Their massage was incredibly surprising and professional. The masseuses were very attentive, and the overall environment was beautiful. The price was also very reasonable. If you have muscle aches or stiffness, I highly recommend giving it a try. read more

Let's be real - Graceful Services is your typical hole-in-the-wall massage spot. It's pretty easy to miss this spot if you're just casually walking down the street, but if you find it, consider yourself lucky. BEWARE - If you're looking for a luxurious massage spot with a spa-Iike look and feel, and top of the line customer service, don't waste your time coming here. This place is a no frills establishment. Having said that, this place definitely meets your massage and well-being needs, and their pricing is more than reasonable. You will definitely not find a place in East Midtown that will charge you a 60-minute massage for $55! Be aware though that all their price points are based on CASH payments only. Expect to pay a slight premium if you're using a credit card as your form of tender. The massage therapists are excellent. Worth every penny. They perform thorough work and use their hands and elbows to do more deeper tissue massages. Don't get scared if they climb on top of your massage bed! Massage rooms look a bit dingy, but again, if look and feel doesn't bother you, then you'll be fine coming here. Rooms are always clean. A couple of things to note - the place does lack customer service. Because the majority of the staff is of Chinese descent, I think the language barrier plays into their low quality customer service. Keep it strictly transactional. Their scheduling is very flexible though. Same day appointments are almost always possible. Also, I would recommend engaging in simple conversation with your massage therapist. They are willing to help, but would advise sticking to very simple language or point to the area of your body where you would like them to focus their attention on. I've been coming here for about 5 years now and up until now, I have been very satisfied every time. I would recommend this place to anyone who wants to get a very good massage for an extremely good price. read more

I have been going to this place for over 20 years and have had some very good massages, however, today I had the ultimate worst experience and I have to warn anyone reading this not to go. The front desk has been unfriendly for years. Today the person on the phone hung up on me when I called to make an appointment. I asked for my usual therapist and she told me that she wasn't in today. I said how about Thursday or Friday? The lady then told me she was on a 2 months vacation and that I could make app with someone else. Then she hung up. I called back again and she made the appointment for me. I usually do 90 min but have learned my lesson before to only do 60 with someone new. During the massage I asked for a bit more pressure on my neck. The therapist told me that this was not physical therapy and that I should go to physical therapy and that this was "Relax Massage". She then proceeded to push her elbows with a lot of force into my parts (not relaxing!). The massage itself was decent although a bit rough for my tastes. After the massage, I went to give the lady at the front (who was also my therapist - apparently she's the only one right now. She priceeded to tell me that the reason my former therapist wasn't there was because she left and that it was all my fault because my muscles are too tight. She told me that she can only offer the same services to me as other clients (NOTE: It is NORMAL to communicate less pressure , more etc with your therapist!). I was in complete shock. She told me that I need to go to another place because my muscles are too hard. I asked her (in horror) if she was telling me that she doesn't want me to be a paying customer anymore. I then asked she didn't want me as a client. She did not answer this question but seemed to be in a tirade against me for reasons I will never know nor care too. It's really too bad this happened as I wrote great reviews on Yelp in the past trying to get them business and to help them stay alive. Stay Away from this place. Very negative energy. read more

This place is ok. Not the best, and not the worst. I got the Swedish massage for $60, and I was able to use a $50 gift certificate from Spa Finder (they don't accept those in their Chelsea location, fyi). The hole for the face was not very comfortable-their piece of paper they put on top kept sticking to my face. The massage wasn't very ahhh soothing, maybe it was too light because I passed out for about half my massage. Did it work out the kinks in my back? Nope. Was it an ok experience for how much I'm paying? Sure, but I wouldn't come back here, as there are many other similar massage places to check out. read more

