This little spa is a hidden gem. Found it on Yelp and went because of the reviews. As usual, Yelpers never fail! I booked a 90-minute combo Thai-Swedish and it was AMAZING. Kate worked her magic, especially on the ever-present knots below my shoulder blades, and I was so relaxed when she finished, I honestly didn't think I was going to be able to get up and leave. I have already booked another appointment with Kate in 2 weeks. She was very sweet and a good masseuse! The atmosphere is just as a spa should be-no matter how big or small. It was clean, tranquil, and most important to me, and unlike a lot of bigger, maybe more well-known spas, all of the ladies there were NICE and WELCOMING. The music they play is perfect for the occasion and it's not overly loud like some places (can't stand that and makes it hard to relax). If you are looking for a good Thai and/or Swedish massage, you should definitely try this place. Their services are very reasonable, and much better than a lot of the more expensive places I've gone to. Definitely recommend! read more

I got a 90 minutes for $45 deal on Living Social. The place is nice and clean. Parking and appointment are easy. Everyone seems very nice there. They assigned Ms. M to me. She paused or fell asleep at least 10+ times during the 90 minutes session. Not that great but I can't really complain for this price. They told me to leave a yelp review so that I will get the same deal when I go back next time. Think I will go back again but for sure I will ask for a different person. read more

I went here a few days ago with a living social and had an amazing experience! The massage will leave you a little sore but they really get the knots out! I got the 90 minute massage and it left me very relaxed. The ambiance and spa-like environment isn't too fancy and the rooms are quite small, but for the price the massage is well worth it! Make sure you take a change of clothes as they will use a good amount of oil for the aromatherapy massage. read more

I got the $35 deal for 60min massage on LivingSocial. The area is not the most attractive location, but parking is available and FREE. I arrived 30min prior to my appointment, and they let us in to our room to relax in the meantime of our schedule appointment. I just had a back muscle spasm recently, and I was barely able to move. The ladies were really nice, and they knew exactly where to hit "The Spot." She was very gentle, but firm. The other lady massaging my friend had a runny-nose, she kept getting out to blow it. Poor thing! ...but it kinda sucked for my friend for her interrupted massage. After my massage, I was very relaxed, and I was able to move in some-what less pain that I had when I walked in. For the price, is definitely a MUST-GO!!! ...while it lasts. read more

I love, love, love this place! Last week (the day before Thanksgiving), I was finishing up with a stressful week at work and gearing up for the holidays to come. It's no surprise that my chronic back pain started acting up and I was in a world of hurt. In a desperate search for an affordable massage, I turned to Living Social. Enter Dara Spa. When I came across the promotion on Living Social, I thought it was too good to be true--$49 for a 90 minute massage?! Amazing! I snatched up that deal as fast as my fingers could enter my CC number and dialed them up to get an appointment. Not only did they have an appointment that evening at the perfect time, but they were extremely accommodating when I later realized that the coupon wasn't supposed to go into effect for 24 hours. I called back to ask if I could still use the coupon that day. I was almost in tears from the thought that I may have to wait until after the holiday weekend to get some relief for my back pain and was ready to beg or offer my first born in exchange for their cooperation. But there were no tears, there was no begging, and my first born will only know me to be its mother. They told me it would be no problem and that they'd see me later that evening. When I arrived, parking was a cinch and I was welcomed in the lobby with a friendly smile. I then met "M", my soon-to-be masseuse. What a delightful person! From the get go, she showed me proper hospitality. She was fairly quiet at first, but about an hour into the massage we struck up a conversation and she offered pearls of worldly wisdom and genuine interest in my story. But let's not forget about the most important part--the massage! It was 90 minutes of pure heaven! M asked about my problems and felt around, offering her advice about what kind of massage would be most appropriate. My entire back was full of knots and by the end of the massage whatever knots were not completely gone (There was absolutely no way ANYONE could have gotten rid of all of my knots.) were broken up and on their way to being eradicated. After my massage was finished, I walked back into the lobby, intoxicated by the smell of my own skin (Whatever lotion they use it great. It's soft, slightly herbal, slightly sweet, and appropriate for both men and women.) and grabbed the complimentary bottle of water they had waiting for me. I felt so warm and relaxed and invigorated that the only thing I could think about was how soon I would be able to come back! read more

