing, the pain is no longer an issue, and I have found that this type of relaxation therapy is now healing my heart, mind and soul. The energy at this place is a spiritual metaphysical miracle. To be in a completely safe environment, total darkness, quiet and to be alone with my thoughts, has brought me to a place of self reflection, that words truly can’t describe. I leave every session with a sense of peace that I have never been able to achieve with conventional meditation. My bones are all but healed, and I am eternally grateful that this place was here to help with that healing process, and am now excited to continue with the process to heal my heart, mind and soul.
The experience and the results are amazing, do yourself, your heart, and your soul a favor and float today.

I’ve been floating at three different locations in Portland and this one takes the cake! If you want to pay extra money head to FloatOn, if you don’t mind a low quality tank and clothing optional facility head to Everett House… if you want a perfect experience head to the Float Shoppe. The environment, staff, price and tank are all exceptional. You can tell they care about each customer having an A+ experience. I’ve been here 4 or 5 times and will return soon!

I recently purchased a Groupon to visit this float shop for the first time. It was my second time floating and I will definitely be visiting them again.
The staff was extraordinarily helpful and friendly. This made my experience all the more relaxing. I purchased the visits to surprise my significant other for his birthday and it was an excellent choice.
I floated in the infinity pool which seems to be a good option for first timers due to the fact that it is an open tank. I think this would help someone who wasn’t quite ready for the «pod» style tank, personally I’d prefer something closed next time.
If you’re interested in floating these folks won’t disappoint.

The overall experience was good here. Nice people, a clean tank and lots of options for styles of floating too including an open air floating pool which I hadn’t seen before. It’s right on 23^rd in the Alphabet which is good for before and after activities but I somewhat wish they were in a quieter less trafficked spot so it felt moiré peaceful here and I didn’t hear the occasional deep rumble of a delivery truck in the tank now and then. Also the tank I was in (Tranquility) would now and then have a pop near the latch which freaked me out a few times as it was very loud.
The staff does a good job of making things extra nice and comfortable so that helped with the nice spa feeling for sure. The one thing I didn’t like was the massage that I got after the float. First of all it’s half my fault as I prefer female massage therapists. Also the guy meant well and does know his body work but he misread some things I noted on the questionnaire flipping sides on an injury that I mentioned, also his regular heavy breathing, cough and sniffing didn’t help me to relax at all, plus the massage just wasn’t that good. I hate to say it as I’m sure he meant well but I would not get a massage here again.
But once again this is a great p[lace overall for what it was made for, floating, which is a great thing that I wish was more prevalent, it’s really great for the mind and body so I’m happy they are open for business :)

I had my first acupuncture appointment here. They were very informative and made me feel really comfortable. I would like to come back and try the float tank. I will definitively recommend this place to everyone and return soon.

My first float… and it won’t be my last!
This activity is not going to be for everyone … but try it once! Go in with an open mind and be excited to hopefully discover another level of relaxation.
**Pre-​Arrival**
The website does a really great job preparing you in terms of what to bring, what floating is like, and where to park. So read it. I greatly appreciate the warning online about the driveway being steep for some cars and had made up my mind to find street parking to avoid scraping the bottom of my car. I was running late and needed to find parking ASAP so I decided to use their parking lot and risk it. FYI my Toyota Prius didn’t have any problem clearing the driveway when pulling in and exiting.
**Pre-​Float**
They suggest online that you come early and relax by soaking your feet. I was running a bit late but two people were there taking advantage of this option. The guy at the front desk did a wonderful job going over expectations of what floating will be like, tips, and if we had any questions. A few highlights include the option to use ear plugs (I did) and there’s also a head pillow you can use. While you head will float, he says it may take a few floats for newbies to relax their neck muscles.
**Floating**
I reserved the Infinity Tank because I didn’t want to be enclosed for my first experience. This option would be good for people who may be afraid of the dark because there’s a lamp in the room and you are able to turn on/​off with a button in the tub — you could float with a dim light on if desired.
**Post-​Float**
They play music to signal the end of your float experience — 90 mins. This had nothing to do with them, but I personally felt rushed as I don’t like making people wait as in the next floater. Again, my doing since it wasn’t like there was anyone knocking at my door but my own pressure to shower quickly and get out so they can prepare for the next client.
Clean facilities. Friendly staff. Great location. All in all, a wonderful experience that I would recommend to all!

First time float here. New experience to say the least. Friendly gal up front, explained the process well and enjoyed the float. Clean business.
Four stars based on service and how clean it was.