I have been going to Graceful Services for several years now. I LOVE CUPPING and they do it here and it is wonderful. The people at the front desk are always pleasant and although they seem to have a large turn around of employees I have never once had a bad massage. I leave revitalized and refreshed after my massage and cupping combo. As a NY'er you learn to drown out all the inane noise you hear on a daily basis so having someone just beyond the sheet that separates us from each other isn't a problem for me (unless of course.....if the begin to snore, lol). Thanks to the staff for saving me when my stress level has peaked and working out all the knots in my neck and back. read more

if you didn't know about this place, you definitely would not be able to find it. i knew where it was and I still had trouble finding it. It doesn't really have a storefront, but if you go to where the address is and then you look UP, you can see a banner with their name on it. I recommend getting the couples room because it's private and quiet. You can get a facial and a massage for 90 bucks. read more

This is one of the best massages in the city. It's a great balance of clean, overall solid therapists (so you don't have to worry about getting a lemon) and value. You know I like it because I've seen grace there a few times and she says to me " you come here a lot". Be aware that if you have a lot of knots, you might have a rough time unless you tell them to take it easy or just bear it. read more

This place is filthy & disgusting. In addition, the girls that work there are low class & could care less about this business. They are rude & unprofessional. If you want a cheap, short massage (but don't care about clean sheets & towels), then this place is perfect for u!!! read more

Got a deal for a couples massage on groupon. Called to see if it was possible to get a massage for the following day and they had plenty of availability, and now I know why. 1st. I called to see if it was ok to come in 30 min early. The lady at the end of the phone, was monotone, unfriendly and just said "I guess," 2nd. This is located on a 2nd floor walk up. Very dingy. We immediately felt the awkwardness of the place. 3Rd. The receptionist, whom was the lady who answered the phone was very unwelcoming. Was texting, didn't put her phone down. Asked for groupon number. Said fill this out. And went back to her phone. 4th. The entrance/reception area was weird and did not have the aura of a typical Spa. 5th. She then walked us out that space into what looked like another apartment. The pictures are totally misleading. Place is dingy. There's no privacy. Curtains are used as doors. So you hear everything going on while getting your massage. It kinda felt like we were about to get kidnapped or how one of those happy ending places suppose to look/feel like. 6th. They walked us to a room with 2 tables. They instructed us to get undresed and get under the covers. No robe. No music. No candles. Didn't even offer some tea, wine or water. Lol so if you are looking for those fancy things forget about it. I was so upset they didn't set the mood. 7th. The two men came in and said ok ready? Didn't even introduce themselves. I guess I was not relaxed enough so he shoved my head deeper into the hole u put your face in and shook it telling me to relax. Lmao i couldn't belive it. But I attempted to clear my mind. The massage itself was good. They just use some regular lotion not even warmed oil or nothing. At one point the man jumped on top of the table to massage my back scaring the crap out of me then shoving my head back telling me to relax. Lol smh 8th. I had paid for a 60 min massage but we only got like 40 min. And I didn't even care cuz i just wanted to get out of there. 9th. While we were getting the massage there were a few times they were both talking to each other, like how they expect us to relax? And then there was another Lady speaking Chinese with her coworker and watching some soap opera on the other side of the curtain. 10th. after we got dressed, and opened the curtain they were both standing there and said, "tip?!" I only had a hundred so told them to take a specific amount; however they proceed to take an additional $20 dollars and walked away. like really? i was like whatever man, i just wanted out. I will not ever step foot in this "spa" ever again. I wish i would of read the reviews. if you are looking or a good massage then go ahead, they are ok in that area, hence the 3 stars. good luck read more

Came here using a Groupon massage was good BUT only for 15 min. When she started working on my legs it just went all downhill from there and it stopped being a deep tissue massage. She was literally just rubbing me softly. The place is exactly what everyone else is saying. It's defnot a looker and the restroom is gross. read more

