Absolutely love it here. It is very clean and modern and gives a true spa vibe to it. I came in feeling flustered from parking in the area and running late, but upon entering I was offered a range of drinks to help comfort me during my experience. I was quickly taken by an older woman and she helped me decide a color and package I wanted for a pedicure. She was extremely helpful, kind, sweet, and gentle when it came to my service. I will be coming back here! read more

I booked a gel manicure at Marlowe as a trial before my wedding, hoping to feel confident about my nails for a day that means so much to me. With wedding photos I'll cherish for years, I wanted my nails to look polished and feel healthy. Instead, I'm now approaching my wedding with extremely short, weak, and brittle nails. I feel genuinely sad about their condition and worried about how they'll look on my wedding day. The service cost $75, and I left a $20 tip, bringing the total to $95. Within just three days, four nails developed bubbling and lifting around the edges. They began catching and snagging, causing my nails to fray and break. By about two weeks, all but one had lifted. When I explained how weak and brittle my nails had become and that I wasn't comfortable with more gel, the response was an offer of complimentary removal. That would leave my nails bare, with my concerns about their condition still unaddressed. I had hoped for more support, such as a complimentary nail care treatment to help improve their appearance while they recover, especially knowing this was a trial before my wedding. The salon was clean and inviting, but for a $75 manicure, I expected much better attention to detail and durability. This was supposed to be a reassuring part of my wedding preparations, and instead it has added sadness, stress, and disappointment so close to an important day. read more

This place is clean and has a very aesthetically pleasing atmosphere with decor and lighting. The was the one thing my that attracted me to this place and the fact that is was a " clean" saloon not using any yucky chemicals. Yet I believe the prices are absolutely OUTRAGEOUS. My mani and pedi got a regular one was $140 all together because I chose to have 2 nails painted at a 1 level decoration that was $15. Which was beyond overpriced. I lib had seen the nail example of a level 1 decoration I would have never gotten it. The level 1 decoration for 2 nails was just a touch of glitter on top. That was ridiculous. I would have never paid $15 for a level design 1 that I could have done so easily by myself, it's super problematic that they charged that much. Also the woman at the desk was a Kurt and not super friendly. The computer was having problems charging my card, so she had to manually put it in. And that was fine but she had asked me if I wanted to leave gratuity after I told her no, since I had never been to the place before, I wanted to know if it was worth a tip. She then asked me again to tip after I told her no. No one is entitled to a tip unless they've earned it. I had a problem with her but my manicurist and pedicurist people were very nice. My manicurist Nguyen does a really great massage. Highly recommend her. They were polite and wanted to do a good job. I liked them. I do wish around my nails was more cleaned up, but maybe it's just my super dry skin. I do like that they offer drinks, like peach Prosecco. That was great and helped me forget the ridiculous overpricing. I understand they give benefits to their staff but like $15 for a level 1 decoration for only 2 nails is laughable. For a stroke of glitter on top???? Or we serious right now??? I'd never come here again unless I have a boyfriend or partner who is willing to pay for it for me. I like the woman at the front desk there is annoying. I'd go somewhere else more affordable. Also important note is that they had NO DRYER for your nails. She had to bring over a mini fan that was useless. It already made a chip and bubble in my nails. Not worth it... come here if you have someone else pay for it, and to support the women working there who do your nails but I wouldn't come here to pay for it myself. read more

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I stumbled upon Marlowe in Larkspur about a year ago. It's pricey, but always felt worth it. Wonderful service and the mani/pedi lasts a long time. So I pamper myself every now and then. Decided to checked out the Marlowe in Berkeley since it is closer to my home. The service seemed really good and I did enjoy the massage. The salon felt a little "tired" and I know it is older than Larkspur salon so I overlooked that. BUT!!! I wound up with an infection in a nail on my hand! It was red, swollen, and oozed pus. GROOSSSS!!! So I called the salon. They apologized and issued a credit. I didn't expect a credit. I just wanted them to know. Surprised to see the credit was not for the full price of the manicure! I emailed them that it was disappointing. They did not reply or change the credit amount. I won't be returning. I'd rather pay the bridge toll and travel farther for a far superior experience. Thankfully my finger got better without major intervention. WHEW! read more

