If I could put no starts I would! This has to be the MOST UNPROFESSIONAL place I've ever booked with!!!! It was an issue with my appointment and the "manager" Hannah offered no means of resolution. She actually hung up in my face, once I arrived they advised me that they would have to follow up with me in an hour to see if they could fit me in at 7:00...5 hours after my appointment, did they call NO. All and all if you want to feel beautiful or appreciated don't go here! read more

Their websites has so many deals/coupons. I tried to book online but was kind of intimated by everything so I decided to just call and make an appt. I called at Sunday @ 5pm and I was able to book a couple's massage for 5:30pm. So accommodating! I would recommend asking them about their deals when you're making an appt so you know exactly what deals are available and what you will be paying My friend and I asked for a 1hr deep tissue massage. We got 2 female masseuses and they were strong! It was definitely a deep tissue massage alright. It was relaxing but also intense at times to help get rid of my crazy knots in the shoulders. The total came out to be $60 per/person for a 1hr massage! This was a great deal! I'd recommend if you're looking for a really good, affordable massage. read more

I was denied an appointment over 5 times. I finally got confirm for my appt, I called ahead to re confirm the day of my appointment (idk gut feeling lol) and apparently they canceled it and I should have received a text. 10 minutes later I received the text. read more

Very strange massage. First time I've ever had a Swedish massage where someone crawls on top and use their knees to just hold pressure. No massaging, just pressure from knees and elbows. The noise level was loud and a musty smell in the room. read more

I hate leaving bad reviews, but this was the worst massage I've ever had. I was so excited to treat myself, I bought a Swedish massage on Groupon. The woman clearly didn't read the paperwork I filled out asking for extra attention on certain areas of my back. It was just the same motion over and over and over. She was really nice, I will say that. But the massage was terrible and I was stressed out just thinking about the fact I paid money for it. Also, the walls are paper thin. I could hear every single conversation from the lobby. It wasn't relaxing at all, to say the least. I'd follow the rest of the reviews on here and stay clear of this place :( read more

I went in today for a facial and Swedish massage with Prina, and I left feeling like a million bucks! The facial used microdermabrasion and left my skin feeling fresh and clean. During the facial procedure, Prina used a variety of exfoliants and creams before start the microdermabrasion process. I noticed that no extractions with regular tools were used, but that could be because it was unnecessary since I was getting the microdermabrasion anyways. The micros hurt less than the extractions so I was glad and left my skin feeling smooth. I wish there was more steam involved. Prina ended the massage with an INCREDIBLE upper body massage. I also had Prina for my massage and she did a wonderful job with my shoulders and back. I feel a lot lighter. Overall, the services were great but the atmosphere could use some work. The room is nice enough but there is a very loud heater that ruins the vibe. Otherwise, the times when the heater wasn't running, the music and vibe was great. I couldn't recommend Prina more. She was wonderful, attentive, strong and overall one of the top masseuses I've ever had. I would definitely recommend Illa Spa. read more

I had a great experience! Booked my massage through classpass and had no scheduling problems. I arrived about 15 minutes early to fill out forms and was seen right when my appointment was scheduled for. Alexis was my masseuse and was pretty good! Very friendly and attentive. The spa itself could use a face lift but the massage itself was very relaxing - no complaints here! read more

This place is ABSOLUTELY HORRIBLE! I booked an appointment and when I arrived they told me that they are not doing this service and then proceeded to tell me they were closed..... my appointment was at 3pm Overall, I DO NOT RECOMMEND THIS PLACE!!! Horrible customer service read more

DO NOT, I REPEAT: DO NOT BUY A GROUPON FOR THIS PLACE. My friend and I had one day to get a massage and we found a place that had availability today (that should have been the first red flag). We bought a Groupon, booked an appointment and received a confirmation email and text. We were set! Or so we thought. 30 minutes later we received a text message from Illa that our appointment had been "cancle" (sic). Why? "Read our policy." They then proceeded to THREATEN me if I wrote a bad review. read more

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I'me so excited about my experience,hands down the best message I have had in a while.The staff was very respectful and accommodating.i just booked my next appointment as ime writing this. 5 Stars. read more

I've been going to Illa Spa for a few years now; before I started getting waxed there, I'd do it pretty sporadically, but finding a salon I liked helped me make the transition to waxing exclusively. The owner is so sweet, and, perhaps most importantly, so efficient! We have a pleasant conversation, I'm done in about 10 minutes, and it's affordable - I can't ask for anything more. I'd definitely recommend them for waxing. read more