Had a Groupon for a couples massage. We had the option of about 3 different types of massages; deep tissue, Swedish and something else that I never heard of. This was what appeared to be the highest rated massage deal on Groupon (with help from Yelp). Setting up the appointment was simple. It's conveniently located at most 59th st and Lexington train stations. There is a sign they helps you spot the place too. When walking in to the building the appearance isn't too hot but it's a little older not up kept and a bit dark as well. Waiting area is so so no real appeal to it or zen as most massage places. The massage room it's self is extremely basic they dim the lights and put some music on. There is only curtains that act as door so you hear a lot of movement in the building and what not. And if I was in a room with a stranger it would have made it kinda weird. The massage at self was about 4 stars but the over all experience was killed when they were talking to each other for half the massage time. Also when leaving they were waiting in front of the curtain. I came out while the person I was with was still getting dressed because I needed a mirror and they were asking for tip. I understand they need to get a tip but to wait outside the room then demand it is kind of rude in my book. Over all like I said massage was good. It the service was so so I doubt we go back but we got our money's worth. read more

There are no frills, no gongs, no music, no aromatherapy or warm towels of any kind. However, if you ask for Charlie you will get a great massage. Ive been here a couple of times now and I always leave feeling so much better. The only other person I've encountered is a man at the reception desk, who has always been friendly I carry all of my stress and tension in my shoulders and upper back so I try to get massages pretty often. I have a lot of knots and Charlie's able to work through every one. It's definitely a deep tissue massage and can be painful, but the end result makes it very bearable. He comes across as very knowledgeable and makes sure you're okay through out. As everyone's said, the area is partitioned by curtains, giving you little privacy. There are conversations going on around you and there isn't an ounce of luxury. I've had a range of inexpensive to absurdly expensive massages in the city, but I find the massages here most effective. read more

My "phannie" was fondled. (Yes, you read that correctly.) I've never had such a deep tissue ass massage in my life! She was kneading my cheeks like they were dough balls, and it was incredibly... Uncomfortable. (Y'all thought I was gonna say something different, huh?) "Why didn't you ask her to stop?", you ask? Well, because I thought to myself, "Maybe my butt actually is tight, and therefore needs a good massage..." So I let her enjoy herself , and while she elbowed and forearmed and fingered my butt(cheeks), I was practicing lamaze. I didn't know any other way of getting through that bruising gluteus maximus massage. I tried to breathe slowly so that I wouldn't tense up. But I still did, b/c i can't imagine relaxing while someone is vigorously squeezing and pushing on me like that. Other than the intense focus below the border, I was pretty happy with the massage. She really focused on the back and shoulder area, but not so much on extremities. Then she ended it with a head scratch (short, quick, and useless) and draped me in warm towels. The towels were my favorite part :) Overall, not bad. But I guess next time I will speak up, and if she even THINKS about pulling down my panties again and having at me, I will kick her and yell "MOLESTER!" haha...j/k....umm...actually, not really. So in conclusion, make sure your ass is clean. ...because, yes, they go down there. read more

Never in my life have I had such a painful massage. I was sore for days afterwards and covered in bruises. I had been to Graceful Services once before and had a fine experience, so when I saw a Groupon recently for a 1-hour massage, I quickly snapped it up. To say that I was disappointed this time around, however, would be an understatement. The entire massage consisted of the woman digging her elbows into me. I asked her at least twice to lighten up, but didn't notice any difference. (I also audibly said "Ow" about a million times during the massage.) Several people I know swear by Graceful Services, so maybe I just got a bad therapist, but I don't plan on going back to find out. read more

eh, im downgrading this place because it just seems shady. When you try to pay with a credit card, all of a sudden, the price goes up $5. you should just tell us you have a cash price. same thing when you use a spafinder certificate. the front desk calls it a "tax". i also think its weird that every time i come here, theres always a new receptionist. i actually took a moment to look at all the licenses on the walls, only Grace, the owner is a Licensed Massage Therapist. Everyone else is listed as an "aesthetician", shady!!!!! read more

