Blue Light Floatation

Surreal experience.
Amazing person running it.
Do it.
Unilocal thinks my review is not Complete… The above completes the review because it really did not need additional info. If you are a curious seeker of everything, as I am, then you will see what I mean.
It’s probably not for everyone but if you are curious and can, do it.
Upon finding out that sensory depravation tanks existed I knew I wanted to try it out. Researched online about it. Found this place, and jumped in. Don’t jump in the salt water though, not nice on eyes!

I had a very nice time today doing my first ever float. The entire experience was relaxing and calming from start to finish. Sam was very nice, peaceful and a very comfortable host. He does a thorough and quick debrief of the tank before the float and is then ready with a full glass of delicious tea when you’re finished floating. I’m happy I chose blue light, it was a very pleasant adventure.

Yes, the website isn’t up to date so Sam’s business may seem a little sketch. Yes, you’ll end up completely nude in a strangers apartment. Yes, the apprehension is normal. And yes, it was an amazing experience.

I’ve enjoyed the pleasure of floating here twice. While I’m not a float connoisseur, I can say each visit has been private and relaxing. Afterwards, you’re still left floating on a cloud for the rest of the day. For this reason, I suggest going early in the afternoon. The owner Sam is quite hospitable — It is his home after all. This could potentially be awkward, but rest assured it isn’t. If anything, I would say it’s ideal for the clientele who is most likely searching for an intimate, non-​corporate setting to explore their consciousness (Picture that scene in The Matrix where Neo visits the Oracle’s house). There is a very cozy «zen» atmosphere, and at the end, he serves the BEST tea you’ll ever have. If the price was a bit lower, I would for sure go here all the time!

Sam provided very detailed explanation and instructions on the process of the float tank which made me feel very comfortable. I will not provide too much detail on the float itself as I don’t want to color your experience, however I will say that I was super relaxed afterwards and continued to feel like I was floating for a good hour after the float.
The iced tea was a good ending for the session and I had a great conversation with Sam afterwards.

Here is an account of my experience and filled with my opinions.
I called on a Friday and he gave me instructions about the process and how to prepare. He pushed the envelope when I asked ‘do customers come back immediately’ and I get this textbook answer of ‘some immediate, some once a week, some twice a week.’ He never really mentions who this is for, even though this obviously isn’t for everyone. Okay, I’m harsh. Maybe he’s just trying to sell.
I got the appointment time wrong for tomorrow 2:45 when it’s supposed to be 2:15, my fault. He leaves a voicemail reaffirming that the time was 2:15. Unfortunately I was on the train, so I don’t know how quickly he turned the other cheek, but I was out of the station at 2:35. In the voicemail, he proceeds to berate me and say I took the cowardly path and ‘non-​human approach’ of not calling to let him know I’m not coming. He sounded justified, yet restrained. You would think a man who runs such an unconventional inner-​health business would maybe shrug it off and sort out what might’ve happened with me. But it wasn’t even 30 minutes and he couldn’t help himself. He also had an appointment with another client afterwards that got postponed, so there were no conflicts on his side. He was really begrudging my tardiness and lack of contact.
I call him back to let him know I got the time wrong and everything. He begins by letting me know the time was 2:15 twice. Why? I don’t know because afterwards there is no apology from the insults, just straight business. I’m also on the wrong side of new york, so I tell him I can make it in 30 minutes if there is enough time to get one session. He says okay.
Like the other bad reviews, he advertised 2 hours, but you don’t really get two hours. In my case, I was allotted maybe 5 – 10 minutes of mulling around. I’m a socially awkward person, but surprise this guy is just as awkward yet more distant. He spent his time waiting for me to leave because another client was coming in. At one point I asked him an honest question of how he ended up doing this flotation thing and long story short he says ‘I don’t know.’ Pulling out the ‘no one really knows how anyone got here’ without much else substance. Now that I think about it, he’s only really looking to make a sale, not help someone who’s interested. With all the books on his shelves, I thought he’d have something interesting to share. When asked, he just gives some ad hoc answer.
On to the flotation tank. Great isolation, or rather because there is no noise being made by Sam or any of the neighbors, it’s quiet. It is what anyone would expect of ‘flotation tank.’ This should be the main focus of purchasing one session and not what Sam might offer. Don’t fool yourself though, this is meditation in tank, you are not going to trip! I had trouble getting up from the tub, but that shouldn’t dissuade you from floating here. It would’ve helped if there was something to grab onto though.
I only wanted to try this after watching the Good Mythical Morning guys on youtube try one in LA. If you know what you’re in for, this review won’t affect you or your decision. If you’re just curious like me, know what you’re up against and try some meditation before wasting 80 bucks. Sam isn’t going to empathize with you, humor with you, or give you deep insight. He will give you ad hoc responses, he just wants your $$ (that’s not bad capitalistically) and will not hesitate to push you aside for other clients.

