Been a long time customer, probably 20 years. But they have lost me forever now. Today, for the second time in a row, while checking out the masseuse taking payment wasn't happy with my tip and put in $10 more than I suggested. Brining the tip percentage to close to 50% of the cost. I let it go the first time. Not, two times in a row. I'm gone forever. read more

Really good massage with Lily!!! I asked for medium pressure and she delivered. My lower back and shoulders feel great now..

Amazing experience!Highly recommend Lily (my usual!)... Great way to enjoy my day off. This location is wonderful. It was really necessary to have the combined massage. It wasn't until the end of the session that I realized how tense my body was. It was really tense, but I was relieved afterward. Anyone should try it, in my opinion. read more

I have tried their $19 for 30minutes special, as well as their normal $45 for 60minutes massage. I have to say, the massage therapist there definitely do a great job. While most of the massage therapists there do not speak English, I had no trouble communicating because all of them speak Mandarin Chinese. Their 30minutes special can only cover a portion of the body (either upper or lower half). While their 60minutes massage can cover the whole body: head/back/feet. I went 4 or 5 times in the past twelve months before finally buying their $350 for ten hours special (effectively cutting their 60minutes massage cost down to $35 each instead of the standard $45). On October 3rd, 2021, I brought 6 of my friends and family over to use the $350 special. All of my friends had nothing but praises for the employees. The store can only handle 4 customers at once so the total ordeal on that day took 2 hours. None of my friends had any complaint. As for me, I just went for another 1 hour session today and the session was just as great as any of the others. read more

I have been coming here for years and it's always been a great spot for a good massage. I even recommend this place to other people but today I went and saw a new lady who was very pleasant to talk to but she didn't give me a good massage at all. Just a rub down. I don't want to be rubbed I want to feel pressure in my joints and muscles that painful oh god feeling I normally get when I come here. I'm pissed I spent an hour and didn't feel relaxed at all. I was also very cold read more

Oh my gosh, they have the best prices for massages. Even though there is not a lot of privacy since the tables are separated by curtains my therapist knew her stuff. I've been back several times now and I've always had a good quality massage. it's a simple store but you can't beat the value since the quality of the massage itself is up to par. read more

Lily did a great job. She is very professional and helped me to relax my shoulder and feet. Highly recommended she to everyone.

Great massage. The lady was very strong, help me release back pain. She use hands relax my muscles, finger tinge points. Also use body parts elbows knees to massage. It's amazing. read more

If you need a solid massage thats not in an overpriced-high-end-spa environment filled with seemingly inexperienced masseuses.. but you want people who really know their anatomy and will deliver effective results, look no further! In my opinion this is the best massage place in Kentlands. I've tried them all. The price is right, the techniques are amazing, and this is a place you can return to almost every week where you'll actually see results after an hour session without breaking the bank. My sciatica was directly targeted as I discussed before my massage. If you're looking to fully relax, be pampered, and take your time and enjoy a particularly Zen and spa like environment go pay over $200 at a high-end spa. Im rating the massage itself. They had relaxing music, massage tables are separated by curtains where one can occasionally hear clients coming and going but that doesn't bother me at all. I needed pain relief-- not total silence. The quality of the massage is better than any I've ever had before. Give them a try if you're easy going, dont want to pay an arm and a leg and need some pain relief! All of their professionals are highly certified and seriously know what they are doing. Going back! read more

I am a massage addict. I get a massage once a week and sometimes decide to try out new places when I am feeling risky. I looked up this place and called them to make sure they could accommodate me. I spoke to "Tiger" who was pleasant and said it would be no problem. This place is located in the Kentlands, which does not have the best parking. Luckily, I got a space right in front of First Relax and walked right in. the place was smaller than most places and beds were separated with curtains. This was not a problem. However... -the person I got was not good at all. She did not work out my knots and I felt like she was just spreading oil all over my body. This was not relaxing at all. I tried to wait and see if she would get more intense at working the knots out but she did not. This oil slathering lasted an hour... -the bed I was on was not sturdy and kept making noises with each movement. -the noise on the floor above from the workers or whoever was CONSTANT and really affected the experience. -another client a curtain away from me was extremely noisy and vocal throughout their massage and truly made my experience negative (this was not the massage place's fault but was still a point I wanted to make) This is one of the few times where I wanted a massage to end as soon as possible because of the uncomfortable atmosphere. read more

