So again, here's one of those places that's just too good to keep to yourself but you kind of want to keep all for yourself. Ah! That's Great Lakes Spa. I'm actually ashamed that I've been in this area and walked past this little gem on several occasions and didn't check it out sooner. I was in desperate need of a massage and was long over due for a session. It was Memorial Day weekend on a Sunday and I figured most places would either be closed or closing early. I got off work and decided to grab a bite to eat at Soulé before heading over to Great Lakes. I called ahead and was told by the male receptionist/owner that they could accommodate me for a one hour massage and I made it over in about 10 minutes. Once I arrived I was greeted with a warm welcome and given the option of cold water or a charging station for my phone and slides to replace your outside shoes while I waited for the masseuse to set up. If you're a germaphobe you may want to bring your own slides as this are shared by all guest and I'm not certain or not how often they are cleaned and sanitized. While waiting I was given a clip board to fill out before my session which they want you to circle your problem areas and the type of pressure you would like during your massage. In the past when I visited Massage Envy even after circling my problem areas they were over looked and I always left feeling ripped off and in more pain than what I'd originally came in with. I waited in the lobby for about 15 minutes before I was escorted to a private room. The rooms were modern and had a nice somber ambience. It was very peaceful and pleasant and just what I needed after a long day. Ella came in and introduced herself and showed me to the shower area. Not sure if I'm the only person but I refuse to get a massage without being able to first shower, it just enhances the experience and makes it more relaxing. The water was running before I entered the restroom. There was plenty of clean towels and linen, toiletries and a blow dryer for your hair. Not to mention the cozy white robes that are already in the room where a nice touch as well. I showered which took about 15 minutes and once finished made my way back to my room and waited for Ella. Unlike a lot of massage places who promote 60 minute massages I like that with Great Lakes your time doesn't start until the massage actually STARTS. I was only going for the 60 minute but it felt so good that I requested another 60 minutes of which they obliged and all I can say is HALLELUJAH!!!!! I walked out of this place 2 hours later feeling like I was ready to take on the world. I literally felt as if I was walking on clouds and while I still had some slight tension I knew that coming in I would need a few sessions before I was feeling like my normal self again. I noticed they have specials during the week for women on Tues/Thurs @ $60 for 60 minutes and $90 for 90 minutes. I am considering making this part of my bi weekly or even a once a month routine addition. Thank you Ella for your services and thank you guys for being professional,affordable,accommodating and not to mention DAMN GOOD!!!! read more

Great Lakes Spa - Exterior - Massage Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

We had an incredible couples massage here. These ladies really have the perfect touch and technique. I have to say it was one of the best massages we've had in the city and we will definitely be returning for another. Can't recommend them enough. You won't be disappointed. read more

By far the best massage place I have ever been to. Easy to schedule (the owner always responds very quickly when I message them via Yelp to make an appointment). Friendly staff, relaxing environment, and a massage that actually releases muscle tension!! Every other massage place I have been to has not actually massaged my muscles deep enough to feel lasting relief, but a massage at Great Lakes makes me feel relaxed and less tense for days read more

Great massage, very professional! I felt much better afterwards. Very clean, nice, and updated. Thanks again! read more

Just finished a 90 minute massage at Great Lakes with Windy. All I can say is wow. It was exactly what I needed after a very long stressful week. Windy was professional, she knew what she was doing and even decided to add hot stones to the massage because my shoulders wouldn't relax. They finally did and I'm feeling much better. I'll be back. PS - I booked this massage this morning, after requesting an appointment through yelp. 15 minutes after I sent the message I was in a Lyft and on the way. So if you're looking for a last minute appointment, try Great Lakes. read more

This is one of the best massage places I've come across! They are wonderful and I would definitely recommend this place to everyone:)

This is the best massage I've had in the city. You will not be disappointed. Great prices, and great customer service. This is a no frills place, but's it's clean and worth the money. They really know how to get into your problem areas. read more

It's a really good place and they have good deals. I took my fiancé here for a couple massage it was exactly what we needed and worth our money. I would recommend this place. read more

Love this place! Highly recommend if you're looking for a deep massage last minute. I'm always able to get the appointment time I want and the price is just right for what you get. read more

Very good service, reminded us like we were back in Thailand! Great for a legit Thai massage!

