Essentials Spa of Metrowest — Attraction in Orlando

Update: they said the manager would contact us about a partial refund. It’s been a week and there has been no response from them or a manager. They clearly lied to us about contacting the manager and reaching out. If I could leave 0 stars I would. DO NOT COME HERE!

This was our second time visiting Essential Spa Metro West for a couples massage, but unfortunately, it will be our last. The experience here is very hit or miss depending on which massage therapist you get.

My husband was lucky to have the same therapist I had during our previous visit—she was amazing. However, the therapist I was assigned this time was clearly inexperienced. She didn’t seem to understand pressure points and applied little to no pressure, despite my specific request for more focus on my shoulders. Instead of the massage I expected, it felt like she was simply rubbing lotion on me during the 40-minute session we received because we were late. In fact, they ended the service at 9:52, so even if we had been on time, the session would have been only 52 minutes long.

The receptionist tried to argue that being on time is important, but punctuality doesn’t make up for a lack of proper massage technique or understanding of pressure points. Additionally, the pre-questionnaire form wasn’t sent until 9:47—right in the middle of the massage—which further disrupted the experience. To add to the confusion, they claimed my husband booked the session as a sunrise massage, even though I was sitting right next to him when we made the booking.

We had booked this couples massage as a Valentine’s Day gift for each other, expecting a relaxing and rejuvenating experience that we had looked forward to for months. Unfortunately, only one of us actually received a satisfactory massage. The Valentine’s Day special also included what can only be described as cheap dollar store $1 chocolates and a bottle of wine that we didn’t even drink because we don’t drink.

After leaving Essential Spa Metro West, I decided to get an Asian massage at The Florida Mall, and it was far better than what I experienced here. It really sucks that I had to pay for a real massage after splurging on the one at Essential Spa.

When I expressed my disappointment at the front desk, they offered a 10% discount for a return visit—but since that discount is given to everyone after their session, it didn’t feel like a genuine attempt to make up for the poor service. When we asked for a partial refund, they said they needed to speak with their manager first. We are now waiting to see if they follow through, and I will update this review accordingly.

It’s disappointing that they appear to hire inexperienced therapists who clearly need more training, especially when clients are paying a premium price. Moreover, gratuity is already included in the cost—if it were up to me, I wouldn’t have left any tip. I walked in with aching shoulders and walked out feeling exactly the same. Definitely not worth the cost or the gamble of getting an...

Poor Service AND Management You Have Been Warned

I have never taken the time to leave a review for a company before but I cant get over this experience. My husband and I booked the $120 hour couples massage. To start the called us back 20 min late even though we were 20 min early for our appt. Our massages were VERY disappointing. I've had several massages from other companies and have NEVER been so uncomfortable and unhappy with my results. The entire massage was very rushed. He used no pressure and never asked if I would prefer more or less or to see if everything was ok. He made me really uncomfortable with how close his hands were to my "lady parts". I have never had a therapist go anywhere near that close. He also massaged my arms above my head while laying on my stomach with no sheet on my sides so my breasts were exposed on the side to him and his other male therapist in the room. The part that put me over the edge was when they abruptly said we were done and I looked at the time..we were only in the room for 35 minutes!! This included the "consult" and our undressing/ dressing. So our massage was only 20 MINUTES!! for $120!! And they didn't even perform the reflexology! There was only one lady at the front desk and people were waiting behind us to check out so I didn't even have a chance to explain my experience to the receptionist. I HAVE NEVER HAD SUCH A HORRIBLE EXPERIENCE! My husband was unhappy with his massage as well especially with it only being 20 minutes long . The fact that we had to pay anything at all is absurd. You would be better off at Massage Envy and that says something. On a side note: The sheets were all raggedy and torn and had a yellowish tint to them. We should have known just from...