I was given a $145 gift certificate and booked an appointment. It is a little out of my way but I made the drive. It's clean and quiet. I appreciate that for sure. However I booked a CA pedicure and never got my hot towel wrap. which is part of the package. Also, did not get a massage. I have been getting pedicures as long as I can remember and she put lotion on me and rubbed it on but there was no "massage". This is a pricey pedicure and you really should get all the services you paid for. Also the person that did my pedi, was very unfriendly and definitely wanted to just do the bare minimum to get to back to yapping with the receptionist. I still have a balance on my certificate but I am doubt I will ever use it. I have pretty decent place near me and they know how to provide a proper massage, hot rocks the whole shabang for far less. This is just an uppidity place with mediocre service. Truth be told, many people are getting frustrated with nail salons as the service is no longer there. read more

One of the most overpriced and poorly executed manicures I have ever had. Don't be fooled by their location and decor, there is not much beyond dated aesthetics and advertising they clean their tools (I'm pretty sure that is the law?). Cuticles left bleeding, hang nail the next day, and full corners of my nails not even painted. Way too high of a price point the job given. Don't waste your money here. One could likely do a better job at home. read more

I got a pedicure a few weeks ago and after writing a great review, I put on my glasses and noticed that it was actually not that great of a job. I have since got a manicure and it seemed like a good job - I did get clear so it is kind of hard to mess up. My one criticism is that the person giving me the manicure, while lovely, was overall too chatty, showing me photos on her phone and and then asked if I learned anything from her. The manicure would have been more efficient if she would focus more on her service instead of giving me a life lesson which she didn't ask if I was open to receiving. This was a bit disappointing. I think the place is clean and pretty but not worth the high cost. read more

This place is supoosed to be "fancy" but the stations are crammed next to each other. The client next to me was practically sitting on my lap, so annoying, and it's uncomfortable. There was nothing lux about it considering the high price and the neighborhood, too work is no better than then any random place. I didn't feel like they were paying indivdual attention to me or my nails. read more

Decided to walk in with my partner. The front desk gave us a 30 minute estimate wait which went by so quickly as we enjoyed our small bites from across the shop. Once the 30 minutes passed by, we checked in and they sat us down within 2 minutes. We got pedis and all of my toes have not chipped yet. It's been almost a whole month! Can't wait to come back soon! Thank you Marlowe for accomdating us last minute! read more

Marlowe - Price menu - Nail Salons Near Me - Berkeley, California

Place is still nice but quality of service had decreased I think. I have had excellent manicures there but not this time.

I've always had a good experience at Marlowe. Fun vibe, sanitary, and good attention to detail. Highly recommend!

Got a gel manicure and regular Pedi today. Nail technician was friendly. I enjoyed the experience. However, when I got home I noticed how unevenly my nails were painted. Seems like a pretty sloppy job especially for the price. Disappointing. Probably won't return. read more

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I've come here quite a few times and have left happy because of the service and staff here. I'm leaving a review this time because I had such a great experience getting my nails done here for my wedding. A couple weeks in advance I requested a specific art style for my nails. The artist Elle practiced multiple times before my appointment, and she did a great job replicating the requested style! I truly appreciate how much effort she put into it because I love how they look. I just wish my nails grew a little longer before this appointment to do her artwork justice. read more

Marlowe - Bridal nails - Nail Salons Near Me - Berkeley, California

First of all, let me say I love Marlowe! The staff was super friendly and accommodating! The higher price points reflect giving their employees a living wage, 401k, health benefits, etc. SO awesome and definitely how all salons should be run! From my visit, they seem to be taking all the necessary covid precautions. Appointment only, barriers between guests and employees, immediately cleaning up stations, virtual payment, and everyone must wear a mask! :) However, I do unfortunately have to knock a few stars off. The quality sadly doesn't compare to cheaper priced salons I've gone to over the years. Within a week my gel nails started to look crusty on the sides and lift up and away from the nail, resulting in some to peel and crack off. :( My regular toe polish also has a melted look to it. I'm assuming the second coat of polish didn't go all the way down to the base of the nail by the looks of it. Such a bummer! Because of this I unfortunately chose to cancel my future appointments as going back and spending almost $200 every visit doesn't feel worth it. Still love the business model though! And had a pleasant experience! :) read more

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Had a great experience here getting my nails done for my wedding with my bridesmaids. Nguyet did a wonderful job on my rainbow nails, thank you so much! read more

Marlowe - Nail Salons Near Me - Berkeley, California

This is the only place I can get a pedicure that will last the full two weeks. they do a great job and the staff is always helpful.