This is my favorite place to get a massage and I've gone everywhere in the city. Hole-in-the-walls, luxury day spas, I've done them all. The massage therapists (I always go to Mimi now) seriously kick your ass, which it turns out is really what I wanted all the years that I had been going to get massages and inevitably decided to try somewhere else. The pros of this place are that I seriously think it's the best massage I've ever had and I've probably gotten 100 massages in my lifetime. I bruise very easily but somehow, despite the fact that they are definitely rough I have never walked out bruised. Also, the price is phenomenal. It's $50 for 45 minutes, but my first time there the buzzer went off and I actually reached under the table and handed the masseuse my credit card while moaning the words "KEEP GOING." $60 for the hour is an awesome price even for an average massage. The cons of this place don't bother me at all, but hold me back from recommending Graceful Services to most of my friends who are more appreciative of bells and whistles than I am. I find it very easy to block out noise, but I know that's a problem a lot of other people have. There are only curtains on the door so you can hear all the comings and goings outside of your room. Again, I mentioned that they're pretty rough, which I could imagine is not a selling point for all. Other warnings, the masseuse I always go to actually mounts you during the massage in order to evenly rub you down and also there's quite a bit of butt touching, which I could imagine makes other people uncomfortable, though I apparently have an undiscovered fetish. My experience there is definitely five stars, but I'm only giving Graceful Services four because I think that a sign of a great establishment is versatility, as where I think right now this place was designed with me in mind. read more

I can't believe I have never written a Yelp review for Graceful Services. I have been coming here since the early 2000's, when I moved to Manhattan, and my aunt suggested that I check this place out for massages. The prices are reasonable--$90 plus tax for a 90 minute session. I usually tip about $30. The massages here are very good! I almost always get a male therapist; but the female ones are just as capable of delivering a deep tissue massage. You dress down to your comfort level. These types of massages are done with an oil (vs. a cream or lotion). Thus, towards the end, hot towels are applied and the heat massaged in--the towels are then used to remove the oil. You can walk in but I would recommend an appointment, especially if you have a preferred therapist. For visitors and newbies, as a warning, the massages are done in semiprivate rooms where there is just a curtain between the tables. There are some private rooms but I think those are for couples massages and facials/skin treatments. I miss Graceful Services, so I try and come here every time I come back to visit. read more

Got a groupon for this place, so went the other day with my boyfriend. There is one room for the massage and someone was in there when we arrived so they put us in the bathroom together to get naked and hit the sauna, which is like a closet but was fine. After the fifteen minutes we were sent to the room, which as others have said is small and there are curtains in between beds. I'm glad I knew the person getting the massage next to me, or else it would have been SO WEIRD. The massages were good, although I'd have to say, we got the tech neck and thumb and days later we are still sore! Maybe we just needed the deep pressure. As others have said, it's no frills. I would not go back here, I like a more upscale place and think it's worth the extra dollars at another spa. I also like others who reviewed like to relax a bit after but they usher you out so the next person can get in the room. read more

I like pain. And I like an hour of it for $60. Or at least I did when I was 28 and could still take it. I guess this is proof that 31 may not be that far from 28, but the difference in tolerance is huge. Whereas I used to demand they use "firm" pressure, as in, "knock me the fuck out", now I quietly say "Um, can you take it easy? Maybe light to medium pressure?" And never underestimate short, teeny women. They can sure pack a punch (ah-thank you). How do I spell relief? C-R-A-C-K. I mean the 5 or 6 cracking sounds my back made when the massage lady pressed down and then ground her elbows into it. Oh, that was wonderful indeed. I can walk taller now and can actually stand to put my shoulders back instead of hunching. I feel taller, and that, to my 5'1" self, is invaluable. I also loved the massage of my calf muscles. Those get tight beyond belief, and massage lady worked them OUT. And maybe it was intuition, but she knew to rub my knees, as if I had already told her that I have the worst knees ever. Pain-free now! I feel like I'm even walking a little better. They even massage the booty as an extension of the back, which is great, especially when you sit for most of the day. However, I have been having this weird pain in my lower back. Sort of like this anvil set right on it, and she couldn't get rid of that. Oh well, I'll just have to take more painkillers. Not that this upsets me, but whatever. The weird thing is, I can still feel exactly where on my back massage lady put her hands. I feel kind of like I am developing bruises. And so, I have to scout out a new place to get my crack addiction taken care of. The price will be hard to beat. Graceful Services is very clean and I feel comfy about getting in my nudities here. They aim to keep things quiet, but it's actually getting a little loud in there lately. And you can hear the person in the next room groaning and whatnot, which is a tad funny, and not ha ha funny. I try so hard not to make the noises I did when I used to get massages at home (Oh, Eric, where art thou???) This place is/was all over the magazines, like New York and Allure. This just goes to show you can't always take their word for it. 3.5 stars, gracefully rounded up. read more

