Bluebell Spa DC — Attraction in Washington

I booked a massage a on the same day, few hours before it would begin. Someone called me from the spa less than two hours before the appointment saying they needed to reschedule for the next day. I explained I would need to cancel in that case because I was specifically looking for a massage that evening. From there it became uncomfortable for me as Bluebell kept trying first to pressure me to book the next day, then oversharing about how the massage therapist had to go to the emergency room due to a fall and wouldn't be able to make it that evening, and back to pressuring me to book with her for tomorrow. If one of my employees had to go to the ER for a bad fall, I sure wouldn't be trying to book them to perform a massage the next day without even knowing if they'd be able to work but that was the impression I was given as to what Bluebell wanted to do. I got off the phone saying I was going to book someplace else because I have a medical condition that I was looking to have helped by a massage specifically that evening. But that wasn't the end of it from Bluebell.

After nearly an hour passes and I've already booked elsewhere, Bluebell calls me and leaves a message saying they "might" have a massage therapist who can make my appointment in an hour and she was waiting for confirmation from that person since they were having to fight through traffic to try and make it to the spa on time. Yuck! So not only are they making one of their massage therapists deal with rush hour traffic for an appointment that was cancelled, but I'm now forced to call and remind them that said I was going to book somewhere else and didn't want their services anymore. At least that next phone call to refuse their offer went easy and it seemed like the problem was done.

And then my partner's credit card bill comes a few weeks later and we are still being charged for the appointment that Bluebell cancelled originally themselves. Ridiculous.

If you've read this far, I ended up booking for Unna Spa and had a fantastic time. Super happy I skipped Bluebell Spa after...

First time coming here was on my Birthday June 10th , I read so many reviews and because of that I made my decision to come to blue bell & I genuinely was so excited. I wanted to start the day off with a relaxing deep tissue massage but sadly Instead It turned out to be the worst massage! The most NON relaxing experience I could have ever imagined. No tranquil calming music played at all which caused me to hear EVERY footstep, every shuffle in clothing, every cough even a whole conversation that was happening in the room next door. My masseuse was running a little behind, I heard her coming in the back door and i look up and shes asking me “ are u ready” as we headed back all i could think about was did she even wash her hands because she clearly rushed to get to my timed appointment. On top of that I know I asked for deep tissue but given my size of a person she should have known not too be as intense as she was to the point where i couldnt relax through the whole thing & even had to tell her to lighten up the pressure & yes i know i reserved a deep tissue & Ive gotten them before and never have I had someone cause more pain than relief. LASTLY, Before my appointment I brushed and braided my hair in a single braid, she took it upon herself to take my braid out and rub through my hair in a very sloppy weird uncomfortable way that caused me to have a ball of knots after the massage. I was so upset, didnt complain in person because I didnt want to make anyone feel bad but here it is MY BIRTHDAY & Im crying on my way home because the experience was horrible and the cost was such a WASTE of money. I will never come back here again. FYI -My masseuse was a female of Ethiopian or similar decent - failed to simply introduce herself…sadly just a horrible experience all...

Really happy I stumbled upon Bluebell over 2 years ago now - I have fibromyalgia and scoliosis that I manage through different modalities, including massage therapy, & so have been to a variety of practices over the years & Bluebell has outshined all of them. My first appointment was with Ms. Bruna, whose warmness/kind energy made me immediately feel comfortable. Her skillfulness as a massage therapist is facilitated by her deep knowledge & wisdom of the body, & addressing musculoskeletal issues from a holistic framework, which is always a relief to find among practitioners when you're a chronic pain patient/client. I've had appointments with other massage therapists when Ms. Bruna wasn't available & they similarly possessed a deep understanding of myofascial pain, muscle & joint stiffness, & the human body more broadly - and also had a warmth and compassion to them that made each visit a positive experience.

I also want to note that the reception staff have always been incredibly kind to me, & understanding when I've had to cancel last-minute. It's clear the practice works because of the staff working cohesively as a team. One last note is that I live in the area & I love my neighborhood but can attest to how loud the intersection the practice is located near, 14th and Spring NW, can get - I've been continually impressed by how relaxing and soundproof an environment the staff have been able to create there regardless. I can't recall a single session that was disrupted, even briefly, by shit going down outside - and for folks who don't know, that's no small feat.

Thank you all! Appreciate you greatly, & just want to express what a positive presence you all have continued to have...