I love that my old nail stylist, Paulette, works close to me now. This salon is relatively priced, everyone speaks ENGLISH and sometimes speaks their native language to eachother because its natural and I dont mind it at all. Everything is so clean and fresh and everyone is always so nice. I just wish that they would get more treatments like red door spa not just different treatments and have it just be different scrubs/lotions.. love paulette... gave the most amazing foot rub! read more

I just moved to the area and have been trying different nail salons. This was an "okay" place. Your typical nail salon. They did a good job on my fill in.....but charged me $25.00 for it. Everywhere I've been only charge $15-18 for fill ins. read more

Love love love Paulette - sad shes leaving. Tina does well on my mom's nails she likes her. Other than that, everyone else is just kinda so-so don't speak english and don't understand what you want them to do to your nails. Special "spa" treatments like sugar scrubs are way over priced read more

Unfortunately, I have had a negative experience at this spa. I made an appointment for an hour massage and mentioned my gift card when making the appointment. I also mentioned it again when I arrived that I would be paying via gift card. At no time did an employee ask to see the gift card. There was no signage about their gift cards in the front desk area of the spa. When I went to pay for my massage and turned over my gift card, which was still in the cute cardboard packaging it came in with the information of the spa all over it, I was told that they could not find the card in their system. I showed them the gift message and amount written inside the cardboard packaging. It did not matter. They requested that I have the credit card receipt or that I call the gift giver and request the last four digits of his/her credit card so they could look up the purchase. They also suggested that I contact the gift givers & return to the store with that information. They also said that they'd look it up if I knew the date of purchase, but I could only guess at the month and year, not any specific date. Even though my card had a magnetic strip and a number on the back, they told me that their system could not read either or that no information on the card could be found. They said that the cards have been issued for 8-10 years and always have expiration date stickers on the backs. Mine didn't have one. There was no indication there had ever been one. They said they took expired cards, offering only 1/2 their value though. In the case of my gift card, it was given to me by multiple people -- in fact from about 10-12 families who contributed to a thank you gift for my volunteering on a long term project. I had no way to really know who had bought the card without making what I render potentially rude questions and without creating an awkward situation, not to mention, trying to contact multiple people to ask intrusive questions--like who paid, with what & what is the card number? I ended up having to pay the full cost of my massage or risk the spa perhaps seeking criminal charges against me, since the owner pointed out that she had cameras watching everything and a man was standing by the door, or creating a terrible seen plus the thought of bad karma lurking around the corner for me. So, I did the "right" thing and paid for the massage. When I got home, I researched gift card expirations & found that in the USA, it's against the law to have gift cards expire in under five years. I do not understand why the owner would not agree to honor the card or at least honor the card for 1/2 the value. It does not translate to good customer service at all, hence my writing this review. It was very difficult standing there having her insinuate that my friends had re-gifted the card, never activated it or had removed the alleged expiration date sticker. I'm not sure I get why a sticker would be used in the first place. There was no proof of any expiration on the card or the card packaging. All the owner said in her defense was that they always put stickers on the cards. Their computer system deletes all cards after one year of the purchase date in the system so they are not able to see or look up any cards by their numbers if they are over one year old. I think this is also a bad business practice. I've never heard of a business deleting financial records after one year. I also wonder if this is indeed a scam for them to knowingly collect funds and intend to never provide the services the cards were purchased for in the first place, or at least hope they get away with not honoring them, a monetary gain for sure. It is a common human practice to hold on to gift cards. It is not a common business practice to operate the way the owner of the Escape Spa does. Perhaps this is why they have had multiple turnovers in ownership over the past 10 years according to the current owner. Having had this experience, I called another area spa where I have two gift cards for and found out that their gift cards never expire and they were able to track both of mine over the phone by my giving them the numbers on the back; very simple and very friendly. I will look forward to giving them my repeated business and recommending them to all--- Tranquility Day Spa, Haymarket! On the massage itself at Escape--it was just ok. It was not the experience I expected. I did not care for the cold wet towels used to wipe away the oil residue. It did not include hands, arms or feet in the whole body massage. Time spent on neck and head and legs was minimal. So, given the experience at check out, I will not miss not returning to this establishment. read more

I went here with a group of us for Mother's Day. They have a ton of chairs for the pedicures but it smelled like smoke when we walked in. The air wasnt turned on and it was just hot and muggy. It all made for a bad combo. read more

I was recommended by a friend and by far it's my favorite nail salon in the area. They're very clean and the customer service is great! I highly recommend Peter! read more

Normally this is my favorite place but tonight I had a horrible experience. I know that people have bad days but the technician was extremely unpleasant and rude. If I hadn't been coming here literally since the first weekend they opened, I would never come back but since I have usually loved it here and rated it highly, I'll give it one more try. read more