The situation started off rocky as I too had some issues redeeming a Groupon. Finally got my appt scheduled, and the massage was amazing! We got the couples massage and left feeling loose and rejuvenated. I would definitely return. Only giving 4 stars because of the Groupon issues and inconvenience at first, otherwise it would've been 5. read more

With great disappointment, I am writing this extremely long, but detailed review. I must start off by saying that the massage itself was 5 stars. I'm giving Illa Spa 1 star for that. I had a male masseuse, I don't know his name. But he was great. Anyway... I came in on Oct 16th for a foot reflexology appointment. I booked the appointment online on Oct 12th through their My Time website and paid online. I had a 50% off voucher from Illa Spa for the positive feedback I left previously. I entered the code and it took me to a confirmation page that said the charge was only $32.50. Great, right? My appointment comes along and my masseuse checks me in and says everything is good because I'm prepaid. Perfect. The massage was soooo relaxing I almost fell asleep. It was my first foot massage and I felt pretty anxious having someone focus on my feet lol, but it went well. After the massage, a masseuse or someone named Tanya was at the desk. Masseuse told her I was prepaid, I left out and she ran out the door to call me back. Although there was a big green button that said PREPAID on my account, she still wanted to charge me again. And for the full amount of $65. She tried to call Hana multiple times to no avail. She brought out some other worker, an Asian male, and I showed him my voucher and my bank account which to my surprise, showed a $65 lending transaction from them (vs. $32.50). He said because it says pending I'd be charged again... Uhm what?? It's not my fault your online system takes 3+ business days to clear smh. I go back and forth with Tanya I swear for 10-15min because I felt that is was so wrong to charge me again, especially at full price, when it says prepaid. My masseuse stopped by several times and told Tanya to just let me leave and he also mentioned how a situation like this has occurred before. He was very kind and tried to be helpful. I had a training to go to that I was late for so I asked Tanya what did she want me to do? I should've just walked out again, honestly, but I don't like leaving businesses on a bad note. What makes me upset all over again is that Tanya said to me, if I leave and for whatever reason the pending transaction doesn't clear, the money will come out of her check. Like she was trying to guilt me into it... And that's not good customer service. Alas, I paid AGAIN and was told to come back if I was charged again. I already knew I would be back anyway because I'm not paying $65 for something that should be $32.50. I go back two days later since they were closed on Tuesdays. I provide them with my bank statement and voucher to show that not only was I charged twice, but I was never charged $32.50 like it should have been. Hana came over to assist me. She seemed apologetic and said we would get it straightened out. She asked me to write my debit card number down and I did and she said she'll submit it tonight. Two days (Oct 20) later I follow up via email. I needed a paper trail. I heard back from whoever reads the emails on Oct 22 and we got the My Time $65 charged sorted. Awesome. She said the $32.50 refund will have to be done at the terminal at the spa. On Oct 23, I was told that since they had my card info, they'll be able to do it. I didn't hear anything for four days. I emailed again on Oct 27. I received a response on Oct 30 and was asked to send my debit card number, expiration date, and security code... Uhm no. Why would I send that info over email? I told the person I would stop by on my lunch break. Visited on my lunch break. Hana assisted me again and gave me a receipt to show that $32 will be put back on my credit card. That cleared today and I finally received all my money back. I gave another star because I did eventually get back what was owed to me and I am appreciative of that. But the incompetence and lack of customer service I experienced from some workers is highly disappointing. The feelings of relaxation I had after my massage immediately went away. It was for nothing. P. S. If you do give them a try, please use the PAY LATER function on My Time. Either Tanya or Hana told me to do that next time to be safe but I don't think there will be a next time for me. read more

Poor customer service and management is very disrespectful. I will never use this spa or recommend them to anyone.