I had my first floating experience with The Float Shoppe this week and it was really interesting! I had been recommended to try floating by many coworkers and im always looking for new spiritually-​engaging activities, so I was instantly down for it.
The location is prime, in a really sweet old house. We were greeted happily and invited to the zen room for a foot soak and a read about Floating. This was really nice and we arrived early to enjoy it, but I do wish it was a bit more separated from the reception area. The noise takes away from the relaxation a bit.
We had a nice chat about what to expect and what it would be like, then escorted to our rooms (my boyfriend and I both did it). He had the tank with internal buttons, I had the one without. The water was really nice and I had no qualms about floating. I also used the earbuds — highly recommended. It took me quite some time to really settle into it. Twice I got a bit freaked out being in the dark and opened the hatch to chill out. (I’d be the kind of person that benefits from having lights inside). At one point I did feel very relaxed, but my mind ran a lot. The physical restlessness I felt (or just boredom, perhaps) was what got me. I ended up getting out and showering after 55 minutes because I couldn’t calm the restlessness anymore.
This is mainly just my personal experience. I am a hyper, afraid-​of-​the-​dark kinda gal, so it doesn’t say anything about The Float Shoppe or floating really. I think it’s an awesome idea, a really great location, and I’ll definitely do it again. I think that after a few times of settling into it, I can see how it’d be beneficial.
I left feeling physically great and definitely wanting to return. If I had any criticism it’d be that I wish there was a shorter time period for first time floaters, if they want it. 90 minutes is a long time and had I not used a Groupon, I would’ve felt like I didn’t get my money’s worth. Working up to it seems to be the best way for me to benefit!
Thanks for a great experience guys!

Tried floating for the first time this weekend. It was an interesting experience. I was a bit too hyper in the tank so I wasn’t able to relax much. That said, I know you’re supposed to float a few times before you really feel the effect. My personal opinion is that 90 minutes is too long, but again, maybe if I were to go back a few more times I wouldn’t fee that way. The cleanliness factor kind of creeps me out too. This is probably another personal issue, heh.
The staff were incredibly kind! Super thorough on their explanation of how floating works.
The rooms could have been set up a little nicer — maybe a place to get ready afterwards since the one bathroom isn’t always available. A bigger mirror at least. And the option to turn a heater on. It’s freezing after you get out of the tank and shower.
The shampoo and conditioner scent is fantastic. I have no idea what it is, but I want it! The salt in my hair made for the best curls I’ve had. ever.
Overall, good experience, just not sure I’d pay $ 60 to do it again.

If you like water and to relax, this place is the best. Floating is amazing and I strongly recommend it. They also offer other fantastic services. I have gotten my acupuncture done with Annette Fallian and she does great work! Her acupuncture work got me to stop my smoking habit.
Go early so you can enjoy the foot soak area. This place is friendly, cozy, charming and you will leave feeling like a million bucks!

This was my first float, and it was pretty great! The staff is nice and informative, which is good for first timers.
You start with a foot soak, and a run down of what to expect. After you’re shown to your room, you disrobe, get into your float pod, and relax. You literally can’t see, feel, or hear anything. It’s amazing.
I would recommend wearing the earplugs. They worked great and helped to drown out ANY noise. They also tell you not to touch your face. LISTEN TO THEM. I did towards the end, and I got a lot of salt water in my eyes. It was no bueno.
I feel so relaxed…

My go-​to float place was FloatOn, but I love that Float Shoppe is located in NW Portland. A little more zen and spa-​ish than FloatOn, situated in an older, two story home that’s been converted to business, like so many others in the NW district.
Very friendly staff, neat foot soaking water feature to use before and after your float. Even though I was in the capsule tank and not an open one, I was able to hear a tiny bit of street noise when the big trucks went by. Not a big deal, though, just an FYI if you need complete silence (compare to the open rooms at FloatOn vs. their Ocean Tanks which seem to be completely silent) That is the only thing that kept me from giving them 5 stars, everything else was wonderful.
If you’re a fan of floating, I encourage you to check these guys out. I find that I like different places for different reasons, and Float Shoppe goes on my list with FloatOn. Now if someone would open a location in Beaverton/​Hillsboro, I’ll be ecstatic :)

This was my first float and I had no idea what to expect. Luckily, the staff here are all so friendly and I was told in great detail what to expect. After fidgeting for a bit (pillow, no pillow, stretching arms above head to get my shoulders to relax), I settled down and thought that there was no way I’d stay there for 90 minutes.
Then, after a series of weird waking dreams, the tinkle of music floated in the water. Wow. I was so noodle-​y and relaxed, I went to bed at 10 pm and didn’t wake up until 12 hours later (something I haven’t done since I was a teen). I was still relaxed the day after, AND the day after (despite dealing with planes, trains, and more trains).
I’m going to find one near me. I’d definitely do it again!

I have been here once. It was my first ever float. It was… okay I guess. Maybe floating is just not for me. I was completely board out of my mind after about 20 minutes. I was in a tank that was completely dark and salt water kept getting in my eyes. Every time this would happen, I would have to fumble my way to the door and fumble my hands around for the water to wash out my eyes. It wouldn’t stop happening… and I eventually got out before my 60 minutes was over. To be fair they did warned me about getting the water in my eyes, so I knew it might happen. But that didn’t make it sting any less. Price you pay I suppose.
My concern with this place is the cleanliness. When I got there, there was about a 15 minute wait because my «pod» was currently in use. I saw the customer before me eventually come down the stairs and then about 10 min later my pod was ready for me. Ten minutes? That’s all it takes between customers? So am I using the same water they just used? Because it is really warm and all the salt is dissolved… This made me feel uneasy. I am not saying they didn’t clean it, but I just feel there is no way a thorough cleaning of the pod and water could have been done in that short amount of time. My friend (in a pod down the hall) complained about hair in her pod. I did not experience hair myself, but the concern is there…
On a positive note, the staff was very friendly. This place does offer other services than just floats. I believe they have massage and maybe a few other things as well.
All in all… I am not left with a desire to float again. And if I change my mind, I’ll just use my own tub for free.