This is a tiny, no frills establishment in a less commercialized part of the Kentlands community. Two of us purchased Groupons (one Swedish massage, one foot reflexology) and came here after making appointments. We were confused by the difference in our massage afterwards because it didn't sound like there was one - I had been the one who wanted the foot massage, but I still got a full body massage. I don't have many other massage experiences to compare this to, so I can't say if this was better or worse than others. Tom was my therapist. He did not speak great English and I could only get through to him in Chinese - I'm actually surprised how other customers managed to communicate with him. He listened to me about pressure and it was overall a decent massage. However, I was expecting a foot massage so I'm not sure that I got what I wanted. As others have said, the beds are separated by curtains so you can hear a lot of outside noise. read more

I woke up with a stiff neck and a light headache this morning. Knowing that I either need a good body massage or I'll come down with a cold/flu in the next couple days, I googled and found this place from the internet. The place is run by Chinese people, who hardly speak English but are experts in acupressure massage. In case you don't know, "acupressure is an ancient Chinese healing method that involves applying pressure to certain meridian points on the body to relieve pain." The method is known to relieve stress, relax body/mind, increase blood circulation, etc. I feel 100 times better after the session. This place is a hidden jewel. I definitely come again. read more

This is pretty decent place to go but not as good as what I am used to. I came here not knowing what to expect. There was no one at the front desk when I came in but then someone greeted me. She was working on a client and had to excuse herself. I was taken right away by an older gentleman. He was friendly but barely spoke any English. I knew a little Chinese so it definitely came in handy. The massage was decent and he did what I wanted. I also got a little foot rub with my massage because I was able to ask for it. There are no private rooms and I was separated by walls of curtains. I guess that made it a little private. I could still hear everything around me including people yelling in Chinese upstairs. It's not going to be the quietest place to relax but this is not a spa either. I also didn't like the Asian music playing in the background. Overall I would go back but the price is a bit steep. It's convenient and on the way home so I will come back again. I'm pretty sure this place just opened so they are not that busy. I was able to walk in without an appointment. read more

I've been a customer at First Relax Express many times since it first opened up. I keep coming back only because it's relatively cheap (compared to other similar businesses in town), it's in the neighborhood and the employees are friendly. It used to bother me when I first came and saw that the employees spoke little English. Good luck having a phone conversation with with any of them other than what time you want to come and for how long you want your session. It's nice that they take walk-ins. I've always been able to walk in and get service immediately. I've never had to bother making reservations. As other people mentioned, the rooms are sectioned off by curtains. That does not help. So many times, the phone rings and everyone is either busy with a customer or has stepped out, to answer the calls. This must be a family-run business because sometimes little toddlers are running around. You cannot relax with babies screaming or crying in the background. Couple of the male employees are heavy chain smokers. Sometimes they come in from a smoke break and want to massage you. I don't know about anyone else, but I sure don't want to have the smell of cigarettes lingering around me when I get a massage. They are good with the deep tissue massage and the accupressure. My feet hurt all the time and they are always able to get the pressure points. They don't offer much else besides those two. read more

I went also with a Living Social deal. I actually found the atmosphere sort of unique. Yes I'm used to private rooms and quiet, but I wasn't bothered by the curtains or the surrounding noises. I was too relaxed. My massage was very good. I even got the Korean body wash which is a story in itself. My only disappointment was that she didn't do my face. But she really helped get the kinks out of my back which is where most of the hour went I think. For the priced, I'd go back. I didn't miss the big spa sales atmosphere either. In this case. read more

I have gone here for years and credit the massage therapists with helping me recover from my car accident. You have to state your preference for the pressure they use. The ladies are incredibly strong! read more