This is the WORST spa in DC! BEWARE!!! I purchased a massage through Groupon and was welcomed with a dirty spa and horrible customer service. I booked on the phone for Tuesday and when I arrived they didn't have my name in the system. Upon complaining to the front desk I was told I could just pay the full price for the massage which I politely said no to and was told to leave after they shooed my away to deal with other customers. This was completely unprofessional and I've since called Groupon and reported this spa to them. read more

I'm going on a beach vacation so I booked a wax online. I chose a time and date that said they were available. I was then emailed a day later saying that my "appointment time got declined". I called and was told that they actually have no spaces available for the rest of the week, so I won't be able to come in before my vacation. The woman who explained this to me on the phone was rude & condescending. I booked the wax through Groupon so I can't get a refund. read more

I've been standing in the lobby for 20 minutes--no receptionist, no one picking up their phone. My massage was supposed to start five min ago, and their website says to come in 10-15 min early to fill out paperwork... Amended from beginning one star: So massage started 15 min late--the massage itself was great! Mario is a great masseuse and immediately adjusted the pressure when I asked and made sure to ask every 10 min or so. It also ended early because he just saw the end time and not begin time, but the woman at the front desk gave me a 30 min free to make up for the late start time and short massage. Will try again and see if it's better next time. Edit: the woman at the front desk asked me to switch out my Amex for visa because of fees; I obliged and BOTH my cards were charged. I've never been so frustrated with a spa or gotten more stress than relaxation from a massage. I'm waiting for a reply for my email. With tip, I basically spent $57 + $45 for a 45 minute massage.... read more

Illa Spa - Hair Removal Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

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COMPLETELY UNPROFESSIONAL. Started when I tried to book an appointment selecting a time they showed available on their website. They text me to say they couldn't do that time. I asked for another time that was also listed as available and they said no, only the time they're now telling me. So right off the bat, FALSE ADVERTISEMENT. They need to update their site and not put all the multiple time slots they show available. Second, the place smells really bad and looks rundown and dirty. Finally, when I asked the aesthetician if it was soft wax or hard wax, she tells me "soft, it's better" and when I disagreed because of my extensive background in the spa industry and said "no hard wax is better for sensitive areas" but it's fine I'm here. I'll just be red and will probably break out and I'll have to wait for it to go away in a few days. She said it was on the website. I said ok, I booked last minute but couldn't find what kind of wax on there. But it's fine. We don't have to debate about it. And she got so ridiculously upset and refused to do my service. Which ok, dramatic, but ok...until she threatened to call the cops on me if I didn't leave. Hahahaha! I said call Groupon to refund me first or refund me directly. She was literally a psycho yelling "Fuck you bitch" and chasing me out. She needs major therapy. I will pray for her because she's got some kind of trauma she's taking out on customers. THIS AESTHETICIAN HAS ZERO CUSTOMER SERVICE SKILLS. The rest of the staff were polite and I did get my money back about a week later. But sheesh...what a horrible experience! Luckily I got into Spa Logic that night and they are amazing!!! By the way, they use hard wax and they also know the truth that hard wax is better for sensitive skin areas. read more

So i've been here three times over several years, all for Swedish massages. The first two were with this super talented French or Belgian therapist. He was great. I *just* came back from an appointment that probably will keep me from going back. The massage itself was fine--about equivalent to what you'd experience in one of those places at a mall. Another PRO: they have an online booking system and are very responsive and friendly via text. but here's what happened today. SHORT STORY: they canceled on me, and i ended up naked next to a total stranger with no partition. FULL STORY: I rescheduled my appointment for 4:45 pm this afternoon, which required me to take some time off of work, but whatever that's on me. Anyway, i get there and the receptionist tells me my appointment has been canceled. I *did* have to cancel an appointment on July 1 but i had rescheduled it for today and showed her the confirmation text. She is friendly and said she can get me in at 4:55. Ten minutes, no biggie right? so of course i'll wait. It actually ends up being another 15-20 minutes after that (which isn't a huge deal in and of itself, but i was really annoyed my appointment was canceled on me) While I was waiting, there was a really friendly African American male therapist who did offer to get me some water. By that point, i was just so annoyed at the spa that i was probably more curt to him than i would have been otherwise. Sorry! Okay, so they take me to a back room with two beds and assign me the bed farthest from the room and chairs where you hang your things. I get undressed and hear a knock. It's not the masseuse; it's the receptionist asking if someone else can use the other bed because all these appointments got messed up. Thinking they would put up a curtain or one of those partitions, i said sure. But they didn't. so there i was, having a total, naked mediocre couples massage with a total stranger. Um what? so the session ended (it was definitely not the full hour), and there I am lying naked next to a total stranger. Mind you, my clothes are on the other side of the room. They didn't even offer to bring them to me, so i quite comically wrapped myself up in the massage blankets like women do during post-coital scenes in Rom-Coms --except my neck is still sore. To be fair, i did text the spa all of this and they sent a quick but short apology saying that they will do better next time. But i am doubtful there will be a next time. read more