I just got finished with a massage here and I had a great experience. The location is easy to find, but very bare bones. The rooms are separated by curtain, but I found it still completely very private feeling. If you purchase the Groupon, they will charge you a three dollar tax fee. They suggest gratuity, but they don't have required gratuity which is appreciated. I had Tiffany and she did a wonderful job. I tipped her $20 and was happy to do it. read more

Watch out for the horrific front desk lady. Wow, was she surly. Doesn't she realize that some pleasantries go a long way when it comes to customer service? Also, did you know you had to pay $3 tax on a Groupon? Really? I have used Groupon many times for different services (including massage) and have NEVER EVER had to pay an additional tax. What's THAT about? I also requested the Chinese Tui Na massage...gee, funny how it felt just like every other massage I have had there. Would I go back? Nope. I bought several massages via Groupon, and each one was worse than the other. I even had a non-Groupon massage (foot) that was absolutely sub-par. It's unfortunate, because I am a massage person and would have liked to use Graceful Services (it's close to my home) on a regular basis. read more

Got a Groupon for myself and my husband. Expected smth else. Just another dirty massage place. read more

See all

I came here with a Groupon and read the reviews so I didn't really know what to expect. The entrance and lobby aren't that great however I got a pretty decent massage. I had a lot of kinks in my neck/back so my therapist used a lot of pressure which was greatly needed! I was annoyed by the sound of my therapists high heeled shoes clanking on the hardwood floor and her very unprofessional demand for a tip which I had already with the receptionist however I will go back again. read more

I called at 2pm and was able to book an appointment for 3:30 pm. I walked in at 3:20, signed in, paid the $3 for tax and I sat down to wait (that's the way things work right? You make an appointment, get there early, and wait an hour). The guy at the desk looked at me like I was crazy. He got up and led me to my room. This was my first massage and I was very pleased. With two bulging discs and two surgically reconstructed knees, I have many aches and pains and have been looking for ways to alleviate the pain. Leanne did a great job of kneading through the knots in my muscles and made sure to ease up on the pressure when I told her I was in pain (ny shoulders were incredibly tight). Full body massage and hot towel. I'll definitely be back. read more

I love, love deep tissue massages and if you are a frequent massage go-er like me, you would know that your body gets used to the deep massage techniques pretty fast and that swedish/aroma/light massages would no longer satisfy you. However, Graceful massages, by far, was able to deliver the deepest massages I have had so far of all my time in the US! It was so great that whenever I am in NYC (whether for visiting friends, job interviews or simply a quick day trip in town), I always carve out some of my time for a 2 hr deep tissue massage session at Graceful Services....and this ritual has been going on since...umm..2007!! :) Be careful if you are getting other services that you are not as familiar there though. I once decided to experiment getting a hotstone massage instead of a deep tissue massage that I usually got. As that was also my first time ever getting hotstone, I didn't really know what to expect and how hot the stones should really be. All I knew was that I definitely felt a deep heat on my calf. Turned out the next day there was a burn spot on my one of my calves (and you could see that it was a shape of a stone, too). Now that I have had more experiences with hotstone massages at many other spas, I realize now that that the stones they placed on my body that day were wayyy too hot. At that point, I was just glad I didn't choose to experiment and try a hotstone facial there. Since then, I learned an important spa lesson not to ever go for an delicate massage like a hotstone massage at one of the cheaper places again. Graceful Services is a hole in a wall spa with no highend pamper services. Instead, it offers quality massages at affordable prices and delivers great value for their deep tissue massages. If you love deep tissue massages, this place will satisfy you in terms of value and body satisfaction. If you want some other services, though, I highly recommend getting your services elsewhere. read more

