First of all you need to know what you're getting into. This is not a fluff and buff light Swedish massage place. This is an old school wrestler's massage. If that's what you are looking for this might be the place to check out.
I needed a massage to help with sore muscles after a heavy workout. I had a long road trip later that day and needed some relief. I couldn't get a walk in appt at any of my usual mainstream massage spots and decided to try this place out. I called and they were able to get me in.
My visit went as follows:
1. Arrive and sit in the parking lot for a second working up the nerve to walk into the "Oriental Massage Parlor". Is this a legit place or am I going to be walking into a brothel. I finally gutted up and took the plunge.
2. When I walked in I was greeted by someone who seemed to be in charge. A short conversation took place with one of the practitioners and I was told it would be just a moment. The language barrier is a little frustrating and one of the reasons for the 3 star review.
3. On to the massage room. The practitioner asked what I was there for, but only needed to know for how long I was willing to pay. I opted for the 60 minute massage and was surprised at the $62 price tag "paid up front". That's the price many certified, trained, and polished places charge around town. Price is another reason for the 3 star review. If you're going to operate out of a dinghy converted office space your price should reflect that.
4. The massage was interesting. The practitioner instructed me to undress and left the room. I stripped down but kept my boxers on which is my usual protocol for a massage. When she came back into the room she was surprised to see any clothing and told me the oil they use would get on them. I explained that was ok and we moved on. She started by applying oil to my back for a few minutes to warm the muscles up before stepping up onto the table. Using the overhead bars to stabilize herself she used her feet and especially heels to provide what would have been an exquisite deep tissue massage over my shoulders, back and legs except for one thing. This thing is the final reason for the 3 star review. ROUGH FEET. If you're going to massage someone with your feet at least get a pedicure and get those puppies smoothed out first. Instead of being able to unwind as she worked deep into my sore muscles the scraping of her heels on my skin was a complete distraction and rather painful.
The massage technique itself was thorough. She used her feet to work deep into large muscle groups until they relaxed. After that she dismounted and used her hands to sooth them from the harsher deep tissue work. A quick wipe down with a warm wet towel "not sure why but it felt good" and I was asked to flip. The practitioner did as expected and held the modesty towel up to cover her line of site as if I were nude. She continued to work on my shoulders, neck, arms, chest, and stomach.
The treatment ended suddenly and jarred me back to reality. She was waiting by the door with a dixie cup of water and hit me up for a tip. I was expecting the tip part and kicked her $10 which seemed to satisfy.
Would I go back? Probably not.
Would this be the only place I ever went to again if they improved their image and focused on the details like having smooth feet? Absolutely.
Again, this is an old school man's massage. Do not go here expecting to be gently kneaded into lala land.
This is the kind of place that with proper marketing and someone to take care of the amateur issues could become a favorite Baton Rouge spot. It could easily become a higher end massage place with a nicer room as a waiting room, an English speaking receptionist, and attention to details like having smooth feet. I'm not sure the owners have that vision though. read more