Giving them 3 stars because they have so many selections and up-to-date methods of doing nails. However, I have tried multiple people with the same salon and within a week the entire acrylic (some nails) came off. Reccomend only to get your nails polished there. read more

First time here. I came at an off hour so it wasn't busy and I was able to be seen right away. Today's visit was for a pedicure. A tall glass of cold lemon water and a small fruit plate was brought to me while my feet were soaking, which was nice. Overall, my technician did a nice job and the salon appears clean and updated. However, i only rated them 3 stars as I was not happy with her many distractions as she kept getting up to do something in another room. Also, she proceeded to spray scrubbing bubbles into the tub while I was sitting in the chair before polishing began. I felt this was incredibly unprofessional as not only the smell is irritating but after an exfoliating scrub, I did not want to get bleach cleanser on my skin. Next time I will ask to wait until.I'm finished. I will try them again. read more

I love this place. They have so many colors and styles to choose from. Each time I come I get something different. Caitlyn is the best. I would give it 5 stars but they only offer wine with a pedicure and not with nail services. read more

This salon is in a great shopping center, so my sister and I went for manicures. We made an appointment but when we walked in, no one came to greet us for about ten minutes. Once we sat down, a lady started my manicure after my sister already begun hers with a man. The lady doing my manicure couldn't care less about me or my nails. She kept looking around frantically at the other customers as the salon begun to get busy. I could tell she was hurrying through my nails just to get to other people. She honestly did my nails in 10 minutes and it was stressful. The gentleman doing my sisters nails took his time and did a great job. I will not be going back to this salon because despite us having appointments - they really did not care. read more

HORRIBLE AND RUDE!!!!!! I got a gel manicure and wanted the matching toe color which the lady said she would take care of. Sure enough, the colors were completely different and she refused to change the toe color and preceded to charge me an EXTRA 12 dollars. She then called me needy/picky. Definitely did not care about Customer service!! read more

I have been coming to this salon on and off for a few years, and I have had a couple minor unfortunate incidents but nothing to make me not return again. However today, when I went to pay for my pedicure I asked for change for my $20 completely broken down, and she responded that they only had $10 bills, incinuating that I could only leave her $10 if I wanted to tip in cash. It's not necessarily breaking my bank, but customers should never be put in an uncomfortable situation like that. Especially if they are loyal customers.... Needless to say I think I've finally reach the point that I'm never going to return. read more

Visited for the first time today for a pedicure, and I highly recommend. Wonderful experience - clean place, relaxing atmosphere, and great customer service. read more

just ok... nothing stood out. had the pedi w/ callus treatment for $25. seemed clean- altho i only was @front desk area then the pedi room located very close by. my guy JOHN gave a great rub, but i wish it was longer,, and also i didn't have a color painted on so when i got home i could see left over polish & a wee bit of dirt under a toenail... so i'll probably check other shops before returning to this one. could have been better, could have been worse.. just OK... read more

I usually get a pedicure with my girlfriend at another nail salon, but escape is closer to home so we decided to go to this place today. I will never go back again. Pedicure was over priced. I paid 70 dollars for a rushed pedicure, some wax and a quick massage for both of us. I usually don't complain about prices because I don't want to cause a scene, but my girlfriend was furious. She tried reasoning with the owners stating that they never really told us the prices and never told us about the 20 dollar up charge they added. They replied "you can read". Just completely disrespectful. There was much more to their lack of professionalism, but this is just a basic summary. Don't go!! read more

I am a routine customer of Peter's and I would highly recommend him. A perk of doing a mani and pedi is you get a quick shoulder rub. A lot of great gel colors and clean tools. read more

Escape was ok when it opened and I felt that I got pretty good pedis but the last couple times I have been in there they have been in a rush, much more interested in their computers and TV than clients. But the WORST was going back to their waxing room to get my brows waxed. The paper they lined the table with was DIRTY and you could see oil form others hair and there was DOG POOP ON THE FLOOR! Disgusting. They need to be reported to the Health Department. Will NEVER go back. read more

Nice place - only $23- for a pedicure! The man was very thorough and careful - I recommend it!

I had a terrible experience with this salon. The mani/pedi I got was not good. The person doing my nails was on a cell phone throughout the appt. and was very rude. My polish was not removed from previous pedicure and my polish was cracking in less than a week. My manicure was a gel application and was peeling off in 8 days. No customer service at all! I couldn't wait to "escape" from this salon! read more

I went here for a pedicure and now two days later I'm on my way to the doctor with an infected toe. This place should be shut down.

