Wendy was very thorough and did not rush my massage. I highly recommend this spa. You will not be disappointed.

Booked off Groupon the night prior, and got an appointment for the next day after a quick phone call. Excellent massage that released tension. I felt comfortable in the space but there was a lack of privacy as the walls were extremely thin meaning you could hear someone else's grunts. Slightly unprofessional in regards to changing the booking time just by text twice but the receptionist was kind in person. read more

El Massage Spa - Massage Near Me - Niles, Illinois

Where to start....ok I'll say this. The massage was great!! My partner and I both walked away very relaxed! That being said. We have NO idea what was happening during our massage. At one point someone started singing very loudly and playing music over the spa music!! The establishment is locked so you need to ring a doorbell. Problem is if you're on the table getting your massage, you hear the door bell. And it's not the ding dong kind of bell. It goes on for a good 10 seconds. Very disturbing if you're trying to enjoy the massage. During the massage there were employees, i assume, who were talking/arguing very loudly. The walls don't go floor to ceiling. So you hear EVERYTHING!! A new customer came in, we heard everything he asked for. All in all. I gave this business 3 stars. The objective was to get a relaxing massage, that was delivered. All the surrounding noise was annoying but didnt completely ruin the experience....I don't know if I'd go again. If I do. I'm for sure bringing ear plugs! read more

So let me start by saying that I've read all the bad reviews, and I'm a little baffled. I get that service can be different from customer to customer, but my experience with my partner was absolutely top notch, from start to finish. This is a little hole in the wall type of spot in a small strip plaza that has a front waiting area and shoe rack, with some nice décor - exactly what I was hoping for, since my experience at the big chains have tended to be a little underwhelming. For our anniversary, we got the couples deep tissue massage with hot stones and tea compress, and ohhh, let me tell you: it was HEAVEN. The man working on me was really great at deep tissue, and I mean DEEP. TISSUE. I felt like my muscles were unraveled and then rolled back whole, without all of the knots. I've had shoulder surgery before and was a little nervous about that area being worked on, but even before I said anything, he was working the area like some of the best occupational therapists I've had in the past, which makes me think he's got a bit of medical training, too. I could hear the groans of relief from my partner at the table next to me as all the knots were worked out. Definitely felt that, too. As others mentioned, the walls are thin and don't go all the way to the ceiling, but once the soft music is on and you're in the zone, it's really not a problem, even for my moderately bad tinnitus. There was little to no conversation during the whole massage (which I prefer) minus the requests to turn, lift a hand out from the blanket, etc. My whole body, along with my partner's, were thoroughly relaxed when we left about an hour later. We definitely got at least 50-55 minutes worth of direct massage time when we were done. The lady at the front was cheerful and super polite, telling us to buy direct from them next time and not to go through Groupon so we can save some money. This will certainly be a go-to spot for future massages! read more

What an amazing massage would definitely go back. Took away all my knots and tension if you like it hard things your spot.

Called to see if there was any availability today, and they told me "yes plenty". I requested for 1:30 PM and I mentioned that I'll be purchasing via Groupon for the couples massage. The lady on the phone then said not to buy the groupon, to screenshot the groupon so she can "price match". I then said "no it's okay, I'd rather buy through the groupon, but thank you." She then replied with "Sorry, we don't accept groupon today, there is no availability." This was highly unprofessional and scandalous behavior. I don't recommend this place to anybody. read more

Please do NOT do business here. I called to make an appointment using Groupon that I was yet to purchase. The owner said he would match the price ($44) and I need not buy one. He also offered hot stone massage for $50 that I declined as I only wanted regular deep tissue massage. I scheduled for the following day and requested a female therapist. The next day, I am the first customer and the doors were locked. I asked to speak to the manager over the phone who said exactly the same thing, but said that the fee would be $47, instead of $44 because I would be using a credit card. I expressed that I could have a simply bought a Groupon and this would not have been an issue. Her response was "Sure, but then you cannot see a female therapist," and I left building. I wasted time but learned that this is an unprofessional and unethical establishment. I know I will stay way, and advise that you do too. read more

I wanted to buy the deal from Groupon. When I called them for an appointment, they insisted I don't buy from Groupon and buy from them directly. Not only the massage was horrible, I even ended up paying more than Groupon. Their rude behavior was not a surprise at the end also as it was obvious they lacked any customer relation culture. read more

I was a bit skeptic after reading reviews on here, but I wanted to use a Groupon that was given to me for Mother's Day so I gave it a try and was very pleased! I called and was able to make an appt 24 hrs in advance using my Groupon and the woman on the phone was very nice about it. It isn't a super fancy spa, but was very nice and clean and I received a warm welcome when I arrived. I got there a little early and was able to start my massage about 10 minutes early, which was great. My Masseuse was a man who was all business and did a great job with my deep tissue hot stone massage. I was very pleased with the massage and feel amazing today (1 day later). Definitely well worth it! read more

