Kohler Waters Spa at Lincoln Park, Chicago — Attraction in Chicago

I wish I could give this place 5 stars but it completely fell short of my expectations. I am an avid spa goer- my girlfriends and I tour around the city, experiencing new spas and returning to the ones we love monthly. I have to stay- for the brand and price- I was expecting something TOP notch. It started when I walked in and was told that the hydrotherapy machine was broke and that I would have to pick another service. Normally, I would be understanding but come on- this is your claim to fame! Not to mention- I just received a massage a week earlier so was looking for something more experiential and new. I already had a facial booked following my massage so couldn’t pick that. The front desk said they could make a couple of recommendations and so I accepted and after telling me about the Thai massage, decided to go with that. Keep in mind, I arrived 20 minutes before my appt so assumed it would be plenty of time to take a quick tour and get changed- nope. They had my friend and I sit in the lobby until our appt time and then rushed us off to our therapy rooms instead of getting into our cozy robes. When I get to the room, the massage therapist tells me that I remained completely clothed for this massage and asked if I had yoga pants to change into. What?! It was a Friday night- I had just come from work so was in jeans and a work sweater. WHY WOULDN’T THEY RECOMMEND ANOTHER SERVICE BASED ON WHAT I WAS WEARING?! For those of you who have never had a Thai massage before- imagine getting stretched by for 50 minutes wearing restrictive jeans and under garments. Not comfortable. I end my first service and am escorted to the locker room finally to change. Thankfully! And then head back up to the relaxation room where they told me to wait for my service and that someone would come get me. I would say about 15 minutes went by and no one came to get me so went out and asked if they would be getting me soon only for it to be my esthetician who said she has been waiting on me this entire time and that she thought I was getting changed?! She was very nice and swooped me back to the room where I received one of the best facials and service (which is why I’m giving 2 stars) but only wish I didn’t feel rushed (not her fault but the lack of coordination). When checking out, it was a complete cluster. I understand they were new but with a high end establishment like that, more training was absolutely needed. They had to change our bills (I came in with a total party of 5) at least 2 times each (we were late to our dinner reservations at 8:30). Last but not least, the esthetician recommended a couple of products which I decided to purchase but told the woman at the front that I think one of the products was wrong based on her description and what was written in the booklet. She assured me it was the right one so I just went with it. Well now after some time using it, I did some research and it was definitely the wrong product. I hope they workout the kinks and can retain...

Upon arriving there were 3-4 employees behind the desk, one helping another guest. I wasnt greeted right away but after a few minutes I was told they would be right with me. I appreciated the acknowledgement confirming they knew I was waiting to check in, as I had limited time to use the amenities before my treatment. I was handed two cards at check-in, one with my locker number, and the other, folded like a tent with my name so I could be found in the relaxation room when it was time for my treatment. I was given a brief hallway tour and made my way into the women's locker room. My locker didn't have the correct size robe, an attendant was able to assign me a new locker with the correct size. The locks were not common locks you see at other spas. There are directions inside the locker but if you don't know they are in there they are easy to miss. To better the guest experience I would recommend the attendant take the guest into the locker room, show them how the lock works, and ensure they have the proper size robe and shoes. The amenities in the thermal suite were fabulous. The Hydromassage Experience Pool has many different jets at various heights creating the capability to target the body from head to toe as you move around, truly a unique amenity. The eucalyptus steam room and dry sauna are spacious, clean, and set at the perfect temperatures to enjoy. I searched the walls for circuit instructions but didn't find any. On my way to my treatment, my estetician showed me that the circuit instructions were on the back of my tent-folded name card. Pointing this out to every guest at check-in would be another simple way to elevate the guest experience. Signs throughout the spa reminded guests of the relaxation space and talking should only be done if necessary. This was not enforced, many guests, and even some of the attendants were having conversations at their regular voice level. The sound of the water muffled voices well in the thermal suite, but the voice levels in the relaxation room made it feel more like a waiting room. My estetician, Lisette, was very knowledgeable, professional, and personable. I had the hydrofacial and everything from beginning to end was so relaxing. The heated bed and linens were very comfortable. Lisette adjusted the bed perfectly for maximum comfort, and checked in throughout the service ensuring my comfort. I absolutely recommend Lisette and the hydrafacial. My skin felt so clean, soft, and fabulous after. My checkout experience was also great, I was greeted by Dominique as soon as I entered the lobby. She was helpful showing me products that Lisette recommended and answering all of...

I've been to several spas across the U.S., so you could say I'm somewhat experienced in luxury experiences. My first impression of Kohler Waters was that it is a luxury spa considering the ambience, amenities, and the price of treatments. TLDR; Staff was decent, ambience was nice, but some real criticism of the spa and treatments for the price.

Upon arriving for my first time I was handed a cup of tea and warm towelettes (nice). I did not have a place to put the towelettes or tea down anywhere as I was not allowed into the area (they just opened), and the lobby seats were all taken. So I just stood awkwardly holding these things until I was greeted and escorted in.

I scheduled Therapeutic (deep tissue) massage and Gentleman's facial. The massage was surprisingly subpar, it felt similar to how my girlfriend would give a massage with just lots of pressing and rubbing (no offense to her, she isn't an RMT) and little understanding of muscle fibers. Subpar, especially considering the price! I've received better massages that actually heal connective issues for less than half the price. Ridiculous. The facial was fine, I didn't know what to expect as it was my first one and don't get them regularly.

The layout of the spa area was not designed properly. The locker rooms do not have direct entrances into the coed water area, and instead, one has to walk across the hallway (almost seeing the front doors to the public) to get into the water area, possibly leaving slippery floors behind them. The water area is coed, which does not seem like a smart idea. Men and women tend to be most comfortable separated (women don't want to feel on alert around men, men don't want to accidentally feel creepy, etc). Most notably is that the hopping between the saunas and pools would require showering in between in a sanitary environment, but there are no showers in the water area! I saw a gentleman dripping in sweat and having no issue hopping in the cold plunge. I don't necessarily blame him considering the design of the spa doesn't make it easy.

I spent $770 for two treatments and the spa access. I spent less at the Grand Hyatt in Kauai for a 90 minute massage and spa experience. This experience was disappointing and overpriced, but the passion fruit tea was great. It's basically just a novelty place Kohler thought would do well in the Spa Industry because they make water products; they unfortunately fail in designing a spa experience. I regret going here and would not recommend...