This is the worst massage place ever. No privacy! In fact there is no separate room. It's just a big room split into different small spaces for each client... It's separate by a curtain. And sometimes you hear the masseuses talking to each other in Chinese! What the hell! And to cap it all, once you are done and leave the room you can be sure that the masseuse is waiting for you asking for a massage. I will never go back and not recommend it to anyone read more

All I can say is: ASK for CLARENCE! I'm a former massage therapist so I know what I'm talking about. I don't go here for: a zen experience, plush robes, organic herbal teas, or the lilting sounds of door chimes. I go for an incredibly therapeutic, makes your voice deep afterwards, massage. And Clarence delivers. Clarence works with presence & expertise. My body is twisted, turned, stretched, deeply kneaded, rubbed with hot towels and left for deep peace when it's all said & done. After many disappointing massages at places that received great reviews (public ignorance?) I simply don't trust anyone else to know what they're doing. And, on top of all that, this place is crazy affordable! $60 bucks for an hour, I don't think it gets better in NY. The space itself is clean & efficient. Works for me. read more

I have been a regular customer at Graceful Services for over 5 years. In that time, some of my therapists have left, but I always seem to find another one that I am loyal to. The massages here are definitely restorative for people that have muscular imbalances and pain issues that need to be addressed. If you want to heal your body, no pain, no gain - and this applies to deep tissue massage. You have to endure some discomfort to have no pain later. If you want a lighter massage, I am sure they can do it - I have had to ask to have a bit less pressure from time to time. I am a current regular for Jimmy, who is the acupuncturist. He is amazing. He does regualr acupuncture, and then, if you are up for it, electric stimulation - which jolts you. It feels a bit strange, but the after effects are unbelievable - it takes pain away. After the acupuncture, he does massage on the points, which releases the muscles more. I usually go for a 60 minute acupuncture (which he does a small bit of massage at the end), a 60 or 90 minute massage, or a combo. I have not done 2 hours yet- but I imagine it is great. Their rates are unbeatable (and tipping is a good way to show that appreciation and get consistent service). read more

OK, so this place is a converted second floor walkup apartment that doesn't have the bells and whistles of say, the Elizabeth Arden Red Door Spa or the Guerlain Spa at the Waldorf--but they are also less than one fifth of the prices of those places and YOU WILL GET THE MOST CUSTOMIZED MASSAGE EVER. Ask for Kim--she spent at least 20 minutes on my super sore right shoulder blade "put out" by carrying purses that weigh 10 to 15 pounds when they are loaded with my girly goop, umbrella, BlackBerry, etc. I asked for the hot stone massage and she used the stones in a magical way--meaning working on my lower back issues. At the end of the massage, I got a bunch of stones put on my lower back (they were placed on top of a warm towel and the sheet that was over my bottom half). Kim also asks how much pressure you want during your massage and I like it strong--and she gave it to me that way. She also works on your feet for five or ten minutes during an hour-long massage, an area that most massage therapists kind of ignore. There are many Groupon deals for this place so you can get a super bargain. Couples massage with a Groupon is only $100 plus tax. Highly recommended! Try it! A great gift as well (they offer gift cards and will make a deal on combined services). read more

