2.5 stars = 3.5 star Massage - 1 star Pedicure
BOOKING
They had decent availability as long as you booked about a week or so ahead. I wasn't able to get through their direct line and kept getting to an answering machine, so I called the hotel directly to transfer me to the spa. The person I spoke to was nice and booked me for a pedicure first, then massage back-to-back evening appointment; I did ask if I could get a massage first, but that was what was available. I mentioned my Groupon, and she said to bring a print-out of the voucher. I inquired about use of the facilities, and she told me I would have time after my appointment. Although I didn't leave a message, I did get a callback from the multiple missed calls.
PARKING
The spa does offer valet validated parking for $25 for up to 5 hours at the hotel on-site, as opposed to the $36 full-price. However, I parked around the corner at 280 Congress Street garage for $12, flat rate for nights and weekends.
CHECK-IN
I arrived 30 minutes before my appointment and filled out a form describing any special attention for each service. I was then given a robe and sandals and directed into the locker room. There was no mention of time restraints for use of the spa facilities or any changes to my appointment. The locker room is tiny but is a clean and nice space. I like the functionality of the push-button code on the lockers, although the first one I tried didn't work.
ESSENTIAL PEDICURE
After changing into my robe, I waited in the treatment area for my pedicure. After waiting a few minutes, I was worried when my appointment time came and I still hadn't been called. I asked for help and shortly after, the "nail tech" Yeti came for me. The nail room was small with only 2 manicure tables and 2 pedicure seats. Abysmal polish collection with few color options and old paint. At the prices they charge, they should be carrying fresh bottles all the time. I prefer CND over OPI and Essie, but they only had a few bottles and no red color: seriously questionable. Yeti was nice, but, not to be rude, I don't know how she has been able to get and keep this job. Worst pedicure I've ever gotten. The only real pleasant experience was the paraffin wax, which earns the 1 star. I did not get a foot massage as stated in the service description and was left alone during the paraffin wax. The paint job was so, so bad. She painted very messily and kept correcting, but it still came out botched. The CND top coat she used on me was really old and running out, but she kept trying to use that bottle. Because she ran over my appointment time, she said to come back as I surely would get smudged during my massage.
SWEDISH MASSAGE
I was originally booked with Luz but was switched to Peter instead with no notice. Peter was very nice and friendly. I already ran a few minutes into my appointment thanks to my pedicure, which should have left me with 10 minutes to spare. At the beginning of my massage, he asked if I had a hair tie, but I had left it in my locker, so he said he'd go get one for me, which took more time out of my appointment. The massage itself was very good. Peter did an amazing job on my back with good technique, although I am experiencing a little pain in my shoulders. He barely did my legs, which was disappointing. Although I genuinely enjoyed my conversation with Peter, I kind of wish I was able to fully relax without talking. He ended the appointment right on time at the 50-minute mark, which meant I lost about 10 minutes of the massage due to the over-run pedicure appointment and hair tie situation. In the treatment area, another masseuse had been handing out cards and offering a discount on her clients' next appointments.
AFTER APPOINTMENT
I went back to Yeti to fix a couple smudges. She finally said the CND top coat was bad and asked if she could use a regular top coat instead, which was fine. She told me to dry 15 minutes before swimming. As I was drying, the staff were dumping ice into the nail room sink, so when I finished drying, I asked how long the pool would be open for. I was told 30 minutes. I was shocked as I wanted to use the pool and gym after my appointment and was told I would have time to. I was also then told the gym was open 24-hours for hotel guests only. I decided to swim laps anyway with the little time I had left. Once I saw it was almost 9 PM, I got out to rinse and dry off. While I was toweling off, a staff member came to let us know that the door to the pool automatically locks at 9:00. So I rushed out still wet. I then went to the steam room. I was in there for no longer than 5 minutes before a staff member alerted me that the locker room was closing in 10 minutes, so I rushed out again to quickly shower and change. Seriously, I'm at a spa to relax but have never felt so rushed. There was no mention of time restraints on their website or in person. They should notify clients. This spa absolutely needs improvement before I would revisit. read more