This place is filthy! The tools for pedicures are kept in a dirty box. There wasn't even a hint of sanitizing anywhere. This is where people go to get toenail fungus. No matter where you looked, the place was filthy, the equipment, the counters, the fixtures. Yuck! This place is close to my home. I was hoping to find a good place to get my nails done and was quite disappointed. read more

I've been here twice, both times for a French manicure. The manicure was done well, and the prices are cheap, however, the manager there seems very rude and unfriendly. A smile and warm welcome would be appreciated. Also, despite having an appointment, there was a 20 minute wait. read more

Very comfortable and clean nail salon. Tee the technician I use is very professional and detailed in providing the salon services. I always leave there very happy with the results of a manicure or pedicure. A stickler for me is cleanliness and properly sanitized manicure/pedicure tools. They more then meet those standards. New offering is a cold glass of water infused with a fresh slice of orange or lemon and a small plate of a variety of freshly cut fruit for the customer to enjoy while patronizing the salon. Nice touch! read more

I decided to go to this nail salon with my sister because she had received a gift certificate to here. When we arrived, we were greeted and told to pick a color. We waited about 15 minutes before someone came to talk to is again (pretty typical wait on a busy Saturday). We noticed more people come trailing in after us, all walk-ins. My sister was told begin to soak her feet while I was seated in a chair to receive a gel manicure. After about 10 more minutes of waiting, I began to get impatient. I then noticed that many people that arrived after us (without appointments as well) were already receiving manicures. As I waited, many people sat across from me ready to do my nails...but every single time they began to start, another women (a manager, I suspect) yelled at them in a different language. They then chose a different person to assist (again, those who arrived after us). I noticed a trend. They were tending to those dressed nicely before serving us (we wore plain jean shorts and flip flops). Apparently, you need to dress like you have loads of money to get adequate service here. In an attempt to keep me occupied as I waited, I was brought fruit on a plate, to which was placed right next to my neighbor who was getting her nails filed. Since I wasn't in the mood to taste nail shavings on my watermelon, I decided to not eat it. It had now been 45 mins since we walked in the door and STILL NO SERVICE. I was finally pushed over the edge when I was moved from my chair to an abandoned looking nail station so that a women could have my spot and begin to get her nails done (yes, you guessed it...she arrived after me). We finally left very upset. We went down the road to Eden Nails where we received individual attention and great service. We were so upset by this experience that my sister and her husband decided to go back to Escape Nails and ask for a refund for the gift certificate. The person at the desk said "they were not authorized to give a refund" and to "come back when the manager is here". They plan on going back tomorrow but I suspect they will receive a similar answer. I would not recommend this place to anyone. read more

I did not enjoy my experience at all. First the guy who did my pedicure did such a poor job I went home and redid them. He did not even scrub my heels which is the most important part of a pedicure for me. Just plain poor all around. There was one lady who was doing my manicure and than the owner stop her and told her to go do someone else. I was totally pissed because she was doing a good compared to the owner who finished. She rush through my service for what I don't know. Just plain rude to change a person manicure so they can do someone else's nails. If I was you I would pass on going to this place no matter how much of a hurry you are in. I will never go back. I can't say it enough just poor service all around and show no respect to there customer. It's like Hello pick your color so I can hurry and get your money and you out. read more

I received the absolute worst pedicure and manicure tonight. During the pedicure she was digging her nails into my feet. The manicure was ruined due to the top coat being sloppy and too thick. I also question the cleanliness. read more

PLEASE SAVE YOUR TIME AND MONEY AND DO NOT GO HERE. I recently relocated to the area and was trying out some new nail salons. I came across Escape and decided to give it a try since it was so close to my new home. Worst decision ever. I got a pedicure, fill, and my eyebrows done. I started with the pedicure and the nail tech name was Tammy. She was very friendly and polite, but I don't really think she knew what she was doing nor cared. The pedicure was okay not the best but not the worst, but when it came to the fill that's when it turned for the worst. First off my nails were crooked, lumpy, and the polish was so uneven. She had taken cotton balls to dry off my nails after washing them and she literally painted over the bits of cotton that had gotten stuck to the nails. The cherry on top was there was balls of polish stuck under my nail bed. To say the least I was very unpleased. I didn't want to cause a scene so I ended up just paying and leaving. The next day it took my manager to point out that my nails were looking questionable... how embarrassing!! I called the nail salon and made an appointment to come later that day to get them fixed. I scheduled an appointment and upon arriving the lady there, I unfortunately didn't get her name, told me she didn't have time for me and that I needed to come back, and she would call me when she was ready. I was so angry at this point but wanted my nails fixed so I agreed. She called me later that evening and I went up there and let's just say the WHOLE second experience was even more miserable. She was rude, ruff, and all over acted like this was the biggest inconvenience to her. All I can say is save your money and go somewhere else. I've been to many nail salons and have had my fair share of not so great experiences. Typically I give places two chances cause one nail techs skills shouldn't weigh down the whole salon, but due to the lack of customer service I will not be returning. read more