Something you need to know about Graceful before going there. They are of the Chinese Medicine school of thought. This is not a houghty toughty massage place where the rich upper east siders go and drink wine while having a massage and a pedicure at the same time. This is more like a bath house. The staff are all in scrubs and I thought were all very professional. Yes, the spaces are separated by curtains but that doesn't detract from the quality of service. It is very clean, modern decor, a nice waiting area, with just the necessities for a massage. If you are mindful of the other people in the space, you'll be fine. If you can't do that, than this is not the place for you. I came here with a Groupon for a 1 hour hot stone and it was great. My masseuse was Sam and he was wonderful. He could tell where I needed more work and was very attentive, he even brought me water at the end of the session and talked to me about how to lesson the tightness in my shoulders. Overall a good experience. read more

This is my favorite place to get a cheap massage. I'm a no-frills/get 'er done kind of gal when it comes to massages. I like pain, and I like it cheap. I hate those pansy massages from most of the really trendy places in town. The therapists are always trying to talk you to death while you're trying to relax or they are just not strong enough to put in all the pressure that I typically like. The tiny little asian women at Graceful may not speak the best English, which can cause a bit of confusion if you're trying to be really specific about what you want, but that also means they're gonna shut up and just pummel you for an hour. I have had at least 10 massages here. There have been times when I have left bruised and uncomfortable because I didn't speak up and say that they were too rough, but there were plenty of times when I felt like a puddle of mush because I was so relaxed and pain free afterwards. It all depends on who you get. But I've learned that you need to speak up if you don't like what you're getting at any massage place. If it's too rough, tell them, if you want more pressure, just ask. Nothing sucks worse than paying a lot of money and leaving an hour later unhappy with what you got. This place is kinda small, most of the "rooms" are separated by curtains hanging from the ceiling. You definitely can hear all the noise around you from other masseurs and their clients, but I'm pretty good at tuning that stuff out and they really do try to be as quiet as possible. The back room, the red one in all the nicer pictures of the place, is the best place to be since there's only two beds there. So chances are you'll get more privacy back there. I had it when I booked a body scrub/massage package. The scrub was great and they have a nice shower for you to clean off with after your scrub. After that and all the oil from my massage, I was soft as a baby's bottom. This place isn't for those that want a super zen environment to relax and chill out, it's really for people that need the kinks worked out for a cheap price. If you want to be pampered and drink cucumber water in your nice terry robe, go elsewhere. If you want a little woman with strong hands to walk on you and work you out, this is the place for you! read more

Having been a pretzel in my former life as a professional ice dancer, my body still finds gnarled knots that have yet to be unkinked. And, in my endless search for a consistently effective massage place, I think I may have found that ever elusive Atlantis. Graceful Services just may be the ticket to painless days and happy, untangled muscles. I have been to many spas offering the best massages around and have wound up, inevitably, unsatisfied and with a hefty price tag. Luckily, I found the no-frills, super serious Graceful Services to help me with my daily muscle pains. i have been here countless times and have been more than satisfied every single time: not only with their incredibly reasonable prices, but with their exceptional masseuses as well. Here's the scoop: you do forego the incense and spacious private rooms lit by candles and other nonsense. If you're going to come here, you're serious about getting those kinks worked out, not for the ambiance and (in my opinion) BS that high-end spas use to allure you. But, come on, why do you need such an incredibly peaceful, zen surrounding when you spend 99% of your time in the room with you head face down on a massage bed or face up with your eyes closed? Exactly. So, looks aside, what you get at Graceful Services is quality. A serious quality massage for a seriously awesome price. I highly recommend this place for those who are in dire need of a good, deep tissue rub down. You won't be disappointed, I promise. read more

GREAT DEAL and BEST BANG FOR YOUR BUCK! $60 for a one hour massage, when the average NYC price is $150 for an hour....you cannot beat it. I have had about 10 massages here, same with my husband. My husband LOVES the massages here. They really do dig in there and work on the knots. When you're done, you leave there feeling like jelly. Which is great for some people. I, on the other hand, like a softer massage...and I am rather delicate so all of the intense kneading really makes me sore the following day. I usually have to tell the girls to ease up a few times during each massage...but all in all, it's great. I can't give five stars, solely because I have to ask so many times for a lighter touch....but EVERYTHING else is 5 stars. They are clean, the staff is pleasant and the price is unbeatable. read more