Tank is the best in NY from what I have been told (I usually float in Pennsylvania). The iced tea is delicious!
If Sam is a little intense about things, it’s probably because the tank is in his apartment. Floaters need to also keep in mind that this is his business, and he expects customers to respect that. I personally have not had anything but positive experiences with him, and I had a gift certificate. As long as they are redeemed within the time provided I honestly don’t think he has an issue.

This was my first foray into floating and Sam and his tank were incredible. He was very specific in giving me instructions to be prepared and totally immersed (no pun intended) in the experience.
I’ve since encountered other tanks and this is blue-​light (pun intended there) years ahead of the rest.

It’s too bad this place is run by an incompetent, rude, pitiful man. My float was actually awesome, but the time spent interacting with Sam unfortunately had a negative impact on my session. Firstly, after several back and forth conversations, we were finally able to schedule a time. He then called me the day before asking me if I could change it because of his regular (and to him, more important) clients. I had had this session booked for a month. No way was I going to change it… and then he gave me a sob story of how difficult it is for him to schedule gift certificates (A client bought me one). I don’t care. Work it out. Upon arrival he was ok — he’s socially awkward and completely lacks any kind of warmth or charm, but I can deal with that. What I really didn’t like, and why I will never go back there again, is that after my float, as I was showering, he told me to hurry up! I still had 20 minutes left in my allocated time (He told me to allow 2 hours). I took my time showering after the session as to clean all the salt off of me. The whole experience can be disorienting, which he should be aware of, so I didn’t want to rush. As I exited the bathroom, he frantically started cleaning the bathroom, removing my things without permission, avoiding any eye contact and conversation with me. I thanked him as I left and he barely looked at me. What a terrible host. Sam, you should treat ALL of your clients with respect. Not just the ones that see you regularly. Shame on you.

Life-​changing. Sam is fantastic and it’s always easy to get an appointment. Go immediately! Make sure you have a way to get home that’s relaxed (e.g. not rush hour on the subway) if you can avoid it and, if it’s possible, be sure not to schedule anything for the rest of your day because you’ll want to preserve the halo around the experience.

You really aren’t going to find a better float place in NYC. I’ve tried them all, and they are all UN attentive, dirty, and noisy. I went to one where they were having a party right outside the tank. Sam is a stickler for being on time, yes. But as long as you do your part, you’ll have a great float. His place is clean, quiet, serene, in a door man building and for the money, you can’t beat it. Floating in NYC has barely caught on, nobody seems to know about it. So for now, blue light is the one and only. I wouldn’t bother going anywhere else.

It’s been about 20 yrs since I’ve been to Blue Light, I used to float once a week. Life took over n now I’m back. The great thing about blue light is it gets better everytime. Sam is always looking for ways to improve the experience. The room is soundproof n the shower steps away. Sam is very informative on how to make ur float memorable. It a large walk in tub as opposed up a cocoon. I hope he’s around another 30 yrs!!!

Those negative reviewers must be completely insane because I’ve been here twice in the last couple of years and Sam has always been a real gentleman and a great host. Both of my experiences were top notch and the pricing is very reasonable.
I highly recommend you get your float on at Blue Light!

About all you could want from a floatation place. I did not encounter any of the problems mentioned by other reviewers. I should note that I am writing this review after floating so everything seems perfect.

I also received a gift certificate from a friend for this experience. I’ve never experienced anything like this. Sam was very warm and informative on the phone and instantly gave me a sense that this would be a profound experience. He’s obviously deeply passionate about floatation and has generously made this experience available for others. The whole experience was positive. From the moment I walked in, Sam gave me a very clear and thorough walk through of the whole experience dissipating any anxiety that I may have had as a first time floater.
Once I was in the tank which is a large tub that is enclosed on all sides but the ceiling is of normal height. (I had pictured more of a tank that I would crawl into but it was an inclosed large tub). I was amazed at how buoyant my body was in the solution. It’s an incredible experience and highly recommend Blue Light Floatation.