I've been coming here once a month for over a year. Everyone has always been beyond friendly and professional. It is always clean, they are always on schedule, and accommodating to my last minute calls for appointments. I have never specified who I would like massaging my - every time I get someone wonderful. Last time it was Em. She was attentive and spent extra time working out some horrible horrible knots I had deep in my shoulders. You can obviously ask for harder/softer, but I needed these knots out - she REALLY worked on those suckers! I love this place. I live in North Hollywood and I drive past 100 spas to get to Dara. read more

A friend sent me a gift certificate for this spot so the wife and I checked it out for a couple's massage. It's a small mom/pop parlor, clean with private rooms. Nothing fancy but the price was ridiculous good and the girls were professional and hit all the right spots....ya know that knot of muscle I had in my upper shoulder blade area....it's gone now too, thanks to some tiny Asian girl's elbow. We had a 60 minute Thai mixed with Swedish massage and were given the choice of hard, medium or soft, we chose the medium. At one point the girls crawled on top of us with elbows and knees finding muscles I didn't know existed, part of the process but through me off for a sec. Overall, I liked getting the massage and would recommend Apple. When we left they handed us coupons that even beat the Yelp deal so they're doing some marketing at the moment. read more

I've been to this place twice. The first time was great. Like many other Yelpers, I arrived at their door with a voucher from Living Social for a $35 hour long massage. I was greeted by Apple who is incredibly sweet. Apparently she had an appointment with another client, but that person was late so she worked on lucky me instead. She was one of the most skilled masseuses I've ever had and I've received around a dozen Thai massages. Unfortunately, I have to subtract two stars because there was another employee who was not so skilled or attentive. I had another masseuse for my second time who, for some reason, believed she knew where I was hurting better than I did. I told her I had pain in my lower back but she insisted I needed work done on my shoulders instead. I was bewildered but I didn't argue. The massage might still have been ok, but she seemed inexperienced and worked halfheartedly. I had to remind her that I asked for a harder massage. Long story short: I walked out of there a little disappointed and still in quite a bit of pain. I may give this place another chance, but I would first call to make an appointment with Apple or one of the masseuses other Yelpers have recommended. It seems you can either have a great experience or a very poor one depending on who you get. You also have to be open minded about being placed in a small dark room. The ambience is a little different from your usual massage parlor. read more

After having to ask for another therapist to come in because my initial therapist talked way too much and just didn't understand the concept of deep tissue...and then after ending the massage early because the second therapist had only one move she would do over and over again,,,I give this place a thumbs down. I know it has many high reviews. I just didn't have that experience. They seemed unskilled and unprofessional. read more

I absolutely loved this place! Boo was my masseuse and she was AMAZEBALLZ!!!! I scheduled my massage on Christmas Eve morning. There was no traffic so the ride over was smooth. When I arrived I was assisted immediately. Upon entering the room she asked me what were my trouble spots. I told her and nothing was said after that , I was able to relax and she knew what spots to hit for relief. I had decided on the combo Thai/Swedish. Boo did the right amount of stretching my limbs as well as rub sore areas. When it was all said and done I left there feeling relief in my neck and shoulder. I think I found my Thai Boo (lol) she's Thai and her name is Boo :) read more

I was given a Living Social coupon for a 60 min massage as a gift and finally had time to use it today and I'm glad I did. It was easy to get a same day appointment. When I arrived, I was pleased to discover they have their own parking lot and I found a space right away. As I entered I was greeted nicely and immediately noticed the place seemed clean and well decorated. My masseuse was Em. She was great! When I pointed out areas of my back that were hurting me, she was very attentive and spent the time and energy to work out the knots! It was the best massage that I've had in a while and I will go again! read more

So my girlfriend and I went here with 2 $35 GroupOn coupons. For the price, I would actually give this place 4/5 stars, but I'm writing from a no-biased standpoint. The massages were pretty good, but a little off. For example, my gf said at first she wasn't sure if they were licensed or knew what they were doing. Also, out of the 60-min massage I swear at least 15-20 mins was spent on my left leg for no reason. Nevertheless they felt really really good. I'd definitely come back on my own for the price. The main reason I'd give it 3/5 instead of 4/5 was because of the facility. Cheap walls, construction, just cheap. We went to Tao of Venus Wellness Center & Spa closer to where we were visiting a week later and holy God. So good. But twice as expensive. The reason I bring it up is because their facility is very very nice. What you'd expect for a place of relaxation. So all in all I'd absolutely recommend this place if you're looking for a great massage on the cheaper side. read more

