Imagine planning a relaxing getaway to Hot Springs, hoping to get an appointment for a bath at one…read moreof the legendary bathhouses, and after repeatedly calling and even visiting in person, you can but then you can't. This was our experience with the Quapaw bathhouse.
We first tried to book online. Since I wanted to book both my husband and I, it was suggested that we call, so we did before our visit to Hot Springs. I expected to talk to a receptionist since we called in the afternoon during their regular business hours, but we got their voicemail. I left a message to please call us back so that we could book an appointment during our stay.
After not receiving a call back after a day or two, we decided to visit in person once we got there. We waited in line at the Quapaw. I was excited because it looked so nice and relaxing inside. There were about 5 receptionists at a long counter, and after about 10 minutes one pulled us aside. We asked if there was any availability in the next couple of days while we were there. The receptionist looked iffy at first, then pulled up the information I had added when I tried to book online and told us she had a 2:30 open and blocked it off in their system for my husband and I. She was explaining to us who our masseuses would be, adding the kind of aromatherapy we liked, and that we needed to arrive ahead of time. As she went to swipe our credit card, she and another staff member started talking about our appointment. Apparently a staff member named J.J. overruled the time our receptionist blocked off for us seconds earlier and booked another couple that walked in behind us, but I guess J.J. was a faster typer? Maybe?
We still don't know, because once she realized it was double booked we were told too bad, that's all they had, and nothing could be done about it. My husband and I looked at each other puzzled, like "what just happened"? So in essence, they booked us then canceled us. I even got a welcome email, then a cancellation email that I'm still scratching my head over.
After pretty much saying "sorry, too bad" in front of the other people waiting in line, they all went back signing people in like we weren't even there. It was really awkward and not to mention a big disappointing let down.
My husband and I left, stunned as to having an appointment, then not, not to mention the treatment after...and not really knowing what to do about it
After talking about it, we decided to call to speak to someone about our experience, since maybe that was just a bad day. I've called, I've emailed, and I still haven't received anything back, not even an I'm sorry.
My husband and I are on our way home, and we still haven't heard back from anyone at the Quapaw. I even waited to post this hoping we might. We got to do some really fun things in Hot Springs. The Quapaw experience or in a way "no" experience left us kind of down and not to mention kind of angry. Just so weird. I expected so much more than "sorry, bye", but that's exactly what it was. Fair warning to all.