
This was a very adequate spa experience, but not 5 Star.
The concierge at my hotel made the reservation- same day. I was told I could arrive early. I was more than 15 minutes early. As I sat in the waiting area- which is right next to the reception desk I overheard a gentleman come in. As the manager spoke with him, she said āand my credit card machine is not working, please pay cashā. I was concerned- as the concierge who made my reservation said I would pay with a credit card- and that didnāt seem to be a problem. I watched the gentleman put his card away and pay cash. When I left, I used my Amex- no problem. I believe honesty is the best policy- and if someone wishes to pay with a card- you accept it. Deception is never classy.
In the waiting area, there were only magazines that would be of limited interest to a broad clientele (Elle and Allure). In this day and age, I would think that a wider range of periodicals would appeal to all the customers.
I requested a deep tissue massage, and Iāve had them around the world. I confirmed the service with Michelle prior to her beginning work on me.- and quite simply put- it was NOT deep tissue. It was more of a firm back rub with lotion. I know Michelle was a kind person, but she was a bit preachy- telling me I should get massages much more frequently, and drink water every hour. At the end of the massage, she asked if I would like a drinkā¦and I declined. She challenged me a bit and said āyou must drink more water!ā
I will. I promise!
The tiny massage room (laying on the table, I could touch both walls at the same time) had two holes in the plaster walls., and was located behind the hair cutting area of the salon, which is located in a basement. The holes in the wall were covered in duct tape. That told me their story- they are a good mid-tier spa, but not first class/5 star. After my massage, I had to navigate around the hair trimmings on the floor. I found this gross.
My message is that they are nice people, doing the best they can- but there is opportunity for...
Ā Ā Ā Read more4/23/23 my 2nd experience:
Came here for a much needed 90 minute massage this weekend and it felt amazing. I was booked with Kristen but was given Soukaina, who I had last time as well. No one mentioned anything beforehand but it was a pleasant surprise since my last experience was so great. Only complaints, as mentioned in my last review, are that the room was a little cold and the clock ticking was distracting. Other than that, the customer service was amazing and when I want to treat myself, this is one of my go to places.
First experience:
Had a really nice experience here today! I used a spafinder gift card for a 45 minute deep tissue massage ($115). They prefer cash tips. I made an appt online and arrived early. One of the ladies made a fresh pot of coffee so I sipped on that and waited on the couch in the waiting area until my appt time. They put your jacket and clothes in an unlocked closet by the front desk, and give you a robe. Maybe for those getting multiple treatments, as I kept my clothes on and stuff with me and brought into the treatment room. No locker room or lounge. They also offered mimosas and champagne to a couple of women. They have tea and candy as well. The massage felt great, bed was comfortable, room wasnāt too warm or too cold, & massage had just enough pressure. Soukaina was sweet and skilled, but didnāt ask if the pressure was okay or if I had any sensitive spots or injuries of note beforehand. Fine by me, as I could have told her if I did. The clock in the room was a little distracting as I could hear the seconds ticking, but was mostly able to tune it out. I was bummed that the 45 minute massage did not include time spent on my legs or feet, and I wasnāt turned onto my back at any point. Itās tough to massage the whole body thoroughly in 45 minutes, so itās not shocking. This massage was much needed and I would...
Ā Ā Ā Read more(2/16/24): I came back, this time I tried a lymphatic drainage massage with Monica. I was brought to a different room this time and I did not know there was so much more space and rooms behind the simple door! The ambience was different, I enjoyed the color changing light. Monica was very attentive to this specific massage, providing an overview what she'll be doing for the 45 minutes and through each step provided instructions. It was a different massage than I'm used to, but I had reasons to try it (better blood circulation and bloating). This time I was offered tea for this massage its recommend. I'll be back soon!
(1/19/24): I try to do a spa day every year on or around my birthday. I had a go to spot for a few years and unfortunately they closed their midtown location recently. I had to find a new place and after much searching in the same area, I found Allure. While a bit pricier than my old spot, the 90 minutes deep tissue massage was amazing and much needed! Worth it! As a new customer, their online booking system was easy to use, I booked probably with 1-2 days notice. I didn't have a preference to who my masseuse should be, I took whoever was available, I got Cristina who was wonderful and attentive to areas I needed more work on. After my long massage, I was offered champagne (or if you'd prefer mimosa, coffee, tea or water) and relaxed in their common space for a bit before getting ready to leave. The space is utilized well and definitely has a good relaxing spa atmosphere. I now receive emails with discount deals and offers which I always look forward to and plan to pay another visit here soon. š
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