Shortly after my last post, Marlowe reached out to offer a complimentary re-do of my gel chrome nails that had chipped and peeled in under two weeks. My nail tech, Anne, did a nice job shaping my nails and applying the blue chrome. I'm hopeful these nails will last as long as my gel manicures usually do, 3-4 weeks! read more

Marlowe - Re-do of chrome gel manicure in blue. Just after the service. - Nail Salons Near Me - Berkeley, California

My parents came up to visit me from out of town today and I noticed my mom's nails all chipped. My dad wanted to rest at my place so I decided to surprise my mom and called the business to reserve her a mani/pedi last minute. I knew I was going to overpay for the ambiance of it being on 4th Street in Berkeley, but I wanted it to be special for her because I'm finally making good money and wanted to treat her. I dropped her off while I walked around and shopped up and down 4th street. At some point I came in to see how she was doing, and the first thing my mother said to me while she was still getting her manicure is "I don't want to continue with the pedicure. The technician is rude and harsh on my hands". So I told the front desk to cancel the pedicure and paid. While she was finishing off with her manicure I sat outside for a while waiting for her. It probably wasn't until another 25 minutes I saw my mom finally at the front desk that I came up to let her know I already paid. But when I came up my mom was telling the front desk that her technician was rude, abrupt, and left her at her seat while SHE, the technician, sat at another seat and had her nails done! My mom didn't know what was happening so she finally asked if she was free to go, and the technician simply said, "yeah". My mom became irate because her technician basically ignored her, gave her no notice that her manicure was done, and just left my mother at her seat while her technician got her own manicure! When I calmed my mom down after being upset outside, I came back in alone and inquired what happened and why was my mom mistreated and ignored. They couldn't tell me why. I didn't want money back because we still got our service. I didn't want a gift card, I just wanted to know why choosing a fancier place, and knowing that I'm overpaying, would lead to horrible experience and make someone feel mistreated and upset. I guess a fancier location and fancier ambiance doesn't really mean great service is included. Do not recommend. read more

We were given gift certificates and decided to treat ourselves. This is probably the nicest nail salon I have been too. They offered use drinks and I got a mint tea. The lady who did my nails was pretty quick compared to my two other friends. Everything was clean and sanitary and the vibes were nice. Would definitely come back again or gift it to a friend. read more

Marlowe - Nail Salons Near Me - Berkeley, California

Come here in recommendation of a friend. I expected a great experience considering just regular pedi cost $72 there after tip...but sooo underwhelmed My pedi chipped within 2 days! No, I didn't do anything unusual from my regular routine. My normal manipedi place never chips, so this was a shocker for me. I don't like to leave less than 5 star reviews, but this was a motivator. I feel really really disappointed. THEY DONT USE TUB LINERS FOR PEDICURES. This super grossed me out, but too late to back out. You just gotta trust they washed it out well in back (NEVER will return cuz of this....). If I knew this, I would never have come here. Thinking about this still gives me the ick. No tea/drinks etc offered as mentioned in other reviews. The chairs are gross. So worn and stained. Once upon a time this might have been a cute setup, but this place is long due for an overhaul. Came with my best friend and our technicians were nice enough, but honestly neither of us liked them nail shape we got. Would not recommend, sadly. read more

Brought my daughter here for a birthday manicure, and decided to get a gel manicure as well. The manicurist made me bleed not once but TWICE. I paid $95 (including tip, which I'm honestly not sure why I paid) for just my manicure. Nearly a hundred dollars to be cut twice. The gel manicure is fine, but it's definitely not the best I've had. I appreciate that this place pays its employees a living wage, offers healthcare and a 401k, which everyone deserves. But for $95, I deserve a STELLAR manicure and to leave with my fingers intact. Posting a photo of my cut thumb, which doesn't look like much now since I've cleaned it, but still hurts like hell. read more

Marlowe - Cut on the right side and the base of the nail bed. - Nail Salons Near Me - Berkeley, California

This is the first day open after 7 months of COVID-19 SIP. The Marlowe is super clean inside and they did a lot to protect the safe and health for the customers. Every time I went here, it amazed me. This is definitely the best manicure shop I recommend in Berkeley. read more

Marlowe - Second time here. It still amazed me a lot! Thanks Emily for making this beautiful French Style manicure for me. - Nail Salons Near Me - Berkeley, California

