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    The Knotstop

    4.3 (555 reviews)
    ModerateMassage, Skin Care
    Closed 9:00 am - 9:45 pm

    By appointment only

    Request an appointment

    Response time

    10 minutes

    Response rate

    100%

    Services - The Knotstop

    Massage

    Deep tissue massage

    Hot stone massage

    8 More Services

    Lymphatic drainage massage

    Myofascial massage

    Neuromuscular massage

    Prenatal massage

    Reflexology massage

    Sports massage

    Swedish massage

    Trigger point massage

    The Knotstop Photos

    Recommended Reviews - The Knotstop

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    Danii V.

    Nice place Amazing massage The receptionists were polite and greeted me upon my arrival. There's jewelry crystals and so mic more cool things available to view or purchase near the checkout area outside of the lounge. I like that they have a lounge area with hot tea and water you can enjoy while you wait for your massage therapist. The vibe is very comfy cozy. My therapist was Mateo and his hands are magical !! I really appreciated that he kept asking if everything was okay during the massage it allowed me to relax a little more knowing he could adjust if necessary. The pressure was perfect ! I added cupping to my massage for the first time and it feels like that helped with certain stress/tense spots on my back- I'm so happy they offer it as a "add-on". I arrived with extremely sore and tight muscles and left feeling so relaxed. Although the price is a bit more expensive than other 60/90 minute massages at other places I would definitely recommend. Parking note : there is street parking available on the same street as the location - you have to pay via scanning or using kiosk There's also free spots available near StPaul Cathedral just a block or two over (walking distance)

    Erica P.

    After my first visit to the Knotstop I decided to invest in the monthly membership. Initially, I tried out a few different Massage Therapists, but felt that Ryan was the best fit for deep tissue work. Ryan is courteous, checks-in on pressure often, and is incredibly strong! I've been doing a lot of weightlifting lately, and have been having pain in my left hamstring, and in my forearms/hands from too much typing and texting. Ryan has been really helpful to address these problems spots and has helped me stay in tiptop shape! I've become a big fan of the Knotstop, it's worth the drive from Tierrasanta!

    William K.

    I had a 60-minute Organic Men's Facial with Lindsay and it was relaxing, therapeutic and enriching. I've been seeing Lindsay since 2016 and I love that she is still dependable and working for The Knotstop. She's experienced and knowledgeable about facial products and I love the eminence line that she uses on me. I've learned a lot from her about facial care and I love seeing her every month for many different kinds of facials that are organic or clinical if you want something more corrective. Thank you Lindsay and The Knotstop San Diego!

    Cute lounge

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    1 year ago

    Great service, very clean, relaxing. Highly recommend JENNI as a therapist. She is amazing

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    2 years ago

    Lydia was wonderful. Just wonderful. Upper back and neck feel millions better and she was very pleasant. I will be coming back

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    2 years ago

    Mateo is a relaxing presence and a skilled masseur! Very good at working out my tight back and shoulders after a long day of desk work.

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    Page 1 of 14

    Ask the Community - The Knotstop

    Hello, I was given a gift certificate for my birthday and haven't been able to use it, do gift certificates have an expiration date?

    Hello Kate, Gift Certificates never expire. You can use them toward any service we offer.… Read more

    I've never received a massage before. Is tipping expected?

    Tipping is standard with Massage, though, of course not required. Most people, on average leave around 20% for gratuity.

    Is there a sign up fee to sign up for the membership? Is there a cancellation fee to cancel the membership?…

    Hello! We charge a one time sign up fee of $10. On the first of each month, you simply prepay for your monthly service then come in any time that month to use it. If you miss a month for any reason, your service simply rolls over to the next month.… Read more

    Hello! Wondering if all of your staff has been fully vaccinated against covid-19? Thanks :)

    Hello! Yes, our employees are vaccinated. We have a mask mandate in place as well for all employees regardless of vaccination status. We also sanitize all touch surfaces in between each appointment, including the lounge between guest usage.… Read more

    Is there free parking?