Let me preface this review by saying this by saying the massage I got was fine. I came here the day before my college graduation to treat myself and prepare for a very exciting and busy weekend. I came here with the intention of relaxing and left feeling upset and incredibly annoyed. I've been here before and didn't have much of a problem with the service. However, this time was much different than my previous experience. I arrived for my 12:15 appointment at 12:07. I remember the exact time. The lady at the front desk asked if I had any special requests for my massage. I notified her that I purchased a massage last time I visited Illa and presented my voucher to her. She said it was fine. I also asked if a female masseuse would be available and she said yes, but not until 12:15. Fine. She's talking on the phone (making a very obvious personal phone call), which is fine. I didn't care. Literally at exactly 12:15, she says "Oh wow, actually I got mixed up and the female masseuse won't be in until 12:45". Which, to me, seems like she knew the whole time the female masseuse wouldn't be available, but just wanted me to start my appointment on time. Sketchy and dishonest, but fine. I get comfy and prepared for my massage - which again, was fine. He asked if the pressure was fine and periodically asked if I was okay. Fine. About 35 minutes into my massage, a staff member burst through the room and started talking! Then, they left. About ten minutes later, a staff member came into the room again and started opening the door that separated the room I was in with the room next door to me and was talking! Finally, what I can only assume was another paying customer was led through my massage room to the room next to mine. How could anyone be relaxed during all of this commotion?! My massage finished shortly after and I was livid. I left the massage room and went up to the lady at the front desk. She doesn't ask me "would you like to leave a tip for your masseuse?", she asked, "how much will you be tipping?" Which seems rude and uncouth to me. I told her I wanted to tip 15% of what I paid for the massage - which is a really low tip, for me. Then, she points me to a sign that she could've notified me about when I presented my voucher to her - stating that I HAD to tip 15% of what the original price of the massage was. It wouldn't have been a big deal had I not been so extremely unsatisfied with the service they provided. I will NEVER come back here. In this case, I got what I paid for. I will continue to go to Bliss Spa, where my money is valued and the customer service is great. read more

I made the appointment a few days out. The day of, the salon texted me to tell me they were running late and asked if I could come a bit late. No problem and I actually appreciated the text. After purchasing a Groupon for a wax, the spa redeemed the voucher and then refused to provide service as I'm pregnant. At first she said I just needed to sign a waiver because she didn't want to get sued. Totally fine - I expect to sign something and happily agreed. She then proceeded to tell me she couldn't do this and couldn't do that. After a while I just said that if she didn't want to provide service, I would go elsewhere. Waxing in pregnancy is perfectly safe, for example, feel free to peruse the following: https://alphamom.com/pregnancy/pregnancy-bikini-wax-grooming/. I have never been turned away before for a wax while pregnant and am shocked and disappointed this establishment refused to provide service. Worst, is that she marked my voucher redeemed before I even got to the salon! When I was leaving she reminded me that my voucher was redeemed and I told her I would handle with Groupon directly. Don't bother with this place. **UPDATE** Similiar to Shannon below, I received a long inappropriate text message after this review. Completely unacceptable.... read more

