Max Relax — Local services in San Luis Obispo

I don’t know where to begin. If I could give this negative stars, I sadly would. I had high hopes for this spot because of the reviews. My husband and I stopped in SLO for our road trip hoping for this place to live up to its reviews. When we showed up, the front desk lady was so lovely. We got a combination (reflexology and couples aromatic massage). I think they were short staffed because the front desk woman took us for our foot massages along with another woman. My husband was getting his feet done by the front desk woman and I got the other woman. My woman knew absolutely nothing. She was watching her coworker (front desk woman) and following along so it wasn’t flowing right. Lots of pausing, figuring out what was going on. I gave her the benefit of the doubt and stayed patient. My husbands foot massage kept getting interrupted because his woman (front desk woman) had to get up to greet guests and answer the phone. I felt so bad for him.

While she was greeting more guests and constantly letting people in (where are the rest of the staff, no idea), our 30 min reflexology massage was over. We were led into another room to undress for our couples massage. We were not seen for 20 minutes. There was a lot of commotion - another couple wanted a massage, tables needing to be moved, staff running around, staff yelling at each other. 20 min later a man and front desk woman show up. I got the man and he was okay. Not the best. I honestly think this massage might have done more wrong than good. The front desk woman who is now massaging my husband has left a few times to answer the phone and greet guests!!! At one point he was alone for 10 minutes while my massage continued. When it was time to flip, the same woman who massaged my feet came in to massage my massage. She had no idea what she was doing. Our massages also did not involve any aromas which I was hoping for.

I do not recommend this location for anyone trying to relax and get a massage that will benefit them. I feel so bad for the staff there because I truly believe with organization and proper staffing, this would be...

This is my go-to spot when I'm experiencing soreness and tension. Due to the type of work I do, I need to come in semi-regularly and this place has the best value and therapists who really dig in to work the muscles.

When you arrive, expect a no-frills yet friendly business. They will hand you a menu (I usually get the sweet special), and you may select the service(s) you want. There is usually at least one man working at the front which lends a feeling of safety. There is plenty of parking right outside the front doors. The rooms are small and clean, but the dividing walls do not go all the way up to the ceiling. This means that you may be able to hear other guests during your visit.

During the reflexology treatment, my stomach will usually start growling midway which tells me whatever they are doing, it's working. The body massage can be intense and they typically have a set routine that they do. If you have any problem areas, you can communicate before the massage and they will pay more attention to that spot. Part of the massage is done over the towel and involves warming up the muscles and stretching. The other part is done directly on the skin with oil. Be warned that part of the massage does involve the derriere. This is a major muscle group so if you feel comfortable with it, I recommend letting them do their work. If this makes you uncomfortable or is triggering then definitely communicate with them before you get on the table. Same with any other big issue areas (knees, ankles, etc.).

I also recommend calling them ahead of time to ask about availability to avoid any of the issues that other reviewers mentioned about being short-staffed. They absolutely will take walk-ins, but for the best experience, you should call first. If they say to wait 15-30 minutes, then absolutely do that.

If your muscles are in pain and you're looking for the best bang for your buck, definitely...

Love this family business! I've been coming here for 7 years and even though I occasionally pamper myself with the 'typical' spa experience, I've had the most muscular relief from coming here. My favorite is the 'sweet special' - 30 min leg and foot massage + 30 min back massage. Wonderful. The atmosphere is simple, clean and not fancy - part of why their prices are so reasonable. Their skills are wonderful, but don't expect a 'froofie' massage , these guys know body tissue and get in there and really work the tension of your muscles. Plus, I love supporting a local family business, they always throw open the door and greet me with a smile when they see me parking. GO!...