I read all the reviews but still decided to go. I'd had a few massages here and they were actually good. Sure i could use a little more privacy and less noise but for the price i was in. Finally, I encountered the crazy lady at the front desk. She made the massage therapist go out the door with me to my car so that I could give them more tip. It was unprofessional and she tried to get me to pay more than they advertised when I got there. So they just lost a customer. Save yourself the annoyance. Don't patronize places like this and ultimately they will go away. Customer service has to be at the core of any good business. read more

I bought a Groupon for this location, saw the reviews on Groupon and it looked great. So after the purchase, I called to set up an appointment, and once confirmed the person I spoke to requested the voucher number, which was odd. But figured with the great reviews, and COVID with bookings, said ok. The day of the appointment I called as a courtesy, and the person I spoke to had no idea about my appointment. She kept hanging up after I called numerous of times. Turns out they scam people, if you check Google Reviews I wasn't the only one. Do not go here, they are scammers and not professional at all. read more

I don't understand why it place has bad reviews. For the price this place is excellent. The staff was friendly the price is affordable and I got a great massage. The walls are thin howevr once they put on soft music it wasn't an issue. I would definitely return! read more

Extremely uncomfortable, unprofessional, not relaxed environment. Even Groupon value is a waste of money. I didn't feel I got a massage after the service. The massage lady didn't know how to deep tissue. She was clueless on massage techniques. Walls are too thin and everything can be heard. Worst is the next door dance classes - you can hear everything!! read more

My friend and I came here for a massage a few months ago. They exceeded our expectations. We will definitely return.

This place is still OPEN Yelp is one butthurt ass company For whatever reason They are listed as closed when they are not! Amazing venue and professional massage I go every week! read more

You know how when you go to a spa, you'll instantly feel calmer because of the gentle music, the aroma of lavender or citrus, the lighting, and the smiling receptionist who greets you as if you are about to enter nirvana? Yeah, scrap that! I knew in my gut once I saw the place and was met by an irritated man that this wasn't going to be the place for me. But I hadn't had a massage in so long and needed someone to help ease my back, neck, and shoulder pain that I decided to stay since I'd already paid for the Groupon. And I figured that I could deal with a no-frills place if the massage was good. Word to the wise - TRUST YOUR GUT! The man then lumbered down the hall in flip-flops and opened a door. He hadn't told me to follow him, so I was still in the entry. He motioned to me forcefully that the room was for me. Joy! I then noticed that the room didn't have complete walls that touch the ceiling. Nope - you can hear people in the rooms around you. What else can you hear? The doorbell that sounds because the place is locked. Traffic. The phone and the conversations Mr. Personality has with clients. Why oh why did I stay?!? I need to talk to a therapist about this. I got undressed (except for my underwear) and lay face-down on the table. As I lay there waiting for the massage therapist, I realized that the face-rest was very uncomfortable. My jaw began to ache. I was early for the appointment, but I lay on the table for 13 minutes before the therapist came in. She didn't ask me any questions about what I wanted worked on or any areas she should be gentle with due to pains I was having. I realized, they didn't give me any paperwork either. I kept trying to convince myself that the massage would make this experience worthwhile. The therapist was breathing heavily. I could hear her blow her nose. Suddenly I'm panicking that I might get Covid. I try to reassure myself that I'm vaxxed, boosted, and wearing a mask (and, fortunately, so was she), so I shouldn't freak out. I asked her if she was sick, and she laughed and said that she wasn't. The congestion in her voice was hardly convincing. Anyway, remember that episode of "Friends" when Ross ends up massaging one of Phoebe's clients? Let's just say I would have preferred Ross poking me with spoons and rolling toy cars across my back. First, the therapist pulled my hair into a painful ponytail. She then started pushing and pulling me - not massaging me. I waited and waited for the hot stones that I'd paid for. In my prior experiences with hot stone massage, I get multiple stones put on my back at one time to help relax my muscles. Once again, I really needed to lower my expectations. I got a heated pouch of rice put on my back, but the bag must have been old because I was getting poked by pieces of rice. Free acupuncture??? The the woman (I'm going to stop calling her a therapist because she clearly wasn't) then had two ridiculously hot stones that she moved about. I have no idea how she held onto them, because she put them in my hands when she was done with my back, and I dropped them because they were so hot. What the actual f@#%?!? She then proceeded to clumsily work her way around my body. Nothing in her movements was relaxing. Then she yanked my underwear down! I froze! Normally a therapist will ask if there are parts of the body you don't want them to touch or to touch with a sheet on. And isn't keeping your underwear on a sign that you consider that area off limits? I felt violated. My whole body tensed up. I was paralyzed by fear. I had no idea what to do and nearly cried. Fortunately, our time was up soon after. Never in my life have I been happy for a massage to end. Never. I usually fall asleep and feel euphoric. This experience left me more tense than when I came in. When I went to check out, the man asked how it was. I indicated that I wasn't happy about it. I couldn't even speak about it. He then called out to Crystal to come up front, which is the woman's name I assume because neither he nor she told me. Did he actually want me to recount to her face-to-face why I was so unhappy? I just headed for the door. Do NOT go to El Spa in Niles. They are unprofessional and shouldn't be allowed to have a business like that. read more