I been to other location and had different therapists and they been ok, but I found the one that gets right to my knots and kinks and makes my stress float away.. I will be selfish and not say her name because I hadn't her to be available when I need her . See ya soon read more

I'm so sad that this place was far below my expectations especially after reading about all the positive reviews on Groupon. Positives: Reservations were easy to make via Groupon website. Although the parking lot was small, there were plenty of parking. Negatives: In the survey before the couples massage, it asks you to check the areas of the body you want the masseuse to focus on. I marked my shoulders and neck along with my laidback. However, during my whole 60 minute massage, the masseuse clearly did not read my preferences because all she did was focus on little bit of every part of the body and VERY little on the places I have marked. Although they asked for the preference of pressure on the survey as well, the masseuse failed to put medium pressure, rather I felt like I was just rubbed in different places here and there rather than getting a massage. After the massage, my boyfriend and I discussed that we had similar experiences. I was very disappointed in my experience here because I really looked forward to this spa as it was highly recommended on Groupon. :( read more

I have been going here for a long time and will always come back. You could find great massage therapists here. I forget the name of my therapist. She will scan my body right away and will adjust the amount of pressure needed to get rid of the knots. I really like her. She make me feel better. THANK YOU SO MUCH Dara Spa !!!!! I'll be back read more

Had a GREAT massage at Dara Spa today! I got a great deal on Amazon Local and just enjoyed 90 mins of bliss as M worked out the knots that had been bothering me for a while. She gave me a great Thai massage w/ good pressure (strong but relaxing enough that I could zone out and not be in pain over it). 90 mins went way too fast - will need to go back to see her again soon! The spa itself is pretty "no frills" but the room & bedding were all clean and the woman at the front desk spoke English and was very accommodating - all in all, a great experience that I would definitely recommend to those who are in need of a good massage. read more

My friend and I bought Groupons for a 60 minute Thai/Swedish Combo Massage. Dara did an amazing job (it was my first Thai Massage) and we would definitely go back. All the women working are very sweet. Now just a little information: if you are expecting some top notch spa with décor, a sea breeze and white everything lol, this is NOT the place for you. It does have a calm ambiance, but the walls are somewhat bare, the rooms are small and the pretest part of this establishment is in the front. But that does not take away from the friendliness of the staff and the amazing massages they give. read more

The hot stone massage was great! Candi does an amazing job! And the prices r inexpensive! Only reason they didn't get 5 stars was because the parking is so-so and it is right next to a laundry mat where I could hear some rumblings. If I lived in the area it would be my go to spot. read more

Patty changed my life!! I had three weeks of sleeping on a cot in a hospital. It killed my already messed up back, shoulders and neck. I told her my issues and she was lazor focused on those areas. I've had Thai massage before and wasn't totally sold on the experience but I do loooooovveee the Thai/Swedish combo that is offered at Dara. They have great specials and I will be telling all my friends about this place! read more

I rarely ever write on yelp. I just think that I needed to because the service is always amazing! I have had Kate and Candii and they were both great and attentive. Great parking! Great customer service! I always get the best massage! I will continue to go back. I have been there 5 times already in the last 2 months! read more

Been here a couple of times with and without a Groupon. I always enjoy the service, the only drawback is that you really have to communicate on what you want, since they don't seem to read the card on your preferences. The place is cheap if you're looking to get your basic Thai/Swedish massage and will stick to that 60 minute time slot if you requested that. Did I mention parking is a breeze too? read more

My go to massage place! Pat is my girl! Everyone here is super sweet. Clean and affordable prices. Definitely recommend.

