I was invited here for a bachelorette party massage organized by a bridesmaid. I had the impression that it'd be like a spa with a lounge area where we can all hang out after the massage. It was totally different than what I thought or from the images i saw online, basically you walked thru a tight hallway into an apt-like room with curtains separating the massage beds. There was no locker to put your belongings except a basket where it gets tucked under the bed. A chinese lady helped me w my whole body massage, she was ok though i prefer more pressure. The worst part is at the end of massage, i was quite relaxing and was hoping to nap for 10 or 15 mins, but i was rushed to get out w a cup of water so the next client can use the bed. After 50mins, all girls came out w puzzled faces and semi awkward spa experience. read more

I went a couple months back and I would describe my masseuse as quite the opposite of graceful. She was a fairly heavy set lady and she proceeded to walk on me AND it felt like he didn't know what she was doing. She massaged the front of my neck which was awkward and painful and I'm convinced she honestly thought that some of my bones were knots. Unrelaxing, uncomfortable, and unprofessional. I used the Groupon and most definitely will not be returning. There was something fishy with the paperwork that needed to be filled out at the beginning denying all liability and the sign on the wall in the room saying that if your massage sucks it's your responsibility to speak up and request a different masseuse. I've been to a handful of comparably priced massage places throughout the city and this one is certainly not worth returning to. Even if the massage was free I wouldn't return. Do not settle for this spot. read more

I can't remember my masseuse's name but she did a great job. You would never think from the appearance of the spa on the outside that you would get such great service on the inside. I would go back. Looking forward to another deep tissue and possibly facial. I've heard good things about their facials as well. read more

At first I was a bit scared to go in, the location is rather intimidating I didn't know if it was a legitimate place or not. Kind of an odd buzzer from the street, I took my chances because of reviews. I was not disappointed. For the price an average 1 hr Swedish massage is $60.00 and that is low for NYC prices, its not a spa but its as clean as it can get and be prepared for a deep I mean deep massage. I ask for Sam not sure if he is still there but I have never had such a thorough massage anywhere oh yes once in AC for twice the price. The tables are separated by curtains but not a peep is heard an occasional ouch but other then that you will sleep like a baby, I have never had a bad massage from there yet. They begin with long strokes, stretching and literally get every muscle and nerve from head to toe. In the end its a wonderful relaxing hot towel covered with some type of paper. No one speaks much but its well worth the money. Not fancy but professional. I do suggest making an apt but they do take walk ins. read more

Paid $1/minute for intense pain to the point of tears. Great tui na massage. I wouldn't come here for the ambiance and I definitely wouldn't classify this as a "spa". Also, my $10 tip was not graciously accepted by my masseuse who gave me a disgusted look and walked away. I thought 15 to 20% was pretty standard? read more

Summary : Nice massage and INEXPENSIVE. 2 hours - 1 hour massage and 1 hour facial = 120 What else I can ask for in NY! Okay is not the best massage i ever had but after 2 hours and you are not able to relax you have a problem.. I really enjoyed this experience of course if the massage was a little better I could even give 4 but since they don't have 3 and half .... I am giving 4 stars for the service , the fact i did leave happy and relaxed and my pockets were not empty. They are chinese massage ladies and they do accept credit cards for the massage but the tips you have to give in cash. I would go back because is clean and inexpensive but I am still looking for the best massage place in NY! read more

New Yorkers and celebrities all know where to get the best massage in town. My wife and I have been coming here for nearly 20 years. Pick the right masseur/masseuse and you will not regret it. No frills or incense but just a great massage in a clean establishment - not your mamby pamby massage but a deep tissue massage to remove all knotted muscles and straighten your back. Prices are extremely reasonable and you'll be amazed how great you feel when you leave. There used to be a hideous person on reception who's thankfully not there anymore. Once you come here you'll be a regular. read more