I went there completely spontaneously since recently I've been working out pretty hard, and not getting enough sleep/rest. Deep tissue massage is supposed to be the cure, and it did! Graceful was able to accomdate me within 30 minutes I called on a weekday, and the service was good. Massage itself costs $60/hr, solid quality. The place feels clean and simple, not the fancy spa retreat kind, but really solid physical treatment/therapy. Will come back when I need another. PS: I was honestly pretty embrassed at the beginning to receive service from a male masseuse... later it became ok. Ask for a same-gender masseuse if you are the shy type. :) read more

I've been coming to this place since 2010 when my chiropractor recommended them as a descant place with authentic massages in Midtown East. The service has always been great and I've always been able to get an appointment within 2 days. The location itself is nothing fancy, it's on the second floor of a walk-up so it looks a bit sketchy when walking in. The rooms are standard, separated by a thin wall and sheets/blinds as the doors. I've never had a bad smell or bad massage at this location, still my goto place for a quick back fix for 5 years now read more

Not the massage experience I'm accustomed to. "Rooms" (and I use that term loosely) were divided by thin paper curtains, sheets looked dingy and old, the massage bed was hard, face pillow was uncomfortable and the staff was unpleasant. You can hear exactly what is going on in the "room" right next to you. Not a calming or soothing environment at all! The massage was a gift but if I had known the experience would be this subpar I would have just thrown away the gift certificate. The massage itself wasn't terrible but it wasn't good. On a scale of 1 to 10 I'd give it a 3. The masseuse focused on my left shoulder for about 1/3 of the appointment and while I'm sure I was tense in that area she rushed through the rest of my body because of it. The two pros of this massage was that there actually WERE hot towels and the masseuse did stretch my arms and back well. Save your time and money and go elsewhere. This place just is not worth it. read more

Having grown up in Asia, i'm used to getting weekly thai/chinese (tui na)/indonesian massages. My experience here made me feel like I was back in Asia getting the real deal. $60 an hour (incredibly cheap for nyc) No frills- you're in a room w/ beds separated by curtains. Massage therapists are mostly Chinese, but speak fairly good english. They crawl on top of you, twist your back, move your legs in weird positions, use oil and hot towels- very thorough. At first, I thought i just got lucky with my masseuse, but then my mom who was in the next room also commented it's one of the best massages she's ever had. Highly, highly recommend this place. I also believe they have a sister spa- graceful spa down in the West village. read more

I was in desperate need of a massage after moving to NYC. This place was fairly close to my office and seemed reasonable enough. Their prices run about $1/minute, which isn't bad at all for NYC. Little bit of a language barrier with the therapist but she was sweet and professional. I had never had a hot towel thing done with a massage so that was a bit of a surprise but I totally dug it. Overall, it wasn't the best massage I've ever had but it did the trick. I also got a hot stone facial, which wasn't bad but wasn't great either. The therapist totally giggled the entire time that she was waxing my upper lip (it's not *that* bad) and she ended up missing a spot. I'd go again if I was in need of a massage badly but definitely wouldn't get my waxing done there again. A no frills place for sure but it got the job done. Check their website for "package" deals and price breakdowns. read more

A no frills decor but a very thorough massage. I did the hour hot stone massage with a groupon and left feeling very relaxed. The evening hours made making an appointment very easy. Highly recommended for a very relaxing procedure as long as you aren't looking for the fancy spa experience. read more

I can't remember my masseuse's name but she did a great job. You would never think from the appearance of the spa on the outside that you would get such great service on the inside. I would go back. Looking forward to another deep tissue and possibly facial. I've heard good things about their facials as well. read more