Oriental Spa — Local services in Jersey City

This place is perfect, as long as you understand what you’re getting and what you’re paying for. This is not a gorgeous upscale Manhattan spa, but for $40 for an hour massage who would expect that?? It’s an excellent no frills massage place and the best value in the area. I’ve prolly been 20+ times and I feel very comfortable recommending Oriental Spa.

There’s ~5 different “rooms” separated by curtains so you’ll be able to hear other customers getting massaged. The masseuses don’t speak much English, altho I prefer losing myself in the massage rather than talking so that’s great for me. The receptionist speaks and understands well enough so you shouldn’t have trouble communicating your desires. There’s a restroom and water and calming music and they don’t upsell or have shady business practices. And most important of all, the massages are strong and excellent. Personally, that’s 90% of what I’m looking for in a massage experience. :)

If your back is extra tight they’ll put on warming pads first. The table has an electric blanket below which is great when the air is chill. They use standard cheapo massage oil (no aromatherapy etc) but rub it off after with warm wet towels. I still shower shortly afterwards so I don’t break out. You can request that they don’t touch your face if you prefer. Otherwise they’ll usually do a bit of craniofascial work during a $60/90 minute massage. They use a variety of techniques during a massage, with some variation based on the masseuse. They're a Tui Na place so expect more deep tissue than relaxing Swedish strokes, altho maybe that’s just on my knot-prone back. There’s also a bit of Thai-style stretching of back and arms.

The place gets busy around 5pm on weekdays and all day on wknds so call ahead to reserve beforehand. That said, they can often take walk-ins if you’re willing to wait 20-30min. There’s a fee (3%? nothing crazy) for credit card so I always pay cash. And tip cuz I’m sure Grove St area rents don’t leave that much for...

I love this place! I've been coming once a month for years. Most people get 60-minute massages, which are solid but I highly, highly recommend the 90-minute massage which gives them time to massage your neck, shoulders, scalp and feet with more concentration.

Strong masseuses, kind and polite staff overall. It's a no-frills place and not a spa, but always clean and a great, affordable massage. Other pluses: hot rocks are included at no charge, you are only asked to disrobe down to your underwear bottoms (great if you are shy!) and the oil they use is gentle for those with sensitive skin.

Pro tips: Pay in cash, they have a surcharge for credit card transactions. Also, call ahead and make an appointment if you can, especially on weekends. It gets packed!

And tip these ladies well -- they work so hard!! (I've seen a couple reviews saying they were urged to tip more -- guessing those reviewers were cheap and stingy.... I've never been shook down by the staff for more tips. They are so polite, sweet and...

Shady practice Do not visit. masseur cuts the timer minutes during the session. Initally booked for 1 hours and the masseur cut the minutes to 48 and dod only backwork. Having not satisfied , I extended session and i extend for 30 more minutes to have work done in front and she cut the mutes on timer to 22 . I was watching time on my phone. No matter how much time you book for a session, it will call be spent on backwork alone with few remaining minutes on light hand and leg work in the end. Tips are demanded at the counter , not requested. I oaud her the tip and advosed to not cheat customers by cutting mins from timer and they spoke lousily in broken emglish and when i closed the door to go out. Hey laughed loudly and cracked jokes about cutting minutes. Absolutely worst experience. Do...