I hope to prevent anyone from having an experience like mine. I hope no one feels unsafe during a massage and untrusting of their safety and privacy. I wish I had not experienced this. I wish i had not found this deal on Groupon. I did not feel safe during my experience. I will not be returning or recommending this business. I have also contacted the Better Business Bureau and Groupon. When I contacted BBB I saw the rating is an F. I tried to address my concerns directly with the owner however was unsuccessful. My review is mainly written with concern about safety, privacy and legitimacy of business practices. I know the rest is long, details are below for those who want to know and maybe decide for themselves. There were several misfortunate issues however a few things ultimately pushed me to move forward and report this business. -My massage therapist asked me to undress and lay on the table in the room she brought me too. After I undressed , she returned but then left the room to get supplies before the massage started. ***She left the door open while I was on the table undressed for many minutes. The bathroom is past this room and someone walked by and was able to see into the room. My clothes, shoes and valuables were not near me and I felt really uncomfortable I was undressed, the door was open. -During one part of the massage she uncovered my entire lower body from the pelvis down. I have not experienced this before, usually work is done on one extremity at a time and only the area being massaged is uncovered. I thought maybe she would be massaging both my legs at the same time. I myself pulled the covering down to cover my pelvis and underwear. After minutes I realized she was working on my feet only and I asked if she could cover me more, which she did down to the knees. At this point I felt really unsafe and uncomfortable. I have had massages before and had not experienced feeling exposed like this. ***My private areas were exposed and there was no reason for this. In my experience, usually much care is taken to only reveal necessary body parts that are worked on -Afterwards at the front counter another woman was standing explaining massage packages and prices. I had asked for clarification on 50 vs 60 min massages. My massage actual time the therapist was in the room was about 40 min. I asked her if she was the owner and she said she was, I wanted to bring up my concerns , bust just asked her name first. ***I asked the owner her name,she said "I don't have a name. My mother never gave me a name." I asked her to repeat because I didn't understand and she said again to me my mother never gave me a name. I was really shocked. The massage therapist also looked startled. I told the owner she was being dishonest with me and I left. There are several other problematic things that happened during the massage but those could be overlooked with the benefit of the doubt. I asked my therapists name she didn't introduce her self to me. Once the massage started the massage therapist stepped away for an amount of time that was longer than I was used to and I called her name because I didn't know if she was still in the room and it was quiet. She was still in the room and she replied which reassured me. Another time during the massage she left the room and brought back a table fan. Usually massage rooms are warm I've been in before. I was ok until my lower body was uncovered and I just asked her to turn the fan away from me which she did. After being finished, I went to the counter and the massage therapist asked me my name. She hadn't looked up who I was or the forms I was asked to fill out when I came in. If I was in the business of touching someone while they are nearly naked, I would learn their name. Massage was ok, the facility is no frills which I expected because of the Groupon deal. The money I saved on this deal was not worth it. I felt terrible leaving. I doubted this the business would be interested in hearing about any of the uncomfortable vulnerable things that happened once she withheld her name to me. My parents have a small business and I understand the difficulties along with that. This was an experience no one should have or should potentially have paying for a service at a business that should know better. I really hope Groupon stops advertising this business. read more

Guys, can we talk about this though? I hate writing bad reviews but I hope the owner can address one of the issues I encountered here. My boyfriend and I came here using the couples massage Groupon deal and booked a few days in advance. No problem. Having been to affordable bare bones massage studios, luxury high-end spas, and heck, even little massage corners in Asia, I've never been uncomfortable with a massage until I went to Illa Spa. The main reason: The masseuses were wearing their own clothes....literally, they were two guys who looked like they were picked off from the street, one wearing jeans and a polo and the other wearing cargo shorts, sneakers and a flannel. I never knew how much of a difference a uniform makes, but it makes a lot of difference in the customer's perspective. Something felt grimy about it. The massage itself wasn't any better. My massuse seemed like he wasn't very experienced. The massage was very random, had no focus and was not relaxing. I started to suspect that they actually did pick these guys from the street to massage us. The most memorable part of the massage was when he applied heavy pressure to my spine with his forearm which left me aching for the rest of the week. I never ached from a massage ever, until this one. Yikes, Illa Spa. At the very least, please have your staff wear a uniform. I visited in the early fall, so lets hope that this has changed since then. Although I was disappointed, with a few tweaks, there can still be much more opportunity for this spa. I hope they make the changes! read more

I had to tell the waxer REPEATEDLY to change the stick and not double dip. Wtf??? But she says she's been waxing for years?? She was cool to chat with but she clearly doesn't have any experience or has been f-ing ppl up all this time. it's patchy. She put some kind of lotion all over my vag including the inner labia. My lips are still sticking together. Baby powder all up in my creases. She put wax over the same areas 3-4 times AND STILL COULDNT GET THE HAIR??? NEVER had that problem before. My poor vagina!! And It didn't hurt by i have a high pain tolerance so god bless whoever else she does. If I end up with an infection I want you to know I will be back and you will be paying for ALL doctor trips. I'm never coming back here for a wax or anything. I'm gonna contact Groupon about a refund. There are MUCH better wax centers. This was my worst experience ever. Also I told the owner that the waxer double dipped. She said "oh it's her first day, we'll throw the pot out" All I know is hey better hope I don't get any infections. And I definitely let DC Stateboard know!! So after I Got home I took a shower to clean the baby powder and lotion i noticed a small tear from her tugging and ripping over the same areas again and again. read more