This is the trend of future nail salons. No more massage chairs kneading or pummeling your spine. Just comfy leather chairs with an accent pillow providing lower back support. No more blinding fluorescent lights overhead. Just round light fixtures that accent the walls. And especially no more potentially infectious water baths teeming with Staphylococcus *as a CLS, I can culture it to prove it*. Just warm water in a large porcelain-like bowl. Side note: the side tables at this particular nail salon provided both function and style. Nice touch. After quickly perusing the menu, I settled on the Marlowe pedi ($40), which was the classic pedi. A warm foot soak, nail shaping, gentle cuticle care, sole buffing, and deep moisturizing massage? Count me in! I was shortly welcomed with a glass of water and a warm soapy foot bath. From there, I sunk into deep relaxation mode. This is how every person (woman or man) should be pampered/treated. The nail artist sampled 4 spring colors on my toes (very fashion forward of me) and I ended up with a bright pastel pink, which complemented my skin tone. I checked out with none other the business owner herself. An accomplished woman, Rebecca is smart and sweet. I just couldn't help but read her short biopic online. She shared with me the story behind naming her business. Supposedly, it was a name that she loved and wanted to give to her precious baby, but her husband vetoed it. She ended up using it to name her new business venture-- her other baby :) For bookings and services, visit http://www.hellomarlowe.com. You won't regret it! read more

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After I posted my last review, Marlowe contacted me and offered to make an appointment for a free re-do. I was a little apprehensive because I felt like it could be awkward, but I'm really glad I took them up on it! They made me an appointment with Nguyen, who was wonderful. She said my nails were totally long enough to do a good design easily and she helped me pick an awesome one with dots and half matte, half shiny, and helped me pick good colors too. She was precise but also really efficient, and pleasant to talk to. I am now super happy with how they turned out! And I really appreciated how gracious everyone was about the whole thing and how no one made me feel like I was being too whiny or demanding to get a re-do. Thanks, Marlowe!! I will be back, and will make sure to book with Nguyen for all my nail art. read more

Marlowe - Original nails from my first review - Nail Salons Near Me - Berkeley, California

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I had a pedicure at Marlowe - with a little extra massage time. The person who did my pedicure was very nice, did a good job, and I am totally satisfied with the result. However, the music and ambiance of the salon was really not to my liking - way too loud and not relaxing at all. The doors to the salon are wide open, and at one point a man walked in and started talking loudly and looking at the pedicure area. He left, but was ignored by the staff person at the desk while he was talking. I really would like to find a spa pedicure salon where it would be a relaxing experience. read more

Did a good job, very clean. However, they neglected to put any nail polish on my little toe.

I came here a few times in 2019 and finally returned today, almost 4 years later! I had a gel mani with Erica and she did amazing. She is also incredibly kind. Yes, this salon is pricey, but you are paying for the ambiance and service. I have always loved their complementary tea. If I still lived in the Bay, I would without a doubt be a regular. Until next time! read more

I'm giving a 3 based on my personal experience. Although I love what Marlowe is about and their mission, I can't say I was absolutely satisfied with my nail tech. All my plain painted nails were perfectly fine,but when it came to the accent nails, that's where things turned around.. I brought in an image which I felt wouldn't be too complicated but she never communicated with me that she had no idea what she was doing or that it was too complicated for her. I gave her the freedom to free hand or not be exact. I would have been fine switching what I wanted if the design was too hard but she just kept doing her thing. At this point I was just ready to leave since my friend was already waiting on my for 20 min for our same service.. Would I say this is worth a "level 2" nail art and $10 per accent nail, no. I think Marlowe should probably book guests who want nail art with techs that are more capable. **Update** The Marlowe Team was really quick to respond to my review and called to reach out about getting this issue fixed I'm definitely happier with fixing my accent nails getting set up with someone that knew what she was doing. She even took the time to check my other nails to make sure they got a proper clear coat before I left! Hopefully no one gets the same issue I had. It was a bit inconvenient to have to go back (from Union City to Berkley) to get my nails fixed, but I'm also moving out of state and didn't want to go a month with nails I was unhappy with. I'm not trying to hurt the business with a C rating review, but I just hope when they book future clients properly and make sure they get set up with a proper nail artist who's gonna leave a lasting impression! read more

Marlowe - Reality... - Nail Salons Near Me - Berkeley, California

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I think they've had some trouble getting back into their groove since Covid. My gel mani barely lasted a week, although the pedi was A+. I go here for the cleanliness and because overall they do a good job. Some longstanding pros: * Clean * Looks great * Laura is very friendly and welcoming * Good color selection * Pedi leaves feet soft * I've had some long lasting gel done here, although not recently Some longstanding cons: * Unwillingness to make things right - if they muck up or you have a bad experience, you are not getting anything other than an apology and sometimes not even that * Some nail techs lack professionalism - not friendly or welcoming. I'm not a chatter, but would rather not have someone who looks like they're being tortured work on my nails. * Expensive * The owner is not friendly - I've seen her in the salon once/twice before and she didn't even smile or say hello to the clients. Weird. read more

