Happy Buddha Foot Reflexology Spa — Attraction in San Diego

Extreme buyer beware!!! A truly horrible experience. After quickly looking at reviews, and noticing that they had mostly five stars, I went ahead and took a shot with this place. Upon walking in, I see that everything is a bit dilapidated, and in need of some serious refreshment in terms of decor. It was pretty gross. I asked for a one hour full body massage, followed by a one hour foot massage. I did not request any combinations or anything like that (which they offer) and the receptionist appeared to understand completely, as her English was perfect. I was then led back to a depressing little room that had a stained wall, and had clearly not been cleaned recently. All of the bedding had stains on it and I doubt there is much antibacterial spray going on there. I felt gross to even take my clothes off, but went ahead and went through with it because I didn’t want to be rude. Man entered the room and appeared to be nice… but he was also either getting sick or was just recovering from a cold. He was sniffling and coughing throughout my entire massage. Based on my experience, I will stress to anyone who reads this, that they should absolutely move along and find another place. This man who massaged me as you would say, was rushed, completely inexperienced, and would just repeat the same repetitive motion on my back for five minutes or more. Imagine to yourself… calloused man hands rubbing you over and over, nearly suffering friction burns on your skin. Check my photo! It was actually a painful event and not relaxing at all... Grinding my tendons over my shoulder bones… Loved that part. He threw my limbs around roughly and was not gentle at all. It was as if he was taking out his frustrations and aggressions from life, out on me. Who is to say? He didn’t even flip me onto my back and barely spent any time on my legs. Probably about 20 seconds per leg. Zero time was spent on the feet. He spent a little time on the arms and hands probably about two minutes per arm in total. The rest in massage was the same grinding on my back and the same inexperienced way. After the massage was over, I was led into the main room and laid down in one of their foot bath chairs. Proceeded to massage my neck and shoulders again for another 30 minutes, just as he had done before, even though I had asked for a one hour foot massage. Not a shoulder massage and foot massage combo, but a foot massage…For an hour. I almost had to stop and say something because it was getting ridiculous. He finally stopped and then proceeded to my feet. That was the only semi-enjoyable part. He was able to get through it without hurting me too much, and other than the people and extraneous noises going on in the room, that part was not too shabby. When I went to pay, I handled the bill with a credit card, and at that point, he began speaking in Chinese to the receptionist in an irritated way (they like being paid in cash). As she was running the credit card and asked me if I wanted to pay a tip, I told her I would pay it in cash. I then proceeded over to the man that had just “massaged” me with callous hands, not enough lotion, ripping my skin, and burning it... I handed him an $18 tip. He should’ve been given really no tip at all for his “professional” services. He took the money and counted all of it right in front of me, and then proceeded to speak in another irritated series of words in Chinese, which then triggered the man sitting in a chair next to him to start laughing incessantly, and then both of them just started at me. The guy who gave me the massage almost glared me out the door. I was amazed to say the least. Stunned! This would probably go down - after literally hundreds of professional massages throughout the country - as the worst experience I’ve ever had in a “spa”. Proceeded at your own risk. You’ve been warned. Have a great day. Place is a joke!! Also, all of their 4-5 star reviews are...

No frills, straight to the point service.

Don't come here if you want a spa girl talking at you.. this is the real deal. I had been looking for a reflexology place ever since I spent time in Singapore and had reflexology there for the first time ever. It was rejuvenating and I was looking for something here that wouldn't break the bank. Thank you Convoy St.!

When you walk into Happy Buddha, the only noise you hear is from the outside. They do a pretty good job closing the door if it gets noisy though. Inside is total calm. They have HUGE comfy chairs to just fall back into. They provide you with tea and soak your feet in hot water while they start on a shoulder massage. (This is provided with the foot reflexology!) I think they do a pretty good job feeling out if a person wants a head/face massage too. I love it.. touch me everywhere! LOL, but seriously.. for being just a reflexology appointment they really go the distance. I think if you didn't want the face massage you can just tell them, and I don't think it is necessarily standard because every time I go its slightly different. But like I said, I think they just sense what the individual would like. In my case, a full head, neck, face and shoulder massage does wonders for me! So I love the attention.

After they work your head and shoulders they do arms and hands. Then, down to legs. They do a little bit of work on your legs but not much because they incorporate it into the foot reflexology.

Once they start in on your feet its no return! Sometimes it feels delightful, other times its a little bit painful, but they will check in with you to make sure it doesn't hurt so much. But don't be a baby! This is not meant to be a pleasure massage! Reflexology is serious business! I remember feeling at some point, "oh man, I feel like I need a bathroom!" So I picked up the reflexology guide on the little table next to me (with the map of what organs are associated with each area of your foot) and I found that the area he was hitting was my bladder! Reflexology is legit. And these guys know what they are doing! When I leave, I always feel like I'm floating!

Keep in mind they tell you not to drink alcohol for 24 hours afterwards, so plan...

Horrible experience. Went in with a group of friends. When I first walked in, it was definitely a dirty dark space. That should have been first red flag! My massage didn't start until much later but ended the same time as everyone else's. The massage felt more like I was just getting feel and rubbed on. His nails were long, it kept penetrating into my foot. The masseur even left for a long period of time and came back maybe 5 mins later. I wanted to just run out by that time, but because my friends were there, I decided to push through. My friend did mention she felt her masseur took her hand and brushed over his private! 🔴🔴🔴 🚩🚩🚩 I thought this was the end and we will never see these people again, but when I tipped 20% (just to be kind)...they kept insisting to tip more. I decline numerous time, sign for payment and they chased me out of the place and told me not to come back. I was not obligated to tip anything for a person just rubbing on me! I knew I was never coming back and made sure I post this review. I hate how business like this can get away for doing shady stuff like this to their clients and hate how the workers don't get pay enough so they have to rely 1000% on tip. Avoid this place, I don't know how they are still in...