Great facial, great service. I was looking to schedule a facial near my house when I discovered Great Lakes Spa. The acne facial is great for maintaining clearer skin, I break out during my period each month and have noticed the breakouts being less frequent. The facial is complete with cleansing, steam, exfoliation, extractions and a mask (the mask does go over your eyes) as well as an arm/shoulder massage while the mask is on. During one of my appointment, the phone was ringing and the esthetician went to answer it, no biggie for me I was relaxing, and to apologize took $10 off my final bill. It's also super easy to make appointments through Yelp! read more

They have fantastic protocols which involve intake each time to see what you're looking for. Particularly big fan of their Swedish massage with hot stones combo, the best of both worlds. Check em out! read more

Just had my second massage here and I will definitely be back. Kathy responded so quickly to my appointment requests which you don't always find at other spas. Also, the pricing is amazing. For ladies, there are hour long deals on Tuesdays and Thursdays. The spa itself is very clean and relaxing. The masseuses have given me the best massages I've ever had. read more

Came here with my sister for a massage and facials and we were beyond impressed. Kathy who did our facials did an amazing job! She accessed my skin and told me exactly what was needed! Reasonable price! Will be coming back and will highly recommend it! read more

Wonderful massage! Came in with my husband for a last minute couples massage and we both left completely relaxed and at ease. The facilities were extremely clean and masseuses as well as front desk were pleasant from our arrival to the end. Would highly reccomend! read more

Me and my boyfriend went for a massage. My massage was amazing I told her what areas I needed work and she listed and Helped me a lot. My boyfriend had intense lower back / injury pain and the Thearpist was very cautious and yet still worked the area for some relief. They even called after to check in on him as he was in so much pain! The service was great and they seem very knowledgeable about the body! I will be coming again. The call checking in put it over the top for kindness and just over all amazing spa! I would give them 10 starts read more

I woke up and my body was screaming for a full body massage. I was hoping I would be able to find somewhere close by that I could make a day-of appointment. I messaged Great Lakes via Yelp and within 5 minutes I received a response and was able to get in a few hours later. I decided on a quick 30 minute massage, and it was just what I needed. I sit at a desk all day and my neck and shoulders needed some serious attention. The 30 minutes was just enough time for a full-body. It was relaxing yet thorough. I feel so much better. I will definitely be back! read more

If I were just rating the massage itself, I'd be giving 5 stars hands down. Joanne did an amazing job and was able to focus in on my problem areas while still saving enough time for everything else. The additions of some stretching techniques and hot stones were totally unexpected but really appreciated. Overall, it was probably the best massage I've ever received. Unfortunately I had to knock my review down to 3 stars because my massage kept being interrupted by the sound of a crying toddler who was in the front with one of the other employees and at one point it sounded like she was right outside the door of my room. Even with the incredible massage, it's hard to be relaxed listening to that. There was also some intermittent loud banging above the room which was distracting, but that may just be the neighbors. Overall great massage, clean place, friendly people - I just hope the ambient noise was a one time only thing! read more

We went for a one hour couples massage - outstanding! The staff who helped us were very kind and accommodating, and did a great job moderating pressure. The facility is clean, well managed and has a nice atmosphere. Easy to get there from the blue line or on the Ashland bus. Great place and we will be back! read more

I purchased a surprise massage and facial for my wife and she loved it! She had never had a deep tissue but she said her massage therapist was great! Definitely recommend. read more

I found this place after a quick search of massage spas near me. I was able to get in same day with little notice, and was impressed with the service upon entering. They quickly offer you water and slippers and there was little waiting time. I wish I remembered my masseuse's name, but she was thorough and asked several times if her pressure was too much. At one point, I'm certain she was walking on my back, which was awkward at first but felt great in the end. The place is clean, and reasonably priced. They give discounts for laying in cash too! read more

Excellent massage! Great service , one of the best massages I've had. Clean. Overall amazing experience.

Second review: I visited for the second time couple days ago. Everything is still the same except this time around, customer service was even more exceptional. From Managment to therapist, is A+. Windy was my Massage Therapist and she did a phenomenal job. I would be a regular if I lived in Chicago. read more

Easy to schedule with, always polite, reasonably priced, hot stones included in price of treatment. Been several times and massages ranged from quite good to great. read more

Came here for a 60 min massage- requested deep tissue with medium to hard pressure. Was a bit disappointed there was no tea offered and no "spa room" or area to relax for a bit before or after. The massage itself was fine, but I've definitely experienced better. My masseuse rammed over several knots without stopping to try to work them out, which was painful. I wasn't expecting hot rocks and was surprised to all of a sudden feel something burning my back. They were WAY too hot so my masseuse set them aside. During my massage, I could hear phones ringing and people talking outside- distracting and kept me from relaxing. On my way out, Kathy made sure I knew about specials and thanked me for coming in (she even had some chocolates as a gift!). Great customer service, but won't be returning for a massage. read more

I had a massage with Angie and it was amazing. She did a really great job focusing on my tight areas, going back to them several times, and I was impressed with her strength. She was also, as needed, gentle and soothing. She also did some great stretching of my limbs in ways I hadn't thought of before, which added to the massage effects. Thank you! read more

Love this place. Clean, professional, and friendly. Kathy did an amazing job w the deep tissue massage. Super affordable and they give a discount for the ladies on tues thurs sun!! Will definitely be returning. read more

I had a couples massage and both of us really enjoyed it! It was very relaxing and I highly recommend it. 10/10!!!

