Reflections Spa — Local services in Hardyston Township

My friend and I wanted a spa getaway for our birthdays/before she has her second baby in a few months. We tried to book at Elements because we were staying at Minerals, but they were sold out so the booking agent suggested looking at Reflections instead. She was able to book us back-to-back massages (not at the same time) at Reflections, and said that we could use the spa facilities while we wait for each other before/after our treatments.

When we checked in for the first massage, the woman at the front desk told me I wouldn't be able to use the spa facilities before my service as they had "138 paying customers today" and "had to be respectful of everyone's time." I felt like saying "am I not a paying customer too?" but I did not want to fight. I told her that the reservation agent told me we'd be able to use the facilities while the other was in treatment and she told me she would "have her manager listen back to the recorded call" to see if/why the agent said that. It felt very accusatory. I said no problem I'll just go to the pool instead and she said I wouldn't be allowed as I wasn't a guest at Grand Cascades Lodge (again, we were staying at Minerals and tried to book services there but there was no availability). She told me I could wait in the lobby and come back 15 minutes before my treatment. My friend was escorted back for her Mommy to Be massage and on the walk back the receptionist said to her "which one of you is out of your first trimester?" ... the woman you're escorting to the maternity massage? I am fat, not pregnant.

When I came back to check in for my treatment, a different manager let me know they did listen to the recording of my call with the agent and confirmed that I was given incorrect information that my friend and I would be able to use the facilities while we waited for each other. As a one time courtesy they offered to let her wait in the spa lounge until after my massage (an hour after hers) so we could use the facilities together when I was finished.

Both of our massages were good. No issues with the therapists, techniques, or services.

After my massage we met up in the lounge and went to the foot soak together. We each were given one chocolate and a beverage. About 10 minutes later, we were asked to leave so they could prepare for the next group. I have never been to a spa where they don't let you enjoy the facilities for more than 10 minutes. Not only that, they asked for my glass back before I was finished with my drink. Why couldn't I just finish it and leave when I was done? Or take it back to the lounge with me? Such weird behavior.

Lastly, because we had booked the two appointments at the same time (though with different names), they assumed we wanted to check out together. My friend was charged for both of our services, taxes, fees and tips. It's fine because I'll just Venmo her, but weird that the receptionist didn't ask when we were both at check out together. After my friend checked out, I said, "I need to check out too" and she said "oh, I'm so sorry, I assumed you were checking out together, she just paid for the whole thing." Kind of weird when it's a $600+ bill.

Like I said, thankfully the services themselves were good, and my friend and I were able to have a good time together, but as two women who have visited many spas and work in the wellness industry, we were disappointed in the quality of the experience for the price. Don't think we would come back.

PS - my friend did get a last-minute pedicure at Elements Spa at Minerals hotel and they were super accommodating to both her and I. I'd sooner give them another try than...

If I could give less than 1 star I would. I have been a patron of this spa for a very long time. My husband would get me a gift card for every holiday and sometimes, just because. Years ago, the spa would be a relaxing and decadent treat to enjoy. The massages were good, the atmosphere was nice, the staff was friendly and the amenities were spot on. Over the years, the quality of everything started to go down. The place was definitely showing wear and tear. On more than one occasion, the wall fountain and the foot soak in the crystal room was broken, showing the limestone scale from the water. The chairs in that room were well worn before they decided to change them. The shower in the steam room by the pool was broken. In the waiting lounge you would be offered macaroons and tea.In the crystal room, you would be offered champagne and a truffle chocolate. They changed from truffles to dove chocolates and eliminated the macaroons. The towel I was offered to dry my feet was dingy and threadbare. I have used better rags to wash a car! The staff used to be very attentive and friendly but that too, changed. The last straw was recently, when my husband bought me a gift card for 2 massages, with tax and tip included. When he bought it they wrote exactly that in the card holder. This was to make sure that when I went to the appointment everything would be covered for me. When I arrived I told the clerk that I had the gift card and she said we would take care of it after the treatment. When I went into the locker room I went to sit down on the seat and it was broken and I almost hit the floor. I then wen to use the steam room only to find out the door was broken and wouldn't close. When my treatment was completed, I went out to the clerk to clear the bill. Well, since my husband bought the card, the price of a massage was increased by $40 dollars! I told the clerk she had to put it in at the old price. She then said she had to talk to her manager. She called the manager, who then said that she was not going to honor the gift card at the old price!! This was in the beginning of July. I had originally thought he bought the card for Christmas. I told the clerk that I was not going to pay more. She then started to text back and forth to the manager, who never bothered to come out in person or even get on the phone with me. She told the clerk that I would have had to use the card within 6 months of buying it in order for them to honor the old price. Well, come to find out, he bought the card in the beginning of May! So it was only 2 months after he bought it! The manager, by text to the clerk, finally agreed to honor the card. This manager needs to have a tutorial on how to professionally respond to a customer. It was EXTREMELY unprofessional of her to not address me either in person or even on the phone. With the increase in price to an exorbitant amount, $170 for 50 min! and the lack of amenities, I foresee this spa losing a lot more business. I know I will never...

Is one star too generous? I had heard about this spa, how wonderful the amenities were and what a relaxing time it was so I was really looking forward to treating myself on my break from med school to a much needed de-stressing massage. Unfortunately, I left extremely disappointed and more in need of a massage then what I arrived. Let's begin with the booking process, there is no direct line to call the spa so you have to go through the automated system in order to be placed on hold for awhile until you are instructed to leave a message and then get a call back. Once I was finally able to speak to someone, this establishment was described to me as a "New York style spa". As a native NY'er this description was initially dubious but upon completion of my service just plain offensive. Heaven forbid there is a mistake with the booking process, confirmation they send, or you need to adjust the time, it took me no less then 9 phone calls to just book my appointment (already slightly frustrating). Upon arrival I was seated in the waiting area by the elevators with screaming children running around (not relaxing). I was escorted from the couch by the elevator through a hallway and into the massage room. I did not see a pool or a water wall or any of the other amenities I had heard about. I had to wander about just to find a bathroom. The woman that gave me my "massage" hardly spoke to me, never asked what kind of pressure I wanted, if I was comfortable, or to talk to me about the products she was using. I put "massage" in quotes because it felt like someone who did not want to touch you quickly applied lotion to my body and then it was over. I have had better massages in nail salons at the drying table. At reflections, I felt like I just kept waiting for the actual massage part to start. I highly doubt that I even received the full time that I paid for unless my watch stopped for awhile during my time in the room. I still tipped the standard 20% because I have worked in the service industry and it is the right thing to do but I really had higher expectations for an establishment that is billed as a spa. I am searching for something positive to say about this place, I think the best part was when I got in my...