The Hideaway Massage and Skincare — Local services in San Diego

This isn’t really a “spa” as much as it is a small waiting room with a few “exam rooms” for the spa services. No spa amenities or changing rooms with robes and tea etc if that’s what you’re looking for. I booked a massage and a hydro facial hoping for a half-day of pampering myself while my husband was at a work conference. My massage therapist was very kind and we had a good conversation beforehand about expectations, and I requested deep pressure, but the pressure was not quite what I hoped for. All in all, relaxing and comfortable! The facial however was nowhere near what I expected. I was very uncomfortable the entire time. The male therapist seemed extremely rushed and panicky almost, moving so quickly from product to product and quite literally “slapping” the product into my skin. It was very rough, awkward, he talked loudly and startling, not relaxing at all, and at one point I wanted to sit up and say “enough” but I just waited for it to be over and got out of there quickly. I was disappointed to not having tipping options to tip separately as I would have tipped the massage therapist well and maybe not given 22% to the facialist. Very strange experience for a very steep price considering it’s not a real “spa.” Save your money and get an Uber to a nearby spa if that’s what you’re looking for. If you’re looking for a quick massage without leaving the hotel, this is a good option. Skip...

The Hideaway Spa is located in the Marriot Marquis Hotel Marina. There’s an elevator from the north tower that opens right up to this tiny reception area. I assumed there was the normal spa amenities including a locker, sauna, shower, etc so I arrived an hour early. No such luck. It is more like a massage envy. You walk directly to your treatment room when your appointment time is called. That was a big let down. The massage however, wasn’t. Kathy was my therapist and was a true professional. There were areas that I was having pain and she was very knowledgeable. She’s pleasant and loves what she does. I would have ranked it much lower except for the fact she did such a great job. I will note the lower ranking on the Marriot hotel review since it is their job to provide guests with a real spa. They advertise it to be a great experience yet they don’t give the contracted spa enough space even though there are wide open spaces as far as you can see along the inside facing the pool. They should really know better...

It's been a while since I've been to a spa given COVID, but given my past experience with spas, I did not experience the Hideaway as a spa which is how Marriot markets the place. I would say it is more of a facial and massage service center. There is a waiting room and treatment rooms. There are no options for showering before or after the treatment and there is a small waiting room with rigid uncomfortable chairs. The therapist did a fine job. I imagine it was written somewhere that the majority of time you will be face down during the massage, I suspect due to COVID. I likely missed it in the information I was sent. Being face down this long was very uncomfortable. COVID protocol was followed with contactless check in. Wanting to assure potential guests know...