Start with the positive. The owner has many positive reviews as a masseuse. She is booked way out, so unfortunately, I was unable to go to her. She also has obviously worked hard to build this business. It was her who communicated with me about the appointment, directions, etc., not the masseuse. I give her 5 stars.
As to the negative - I will address 2 of her masseuses, without calling them out. Maybe their technique just wasn't for me or they were having a bad day. I had booked an appointment awhile ago with one of the masseuses, at their previous business. I confirmed & received several reminders up to the night before. Day of, I receive a txt msg "unfortunately I have to cxl our appt". No sorry, explanation, rebook, nothing. So unprofessional. They had a 48 hr cxl policy, but apparently my time is worth nothing. I wld never use this person.
The masseuse I did use had several good reviews, hence why I picked them. I arrived to a dark office. Not dark, relaxing, but dark, moody. The massage I got was below average & quite strange. I was freezing when my back was exposed. A lot of time spent on areas that not only weren't problematic, but no masseuse ever, has concentrated on these parts. I was never asked if I was comfortable or if the pressure was ok. When I got up from the table, I could barely stand. They had done something to mess up my back. The opposite of what I should have felt like. I was not offered water after the massage (a first for me) & never asked if I needed to use the restroom (another first). Then after the below average massage, in a non inviting space, I'm given the tip suggestions - high to very high. I tip well for a good massage. I'm guessing the masseuses give part of the earnings to the owner, so may be more dependent on tips. But if the Peppermill asks me for 20%, I'm paying for a pampered spa experience. This was far from that. Since this person had some good reviews, either they gave others a better massage, or their clients don't know what a good massage feels like. Maybe the office was dreary due to the masseuse who was there making it that way. Maybe someone would like their technique. Maybe the masseuse that used to be elsewhere was having a bad day when she sent me a rude, last minute cancelation. Therefore, I would not say that people should not try this place. Again, I have respect for the owner and her hard work. There are several masseuses to work with. I would suggest communicating with the owner as to which one she might suggest. I did leave a tip, as was being stared at by the masseuse as they looked at what I was giving them. They deserved zero tip. I mean, no masseuse ever, has messed up my back, allowed me to be cold, or been completely aloof throughout the massage. Total waste of time and money. read more