The Canal Day Spa — Local services in Seattle

Check Yelp reviews too. Don't make the mistake I made and only look @ Google reviews

This place is an absolute nightmare.

I came in for a 90 minute massage and was led to a room in the back of the house. The first thing the woman said as we entered the room was "90 minutes is $100" and held out her hand. I said no problem and agreed to the price, thinking she was simply confirming it at the onset of the massage. But nope, she told me I had to pay right away.

That in itself was odd...but I realized it didn't matter whether I paid before or after and handed her my credit card. She sighed and asked if I had cash. No, I didn't - so she told me they'll be charging another $5 on top. Again...it's not something I mind but her delivery made me uncomfortable. Not an ideal start to a "relaxing" massage experience.

But it gets way worse.

She then asks how much I'll tip. I was taken aback - and told her "I'll decide at the end of the massage." She insisted on knowing now so she didn't have to charge my card twice. Before I could get another word in she explained how she'll be working on my body for 90 minutes and deserves $60 at least. I was shocked at how abrasive and forceful she was being. I told her I'd tip at the end and she kept pushing for me to agree to $60. Finally she relented and glared at me as I stripped down and got on the table...then the massage started, awkward and uncomfortable as hell in the beginning but somehow even weirder as it went on.

What was supposed to be a deep tissue massage quickly became a disturbing experience. I laid in confusion and disgust as she worked on my butt, inner thighs, and the surrounding area in an incredibly inappropriate way. And never before have I had a masseuse gently glide their fingertips all over my body in a clearly sensual manner.

Finally the massage ended. I got changed and the woman immediately starts pestering me for a $60 tip. I agreed to a generous tip - far more than she deserved yet less than $60. In frustration she told me it'd be another $5 additional charge and stomped away. When she returned my card I couldn't wait to get the %#$! out of there.

In conclusion, one star. If I could rate this business outside of Yelp's spectrum it'd be zero stars and a report to the authorities. I'm not convinced I won't...

I've been here many times, sometimes with my wife for a couples massage and sometimes on my own. This is a very nice and we'll appointed spa. The masseuses have all been very good, with one merely good (but she was only there a short time). It is fairly normal to pay the fee up front, and any tip at the end. I have never been hassled or cajoled for a tip. The couple's room is large and well-appointed, as is the lower bathroom. At $70/ hour the rate is $10 higher than other places but that is reflected in both the setting and the staff. I tend to tip generously as this is hard work (I like a hard deep-tissue massage) and these are small businesses.

Remember that any massage is as good as the masseuse. If you like your massage get the masseuse's name and ask for them by name next time. Otherwise you are rolling the dice each time.

I can usually get in without an appointment by myself, but a couples massage usually requires an appointment; just the logistics of finding 2 masseuses...

Lovely spa! The ambiance and hours of operation are great (open until 10:30 pm). The spa is clean and comfortable. Quick response time via Google messenger. Prices are reasonable. Location is right by canal...peaceful and pretty landscape. Parking late at night wasn't an issue. The masseuse knew what she was doing. I just wish there would have been a little more time spent massaging my front body. I will absolutely be back, and next time will...