This is worst service I have ever received at a "spa" from the moment I walked in I was treated poorly. I was immediately told my service wouldn't be on time. I filled out the paperwork and after 35 minutes they told me that they couldn't service me at all because they didn't have therapist which was a completely lie. In fact, the owner just couldn't turn on her computer until her son came. Very inconvenient!!! I will never go back again!!! I also heard people in the back saying the toilet didn't work and a therapist complaining about a gentleman who has placed in a room without an appointment. The entire point of a spa to feel relaxed and this was everything but relaxing!!! Only rating a 1 star becuase it won't allow for 0. read more

Got an amazing 1 hour Swedish Massage here through ClassPass. My massage therapist (I believe his name was Cida?) was very focused, professional, and applied exactly the right pressure. The business is small but the room was clean and comfortable. Illa is an awesome choice for massage if you're looking for a low price option, and they offer special deals for returners. My massage was ridiculously cheap (couldn't find any that were better priced online) and I'm excited to have found this place. Just remember to tip your massage therapist! If you are going through ClassPass, remember to tip based on the total amount for the massage and not the discounted rate. Looking forward to coming back! read more

Not sure why there are so many negative reviews about this place, I purchased my second package of 5 Swedish massages. Though this place is not as luxurious as other SPAs or salons, it's cozy and clean. Hannah, the owner, is very nice and gives great discount on packages for old customers, and the therapists are good and will listen and focus on the areas I have problems with. I always feel very relaxed after my session. The location is also very convenient (3 minutes walking from DuPont), and the price is extremely fair compared to other places. I'll book my next appointment soon. read more

Avoid avoid avoid. I attempted to go here today and they refused me service because I am more comfortable getting a massage with bra on. An informal poll of friends who are massage therapists tells me that while fewer clothes are better, client comfort is paramount...and I wasn't comfortable. I was told that this was a liability for them, which seems bananas. To boot, while I was being yelled at that I had to take it off (yep, great way to relax into a treatment), the door was left open to the room. I guess since I was only mostly naked, instead of fully naked, that's ok? read more

I went here a few weeks back and had a great experience, got lucky with street parking out front, the atmosphere was calm and pleasant, the employee who worked on me seemed genuinely educated in how to properly work out pain i have in my neck and shoulders, going back for sure! read more

Wow what can I say but ewww! This place needs improvement. I've been to quite a few places for a facial and I have no plans on returning! My friend gave me a Groupon here and honestly I would have preferred to just let it go to waste. First off I had an appointment for 2:00pm and I wasn't serviced until 2:40. I get it won't be exactly on time but 40 minutes! I came in for a facial and it was interesting. The room was basically falling apart and the lady that did my facial kept walking in and out but not washing her hands TO TOUCH MY FACE!! I was very annoyed by that and it also had a weird smell in the room. As far as my facial, I've definitely have had much better facials. It was extremely uncomfortable and when I would wince she would just say "why am I so sensitive!" I would tell anyone to just save their Groupon purchase for a better place. Not worth it. read more

It is never appropriate to yell at a customer, or deny service to anyone. This is what you can expect from this spa should you need to reschedule an appointment....if you can reach anyone. When my future sister-in-law gave me a groupon for a 60 minute massage here, I felt so special. It was birthday gift, from March. I was so eager to make an appointment, but could not get in touch with anyone until April. I finally received a call back from the manager, but she was very impatient and could not operate her own scheduling system to confirm an appointment. I finally got an appointment for today. I tried to call all week to see if I could make this a couple's massage, but their phone number was disconnected. I tried to reschedule in person, but the poor guy at the front desk simply handed the phone to his manager who immediately started yelling at me. I'm disappointed. Confused. And frustrated that my gift was wasted. read more

Please DO LOOK at all the NEGATIVE reviews and consider them: they make a real point. I didn't and hoped my experience would be different, but it was absolutely TERRIBLE. I show up at the time they had confirmed my appointment, and they tell me I was one hour late. I show them the text message I received confirming my appointment, at which point the manager proceeds to tell me I'm a liar because I received the message about a change in my appointment but I probably deleted it (why on earth would I do that??) Then instead of trying to solve the situation the manager threatens to call the cops on me. Never in my life have I had such a terrible experience with a business. These people are unbelievable. read more