The massages are great and I would give 5 stars, but I do have a big critique that I hope the owner will take to heart. Recently, I brought in a gift certificate for a 60-minute massage and I handed it to the front desk when I checked in. I had a great massage and after I was dressed, I had $20 in hand to tip my masseuse, but when I got to the front desk, I was told that my gift certificate was expired, even though there was nothing written on it to indicate an expiration date. Instead, they pulled out their ledger and showed me a log that noted that I had purchased the gift certificate at a $10 discounted rate in 2015. They then told me that the certificate expired after one year and that I would need to pay $10 more. According to California law, as of August 22, 2010, gift certificates cannot expire. If it were a coupon, it may have been a different story, but the other issue is that it's not okay to try and shake me down for more money AFTER I've already gotten the massage. If there is an issue, address it beforehand. Also, the gift certificate did not have a monetary value listed on it. It simply said that it was good for a 60-minute massage and that's what I redeemed it for. Clearly, this expiration date and $10 shake-down is a policy coming from the owner. Maybe he thinks Groupon's policies apply to his gift certificates, but I'd suggest that the owner learn the difference between a gift certificate and a third-party voucher/coupon. I like this place and I don't want it to go out of business because of ignorant stuff like this. After much back and forth, they relented. I just wish we hadn't had the uncomfortable conversation in the first place. Why risk losing a repeat customer because you want to nickel and dime me? If you think the price you're offering people is too generous, don't offer that price. What is just silly to me is that their flyers and coupons value a 60-minute massage at $100 (which is not even what their massages are priced at). They don't offer the amenities and ambience of a place that would charge $100 for a 60-minute massage. This is a no-frills budget massage parlor not a high-end spa. Their prices are low and comparable to the prices at other thai massage places, which is why they can't actually charge $100. If they did, no one would come here. I get that owning a small business is tough, but alienating your repeat clients isn't going to help keep that business going. That all being said, every time I've come, the massages have felt wonderful, and my appointment with Ruby was no exception. I'm a repeat customer, I refer friends, and I tip very generously...and I do these things because, generally, I enjoy my experience with them. I'll give them another shot, and here's hoping that my next review will reflect a more positive experience. read more

Loved Dara! Staff is extremely nice and helpful. Had major soreness in my upper back and neck area. The massage therapist was very professional and knew exactly what to do to get those stubborn knots out. I recommend Dara to anyone looking for a comfortable/affordable massage. read more

I purchased a deal on Living Social which got me 90 minutes for $49. I must say it was well worth it!! When I arrived at the spa, I was greeted by the woman at the desk and led to my massage room. She then asked, what kind of massage I preferred and told me to get ready. I didn't have to wait long before my masseuse M came in. One look at me and M pointed out my bad shoulders saying "This is not good!". She was very personable and we talked a bit about our New Years Celebrations as she began to work her magic. I felt fully relaxed with M, she genuinely seemed to care about fixing me! When I left, I was offered a bottle of water and a piece of candy. M told me to return soon to make sure that we can fully fix all the problems in my shoulders. Right after leaving the spa, I noticed a HUGE difference and improvement in my posture. I felt fully relaxed for the remainder of the day and had an amazing sleep. As is the nature of a deep tissue massage, I do feel a bit sore today (the day after my visit to Dara) but I can feel that my old pain which caused me to hunch is gone. Can't wait to go back! read more

Great all round massage! I'd been having building stress from work, and it got to the point where I needed a professional! They had a great deal for a one hour massage for $40, and they're within walking distance. The room was comfortable and clean, with soothing scents and sounds. The masseur was very professional, and did a wonderful job all over. I never knew having my fingers and toes rubbed could feel so luxurious! I left feeling loose and relaxed. I definitely plan to return in the next few months. read more

I knew Yelp will not let me down. I've visited other Thai Massages and none of them compares to Dara Spa. I had problem sleeping due to shoulder and back related problems. After reading reviews for Dara Spa I decided to give it a try. My massage was awesome. Thanks Kate!. There was plenty of parking. Clean and comfortable rooms. Nice atmosphere and enjoyable experience. Ask for Kate, she knows how to heal your pain and knots. read more

This was my first Thai massage (or rather, the "combo"). The "during" part was fine - yes, the therapist walked on my back, and it was an unusual sensation; there were a few parts when I felt that the therapist was going too deep, especially on my shoulders and back and it was painful, but I told her that it was too deep, and she lightened up. And the immediate "after" was also fine. I did feel very relaxed and mellow when it was over, and couldn't imagine I wouldn't be back or would give it any less than 4-5 stars on Yelp. The next day I woke up in terrible pain the next day - I felt so sick that I almost canceled work. Then, the day after - still terrible pain, and the day after...it took almost a week until the pain was gone. Again, since I'm brand-new to Thai massage, maybe this is how you're supposed to feel, and I just didn't like it. So my basic review is at 3 stars, because I felt great when I walked out of there, but the pain was horrible for way too long and if I go back there - which I'm unsure about - I will insist on the swedish massage, without any Thai combo. If you're a Thai regular, you may like it and should read the other reviews. But if you're one of those "massage = indulgent, pampering & relaxing" people, you may want to try someplace else. read more

