First time here -- the spa is within a hotel in across State theater. There is street parking all over, but depending on the time of day, or semester, it can be hard to find. Since it's winter break, I was able to find spots. I happened to circle back and found a metered spot right in front. Someone must have just pulled out. Woohoo!
Got to the third floor and checked in with the front desk, filled out some quick paperwork, and mentioned I didn't need the robe/sauna facilities. That takes off $10.00. Waste of money. A robe should be included. It's part of the spa experience.
A lot of chairs and benches throughout. The spa is longer than it is wide, and doesn't feel very spacious. The main waiting area near the treatment rooms (four in total) is small. A bench, a table with refreshments, hard candies, Tazo tea packets (chai tea, chammomile, china green tips). Some stacks of magazines.
Originally I had called for a 30 min scalp massage and a 30 min reflexology. I wanted a Sunday, but it was hard for them to coordinate the time we wanted. So we switched to Saturday. Over the phone, I kept repeatedly saying that, for two people. And then at the end of the phone call, I reiterated several times, "Sunday from 12-1, scalp and foot massage for two separate people". The woman agreed with me. But then when I got called the night before for the confirmation I was a little confused because they only mentioned the 30 min scalp massage. I called back and confirmed a 30 min scalp AND 30 min reflexology. Again, she agreed. So I assumed that was in the system, and maybe the woman read it wrong during the phone call?
I come to my appointment early -- walked through the doors at 11:50AM. Our appointment was at noon. They asked if our appointments were separate or a couple room. I said preferably a couples room, but separate would be fine if that's all they could do. Soon 12 came and went, and around 12:15, they said we would get the couples room, but the people ahead of us had to finish up, and then the room needed to be prepped/cleaned. I appreciated them acknowledging the time and explaining it to us.
Our massages were done by Nadine and Victoria. The scalp massage was different than any other I've had before. Nadine held my head up a lot by the base of my scalp, applying hard pressure with her fingertips. She bent my head forward which was a little uncomfortable. However, the pressure she applied to the rest of my scalp was great! It wasn't too hard, but not too gentle either. Then she moved on to my feet. I loved that she actually worked on my calves and ankles a bit (very sore spots for me) with solid/ medium/hard pressure. Felt so good! My husband wasn't as enthused with his massage -- he said there was a lot of holding of his head and feet, which he felt he could do himself. Why pay someone to do that?
The beds weren't heated, but they were comfortable. Given that our massages were for scalp/feet, we were asked how we wanted to do it -- keep our clothes on or take them off to be more comfortable. Victoria was thoughtful and concerned about our relaxing experience as she briefly left to tell some women in the waiting area to lower their voices.
However, I felt the treatment was a bit short. Only 45 minutes. So I brought it up to the front desk, and there seemed to be some mix-up and communication errors, which was a bit frustrating because I tried to be very clear on the phone. They thought I had a combined scalp and foot massage treatment for 45 minutes instead of two separate 30 min scalp/foot massages for me and my husband, hence the 45 minutes instead of full hour. At least they charged me correctly: I would be super pissed if I got charged full price for a shorter service. (That's happened at other spas before).
They only do phone bookings, so there is no physical confirmation via email to show what I have booked. It would be easy to rectify any confusion or mistakes right away if I saw it on paper. I really wish they would upgrade to a booking system. Then again, I understand that it's a spa within the hotel and the majority of the customers are guests who probably call on short notice or do walk-ins.
Regardless, the staff is very friendly, helpful, and communicative. they never gave any attitude, showed any impatience and were polite whenever we had a question.
Very clean bathrooms. No garbage or toilet paper on the floor. A pitcher of water available.The sinks looked a little cluttered, but I actually liked that : it looked like a lived in bathroom with all the products around and the blow dryers, little hand towels. To some it may have seemed sloppy, but to me it seemed like a personal touch. read more