I have been to many floating facilities and have had some unpleasant experiences. I am beyond words pleased to have found Sam at Blue Light Flotation. My floating experience at Blue LIght is the best I have ever had. Sam is the real deal, he is in the business to help people, he is kind and makes you feel very comfortable. On the first visit he will give you a tour of the space and step by step instructions on what to do and tips on how to have the best float experience. The float tank is immaculate the best I have ever seen. Once your float is over Sam has a delicious glass of chilled herb tea waiting for you. I am a regular at Blue Light Flotation now, if your going to float go to Blue Light, it will be an amazing experience.

Like many of the other reviewers, my girlfriend also got me a gift certificate to BLF; after reading the two negative reviews below, I was very worried about how my experience would go, but I didn’t face any of the issues pointed out by these commenters.
I got my gift certificate at Christmas (good for six months) and didn’t make an appointment until late May. Sam was quick to respond to my e-​mail and was pleasant when I spoke to him on the phone. He explained that a lot of people were calling to redeem their gift certificates from Christmas that were about to expire, but was able to book me for the following week (he even e-​mailed me with an earlier date when someone cancelled their appointment.) He gave me the run down about what to do when I arrive for my appointment, and e-​mailed me the day before to confirm.
The tank is located in Sam’s apartment in a very nice Chelsea high-​rise. Books on Buddhism, consciousness and various philosophies line the walls; portraits of various thinkers are placed above the couch and purple crystals are arranged carefully on the coffee table as Sam (who himself is wearing a crystal) explains the process:
He pulls a privacy screen dividing his room of the apartment from the bathroom and flotation tank. First you shower, then walk with your towel from the shower to the tank across the hall. You remove your towel, and climb into the tank nude, laying on your back as the Epsom salt solution floats your body like a cork. A button on the side of the tank will allow you to turn off the lights, enveloping your body in complete blackness, matching the silence that comes once the door is closed. As the soon as the lights were off, it was complete bliss. I was reminded of the cover of the pamphlet, which shows a figure floating in space. I felt weightless, and a sense of calmness that I’ve never experienced. I couldn’t help but think about the fact that the noise and insanity of New York City was happening all around me, but I was quick to shut those thoughts out and focus on meditation.
I’ve never meditated for a full hour, and I definitely allowed my mind to wander in and out of a meditative state while in the tank, but it was some of the most successful, relaxing meditation I’ve ever experienced. The temperature of the water matches your body, almost separating your consciousness from your physical self as all physical input is gone. The loudest sound you hear is the beating of your heart and the inhalation/​exhalation of your breath. At the end of the float, Sam softly pipes in some calming music to let you know it’s time to start leaving the tank.
After the float, you cross the hall and wash the salt off of your body, redress and sip on a cup of cool tea while Sam cleans the tank area for the next appointment. We briefly chatted about his experiences, but I didn’t hang around too long.
I will definitely float again, but given the price it is probably something I will do onyl once or twice a year. I would recommend this experience to anyone interested in meditation, consciousness or anyone just curious about the experience.

My girlfriend bought me a session for my birthday, and unlike the 2 guys who wrote bad reviews, Sam was very helpful and let me redeem it very easily. He even called my gf to make sure she got the gift cert. in the mail. The experience itself was awesome and Sam is a cool guy, I’d recommend trying it out.

This is one of the worst businesses in NYC. My girl set me up with a gift certificate. I called several times before I connected with a man who had all of the charm of a rabid pitpull. It took 3 calls before we could lock in a date for me to RELAX in the floatation tank. In the end, he screwed me and would not let me redeem the gift certificate. Any my girl could not get a refund out of him. The guy who works here is one of the biggest assholes I have ever encountered in my life. DON’T DO IT!!!

My girlfriend got me a gift certificate to float here (not my first time I have floated) and Sam the owner wouldn’t let me redeem it. It doesn’t expire for another week. He sounded like he couldn’t give a shit on the phone and told me he had a waiting list a mile long and hoped there were no more gift certificates out there. He said he was booked through July so I asked, «can I come then?» Answer was no. This guy was negative right off the bat, bad attitude, and totally unfriendly. He gave me a whole sob story about how he works 16 hours and just couldn’t do it. I told him he was being an asshole, to keep the money, and hung up. I thought floating is about finding inner peace and being relaxed. What happened to the customer is always right?
You want to float? Go see Crash on Venice Beach in LA at the Float Lab.