My coworker and I love this place. It's a hole in the wall, but it's an overall great place. M and Kate are amazing at what they do. I highly recommend them,. Will be returning today for another massage. read more

Dara Spa - The double room - Day Spas Near Me - Los Angeles, California

On yelp I'm trying to write good reviews and point out positive things. So I start good about this place, clean, very nice relaxing background music, easy parking and friendly staff. However, the massage, not good. I am a massage freak and I go different places very often . The lady that was giving massage spent at least 20 mins on my back legs for no reason massaging up and down. The massage was like she was applying lotion rather actually pressure massaging. (FYI we did talk pressure before massage started) The entire 55min was spent on my back and only the last 5min I turned around and sat up for shoulder massage (that was not even my front body) Massage most of the time is half time front, half time back. Unless is required differently. I could feel from her hand movements that she didn't have knowledge about massage techniques and she didn't know what she was doing. Def. not a masseur. The living social 35$ deal is not even worth for this massage. I have found many awesome places for same fix price (no need for groupon or living social) read more

Had a great massage with Sarah! Personally, I was even more encouraged by Yelpers giving this place 1-star because it was "too rough." It was! And I loved it! She crawls on you and digs in with elbows and wrists. I used the groupon for 90-minutes. Definitely worth the extra 30 minutes, in my opinion. My only complaint is the thin walls, there were people talking in the hallway and voices during a lot of my massage that made it hard to completely relax. read more

Bought a couple's massage groupon so that my boyfriend & I can come here while visiting LA on his birthday. I called to make an appointment the day before for 12pm but the lady at the front desk told me that the time was already booked and if it's okay to book us for 5pm. She told us that if there's an earlier time slot, she would call me back and little did you know someone cancelled and we got the time for 12pm. Hands down this was the best massage we ever had. The two masseuses were Vena & Ruby. I wish this place was here in NY because I would definitely come here often. At the end they offer us water & also gave us $35 coupons for next time. They told us that groupon takes most of the money so they don't earn alot from groupon. We left the coupons in our airbnb so hopefully the next couple who stays there can go :) read more

WORST PLACE EVER. My boyfriend made an appointment for me for today, 12/31 at 12pm. I drove over 40 minutes to get here and when I walked in they said they had no appointment for me. I got a screenshot from my boyfriend of calling them and talking to them. When I showed them this, they said the front desk person must have forgotten to write down my appointment and I would have to come back next week. I cancelled plans with friends this morning to come get some stress free time for myself and get this massage, not to mention driving 40 minutes and they did NOTHING to compensate me or accommodate their mistake. Horrible customer service, do NOT come here. read more

A hole in the wall massage place. Very clean and professional. But know what your getting into with a Thai massage. I yelped and groaned. Very intense pressure and was sore and a tad bruised the next day. But overall a good experience. read more

Overall it was pretty good. They made my Groupon transaction very easy and smooth. Most places have "certain" days that they can use Groupon. However, Dara Spa was hassle free. I will say it was a bit awkward at first because they masseuse didn't even introduce herself. She just got right into it. For the whole hour she didn't say much. I think she said no more than a dozen words. Although it was a bit awkward, the massage itself was pretty good. I would come back. read more

Got a Groupon for 90 minuteThai-Swedish massage combo. Requested Swedish only upon check-in at the desk and they said that was ok. The massage was average, and it was not Swedish only...then he got me off the table after one hour!! Nothing like having a massage end 30 minutes early to completely kill your expectations and undo any relaxation you might have just achieved. I've been here a few times but won't be going back. Lame read more

Painful, cold in room, and masseuse could not speak English. Area is not the greatest either. Price was good but not worth the experience. You can also hear everyone talking. read more

Extremely talented masseurs and amazingly professional staff! Even though my gift certificate vanished into the ether, the owner was able to look it up and schedule my appointment. She was even able to squeeze in an hour long massage on short notice! Their space is clean, cozy, and well maintained. It is a no frills experience, so if you're looking for cucumber water and lavender eye mousse, you might look elsewhere. But if you've got a deep set knot you're looking to melt, or a crick in your neck that won't quit, this is the spot to go! Super convenient parking lot to boot! read more

This spa is amazing. The best thai massage place I have ever been too.

I went here last minute since I had a little bit of time and Kate was still able to squeeze me in for a 60-minute massage. She is very good. The price is fair. The place is very nice on the inside. I would definitely come back and get another massage from her if I'm in the area again. read more