Beijing Foot Spa — Attraction in Austin

If you like deep tissue massages with hot stones (and I mean deep), you’re going to love this place.

I asked for a gentle 1-hour Swedish massage with hot stones, but due to the language barrier, I was assigned to a massage therapist who gave me what I can only describe as a full-throttle deep tissue bang up session. Right now, at 7:33 AM the next morning, I’m still recovering. I can’t even sit back on the couch. Ouch.

To be fair: the massage itself was very good… if that’s the intensity you’re looking for. But I didn’t request deep tissue, and despite trying to clarify mid-massage, the language disconnect made it difficult to adjust.

Most of the time was spent on my back and lower waist, and I’ll be blunt… there’s a level of close contact here that all should consider. If you don’t like close contact, don’t come. They’re just doing their jobs. I will say that In the process of maneuvering around the table and working deeply, there were moments of full-body proximity that included unintentional contact with the masseuse’s more… PERSONAL areas. It wasn’t lewd or inappropriate, just a side effect of close-quarters bodywork. But if you’re squeamish about that kind of thing, this may not be your spot.

BUT NOW… let me sing the praises of the hot stones. Truly the highlight. They’re included with the massage and offer soothing, deep heat without burning. After the intense pressure of the deep tissue work I didn’t ask for, the stones were a welcomed slice of heaven. I’d come back just for those alone. I could do this part every single day.

In short: this place delivers a strong, effective massage… but be clear and very specific about what you want, and understand that the language barrier may require a bit of patience. Also, prepare for full-body immersion in every sense. Body parts may touch but they are simply doing...

I had a downright bad massage. I called in advance asking about a 30 minute body massage. As soon as I entered the woman who greeted me said you get 40 minute massage. I said no I called about 30 minute. She said no you get 40 minute. I told her that wasn’t even on the menu and she said don’t worry about it. Just $10 more. Uhhhhhh… ok? Awkward but still fair price so I went along.

The old man who takes me back reeks of cigarettes. The hallway smells of smoke. He points to undress and then comes back with a bucket for my feet. He soaks them for about 5-10 minutes while he does a shoulder massage. He dumps the water, I hear some talking, and then he comes back and says “body” or “foot”? I said body! He looks panicked and then says sorry sorry. He tells me to lay down. Mind you, I’m not even on one of the beds. It’s like a foot stool with another small area to lay on so half my body is just hanging off. Super uncomfortable. The worst part was the place for the head to fit through. No cushion at all. It hurt! So badly! The whole massage he kept pushing on my back which shoved my chin/neck into this hard wood. I have a bruise on my neck and chin the day after. So painful!

Then he proceeds to spend the entire time doing just my back. I’m thinking this is taking a long time. I told him body, right? He finishes and says OK! I’m confused. No legs. No feet. No arms. No chest. Literally nothing but my back. Does that sound like a body massage to you?

Not only that but he stopped right at 40 minutes even though he wasted 5-10 minutes soaking my feet for what he thought was a foot massage. No extra time to make up for that? Ok.

This was one of the worst massages I’ve had in my life. My back actually feels worse now than when I went in. None of the body was massaged beside back. I have a bruise on my neck/chin...

Lack of professionalism at the checkout ruined an otherwise good massage experience.

I would come back in the future if it wasn't for the the fact that at checkout, the masseuse pressures me for tip, emphasizing "plus tip" at least 3 times when I inquired about the final amount. And then when the tip is given, the masseuse exclaims "that's it?" At this time, the receptionist intervened, suggesting at least 20% tip. This harassment was done in front of other waiting customers. I was disgusted by the childish, unprofessional behavior and left.

That aside, this is a no frills place. Don't expect much for atmosphere or decor. I did not experience loud unpleasant noises that other reviewers mentioned when I was there. The massage was good. The masseuse was obviously experienced.

Massage Quality 4/5 Atmosphere / Decor 2/5 Cleanliness 4/5 Professionalism 1/5 Overall...