Hand & Stone Massage and Facial Spa — Local services in Philadelphia

Shockingly disappointing. A ruined Mother's Day finale. I surprised my wife with a last minute post-Mother's Day massage, but I definitely picked the wrong business. Website was great (simple, clean, appropriate design). The receptionist, Brittany, was hospitable and very accommodating. The location was convenient. Pricing was fair, very affordable. My first time booking at a large franchise instead of an upscale boutique. A nice first impression -- but it all ended there! When I dropped my wife off, the hospitable Brittany was gone for the day, so we had the unfortunate displeasure to be met with their not so pleasant front desk staff. One was preoccupied, but the other had a down right nasty demeanor. To lighten up the mood, I attempted to joke around a bit and engage them more so to set the tone and make sure my wife had an enjoyable experience (I felt like I was in a poorly staffed, low morale MacDonald's with teenagers aimlessly rolling through the motions). Normally, I would have turned around and walked straight out of the door, but since I paid in advance and my wife took the time to clear her schedule anticipating a spa experience, I just crossed my fingers and hoped the massage would be a good experience. Ugh!!!! When I picked my wife up, she had a look on her face that I've never seen before. She was unsuccessfully trying to hide how utterly disgusted she felt. My sweetie was trying her very best to keep a sense of appreciation, but just couldn't. After prying it out of her, since shared the details of the "assembly line" blah attitude, more interested in paperwork for marketing than the massage. She spent close to 20 minutes on forms and waiting, sitting in the reception area until someone finally mentioned that the masseuse had been waiting. Massage was blah as well. She knows how much I usually pay for massages and spas, so my wife was more at ease when I told her the low cost. Moral of the Story -- You get what you pay for! and Don't go to a large franchise for an intimate experience....... Go here only if you've never had a...

Overall, the experience was average. The front desk staff are excellent - they were able to address my needs during a promotion, scheduled me promptly, set it up to be all paid for and ready to roll, and day of, they got me checked in smoothly and I was ready for the massage on time. The massage itself was average. I asked for focus on the neck, shoulders, and upper back, because that is where I have the most tension. However, the massage therapist just kind of did everything. I completely understand that our entire body is connected and working on the muscles in the limbs will help loosen up the muscles in the neck/shoulders/upper back. However, I really needed significantly more time in the specified areas, and less time everywhere else. I wonder if I didn't communicate well enough, or if the therapist kind of just did an overall session instead of focusing on the areas I really needed worked on. I unfortunately left feeling neither relaxed nor less tense; I just felt the same as when I walked into Hand and Stone, and truthfully was slightly disappointed by the experience, since it was the end of a very stressful week. However, it's totally ok, I appreciate the hard work the therapist put in for the hour and I completely understand that not every experience can be exactly what I want it to be. I'm willing to go back, give it another go, and maybe try communicating more clearly about what...

I have been a member since around 2016. It is beyond worth the monthly fee for selfcare and skincare/bodywork maintenance. I am a physical therapist and fitness professional and I invest in my body. Regular massage is essential for me. Good value for the cost. I can’t think of anywhere else you can get this good quality of a service for the price. I have had a handful of less than fantastic experiences but they’re rare and many years ago and almost every encounter is fantastic. Today I had Carmen for facial and Colleen for massage. Both were highly skilled, professional, and kind. I recommend them highly. Having the membership allows a discounted rate for services and encourages me to prioritize my selfcare with a quarterly facial and or monthly massage. If you forget to book one month or are too busy, the credits roll over. I often book back to back facial and massage appointments for more of a “spa day” like I did today. The location is friendly, clean, and pretty, with recent upgrades made to the lobby area. It is minimal frills (ie. No sauna or showers like some spas) but that’s not what I am looking for here. I want a good quality facial and massage and that’s what is delivered. I sound like a sales person when people ask me about hand and stone because I speak so highly of the business, but I promise I’m not a representative....