    Hello Leslie, there is free parking on 6th and 3rd, as well as the side streets around the Knotstop. The only metered areas are on 4th and 5th.

    Don’t See Your Question? Ask Away!

    Review Highlights - The Knotstop

    I have been going to the Knot Stop for years and have been fortunate to repeatedly find great massage therapists there.

    Mentioned in 113 reviews

    Read more highlights

    Emerald Massage Therapy

    Emerald Massage Therapy

    4.8(160 reviews)
    1.2 miDowntown
    $$
    Available by appointment
    Certified professionals

    Phenomenal massage from Annie! I was sore after my flight and walking 20k steps so I wanted a good…read moremassage. I am sure glad I found her! Top notch professional with great technique! Her dog is so nice too. I really enjoyed playing with him. Very rare breed. The room is very comfy. They have two rooms. One is ice cold. I recommend the colder room. The massage table comfy. I would definitely come by and give her a try. When I am San Diego this will be my go to for massages! Thanks again for the amazing experience!

    The business is located inside the Westin Hotel, on the fourth floor. We did street parking a…read morecouple blocks away and followed the instructions given to us. I was excited for my birthday massage and it was a letdown for the most part. We booked for a 90min couple's massage and they asked us what kind of pressure we both liked. I asked for medium on my back and firm on my legs and my husband asked for medium. Based on our answers, I assumed that the two masseuse assigned themselves to us accordingly. My masseuse was the older female and within the first 15min, I was ready to leave. I started off face down and she noticed a few knots on neck and shoulder area but then had me turn over onto my back after a short while of massaging there. I was confused but complied. She then started massaging down the middle of my breasts and then my stomach. I had to ask her to stop massaging my stomach. Then she started massaging my arms but it wasn't even deep long strokes, just a pinching motion with her hands. The kicker was when she was whipping my arm up and down like it was a rope. She did both arms and then when she got to my left leg, she did the pinching motion again along with some other random strokes. Somehow she massaged so high up my leg, her hands grazed my vagina!! I flinched and moved my body away. I'm sure it was an accident but still .. like what the hell? Within the 15-20mins, I asked her at least 3-4x to add more pressure and she would apply medium pressure and then go down to light-medium pressure. She was surprised by my request and kept commenting that she doesn't usually have this problem with people. I am shocked because I usually have to either ask people for less pressure or ask them only 1-2x for more pressure during the whole session, not this constant asking I had to do with her within the 15-20min with her. I knew I would have been more upset if I tolerated this entire massage and told her politely and embarrassingly that this massage was not working for me. The younger female masseuse (the owner) thanked me for speaking up and offered to switch. I reluctantly agreed but honestly felt bad because I didn't want my husband to endure the older female masseuse. I actually wanted to leave but I was embarrassed already about making things more awkward so I said Ok since my husband was ok with switching. The owner had me turn over back onto my stomach so I was face down and I realized she was about to step onto my back when I felt her foot on me. I asked her politely not to and she complied. I wish this was discussed prior the massage. The owner was much better than the older female masseuse, she had long deep strokes and used her elbows and the heel of her hands than the pinching motion. I had her for the remainder of the massage and only had to ask her 2x for more pressure, and at one point, even asked for a little bit less pressure. She maintained her pressure throughout the massage. She did my back and the back of my legs. I'm bummed that my right leg and both front of my legs didn't get addressed but I am glad I did not have to sit through the whole massage feeling like it was a complete waste of my time and money. My husband agreed that the other lady was not as good and he didn't like how she whipped his arms up and down either. 90min massages are pricey nowadays and so I want to leave feeling happy and money well spent but we left feeling so-so about the experience.

    Photos
    Emerald Massage Therapy - The Westin hotel Front desk

    The Westin hotel Front desk

    Emerald Massage Therapy - Special Candles For Couples

    Special Candles For Couples

    Emerald Massage Therapy - Spa is in the Westin Hotel building ‍

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    Spa is in the Westin Hotel building ‍

    The Knotstop - massage - Updated May 2026

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