Mesa Spa — Local services in San Diego

I've gone here occasionally for years, but more often in the past 9 months or so, since my income has allowed for it. The massages I've had have varied from fair-to-good up to really excellent. At $40 and hour, the price is good, and they have a "Buy 5, get 6" deal where you pay $200 in advance for six one-hour massages, bringing the price-per down to $32. However, I do have one complaint. I usually tip the masseuse $10 ,which on a $40 massage is 25%. Research I've done on line suggests this is a perfectly reasonable if not slightly generous amount (most opinions I find seem to indicate that 20% is typical). And most of the time, this has seemed acceptable, but on two occasions now, I've had complaints from the technician. The first one's English was a bit hard to understand, and at first I thought she was trying to tell me I had tipped too much, which surprised me (actually, that was a particularly good session and I probably would have tipped a few dollars more, but $10 was all the cash I had on me that day) - it was only after I left that I realized she was saying the opposite. A few weeks later, when I tipped $10, a different tech flat-out told me that it should be $20. Apart from the fact that they seem to be asking for much more than what seems reasonable, I find it pretty gauche to complain directly to a customer about the size of a gratuity, and it definitely disinclines me from taking my business there. The location is very convenient for me, but there are alternatives that are just as inexpensive and not much...

First time customer. Tried the 90 minute massage, they offered $5 discount for cash. Able to book appointment easily. Called the evening before for next day appointment. Ample parking in a small corner shopping center. Nothing fancy here. In fact my massage table did not have the typical head rest, just a cloth donut shaped home made looking “rest” that was so low, I had to turn my head in order to breath. They didn’t ask anything, just brought me to my room, no instructions about getting undressed, nothing about specific areas to focus on or type of pressure. Or areas to avoid. Lucky for me, I know to ask and speak up. I specifically requested extra time on scalp, hands and feet. Thus the 90 minutes. Got a little extra scalp time, not much at all on hands, but did get the foot scrub at the end. Exfoliation was a bit rough. Too much scrub material. No aromatherapy if you like that. Just massage oil applied generously. Warm towels to wipe off massage oils was a nice touch and enjoyed the hot stones. Also had heat table mat turned on as room was a bit chilly. It was very quiet when I went, late morning, on a Friday but you can tell the walls are thin. So could be very noisy with multiple clients as therapist had to leave the room for towels and hot stones three times. I tried it because my regular therapists are either relocating or not available the day I wanted so I might come back here as it’s close to home. Overall typical good value...

I went to Mesa Spa Massage based on great reviews. It does look a bit sketchy from outside but don't let that stop you from trying this place. I had Jeanie - she said she speaks limited English but she did ask my preference as to how deep of a massage I wanted. She was very good - I don't know how a small woman can apply so much pressure. The room was clean and had relaxing music. Didn't have any incense or diffuser, which I liked because I don't always enjoy the scent other people choose. There was at least one parking spot dedicated to Mesa Spa. There's also a 7-Eleven next door so there's ample parking.

Another reviewer complained about "signs everywhere" about tips but that's not true! I only noticed one sign at the front desk, which is fair because the Groupon deal I got was under $60 for a 60 minute massage. You really need to tip them well for their business to be sustainable. I did not feel pressured or put off by the sign, it only made sense.

I will definitely return for more massage sessions. Highly...