I have been going to this salon for years and have always received excellent service. The recent renovations are absolutely gorgeous and elegant! The salon is always very clean and the staff treats you like a VIP every visit. I highly recommend Escape Nails & Day Spa! read more

I went to this salon to get gel polish, only. The place itself was quiet, and has a good selection of polishes. I didn't have to wait but about ten minutes to be seen, but that's where the good news ends. A man helped me select my polish color and the after waiting a bit, a female appeared and said to me, " Come now"----not hello, how are you, no smile, nothing. She then tried to get me to get in a pedicure chair. I said, no, polish only, and she looked irritated. I specifically did not want a manicure bc a) I didn't need one and b) I don't know anything about their sterilization process for their instruments. So after I had to explain twice more, no manicure, no shaping, she began to polish my nails without even doing an acetone swipe first. I hope it sticks! It cost $20! Throughout the process she yammered in her native language to the neighboring nail tech, and EVERY time I put my nails in the light, she would huff and act like I wasn't doing it right, mashing my hand down, and TWICE screwing up the polish by doing so. I really wanted to get up and leave but not with two fingers almost done. Also she cured each finger separately...? So at the end she pulls out a dirty clipper and I said "No thank you". So she pulled out a used emery board, and I had to pull my hand away, and say no-----then she went ahead and sawed on one nail real fast as soon as I gave my hand back and she said, " just a little"...? ! What on earth...? Her tools were obviously not sterile, and there was no peel-pack in sight. It's rude to ignore your client, but it's ruder to ignore their wishes. read more

When I first moved to Gainesville, I was so thrilled that what appeared to be a nice nail salon was located so close to my house. Unfortunately, I went there the first time and Angel did my nails. She was very nice but talked a lot and switched back and forth between our conversation and that of her coworkers (in Vietnamese). This was very annoying and rude in my opinion. She cut my cuticle so bad that it bled. It was very painful and over a couple of days it began to bubble and looked infected. I was livid. I overlooked this first experience, as nice as I am and went back. This time I got a mani/pedi. The girl that did my nails took over 2 hours. I was so tired and hungry. It usually takes an hour and half to do a gel manicure and regular pedicure. I don't know if she was new or not. She also cut me when she did my toe nail cuticles. The nails came out so-so. I was so mad. The blood was running from the side of my toe and she did not acknowledge it. When I pointed it out to her she did not seem very sympathetic! She had me there almost three hours, she actually closed the store after everyone already left. This place is awful!!! I highly recommend that you go elsewhere for nail services. It is not worth spending your money at such an unprofessional and incompetent place. read more

My daughter bites her nails and thought a manicure might help her break the habit. The lady doing her nails was extremely rude. She called a few other workers over who looked at her nails and started laughing, and making mean comments in another language. The nail technician also sarcastically told her she must be too hungry to always be biting her nails, and then said it was disgusting and there wasn't much she could do. She then kept pushing her cuticles asking if it hurt, when my daughter said yes she laughed at her, and said then don't bite your nails! You should stay away from this salon, Avalon is in the Harris Teeter shopping center and the technicians are always friendly and happy to work with all of their clients. By reading the reviews it looks like other people have had the same awful experience at Escape Nails. Ha, ha name says it all ESCAPE! read more

I went to use the bathroom on the way there I saw dog poop on the ground. I was completely grossed out. Why is there poop in a nail salon.

The experience I had today was TERRIBLE. I have never had this very UNFRIENDLY technician (Melony - Meo T) before and refuse to have her again. She NEVER smiles. At one point I asked her if she did not speak ENGLISH, or she just DIDN'T HEAR me. She acted like she was in a BAD mood. Rushed through my pedicure. Had to ASK for a drink of water. Read on the brochure about a back massage and mentioned I had not one in probably a year, but come there every 2-3 weeks. Asked if it works just to dip the finger in water to push back the cuticle (with NO cuticle cream) and she grunted. I asked if the TV was broken because it had a message on it that said WEAK or NO SIGNAL--she IGNORED me; probably because I said something about the massage she gave me a 10 SECOND lousy back massage. While I tipped her 20% because I had no other cash, she didn't deserve ANYTHING. I will think twice before going back. I told the tech I've asked multiple times if they have a color I love - Yucatan if You Want by OPI. She said no. I asked if she could ask the owner if they could order it. She asked if I wanted to BUY it. I said NO, to have at the Salon when I come in. She shook her head in disgust. This place has gone DOWN HILL. Got home and went to the FAKE website www.escapegainesville.com to leave a message and it does NOT work. No website for this business in Gainesville. Doesn't the owner CARE to hear about their technicians? read more