A1 Massage — Local services in Katy

Went to A1 Massage on September 1, 2023. Called by phone to get a quote for 2-hour massage and was quoted $140 for a deep tissue massage. Sounded good to me, so I came in for an appointment at 3:00. Upon arrival, I was asked to pay for my massage up front. I asked why when the service had not been performed yet. I was told by the therapist that the boss was not in for the day and they demand for customers to pay up front. I didn’t like the idea really but I decided to go on with it anyway. She asked how I would be paying. I asked if she takes credit card and she says and asks for my card. When I get the receipt, I came to find I was charged 3.25% to use my credit card? I inquired about the charge and she points to a small sign next to next to the desk that does inform they will charge this fee but I wonder why I was not informed ahead of time before asking for my card? I could have easily went to the bank to get cash instead…so I requested a refund so I could go get cash. She did not want me to leave to get cash and then makes and excuse that she cannot process a refund because her boss was not in to process a refund. She insisted that I pay now and just bring cash next time. I really didn’t feel like leaving and just went with it and proceeded with the massage. The massage was relaxing. Ella did a great job. I was happy with the therapist’s work. When it was time to leave she asked for my card again. She wanted tip. As she certainly did deserve for her hard work. She asked me how much do I wanted to tip. I told her $25. She scoffed and said “Just $25???? For two hour massage? That’s it”??? She requested more tip. I was taken aback a bit and asked well how much should a person tip? She said people tip $40. I dislike confrontation so I paid her the $40. So the massage total came out to $186 was planning for more because of the credit card service fees totaling up to almost $6.00. Was not expecting to pay that much. If you feel like you “deserve” higher pay, the why not just make it a part of the massage fee??? It makes me feel unsteady about what the massage cost really is. I would have been happier if they told me the massage simply cost $180. I thought $25 tip (18%) was a good offer… but if they try and delegate what the tip should be then this totally dismisses the idea of what a “tip” is. It’s based on the customer. I used to work on tips. If I didn’t like what people were tipping, then I went to find another job. Since when is a tip demanded at a set minimum dollar amount?? I agree the therapist needed to be tipped. Her good work should not be discounted because their business is run a little crooked. If I would have been informed ahead of time about the credit card processing fee and not felt the demands on leaving higher tips, I would have left a perfect 5-star review. If you come here just be prepared for that. I won’t be back. I learned my lesson. Pretty sad because this place could have had a repeat customer, but they chose to do business in a shady way over nickeling and diming for more money. It’s not that the amount was terribly high but I just like to have full knowledge up front on what I expect to pay before agreeing...

I had pulled in and walked in without an appt, drove by on my way home from massage therapist in Old Katy I had scheduled no-showed on me. I was in pain that evolved into numbness from tightness as well as knots on my shoulders and back. When I walked in, the list of services were posted on the wall by the reception desk. I was greeted and questions were answered. You must pay in advance and I was escorted to a massage table. The setup of the rooms are of Thai massage, where people can walk on you. I have gotten in a car accident few months back so that sort of massage did not peak my interest. Julia mentioned she started not too long ago but she was very kind, and asked level of pressure I required. She tackled my focal point of concern, but I realized more parts of my body were in pain than I was aware of. My calves were hardened, my hips were locked up, my arms didn't stretch all the way, etc. She even found time to provide pressure point facial and my head. The thrubbing feeling I had, stopped. My head felt lighter and I was able to move more after. I was v tired when I got home and fell asleep a bit - which has been a problem this week where I lost a lot of sleep woken from the aches of my back. I think I would like to come back and schedule an appt with Julia again. You as a customer do pay the processing fee on your credit card, so if you don't want to, bring cash or something. I don't...

This place was one of the worst places and most annoying massage I have ever experienced. I trusted these fake reviews and gave this place a try, but felt so bad within few minutes of the massage. The ladies who work there are not therapists. They have no idea of the body muscles nor know how to massage. Someone have told them massage is rubbing someone’s body back and forth. They even didn’t bother putting some pressure. Two old ladies with rough hands were rubbing my skin without using any oil. It didn’t end here. They stretched my hand so bad that I ended up having wrist pain for hours. On top of the awful massage and service, this place has been the most expensive foot massage I have been to in Katy. Their prices are double of other foot massage places and the quality is 10 times worse. That’s why they make you pay right up front, as they know what a bad service they offer. It was my first and last time that I tried this place. Save your time and money and look for a professional...