Alžbětiny Lázně, a.s. — Local services in okres Karlovy Vary

I visited to try an “Indian” head massage and had requested in my order extra time for neck and shoulders.

I requested an appointment through their website, which is possibly better in the desktop version - the mobile view isn’t very good. You fill out a request and will receive an automated confirmation of your order. I wasn’t sure, so I replied “confirmed” to the email.

Later, I received a direct email offering an appointment time which I replied to accept. No other communication followed, so I arrived a few minutes before my appointment time and hoped it had been scheduled. It had been. Reception was friendly and straightforward. I paid with a card and was directed down the appropriate hallway. I only waited a few moments before being shown in. The room was sadly outdated, but clean. I was a bit disconcerted that the chair provided was just a regular chair and not a massage chair. I had to sit upright for the procedure, which I did not expect, and it felt a bit awkward.

I arrived wearing a tank top, no jewelry, and with clean hair and face, assuming she would have her hands in my hair and possibly massaging my ears and face. And yes, no makeup, hair products or earrings is best. She not only kneaded my scalp and gently tugged at my hair, but rubbed my temples, around the eye orbitals and brows, and massaged my ears. Unfortunately, she didn’t spend much time on my neck and shoulders, which I had specifically written in my appointment request. I didn’t say anything since I expected her to move back to my neck and shoulders after finishing with my scalp. But she said “finished” instead.

I would have enjoyed it more if done seated in a massage chair opposed to a regular upright chair and had the time spent on the areas I had asked for. The procedure was relaxing more than therapeutic for me. It would feel nice if you are actively having a headache and can go lie down immediately after, but otherwise, for chronic neck and shoulder tension, a regular massage would be more effective. The head massage is 560. A partial classical massage is 450. Next time, I’ll opt...

Very good. There are signs everywhere to show you to the pool in the building. There is another entrance in the back of the building if you don't want to come in through the main entrance of the bath. The men and women have different dress rooms. The sauna, rest room, cold pool and steam room are different for men and women and are in the hall after the dress rooms. Have in mind that you need to take towels and flip-flops if you want, they do not give you. You neeed to bring with you shower gel, soap, shampoo, conditioner etc., because you have to take a shower before you go in the swimming pool area. Also have in mind that in the sauna you need to be completely naked - it's not for the shy. The swimming pool, jacuzzi and whirlpool bath and children's wadding pool are common. There are WC everywhere: in the dressing rooms, in the showers, in the halls etc , so don't worry if you need one. And look out for your key! It's very important! Do not lose it, or you have to pay it! Someone may take it by mistake, like it's happened to me. I got lucky and the woman next to me saw who took my key and when I asked her for help, she was capable to find it in a little girl(she couldn't read and thought it was her mom's key). It's very clear, there are hairdryers and hangers. And don't forget to bring a bag for the wet swim wear like me :-). You can't visit Karlovy vary and don't go to "Lazne" even if it's just...

So…everything has to be put into context when you come here. This is essentially a post-soviet sanatorium in a fancy old building (that needs tlc, but which makes it even more fascinating). The whole experience is anachronistic- if you’re up for that, nothing to be disappointed about.

I’m half Russian and I used to go to similar places when I visited my grandma in Russia as a child. I knew what I was getting into - so make sure you know it’s an experience. If you’re in for comfort and super duper relax Western-style, you’ll be disappointed. The idea here is that they provide you with a service and you should feel mildly relaxed.

Yes, the rooms look like medical cabinets. Yes, everything is old. Yes, they wear scrubs. Yes, the massage lady was a bit stern/unfriendly and Czech radio played rather than relaxing spa music. The massage was also technical/practical and not hyper relaxing like a Thai massage.

Would I come back? Yes, for the mineral baths. Probably not for the massage (even though that was a good experience to try once).

I think you need a lot of open mindedness if you come from North America or Western Europe and have no experience of post-communist Eastern European stuff.

Again, I feel this is an overall experience rather than a necessarily super...