The pros: The massage was thorough and felt great, and my masseuse was responsive when I let her know that I needed a lighter touch. The hot towels were definitely my favorite part, and my muscles were definitely loosened up after the massage. I had a gift certificate, but I saw that my hour-long massage was $60, which I know is a really good price for Manhattan. The cons: The little rooms aren't really rooms - it's a long corridor separated by sheets. The spaces were so tight that my masseuse had to literally jump over the table, momentarily straddling me (thankfully I was face-down at that point) to get to the other side of the room. On the other hand, she was practically gymnastic during that move, so I imagine it must've looked impressive. She didn't ask me anything prior to the massage - whether I had any physical issues (I had shoulder surgery a year ago) that needed work. I heard the girl in the space next to me (like I said, there's only a curtain) have to tell her masseuse three times that a place was tender, and it wasn't until she finally said, "Ouch!" that the masseuse seemed to understand to lighten up. If you're looking for a really nice spa experience, I would suggest you go elsewhere. For me, I really need those extras to get into a relaxed zone for a massage, and I like to be in my own room for a stronger sense of privacy. However, if you're looking for a more no-frills, inexpensive massage, and you're assertive enough to speak up for yourself ahead of time, then this place is a good choice. read more

Not much of a place... But the 60 min Sweedish is AMAZING (so is the price!) and I love the hot towels at the end! This is my new favorite! Mario :) read more

I had good experience here. Very good massages ! Very relaxing! I would recommend this place. read more

I've had a lot of massages in my life, and this was one of the most therapeutic. Initially I was a little concerned as the decor was a little scary; it looks like a dirty hole in the wall. It was a really tight quarters, and you were literally 5 feet away from the person next to you getting a massage. Nevertheless, if you can get past that, the Asian masseuse will kick the butt out of your back and neck... read more

I'm giving this place 4 stars because even though I really didn't think it was all that special my roommate, who went with me, thought it was *amazing*. I got the 60 minute Swedish/deep tissue massage and it was fine, not awesome, or great, just...fine. For some reason I feel as though my massages, based solely on the fact that it is a massage, should at least reach the "good" level...but this was sufficient. The massage therapist focused mainly on my back and legs, and never really made it to my arms or fingers, which might be because my back is so knotty, but who knows. Nevertheless, very nice, however. My roommate got the 60 swedish/deep tissue and the 60 minute Thai. She walked out like she was on a cloud (the appropriate massage response) and kept talking about how much she loved it, so maybe the Thai is great? She also plans on returning many a time. Overall the place is nice and the experience was too. Oh and both of us had shoulder blade pain for a few days after. read more

No frills, not a spa, but the massages kick a&&! If you are kinked, stressed, sore and need a good body work over then this is the place. I find this place to be more physical therapy than relaxation. The price is great, you can get in and out. When I lived in Manhattan I made sure I was here once a month. I would go on my way home from work and it would not take up my whole evening. read more

I was allowed to schedule a same day appointment (close at 10pm.) The male receptionist spoke English and was just as nice in person as he was over the phone. Aesthetic appeal may not meet your expectations. Waiting area consist of about 4 very basic chairs and magazine recognition plastered all over the walls. Nothing to drink was offered but don't worry the wait is about 5 minutes flat and your on to the massage. (Sidenote: charge 3 dollar tax per person) Swedish Massage: the space is divided by just curtain, so expect to hear people as they enter/exit their sessions but overall the noise was truly kept to a minimum. Holly was amazing! Her technique and pressure were perfect. I will definitely go again. read more

They have two locations a block a part. It all started with gentleman on the phone. He was extremely nice. I told him i had a Groupon. He advise me to call the other location as one of the services is not available at his place and the other place is bigger. I called the other location. The lady was rude. I got there. Completed papers. Then she calls the masseuses as if they are slaves through some microphone. I forgot the masseuses name. Professionally dressed and was very nice. Great pressure. I have never fall asleep during deep tissue. With her, I think it did happen. Again, pressure was perfect!! I would absolutely return when they have specials!!!! One star less from the rude receptionist. Next time I am going to try the smaller location. read more

1) This is the DIRTIEST establishment I've ever stepped foot in. I get 30-50 budget massages in chinatown all the time, but this was a whole new level. I wanted to leave as soon as I saw the dingy old yellow sheet I had to put over myself which I didn't even want to touch. It was accompanied by a dirty tub with small hairs in it that my clothes were supposed to go in to (i passed on the tub located a hook - unfortunately no such option with the sheet). 2) It's one small room with 4 or 5 massage beds separated by sheets.... HELLO neighbor. 3) I would rename the deep tissue massage "neck and throat torture massage" my back is really tight, my legs were sore, but the "masseuse" (although I doubt anyone there is actually licensed for anything) decided she would take my neck victim and spent ~35% of the massage digging her fingers into the sides, back and even front of my throat. 4) the other "deep" part of the massage was when I'm pretty sure she walked on my back (yes you read that correctly- it was equally surprising and scary) 5) I fully intended on tipping (and I did-generously) because even though it was the worst hour of my life, I think life of a masseuse is hard given the strain on their hands... I thought I'd get change from the front desk where I walked in, but instead my masseuse was waiting right outside the curtain when I got dressed and demanded her tip - I said I needed change and asked to use the restroom first and she was literally outside the bathroom door when I walked out saying ok tip now and then showed me out a side door. This was a sketchy and very unsanitary operation. read more