Found this massage place through Living Social like many others have and wasn't sure what to expect. I honestly just needed a good massage that wouldn't kill me in the process because I am a 40 hours on my feet, working that retail crazy life so I was not looking to get an expensive over the top spa experience. Tom was very good and made sure to ask if the pressure was too hard or too soft. I opted for a half hour Swedish Massage and am feeling very relieved. Now for those that are talking about curtains separating the "rooms" and the thin linen- yes this is the case. However, for the price I expected this much. Go wearing something light and comfortable and you won't even need to undress read more

So I was in a serious need of a massage after a few days of a really sore neck and head. Saw the yelp deal and mixed reviews so figured hey I'll give it a try. Called shortly after they opened at 10 and asked about an appointment for the morning. 1130 worked and I also mentioned the yelp deal which they had no issue with. Arrived at 1115 and filled out a quick sheet with name, if I ordered male or female, goal of massage (knots headaches relaxation etc) and circle area you want focus or avoid. I was lead to a curtained room with a bed with a towel and a blanket to cover up with. This is a strip to your underwear massage and that includes bras off for ladies. However, you are covered by the blanket which is plenty big enough to cover you. They set a timer and I checked time before and after and it was a full hour. Lily did an amazing job and I left feeling much better. I was a little sore from the pressure but I expect that from a good massage because they work the knots out. And to be neck pain and headache free definitely worth it. Upon paying I was given a card with the offer of $35 for my next massage as well. Usual price is $44 for an hour which is still a great rate for around here. I'll be back! read more

Attention all, so I purchased this massage for my wife as a gift. She went to redeem it while I was at work, only to get home and find out that the male masseuse by the name of "Tom" at this place was extremely inappropriate and boundaries were crossed. She felt violated and the man did not seem experienced nor did he actually massage the targeted spots of her back. Instead he rubbed her gluts excessively with one hand while making weird sounds. We would not recommend this place and individual to anyone ever to avoid having anyone go through the terrible experience that my wife did. More than anything I do not want anybody going through such an uncomfortable situation. read more

I've been going to this place for 3 years now. It's the most affordable massage place in the area. I have a back/neck pain and knots in the back. The massage helps a lot relieving the pain and loosen the knots. Yoyo and Coco are both very good. I can get a same day appointment. People are nice here. read more

I just love this place. The price is the best there is, anywhere! But, I like that no one really knows about it (i.e., it isn't massage envy). So, you can always walk in and get a massage immediately. By the way, it is cheaper than Massage Envy. I have gotten massages everywhere, and the ones I have received here are among the best. read more

I had a horrible experience there with a girl that hurt me. I knew it was hurt when I left, but the severity was apparent that night and the next morning was worse. I called and gave them a chance to make amends. Their English fluency depends a lot on whether its convenient. There is a great deal of competition and this is a place to be avoided. read more

I came here for a quick 30 minute massage for $19 (yelp offer when you check in). The gentleman that performed my massage did such an awesome job, and it was exactly what I needed to treat myself on a day off. I have had plenty of massages in my day, and I have also worked in a massage parlor as a receptionist, so I know a lot about the industry and different modalities. I was very pleased with how knowledgeable my masseuse was about accupressure as he was hitting all of the right points of tension on my body. It is a hidden gem in the Kentlands shopping center. I definitely recommend giving this place a chance if you are looking for a relaxing and de-stressing massage to rejuvenate yourself! For the price, (and massages tend to be very overpriced in this area) it is such a steal. read more

Love this place! Yoyo is the best at what she does, she really relieves all of your muscle knots and tension. Plus the price is amazing. I will continue to come back read more

Chrystelle, Leo, Qiong: Hello, please go visit First Relax Express (Ya Li Massage)- specialize in Chinese accupressure and foot reflexology, many customers have rated the business number one in the Gaithersburg area. read more