Warning.... Do NOT waste your money. This is the second time I went here and both times were horrible! This last time, I was told that I had to tip $10 and the massage was not even worth it! I will NEVER go back and hope you don't waste your money. Both times they were not there when I arrived, had to call and bang on the door. Also, people laughing and talking in another room, was not enjoyable at all. read more

I chose this place because of the reviews. It was not my ideal place of a massage. The walls are too thin- all conversations were being heard From inside the room. This Should be a time to relax and not get interrupted my noise. The blankets from the massage table were not clean. I tried spraying Lysol spray and the bottle was empty. almost as if that bottle has been sitting there for decoration. I do not recommend this place. Maybe others like the atmosphere but I'd rather pay extra for a good place for better service - Where I also don't feel forced to tip more read more

Horrible service. Unprofessional. Next door is a work out studio... non stop work out classes going on while you are getting a massage. People go to get a massage and expect it to be quiet and relaxing. This place is just the opposite of that. Never going again. Do not waste your money! Read before going. read more

Massage was phenomenal. Communication was great. Service was surprisingly friendly. Not sure what the bad reviews are about, but hopeful those are exceptions to the norm I experienced today. read more

This place is a joke they don't care about the costumer and the people who work there are always on edge waste of time and money. They can't keep an appointment. read more

My husband and I did a couples massage this afternoon, hands down the best massage we've ever had. Very clean environment, very relaxed atmosphere, and fantastic massages definitely worth every penny. read more

Nancy and Ari are excellent massage therapists. You can tell this is a legit massage spa not a foot spa where everyone pretends they are licensed therapists. Their technique is great and a very clean atmosphere. Cupping is also amazing! Will def be back read more

I had gotten a Groupon for a couples massage for my son and daughter in law that just had a baby. They made reservations 2 weeks ago. When they arrived today the receptionist said they canceled their appointment ( never contacting my son or dil ). They told my son they maybe able to fit them in in about an hour. My son said that is unacceptable since they hired a sitter for just the time they expected to be there. The receptionist put them in separate ( for a couples massage?) rooms and told them to take their clothes off and wait. The receptionist then went to my d-i-l's room and told her the masseuse was stuck in traffic but then proceeded to rub her shoulders. After a half hour my son shouted' what is going on?' They were shocked that no masseuse was there and nobody communicated that to him. They got up and got dressed and asked for their Groupon back. They were told no! They asked if they were just going to reschedule the massage and they were told No! Don't make an appointment here unless you want to be ripped off and humiliated! read more

Had a Groupon for a 60 minute deep tissue massage with hot stones and an herbal compress. I had read on serval reviews that this place is a bit shady when it comes to Groupons. When they asked for the voucher number over the phone I didn't provide it until I showed up for my appointment because of these reviews. I called to confirm the appointment the day of and they seem to not know about it but said I could come in. ‍ My appointment was at 12 and it started on time. He asked me to take off my shoes and put on Sandals they provided but they clearly were not clean so I refused them. The massage therapist had strong hands and good pressure(I like hard pressure). He checked in to make sure it was ok. I did notice he didn't do the same processes on both sides of my body often but overall did a good job. The hot stones and herbal compress were a nice addiction. He let me know it was over and when I checked my phone he ended the massage 15 minutes early. I was bummed and felt jipped. He had already left the room when I noticed so I didn't say anything but I do think that's horrible. Probably won't go back. read more