I just had a massage with Ella. This is the best massage I have ever had. She used a lot of pressure and worked on all of the right spots. I have spent 3x this amount on a massage that wasn't even half as good. I will be coming back for many more read more

I really really needed a massage today, and Wendy made me a new person!!! I walked out of there floating on air haha I am so glad I went. I have had so many massages at various spas in Chicago, and I have to say this place has the best masseuses. Their style is a fusion of Swedish, Thai, Shiatsu, and even hot stone. It's so unique and effective - the best of all worlds! Then as for the facilities they're extremely clean and the customer service is top notch and very welcoming. I can't wait to go back!! read more

Wow. I asked for a deep tissue massage,and got it. My shoulders really needed loosening and Carol got as deep as she could. My hips, back, arms, wrists, all feel so much better, so relieved of stress. 90 minutes is not long enough! read more

My friend and I came here for a facial and a massage! It was a last minute decision since we had a long stressful week, and they were able to accommodate us ... and very fast response to their messages on Yelp! We went with 30 minute facials and 30 minute massages just to try it out... definitely did not disappoint. Exceeded exceptions if anything. Kathy is the definition of great customer service. I already have my next facial scheduled with her! Would give them 6/5 stars if I could. read more

Enjoyed a fantastic massage here! A local favorite with modest comforts. Will be happy to return multiple times and dig the subsequent discounts. Thanks for being an oasis on a busy street, and a lovely addition to the neighborhood! read more

I had a facial here last month and was very impressed. She did an amazing job with my skin, made me feel relaxed throughout and I walked away with my skin feeling amazing! Highly recommend. read more

LOVE this place! I honestly forgot what a good massage felt like, and also how tight my back was, until I went to Great Lakes! The experience was relaxing and professional. I have already been back and will be going back at least once a month now. read more

I was at Great Lakes Spa with my friend yesterday. It was supposed to be swedish massage, and as soon as the lady started massaging me I said soft please. It was a 90 minute session, 4 times I asked softer. She says sorry and goes softer for 30 seconds and hard again. I wanted to relax and enjoy but was mostly in pain and today I woke of w bruises all over my legs. Please know your clients and ask how they like their massage, not everyone likes deep tissue. If I want my back fixed I will go to my chiropractor. 3 star is for responsiveness, good price and friendly staff. read more

Hands down the best massage I have ever had. Angie made me so comfortable andI felt that she was invested in healing me. She immediately identified my pain points and focused exactly where I hoped she would, which is usually something I have had to ask for with other masseuses. She incorporated hot stones and techniques I had not experienced before in a typical massage at this price point ($100 after 20% discount for 90 minutes). After 90 minutes, she concluded the massage with some final stretching and a warm towel. It was luxurious from start to finish. She recommended I return in two weeks and then monthly to help get rid of tension points and I plan to. I also plan to refer EVERYONE to her. read more

*Reduced price if you pay in cash. Fabulous place to get a low key, relaxing, enjoyable massage! I recommend coming during a weeknight. I did, and it was really nice and quiet and felt like I had the entire place to myself. The rooms are clean and the lighting was perfect. Not too dark but just enough light to create a very peaceful environment. The woman that gave me a massage was really nice and applied the perfect amount of pressure. I received a combo Swedish / Thai massage, which was the perfect balance of work and relaxation. She worked out some crazy knots that I had without being overly aggressive. The place very much reminded me of some of the massage places in LA that I used to go to, which have been hard to find in Chicago. I'm glad to now know Great Lakes Spa. My only bit of constructive criticism is that the hot towels used had a bit of a starchy smell to them. Hopefully, they'll ease up on that, but otherwise, two thumbs up! read more

I love this place! I'm new to the neighborhood and needed a new spot, and this is a lovely hidden gem. I got a 90 minute deep-tissue massage and Windy (the masseuse) did an incredible job. She applied a ton of pressure which felt incredible. It was clean, the staff were friendly, and it was a great price for the service. read more

Came in for a couples massage. The ambience walking in is fantastic, the massage is even better. They give attention to details that matter and incorporate feedback well. I am definitely coming back! read more