WELL Spa + Salon — Local services in Milwaukee

Recently, I have been here for both a gel mani and a pedicure, on two different days. Had I gotten the quality of service for what I paid, I would have no problem returning - however I am not going to pay 50% more than what I pay elsewhere and get less service just because it is located at the Pfister. The only reason I feel like I should give the spa a higher rating is because of the location... Pros: The facility is obviously very well kept and the Pfister is one of the nicest places in Milwaukee. Great decor and details. The staff were friendly and went out of their way to make me feel welcomed and special. Gel manicure was very quick (30 min and did not have gel on prior)

Cons: The spa is in the basement, which has very low ceilings and feels very much like a basement/cave while you are in there. I found it almost more suffocating than relaxing while I was at a "spa". Very confined feeling. The pedicure massage chairs only vibrate? I have never seen this and it was more annoying than relaxing. The pedicure I had included no callus removal, minimal heel buffing, and a sugar scrub. With tip, it came out to be $80. There was very little massage and it was obvious the technician did not care about it in general. For being a luxury spa, I was expecting to be pampered and I definitely didn't feel pampered other than the complementary champagne. I had gel paint all over the tips of my fingers, and rough tips on my nails which I know will catch on something and start peeling quickly. Basic gel manicure is $50. Quick lotion at the end - no massage. Again, for being a luxury spa, I was expecting much, much more...

Spa Review/Hair & Make Up-

I was in Milwaukee for a wedding at the St. Kate and had an appointment at Well Spa & Salon for wedding hair and makeup. Sarah was my hair stylist. I explained I was mother of the groom and wanted to look classy and age appropriate. Showed her a couple of pictures and we agreed upon a style. The outcome was beautiful. I received so many compliments and it made me feel so special. The time flew by with great conversation. The make up artist was Tonya. She applied age appropriate make up and I still looked like myself but a polished and classy look. She was a pleasure to chat with and very personable. I was so happy and thoroughly enjoyed my experience. The next time I’m in Milwaukee, I will be coming back for a stay at the hotel and a spa day

Spa review/Nails- I was in Milwaukee for a wedding at the St. Kate and needed an appointment for manicure/pedicure. I had an appointment at Well Spa & Salon for wedding hair and makeup so I thought to myself why not try them for the mani/pedi. I called and they were most accommodating for a last minute appointment. Theresa was the nail specialist who was amazing. As mother of the groom, I wanted nails that were classy and appropriate. Theresa explained all of my options and we found the best colors. I was so happy and thoroughly enjoyed my experience. The next time I’m in Milwaukee, I will be coming back for a stay at the hotel

Side note: I told my family how beautiful the Pfister Hotel was and they had to see for themselves. Many of them went to the cafe for breakfast and lunch multiple times( blueberry scones...

Tacky experience:

I scheduled a spa day for my girlfriend’s 40th birthday, never been to the the Well Spa before but heard good things about it.

One of the services I scheduled was an express mani/pedi.

Unfortunately right before the getting service I was made aware that they did not have the equipment to remove gel from my nails so they couldn’t do the service. Things happen and I was understanding but even though the service could not be completed due to an issue with the establishment, they insisted I was still being charged for the service because of their 24 hour cancellation policy.

I did not cancel the service they did not have the ability and were not equipped to carry out the service. I mentioned to the cashier that I didn’t have the nail service because they couldn’t remove the gel from my nails, the cashier politely removed it from my total which I was pleased with the thoughtful and good service.

Fifteen minutes later, Well Spa called my phone, I’m thinking it’s possibly a survey but they called to let me know they were going to charge my credit card for that service and the cashier didn’t have the authority to remove it from my bill.

I have a lot of questions concerning their unacceptable business practices, but what I sum it up to be is bad business. This turned what was meant to be a celebration into an awful experience.

Due to these substandard business practices, not only are they losing any future business from me, my friends and family but I’ll be making sure to let people know about my experience verbally, through media and social...