Went there last night with a friend for the first time. I was told what to expect, but there isn't anything like experiencing it for yourself! Confused, Ok I can handle this and OMG were among the emotions that took place during my 1 hour session. What NOT to expect: cucumbers on your eyes, private rooms, robes, slippers, cucumber water (what most massage places offer) What to expect: Non-English speaking man and his mother (man does massage, woman does foot massage) The extent of English comprises of Soft, Medium or Hard when asked with intensity you prefer you massage. 'Confused' - No rooms - where do I change? Oh that happens in the curtained-off "room" and you place your belongings in a bin that is placed under the massage table. A parted 'select-a-size' paper towel is placed in the head rest where you lay face down during your massage. 'OK I can handle this'- My friend started with the massage with the man while his mother did my foot massage in the next bay. I've never had a foot massage aside from the "massage" they give you during pedicures. This was unbelievable! It was weird, yes. Hearing your toes crack is not a pleasant sound, but it felt so amazing, and after 30 minutes Inever thought I had that much stress in my feet! 'OMG' - Who know, once you got over the lack of verbal communication, the communication with hand gestures worked really well. Be open minded, life is not that serious! So the man comes into my bay while the woman goes to my friends bay for her foot massage. I tell the man - "medium to hard" he giggles and proceeds to give me the best OMG massage in my life! It was painful yet delightful. I had to breathe through it, while my friend was giggling at my noises, lol, but it was so worth it. She suggested I try the 1 hour body massage next time, but I don't think I can handle the intensity! The timer, yes, the timer's we have on our kitchen stove goes off and the session is over. After relaxing and chit chatting a bit, I get dressed and water was left on the coffee table for us. I was so relaxed, I was ready for a bath and then bed. 'The Kicker' - The one hour massage session was only $44! Strongly recommend this location, keep an open mind and take it for what it is - AN AMAZING MASSAGE! read more

I took my mother here for a Mother's Day present. Having had several massages in China and eager for a similar experience, I was very happy to find exactly what I was looking for at First Relax. I did the 60-minute foot and acupressure massage, and loved it. My mother got the Swedish massage, and found it both relaxing and invigorating. Both of our masseuses were very pleasant and friendly, and quite responsive to our questions and requests. Although the staff's English seemed limited, this wasn't an issue for us at all. In fact, it was a great opportunity for me to practice my Mandarin since the staff seemed genuinely excited to converse with me. The prices were reasonable, and the Yelp coupon made this an especially good deal. My mother and I both plan to return and try the other massage options. read more

I come here once a week after a long run for a one hour massage. For the price (super affordable) - I would highly recommend this place. Amy and Lily are absolutely fantastic. All of the masseuses are nice, and receptive to feedback (if you would like the pressure harder or lighter, just tell them during the massage and they immediately adjust). read more

Doing very comfortable, and the technology is also good always ask me light and heavy, very good,I took my friend to do, he also said that good read more

I had a groupon for a massage and foot massage. I was a little taken back by the noise. The curtains do not block the noise from the other rooms. I couldn't relax at all. The massage was also not relaxing but painful. I have bruises this morning to prove it. read more

I would really rate them with 0 stars after yesterday's massage by Tom. I've gone to this location many times before and had decent massages. This time Tom used so much pressure that I'm pretty sure I have damage to my spine. I am extremely sore in a spot I asked him to stop working on three separate times, and I think I am also having my first ever experience with sciatic nerve pain. He was also very aggressive and was massaging my back very rapidly as well as roughly which was not relaxing. Then, there was also the problem of him straying too close for my comfort to areas that are not typically massaged. I've probably had 100 massages and I know where and what is typically massaged. Between the potential damage and his inappropriate touching, I will not return to this facility again. read more

I found this place through Living Social, and although the massage itself was OK (she didn't hurt me or anything), First Relax Express definitely does not offer a spa-like experience. It was inexpensive, but as the saying goes, "you get what you pay for". It was not very private at all, with only curtains instead of walls separating me from my neighbor, so I could hear everyone, including the guy at the front desk answering the phone and every person that came through the front door. So much for zen. In addition to the curtains, rest of the "room" was equally unimpressive. Every other massage spa I've been to provided a cushy bed with nice linens to lie on and cozy blanket to cover me. This bed had just a gauzy "sheet" on it and I was covered with a bath towel. A TOWEL! I'm a small woman, and this was barely big enough for me. I can't imagine what they do when a large person gets a massage. I suppose when zen went out the window, modesty went with it. In fact, the masseuse came in my curtain room while I was getting undressed and then did it again while I was getting re-dressed after the massage. She didn't say a word, just came in. She also didn't have any concern for my modesty during the massage, as she openly lifted up the towel that was covering me, without looking away, when it was time for me to turn over. Every other massage encounter I've ever had has been much more luxurious, private, and frankly, respectful. Needless to say, I will not return to First Relax Express. I'll shell out a little more cash for a decent experience. read more