I used Groupon, and basic massage, I was given a woman who is friendly, but she did not understand my English, very little, so I asked, and I was assigned to Tony. Tony worked very hard and his skill is excellent. He knows some Thailand massage techniques. He made sure where it needed extra time, he went above and beyond, where I needed him to be gentle due to a small injury that my doctor asked me to pay attention to, he was light and checked with me if it was OK. The uncomfortable feeling came when I felt the massage was a bit too close to my private areas, and my buttocks, and I asked Tony to be careful and not to expose my body. I had male masseuses before, this time I was uncomfortable. Towards the second end, Tony asked me if I am married, any babies? I said married without babies, how about you? From there he was more careful and respectful with my body. I kept the conversation about his family, children, and his travels. Where he said you can sleep, I said no, I don't trust you to sleep here. I think he understands my English but sometimes he does not understand, it was a bit confusing. I debated 4 or 3 stars, the massage skill is a 5 star. Tony worked very hard and but I think is a fair thing to do is to mention my whole experience here, so others can be aware. I cannot say for sure the touching was or was not intentional but I had to say stop firmly 3 times, loud. Other than this uncomfortable situation, Tony worked super hard and it helped with muscle ache relief. Appointment-wise, I was able to get in on the same day. I was told if you used Groupon, then you cannot choose who to work with but first come first serve, Nancy, the front desk person is very clear with her communication, I bought the basic, so I added $10 for the hot stone, then I extended to 90 minutes with $35 in addition, the tip is $10 minimum for 60 minutes and $15 for 90 minutes. The total for me was $105 for the 90 minutes, it felt it was longer than 90 minutes. If you use a credit card is $3 extra, but you could use Zelle with no fee. The communication is firm and clear, the price is fair, and overall, good deal. The place was a little bit cold for me, but after the hot stone, I was warm. Nancy insisted that $15 is the minimum tip. I was content to pay that and Tony deserved it as his skill was good, he worked hard, but the "are you single" question and occasional touching got me a bit concerned. If you are a single woman then you need to be clear and insist that as soon you feel uncomfortable, Don't ever second guess. I am not clear if it was innocent or not, but If you do go, is better to take the husband with you. read more

I found El Spa because I go to the Chinese Foot Massage place located at the other end of their strip mall. When I first walked in, Nancy the manager was very friendly with No Pressure at all, like most places...'you want massage now, you want massage now.' We had a very pleasant talk as she explained the Spa and services offered and their training. Plus another nice surprise, her English is perfect. Nancy is very good at deep, manipulative muscle work and energy releasing. I also see and have now become friends with Michelle who besides also being very well trained is a lovely woman. They are both from Mongolia. I have lived and worked many years in Asia and the area near where they are from. I've had their styles of massage many times in many parts of Asia and can say that both Nancy and Michelle have great, traditional training and offer unique, exceptional body work that is not available anywhere else around here. I've had several surgeries and Michelle knows exactly when to use deep, connective tissue techniques and when to be delicate and quite soothing...so sweet. I look forward to going there weekly and becoming good friends with both of them. Gregory read more

If I could give this place (El Spa located at 7033 N Milwaukee Ave, Niles, IL 60714, # 224-250-3502) ) 0 stars I would. I was never able to get the 60 minute couples massage that I paid for due to the unprofessionilism from the company. I made my appt with a young lady for a specific date (she texted me the confirmation). We go to the appointment only to find out that they can not perfom the couples massage because they only had one person there. The masseuse stated that he was not aware of a couples massage and there was nothing scheduled. I showed him the text confirmation, he gets on the phone to call the young lady (speaking in his launguage I can tell that he was upset by his tone). He was apologetic and for the inconvenience I asked him to up the 60 minute to a 90 minute couples massage (which he agreed to, I had him put it in writting and I took a picture of the appointment for proof). On the day before the new appointment, I get a text from the guy who was at the office asking if I had an appointment on that day at 4pm (I responded, no wrong client and sent him a picture of my correct appointement). The morning of my appointment, to avoid any issues I texted a picture of the appointment as a reminder that we will be coming (he responded ok, see you then). I'm thinking, great!!! An hour later the young lady that I made the original appt with texts me and tell me that they can't fulfill my appt because someone had an emergency and they don't do 90 min couple massages. I text her a picture of the appt and let her know why it's 90 minutes and she texts back sorry, can't do, don't come. At this point I'm upset and I call (no need to do all this texting), there was no answer and I kep't being sent to voicemail. After I texted them about how unprofessional they were and the bad reviews I will be giving I recieve a call back. The young lady says my name and says I remember you, yes come in and they will be ready for you but she stated she won't be there (figures) but I said ok we will be on our way shortly. Ten minutes later she texts me and tell me not to come, no one can give me my massages and they're closed. Now we are having a very nasty text exchange because again she won't answer my calls. It went on for about an hour (too long for a proessional and myself as a grown woman but it's the principle for me). I will never recommend them to anyone based on professionalism, unfortunately I can't speak for their services for it was never recieved. I purchased this as a gift for my boyfriend for he has never had a professional massage and I never had a couples one so I was very disappointed!!! read more