Healthy Spa & Acu-New Management — Local services in New York

We booked the 60-minute couple’s massage, and while the massage itself wasn’t earth-shattering, it was decent overall. The masseurs didn’t really speak English, which didn’t affect us much since we didn’t have any special requests beyond describing a minor injury on one side - but if you do have specific needs or areas to focus on, communication could definitely be a challenge.

There were some giggles and small talk between the masseurs during the session - something that could’ve been avoided - but overall, we left the room thinking the experience had been positive.

Unfortunately, everything changed at the time of payment, and that’s where this business completely lost our respect.

At the front desk, a blonde lady who appeared to be managing the place showed us their rates menu. The price listed was $114.19 by card, which is about $5 more than what’s advertised on their website ($109). Apparently, paying cash ($105) is cheaper - though that’s nowhere mentioned online. Slightly unprofessional, but not a dealbreaker, so we proceeded to pay by card.

When asked about tipping, we decided on around 10%, half of which we planned to leave in cash. That’s when things took an unbelievable turn.

The manager suddenly became agitated, grabbing the rate catalog and pointing at a page claiming we “must” pay $15 per person as a mandatory tip. We calmly explained - with the language barrier making it more difficult- that no such policy was stated on their website or when we arrived, and we were not willing to pay what seemed like an arbitrary, undisclosed fee.

At that point, she began acting aggressively and erratically - speaking loudly in broken English demanding the tip, pulling the card out of the POS, and even making a gesture to try and push our hand away from the reader (although not physically touching us) when we tried to finalize the transaction when the discussion was not leading anywhere. She then kept the card away from us at her desk as if she belonged to her, apparently to block the transaction. One of the masseurs had already joined in, and both of them were arguing in Chinese, visibly upset and trying to pressure us into paying the extra $30 tip.

We remained polite but were absolutely flabbergasted by their behavior. They even made us wait until another customer finished paying, clearly as a tactic to pressure us. When they returned to us, they again demanded the “mandatory” tip. By then, we told them we would not be leaving any tip at all, as their behavior had crossed every line of professionalism.

The blonde lady who was likely the manager processed the payment, visibly distressed, while at this time trying to convince us to “give what we were planning before.” We refused. As we left, we heard one of the masseurs shouting and slamming doors behind us.

What a terrible way for a business to ensure a customer never returns. This was hands down the worst customer service experience I’ve ever had.

Be warned: if you choose to come here and don’t agree to their “mandatory tip”, be prepared for aggression, rudeness, and intimidation. Last time I checked, tips were optional and based on the quality of service - clearly, that’s not how this business operates.

Avoid this place unless you’re ready to pay whatever “extra” tip amount they...

I WISH I READ THE OTHER NEGATIVE REVIEWS BEFORE EVER COMING TO THIS ESTABLISHMENT! This is my only complaint on this account so that should say a lot…….This place was great (in my opinion) until it no longer became great for me! I went in on a weeknight for a quick 30 minute massage. I BOOKED a 30 minute massage which was acknowledged through not only a confirmation email- but also when I checked in. The masseuse went WAY over the 30 minutes and provided a service I DID NOT request- nor expected to pay for. I also had engagements to take care of after the massage which was WHY the time of the appointment was strategically scheduled.

Once the massage was finished I was very disappointed- not only because it felt ROUGH and NOT RELAXING but it also went WAY over time and I was truly disappointed in that. When it was time to pay, I was REQUIRED to pay for a session I didn’t even request nor book. Given I am going to do the right thing despite THEM not doing so, I paid the price for the 90 minute massage anyway- AGAIN- despite requesting 30 minutes! I even went as far as tipping literally what I could- when in my opinion- it wasn’t deserving- but as a nice person I provided one anyway!

But then I was caught by surprise -because they had some PAPER taped to the table and one of the employees kept referring to it TRYING to MAKE me provide more tip! HUH???? THEY ALSO CANNOT DENY THIS BECAUSE IT IS ON VIDEO- AND IF YOU REVIEW OTHER NEGATIVE REVIEWS IN REGARDS TO TIPPING- THEY’RE THERE!! Basically requiring a certain amount for tip to customers- depending on how much the selected service was.

I have a video of the full discussion so it cannot be denied! That’s tacky in my opinion, and it ruins the genuine experience of showing gratitude for said service!! Needless to say- I was completely frustrated with this experience and ended up taking the tip back, because number 1- it was WRONG for them to perform a service on someone- when they DID NOT even request or book it…..and then have the absolute NERVE, to also expect more tip!!

In conclusion, make sure that everyone involved that’s working there- knows what you booked and stress it repeatedly because apparently that needs to be implemented so you can actually receive and pay for what you booked- and also, so that you don’t experience what I had....

I have bad skin; I form keloids when I get a skin injury. Unfortunately, many of them are located on my back, around the shoulder area. I scheduled an appointment today, because I've been feeling a tightness on my shoulder and nape (back of the neck). Before my session, I've already warned them of these scars, because I did not want them to be surprised, and did not want them to use the hot stones to rub on it. And I have requested a masseuse (female). However, once the masseuse came and took off the top portion of the towel to begin, I believe she was horrified by what she saw. I did not see her face, I did not understand her language, she was talking loudly to the receptionist. This would have been fine; I understand it does not look good. But what she did next was to go in and out of the room, calling different people, poking on my scars, taking off the towel repeatedly and showing my skin to whoever she called into the room...the last one a masseur (male). I have been to this place before, the other ladies did not have a problem with giving me a massage, so I thought it would be a safe place to go back to. Her name might be Nancy, I heard a guy asking for her specifically, and she might have answered, but there's a language barrier so I cannot 100% confirm that is her name. But I was DEEPLY HUMILIATED, EMBARRASSED, and felt so DISRESPECTED. If they do not know what they see, ask. If they are scared to touch, tell me. If they don't want the assignment, refuse. But do so with RESPECT. I am a person, not a piece of...