I do not recommend this place. My friend and I were there on a Saturday. I found a deal online and called to get an appointment and confirm. He said that he will charge me less than the groupon deal and told me to come without. We got there and waited a little. It's a big dark room with curtain dividers. It's not a relaxing environment. There were one female two male therapists. The woman seemed to have back-to-back appointments. The person for me smelled like cigarette but I thought he did an okay job. The therapist for my friend was terribly bad. There was no method to what he was doing. I highly doubt that he has any license or proper training. The worst part was when He massaged her feet and then started messaging her face without washing his hands. This was beginning of this summer and were wearing sandals. It was the most awful experience we've had at a spa if you can even call it that. read more

I had the exact experience Laurie B had, but it was a guy who was my massage therapist! He opened the curtain while I was still undressing (super embarrassing), but it only gets worse: the towel was tiny, but that didn't matter bc he uncovered my private parts (I'm used to massage therapists tucking the covering all around me). I kept telling myself maybe it's cultural & my culture is too hung up on modesty, but it made for a miserable experience. And the massage itself was probably one of the worst I've had. I have 2 more coupons to use up, but I will definitely request the woman & then never return! read more

This is a no frills joint-excellent if you are seeking a high pressure massage to help with pain. I have visited several times because the prices are so reasonable. The massage rooms are sectioned off by curtains so there is no noise barrier-you can hear everything and everyone. The employees are friendly though English is limited. I have been able to communicate sources of pain with some gesturing. i have never had to wait very long as a walk in. Worth the money for a no frills acupressure massage! read more

This is the place to go if you want to get a good quality massage without all the added services of a spa (and the price that goes with it!!!). From 10 min to 1h massage, it is a quick in and out. The ambiance is fine; the massage tables are separated by curtains but overall it is pretty quiet. It is clean and pleasant. I had no problem in achieving a good state of relaxation. It is all about the massage. Coco is great! I don't know all of the other therapists but it seems to be a pretty steady crew. At the time of this review, 1h massage was priced at 44$. Also, there is a LivingSocial going on for 35$/1h, unbeatable! Go and enjoy! read more

We picked this place because we wanted a quick, last minute massage. This place takes walk ins and closes at 10 pm so it fit the bill. We were pretty happy we could get an hour long full body massage for about $44. It's actually cheaper than the Nirvana Spa in Gaithersburg, and I liked this place a lot more. Although it's not a spa experience, they try to make it nice and target the areas you specify. My boyfriend even got hot stones thrown in! By reading the other reviews, I'd caution against the male masseuses. We both had women who were pretty good. One was named Coco. read more

Tiger offers a great massage and has the intuition of a professional to know which spots to work more or less on. He is very unique in his style and use of his fingers to get to the very hard to reach but necessary knots. He is always my first pick for a masseuse; highly recommend trying this place! read more

Would have given them a zero! The absolute WORST "massage" I have ever had in my entire life. First, there is a big language barrier, and that can be a problem anywhere, but you can usually get around it. Not this time. A massage is suppose to be a relaxing experience (as their name implies). It was anything but. Usually, you want a massage to go on and on, but five minutes into it, I was praying for the little bell to ring. The guy who was doing my massage could care less that he was touching a human being. There was no pattern to anything he was doing. First you work on this part, then you move to here---none of that. Instead, during my "massage" he was on the phone, he was texting, and most of the time he was having a conversation with someone else who worked there. Finally, before my time was up, I got off the table, and read them the riot act. Of course, I doubt they understood anything I said, especically the guy who worked on me. He had no clue. I paid them for the hour even though it wasn't over, but I will NEVER go back. Leo is the only guy who knows what he's doing and the young girl behind the desk can give a good massage as well. If you don't know who to ask for, forget it. They can really hurt you. read more