Woodhouse Spa - Cleveland — Attraction in Orange

First time going to this spa. The lobby is very inviting and after reading the services on-line, was very excited to spend the day unwinding with the Signature Spa Hand Retreat. Prior to writing this review, I contacted the spa twice to speak with management/owner Dawn, but did not receive a response. I also asked if it is customary to provide spa clients with a survey/comment card and the response was no. However, a college ruled flip paper tablet was used to jot down my concerns and would be shared with the manager and the service provider. It was not a good look for a spa that prides itself with luxury and class, located in a somewhat upscale location, charging money for services and asking for gratuity at the end of each session. Additionally, it would have been nice to share my concerns in confidence not standing at the checkout counter while other clients were waiting to be checked in and out. It is unfortunate that a response has not yet been received a week later. The experience: I was greeted warmly by receiving host and handed a questionnaire to complete and offered water. I was offered a locker for personals & snacks. There was no sitting or waiting area to complete the form in the clipboard and as more people arrived, it became tight. I had an open water glass and a clipboard but no where to go.

I was told where to go after being told hello by the services, however I was not asked if it was my first time at the spa or receiving this service, but I was shown the nail polishes. The service requested was the Signature Hand Retreat. This is not advertised as “just a manicure” nor is it specified that non-gel polish is able to be used during this service. I asked about the gel polish since it was mentioned the polishes on top were gel, but abruptly told gel polish was off limits- would need to schedule that request ahead of time or as an add on on-line or when a phone call appointment was made. I was reminded twice this service was “ just a manicure”, which made my question the name of the service and the description. I was told, “yeah, they call it something like that”, with my response being the description sounds very luxurious, with the return response being ,”Oh, it is.” However, it wasn’t being presented as a luxurious experience as “just a manicure” is downplaying something I was looking forward to being a “Signature retreat”. I sat in the spa chair with my tennis shoes on inside of the pedicure tub which was quite uncomfortable. Not sure why people are not offered pedicure slippers or at least to remove shoes/socks for comfort during the process. It would have been nice to be somewhat guided verbally through the experience sharing of something was going to hot or cold, or what the process would be as it occurred. It would not have been time consuming nor disturbing to have received this courtesy. The seaweed and oil, scrub and massage were all done well. The polish was applied well and I was asked the shape of the nail I preferred and if I liked the finished color application, which was appreciated. However, that was as “retreat” as it was going to get. There was a lot of talking between another spa client and their service provider, which was not very relaxing. Though a curtain divided us a bit, the conversation was certainly heard in addition to phone conversation. The doorway stayed busy with people walking to and fro each time peering into the doorway which also was not very tranquil. The description of the service shared there would be a final lotion/application and there was not, nor were my sleeves pulled back down at the culmination of the service nor was I informed as to a time frame nails would be dry. Overall, very disappointed not to hear back from management and with lack of the full...

Most odd experience I have ever had—and I get massages regularly. First issue: I specifically booked 2 massage therapists for a couple’s massage after a phone convo with the receptionist, who said they were very experienced—one being the lead therapist. When they called to confirm, they said we were both with someone else entirely. I said that’s not what we scheduled. They put me on hold and “fixed” it. Weird, but no problem.

The experience started out promising because the place is very nice and luxurious. The time we spent in the private room sitting in robes and filling out paperwork was nice. We were led into the room 10 minutes after the scheduled start time—which was fine if they were going to still do the full time (they didn’t). I ended up being glad it was cut short because of what happened.

I have never in my life had a therapist (or any professional) enter a room without knocking and waiting for confirmation. But there’s a first for everything, I guess. I was in the bed directly in front of the door, reaching for my phone to silence it when the therapists (male and female) opened the door and peeked in, asking if we were ready. The male and I made full eye contact—I was topless and exposed and completely shocked. I said anxiously, “Um, no we aren’t,” and they closed the door. I told my husband they usually knock—I had no idea why they didn’t. They asked again through the door. I just said “yeah” because my heart was pounding and I was so baffled and uncomfortable.

The massage was the worst I’ve ever had, which I’m actually glad for because I wouldn’t have been able to enjoy a good one after what happened. Neither therapist read anything on our intake forms. My therapist talked the entire time about nonsense, smelled like cigarettes (I’m very sensitive to that so I held my breath when on my back), and asked me questions that were clearly answered on the form. For example, I noted I’m a hairstylist, and she asked if I’m on a computer all day. I don’t want to be mean—they probably are nice people—but we weren’t here for “nice,” we were here for a luxury service.

The massage itself was awful. No full back rub at all. I don’t even know how to describe the lack of technique, but I’ve never felt so unsatisfied with a massage. I really needed one and still do. I have severe neck and shoulder pain and now have to wait weeks to get another massage since I used my free time here. They cut the session at least 5 minutes short. When we were walking out, my therapist told me my job is going to kill me. I don’t know why anyone would ever say that. The whole experience was just extremely unprofessional and uncomfortable.

I was extremely honest with the front desk about our dissatisfaction. She was very understanding and took it seriously. We didn’t have to argue at all—which I appreciated because I honestly wanted to cry. She took care of the massages and offered us another set on the house, so we planned to try a different location. She said she’d call Monday—no one did. We called Tuesday and were told they could only comp the massages we received. We were shocked. After everything, we had no reason to return. There are plenty of other massage places. We were especially surprised given the location and the high-end clientele in the area. Customer service handled our complaints well in person, but offering something and then retracting it is in poor taste. We called again and complained, and they gave us credits for new massages—but it felt odd to have to ask for what was already promised.

Needless to say, I would not recommend this...

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Beautiful space with room to grow in service flow

I’ve visited twice now — once for a 50-minute massage and the second time for the head-to-toe package as a birthday treat. The spa has a beautiful ambiance: cozy robes, peaceful waiting areas, and a relaxing vibe when it’s quiet.

As a licensed massage therapist myself, I’m naturally picky and observant, not just for quality but to learn and connect. Melissa had a nice, firm touch, and the massage was relaxing enough to keep me out of my head — which is saying a lot. That said, both times I felt a bit rushed, and I didn’t receive the full time I booked. I understand it was a busy day, but for a birthday visit, it felt disappointing.

The experience as a whole matters to me — from greeting to goodbye — and some parts fell short. I felt anxious in the hallway with so many people passing by, and I never received my welcome drink unless I requested it from my pedicurist at the end.

My facial with Sheri left my skin glowing, and the products were nice, but it felt more like a sales pitch than a service. My skin purged later that day, and my lash extensions fell off during , nothing was done about it just a “oh your lash came off” — which I’ve never experienced before in a facial. the others facials i’ve had from other places have always been mindful of my lashes and never had a problem before. These were my birthday lashes, and I couldn’t get them replaced on short notice. Also, felt rushed.

Rosi, who did my pedicure, was quiet, gentle, and thorough. The polish lasted, and the massage + scrub felt lovely. The only odd moment was that another employee was doing her own nails next to us, which made the vibe a little uncomfortable.

check out was smooth and accommodating.

Overall, I’d return for the environment, and I believe there’s potential for a top-tier experience here — especially when it’s not busy. not anytime soon and i’ll definitely try another day spa before going back. But for the price point and intention of a luxury day, I hoped for more mindful timing,...