Came here for a couples massage and after a bit of a walk to find it, discovered the small spa located on the second floor of the building. The place itself is fine, nothing too fancy, but the massage itself was fantastic! There were some sound issues at the beginning and the massage ended early but overall it was a good, relaxing experience. read more

My boyfriend surprised me with a couples massage the past weekend at this location. The shop was small but comfortable. The massages were perfect - we both enjoyed those very much. The cons - the massage beds were on opposite sides of the room. I imagined when couples go together, they are somewhat close to one another. We were pretty far from one another and couldn't communicate at all. Also, the room was freezing and the lotion/oil used was not heated. I'm used to my massager using heated oil or lotion and the room being more comfortable, as far as temperatures go. read more

I got a Groupon for Illa Spa for a couples massage that knocked the price way down, so we checked this place out. We had a little trouble finding the place, so be aware that Google Maps may try to lead you to a weird location. We walked in, and the waiting room and hallways definitely didn't scream "spa". But we were accommodated quickly, and the room we were in felt much more like a spa: dimly lit, candles, very relaxing. At the beginning of the massage, the music wasn't working properly, so my masseuse spent about 5 minutes trying to fix it. Obviously this is no problem, but our 60-minute massage still ended early even after starting late, which was a bit disappointing. As for the actual massage, I thought my masseuse did a good job. He initially started out using WAY too much force, and I tend to have a high pain tolerance during massages. I asked him to use a little less pressure, and he obliged. The rest of my massage was great after that. I would recommend that Illa Spa include a question about amount of pressure on their pre-massage form. All in all, it was a decent experience. I would probably come back if I was able to get a good discount again. read more

Like many people on Yelp, I used a Groupon to get my massage. Overall, the massage was decent but was nothing special. I deadlifted earlier that day and can feel the massage alleviated some back pain. Honestly, I've had better massages but for the price I paid I did not expect anything fancy. The interior itself was somewhat old and the fan/AC in my massage room kept on buzzing which was slightly annoying. read more

If you want a decent massage with a good relaxing atmosphere DON'T go here. I've been going to massage place often before I moved to D.C and this was the first massage place I went in D.C, and my experience was ungrateful. First, the place is sketchy, you can not feel any cozy or relaxing feeling. You can hear people going to the restroom outside and chatting. Also, it kinda smells weird something wet nothing like aromatic. I received a couple massage, it was a little treat for my mom and after I got out I felt sorry for taking her to this place. I didn't do enough research before I go which was sort of my fault. My masseuse was eh okay..but I was not sure if she's trained(compare to my previous experience). She didn't use enough massage oil so my skin felt chafe and my mom felt the same way. I guess masseuse buy oils out of their pocket and that's why they are using the only minimum amount of oil. The worst part was my mom's masseuse. She was literally yawning all the time. Okay, I'm not a sensitive person and I understand people can get sleepy sometimes. But she literally yawned every minutes and even make a sound while she's yawning which I felt very disrespectful and unprofessional! And she's been dragging her little chair everytime which was so noisy. Because she's been sitting all the time while she's giving a massage the area she covers was very limited and not hard enough(not pressured at all). Feels like she was all distracted by other things, checking times on her phone every minute. Maybe there are some better-trained masseuses in the shop but not the one I experienced. I would never go back and not recommend this place to people around me. read more

It was an amazing experience and the massage was tremendous! I was soo relaxed afterwards! The place is super clean and the owners are very kind! If I were you I would absolutely go and get a relaxing massage... Thank you David and Hong, you have been great! read more

Hot stone 60 minute massage was fine but rushed in under an hour. Unfortunately I was also quoted one rate and charged another. Management would not accept the rate on the confirmation email which is disingenuous online booking. Double confirm what you're getting and the rate before considering this spot. read more

Had a wonderful experience at Illa Spa today! Purchased a groupon for a 60 minute swedish massage and am not disappointed. The masseuse was very attentive and making sure the pressure was okay all throughout the experience. The staff was very kind and caring, and you could tell they value their customers and want them to have a positive experience. I left feeling so relaxed and a lot better than how i felt when I walked in. Not to mention, they offer great student discounts on their services which is really hard to come across in DC. So happy I stumbled across this place, can't wait to come back! read more