A spa day to celebrate my birthday at the Salamander Spa in DC and I loved every minute of it! I was greeted by the receptionist and taken to the relaxation room as I waited to be taken to the spa area. I was given a brief tour of the facility and since I arrived 45 min before my service I was able to enjoy the infinity pool, steam room and sauna. The ice cold washcloths by the sauna were heavenly. Taquita did both my signature massage and my pure radiance facial. She was amazing! She took the time to ask me my pressure preferences and well, the rest is history. After my treatments, I enjoyed reading my book in the relaxation room while hydrating with the water that was provided. The snacks were also a nice touch. Will I be back? Yes, I think this might become a birthday tradition. read more

See all

Visited the Salamander Spa with a good friend on a Tuesday afternoon in December. I'll start by saying that the booking process was pretty awful. I suspect they are either understaffed or...something...because my friend had to put in several phone calls when the online system was giving us the blues. Once we got over that hurdle, things were pretty smooth sailing. I received several confirmations in advance and when I arrived the day of there were no issues or complications. For a long while, we had the lounge relaxation area to ourselves. The snacks were water, tea, pretzel bites, wasabi peas, and some kind of unsalted nut mix. Not the best spread but I did have my share of pretzel bites. Our massage therapists arrived promptly and on the other side of our services (90 minute massage for her and 60 minute body exfoliation followed by a 60 minute massage for me) we were both incredibly relaxed. We didn't use the steam room, pool, or sauna but I'll be sure to check those out next time. The services are pricey but the facilities are nice and I wouldn't hesitate to return. Special shoutout to my massage therapist. Duane was my tech and...he did that! Very professional from beginning to end, and very good at what he does. When I was checking out, somehow I was nearly charged for both my services and my friends. I was in such a relaxed state that I didn't catch it but the staff fortunately did. All things considered, a lovely experience. read more

Oh my goodness - I loved every part of my experience at salamander spa. The staff were amazing. I had Shakira for a facial and she did a great job - highly recommend. I've never done a full-blown day spa experience before, but I went with two friends for a celebration. The steam room was heavenly, and the sauna was clean and great. Ice cube falling wash cloths were the best. Everything was perfect and I can't thank everyone enough for a great experience we had. Thank you!!! read more

We were looking for a lovely spa to celebrate a life event while we were in Washington DC. Once the Mandarin, this spa experience was very restful. We had wonderful services, including massage and manicures. I was introduced to a wonderful manicure too was very passionate and knowledgeable about a natural vegan manicure product that she used on me. It is now my go to product. My manicure lasted for two weeks, which is very unusual without using UV light. We had a delicious meal on the water nearby. The quality of all of the service providers and spa personnel was wonderful. There are only saunas and Jacuzzi. No pool or other rest spots but the tea service in the welcome room was very nice and relaxing. read more

I almost never leave reviews, because I believe businesses deserve the benefit of the doubt. Unfortunately, that is not the case here. We booked a couple's massage for $450, expecting a hotel credit to apply. When we learned it wouldn't, we canceled well in advance. Despite this, the spa charged us the full $450 for services never rendered. They justified this by citing a cancellation policy we were never informed of, claiming it was outlined in a confirmation email we never received. There is simply no way this is a customer-first organization. It is mind-boggling that they believe it's acceptable to charge hundreds of dollars for nothing. Guests deserve transparency and fairness--you will not find it here. read more

The massage was fantastic ! I went last weekend after amenities had recently reopened. Was quite bummed that the steam room was not working. Could not figure out how to get the sauna hot either? The jacuzzi/hot tub, was a warm tub. On the ladies side, was told i needed to wear a bathing suit in the water. Would have loved to see bags to put my bathing suit in after the experience. Carrying my wet bathing suit out in my hands was awkward My partner said there was no suggestion to wear a bathing suit on the mens side. Another man was using it naked, and he also went in naked. Why the requirement for women only? He also said that his first time in the sauna it was warm, but when he went back post massage to use it, he too could not figure out how to warm it up. The box over the controls was locked. People are walking through but neither of us saw anyone when we would have wanted a hot sauna, no signs about how to turn it on, so we gave up on that I will say that the attendant showed me how to turn on the bubbles for the hot tub/jaccuzi. So that was nice, but still, not as warm as I'd have enjoyed. Like a tepid bath. The robes were very soft and nice. And the massage was truly fantastic. Would go again for the massage itself. Felt pretty meh about the amenities. As we opted for a couples massage, i do wish there had been a space where we could have relaxed together prior to our treatment as opposed to being alone in the tranquility rooms. The smell of the entire spa was wonderful. The 'spa water' could use more fruit in it. The tea selection was nice. The small cookies were okay. Apples were available also. read more

Everything went well, massage therapist was awesome, very attentive & made excellent suggestions to enhance my experience. Spa staff was great & very friendly, every last staff member acknowledged me while in the spa. read more

I have been going to this spa for years. After it was acquired by Salamander, at some point they changed the policy and spa guests can no longer use the pool that is still shown in the pictures of the spa by this spa. When I arrived for my treatment and was given a tour of the spa, I was very disappointed to be informed only at that time that spa guests can no longer use the pool. For guests that have been to this spa for years, this was not clearly disclosed or stated anywhere and was a huge disappointment when I arrived. Given the price of services, I find it shocking that the hotel now excludes spa guests from using the pool. Also, several pictures of the spa and current reviews in articles show pictures of the pool - which is not false and misleading given the change in policy. My massage was good, but I can find a good massage at many places in DC. One of the things that set this spa above others was pool access, combined with the other spa amenities. Now that the pool is gone, in my opinion, it is not worth the price point. If you enjoy relaxing in a pool when you go to the spa, look elsewhere and do not go to Salamander DC! read more