Had a wonderful experience here today! LeeLee was great and did a fantastic pedicure for me. Everyone welcomed my baby (5 months old) and I with open arms. They even had a changing table in the bathroom! read more

So had my first pedicure since before COVID lockdown today. Chose Marlowe based on reviews and proximity. Clean space with cute aesthetic. Tools came wrapped in autoclave wrap, so they appear to sterilize well. Moon did my gentle but much needed pedicure. I was served tea in arrival by friendly staff. Peaceful place with attentive staff and management. Happy with the results. I would recommend this establishment. read more

Marlowe - Nail Salons Near Me - Berkeley, California

Overpriced for the quality of the pedicure. Place is beautiful and they were very accommodating to our group but it was a simple pedicure covering the minimum. read more

I would like to commend Marlowe for making things right. Not only did they invite me back for another try, but said they would train their staff in response to my experience. That is stellar customer service! My mani/pedi with Anna was great. I went for my follow-up in mid-November (edit: it was actually October!) and the regular polish is still on my toes without chipping! I've already made my next appointment. Thanks, Marlowe! read more

Nice place! But the day i was there, there was a huge kids party there, they were yelling and screaming, and it was the opposite of relaxing. Maybe i just got unlucky. read more

I really want to like this place bc it's decorated very pleasant inside. The employees are very kind and even bring you water and tea, a relaxing time. However, they are not good nail technicians and for their skill the prices are too high. I understand the importance of good ventilation in nail salons, but my first and foremost purpose for visiting a salon is for beautiful, well done, long lasting nails. BOTH times I came here, a few of my gel nails fell off (so cleanly and so wholly) within a week. Within two weeks, i had two gel nails left on each of my hand.... If I go to my typical Asian lady salon, I never have to worry abt any of my nails ruined for at least 3 weeks, and it's probably 1/3 the price. First time this happened, I thought it was happenchance. Happens twice, I know theyre not very skilled. read more

Marlowe - Nail Salons Near Me - Berkeley, California

If you're in need of pampering, this is the place for you! I made an appointment for a gel Marlowe mani and Marlowe pedi. You do need to provide your credit card number to reserve your appointment. The lady who worked on me was Mindy and she took her time in cutting my cuticles and gave an excellent foot and hand massage! She was really nice and kept referring to me by my name which made the time very personal. The salon is very clean and modern. The foot bowls aren't attached to the ground so they can clean it every time. They offer you tea or water to sip on while you relax and enjoy getting your nails done. This place is a little pricey but you definitely get what you pay for. I will come back when I feel like indulging! What a nice addition to 4th St! read more

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Came here for a pedicure a few months ago while I was waiting for my friend on fourth street. I liked the space, thought it was nice. Pretty clean and modern when you walk in. The set up was a little odd to me as they didn't have your standard nail salon chairs. It was regular chairs and they bring the basin over to you. Well having relatively big feet, my feet didn't fit too well in the basin. The water was ok temperature but wasn't anything like the warm nice water I get at other salons. And the seat was just so so in terms of comfort. The nail technician was friendly and did a decent job. Nothing to write home about. Just an ok job. I know that they charge a bit more as they provide their employees benefits that other salons don't. And I commend that. But I guess I was hoping for a little more for what I paid for. It was just an ok pedicure. I don't think I'll be back. read more

This nail place is my go to place! The nail shape and attention to details is the most beautiful part of the manicure and pedicures at Marlowe! Every single time I've had a manicure and pedicure from Marlowe people stare at my nails and ask me where I go, they're always shocked when they see the prices, but like I say! You get what you pay for! This is the best place for and manicure and pedicure. Color choices and brands are amazing the employees are all professional and amazing, atmosphere is amazing! It's all just amazing! Love this place read more

Went here for a manicure with my husband for my birthday. It was just first time and he was nervous. Appreciate that I was able to book online in advance. Place was super clean and inviting. The team was very helpful and helped us both feel relaxed. Treated us to drinks while we got our nails done. Wished the arm massage was a little stronger but overall good experience. Want to come back and try the pedicures. read more

So so overpriced!! I am glad that they are supposedly paying a living wage. I'm curious what it is because I spent $85 for the most disappointing, most basic looking pedicure. read more