Arete Beauty Spa - Nail de Vue — Local services in New York

Extremely Disappointed After 2+ Years of Loyalty — Very Money-Hungry Business That Doesn’t Value Customers

My sister and I have been loyal, consistent clients at this salon for over two years. Sadly, our recent experience has shown that they care more about money than treating their customers with basic respect and professionalism.

I sent a deposit to secure an appointment, clearly expecting it to go toward the booking. At no point did I say it was a tip. The owner had previously canceled on me last minute, and I was understanding. Instead of asking for a refund, I chose to reschedule.

When rescheduling, I was told a time with no clarification of AM or PM. Since I asked for the earliest slot, I assumed AM. I traveled from Brooklyn to Queens early in the morning and waited 45 minutes without a single response to my texts or calls. Hours later, I was finally told to come back. Frustrated but still loyal, I canceled other plans and returned—only to be offered a free manicure to make up for the mix-up.

That day, my Uber costs alone were over $100—more than the cost of the service. Given all the inconvenience, I chose not to leave a tip, which is well within my rights as tipping is optional. I usually always tip, but not after that experience.

Later, I was refused service completely—because I wanted to apply the deposit I had already sent toward a new appointment rather than let them keep it as a tip. Denying a loyal customer over something so small and unjustified is beyond unprofessional.

This business lost two long-time clients over a situation that could’ve been resolved with basic communication and decency. If you value your time, money, and being treated with...

Love that they are appointment only because you never have to wait. They are extremely meticulous when painting your nails and DON'T water down their polish, which is a rare find in NYC.

My gel nails grew out before they chipped!

They are serious artists and are AMAZING with designs. I got something simple for a wedding but I saw serious masterpieces being done on nails. You can text them a picture before you come and they will reserve a time slot according to what your having done and assign you to the artist that most fits your choice. They have some high end color here, super clean and extremely orginized.

The artists seem to be a group of friends. They are all young, trendy and extremely friendly! I asked about the really cool Lego figurines displayed throughout the shop and one of the artists told me they had all done them together.

They offer other beauty services which i did not partake in and they also offer a loyalty program.

The cons: If your looking for a good foot massage as far as a pedicure this is not your place. They don't do a bad job but it wasn't the...

I used to go here a few years ago and never returned. Found out my primary nail tech was talking badly about me to my friend who is also a client of theirs.. on top of that the nail techs are so so inconsistent. Some barely match the designs you submit as a reference. Additionally, I found that the nail techs often make my nails bleed and looking at other reviews this is not uncommon. Haven’t returned and don’t plan on it.

Edit: Responding to the owner’s reply below, strange that you assumed I’m late or don’t tip. I was never late and always tipped in cash as required. The nail tech was speaking badly about me as a person which is demeaning and so unprofessional, similar to your reply! Also not sure why you mention ‘we’re human beings not slaves’ where my initial review doesn’t.. touch upon that kind of subject? It’s fair and the literal bare minimum to have a nail tech make a design that’s AT LEAST similar to what was sent. I still stand by my original review and again, their response seems to back my claims up about this...