Came here for a spa day with a friend post renovations and it was so relaxing i need come back again! Beautiful facility, lovely jacuzzi and steam room. The water, tea, and snacks are a nice touch. Only complaints are that my masseuse was a little late to pick me up and took a very long time to get set up and started, which ate into my massage time significantly. It seems like the masseuses are not given their own rooms so they have to set up when you arrive? And someone was watching loud videos on their phone in the jacuzzi area. Nonetheless, service was impeccable, the staff was lovely, and ambiance was perfect. Highly recommend. read more

I scheduled at 90 minute massage with Lisan, and it was without doubt the best I have ever experienced. Lisan's touch is expert and effective, and she has a lovely, calming presence. I came away relaxed and rejuvenated. The spa facilities are excellent. I loved the vitality pool and the sauna. The robes and towels were plush, and the changing rooms well appointed. The overall vibe is luxurious and indulgent. Definitely a special treat! read more

Wow! This has had to be the best spa experience I've had. For my birthday, my husband surprised me with a 80 min facial and 80 massage. The entire experience was luxury and absolutely amazing. The vibe is chic and relaxing. After my facial I got so many compliments on my skin! I was glowing and felt amazing after my massage. I wish I could remember my lady's name, if it comes back to me I'll edit the review!! read more

Probably the best massage of my life with Tonyce. Love the place for a splurge. Warm pool is fantastic, too

Special place great spa wonderful people. Wow. Wow. Wow. Will be back!!! Love the hotel too. Great restaurant!!!

Arlene played voided me with an AMAZING massage! It was clear that she is professional and knowledgeable of her craft. I highly recommend her and will return! The spa itself at the Hotel Salamander is superb! The facility is beautiful and of high quality! read more

This was perhaps the worst massage I have ever had. The massage technician was indifferent and lazy. It was supposed to be 60 minutes long and was only 50 minutes. I have had many experiences in hotels, on cruise ships, and in small owners spas and this takes the prize for the worst. And it was expensive. My son and daughter in law gave this to me as a pre-wedding spoiler day and it was not what I had hoped. The manicure and pedicure were much better but the heat in the room was stifling and I could barely breathe. I checked the wall thermostat as I left and it was set to 82 degrees! I have difficulty with mobility issues and the spa is 2-storied. The elevator was about a 50 yard walk to get to and then it was another 50 back to the front desk. Then, when I went to get dressed there were 3 very rude young women who had spread their stuff all over the locker room and there was no place for me to sit in order to get dressed. What should have been a relaxing, lovely day turned out to be a huge disappointment and a huge waste of money. read more

WOW!! The BEST massage I've had in DC!! Taquita and Latrice took amazing care of my husband and I for a couple's massage. We were treated incredibly well, can't recommend Salamander Spa highly enough. Can't wait to go back!! read more

My daughters and I went to the Salamander DC spa this past sunday and had a wonderful experience. We each had massages and facials. Lisann was absolutely wonderful - highly recommend! read more

Beautiful location, stunning facility with friendly staff and most importantly hard core spa services to make you look and feel great. The energy here is transformative, with a knowledgeable staff that is eager to share their knowledge of trending products and services. I want to still look good after I leave so I love when the staff recommends products that will prolong all their hard work on me. The first thing that hits you is the smell, so lovely and gentle tickling your nose and encouraging the rest of your body to just walk through the door. On this trip I had the pleasure of being placed into the nurturing hands of Stella, a beautiful and kind soul with nurturing and healing hands. Stella is a Master Esthetician, Stella has continued her education over the years and is passionate about skin care, massage and the happiness of ones inner soul. I opted for the Hydrafacial ( My go to treatment) after assessing my skin she let me know that there was another lifting facial that would probably suit my skin a bit better. I tried it and LOVED it!! I immediately signed myself up for a CBD massage for the next day. Once again she did not disappoint I was drooling 20 minutes in ( sorry Stella lol ) The Spa itself has many additional amenities that are free should you want to try them. I did them all, the wet steam room was my favorite, a hot tub the size of a small swimming pool, an open shower type room with cool misting water, hot jets, and waterfall type shower. A tranquility room with loungers and custom spa snacks from a local bakery as well as Chamomile tea and citrus infused water ( all complimentary) The staff is warm and friendly, everyone here operates in a Zen and peace only zone an infectious energy that cloaked me throughout my stay and even lingered throughout my journey home. I cannot say enough good things about this Spa, truly up there with the best of the best. 5 star service, 5 star facility, 5 star products all top of the line and a 10 star staff, You guys knocked it out of the park, obsessive fan for life : ) read more

My mother, sister and I enjoyed an afternoon at the Salamander Spa in DC and had an absolutely amazing experience. The hotel, formerly the Mandarin Oriental, is beautifully decorated and the facilities for the spa, though not very large was very nice. From the moment you arrive, the women at the reception desk were very professional. As mentioned, the facilities are not very large but we all found the amethyst steam room and hydrotherapy spa/hot tub to be just what we needed. My sister and mother had Stella for the Dreamcatcher 80 minute massage while I had Latrice for the same treatment. None of us could stop raving about our masseuse. Latrice was just what I needed and very attentive to the areas where I needed her to be. I felt so relaxed and in better shape after my massage. I can't say enough about the services here and can't wait to return! The cocktail at the end was just the cherry on top! read more