Quick Answer
Clue: “Steam room alternative”
Answer: SAUNA
Answer length: 5 letters
Clue number & direction: 5-Across in the NYT Mini Crossword for January 24, 2026
Why “SAUNA” Is the Right NYT Answer
- A steam room and a sauna are closely related spa/relaxation options, so “alternative” here means “the other hot room choice.”
- Helper sites and NYT Mini roundups for January 24, 2026 all confirm SAUNA as the official 5-Across solution for this clue.
What “SAUNA” Means in Plain English
- A sauna is a small room or bath where people sit in very hot, usually dry air to relax or sweat.
- Classic Finnish-style saunas heat rocks and sometimes add brief steam bursts by pouring water over them, but they are still distinct from full steam rooms.
Crossword-Specific Help and Patterns
- In the grid, SAUNA appears as S A U N A, so patterns like S_A_NA or SAU_A point strongly to this entry.
- SAUNA is a very common crossword answer, often clued as “Finnish bath,” “Spa feature,” or “Place to get hot,” so it’s worth remembering as a staple 5-letter fill.
- For this Mini, crossings from PLOW (1-Across) and the downs (like PADTHAI, LUMIERE, ONEMAN, etc.) lock in each letter of SAUNA at 5-Across.
Solving Tips for Similar NYT Clues
- If you see 5-letter clues like “Spa room,” “Finnish steam bath,” or “Steam room alternative,” test SAUNA first, then consider JACUZZI only if 7 letters are needed.
When the clue says “alternative,” think in pairs (steam room/sauna, sauna/steam bath, etc.) and use the enumeration (5, 7, 9 letters) to choose the right one.