Horrifying experience!! I went in for mild back pain came out severely injured. The woman was stocky and of husky stature.(not a light waif by any means) Immediately with no questions about the type of massage I wanted, she proceeded to put her entire weight on my back and basically began stomping on me. She then stood directly in the middle of my back refusing my pleads for her to stop. When she finally stopped I was gasping for air. I feel foolish for not demanding her to immediately get off my back but I trusted the high ratings from so many people. The run down dirty waiting room would not have bothered if the massage was good as I am a massage lover. Please be careful folks, I came out in excruciating pain. read more

Sadly disappointed. I purchased a Groupon deal for a couple's massage for $90.00 bucks and I thought what a great steal. However, I have learned that you will get what you pay for. Booking the appointment over the phone was quick and easy. We were excited and looking forward to our appointment. We arrived to the place and the decor was dingy, dirty and old. Disappointing. We were 5 minutes early and told the receptionist that we were there for the 2 o clock appointment. He takes a few minutes and says he does not see us on the schedule. I begin to freak out because we paid for parking at one of the lots already and wasted our time coming to the city. I told him there must be a mistake because I spoke to someone and she confirmed our appointment for today. He looks again and nothing. Than finally he says we can take you both, but one of you will have a man even though we had originally asked for two women. He also charged us an additional 6 bucks for taxes. The receptionist took us to the back and we are lead to a room with a curtain separating us. Well there weren't any doors in general which was a little weird. I figured since it was a couple's massage we would be together. The massage was overall good but nothing amazing. It was a bit rough for me at first so I told her to do it softer and she did listen. However still parts were painful and I didn't want to keep complaining. My poor boyfriend who had the male therapist was beaten up. He said it was very painful and the man only focused on his upper body and did not even touch his lower body. He was confused because I received the whole body massage and he didn't. My boyfriend mentioned it to the man and he said he gave him a pain focused massage since his shoulders were sore. He never explained that it would not include the whole body and if he wanted his lower body to be done he would have to pay and additional 15 bucks. So he basically made this decision on his own without asking my boyfriend if he would be okay with just a upper body massage. My boyfriend ended up paying the extra because he wanted the complete massage. He also said the man was trying to sell him acupuncture which is annoying when you are just trying to relax and enjoy a massage. Finally we are dressed and ready to go and we pay in the front for the additional 15 bucks and the man says the total is$20.00. We explain it was suppose to be 15 and explain what was offered the receptionist says you are right that is 15 bucks I don't know why they wanted to charge you 20 bucks. I hate writing bad reviews BUT I was really left with no choice. I am not a picky person but there was just too many red flags. I hate places that try to get over on people. Next time I want a massage I will just spend the extra money for a better place. read more

Quite possibly the BEST massage I've ever had (and I've had countless in several different countries and continents!) 90- min with Shelly was miraculous. She is super strong and in tuned with your body. I floated between pain (good pain!)and euphoria the entire time. Already booked my next apt!! read more

The place is dated, no doors on massage rooms so you can hear all the noise in the rest of the place. Came here for a quick massage based on other reviews, will not come again. It stressed me out. read more

read the reviews before i came here, so i was prepared for some pain. as my masseuse led me away to the room the receptionist called out to her and said "it's his first time, go easy on him!" i thought, ok. i'm really in for it here... i didn't want to not fully experience how it was supposed to be, so i requested that she go as hard as she needed to, once i got settled in. it's not painful. it's relaxing. there are a few moments where elbows are involved that pinch a little bit, but it seemed like it was necessary to get certain kinks out. and they were all gone by the time the hour was up. should the fact that the rooms are separated by a curtain bother you, because there's a person on a table just a few feet away that you might occasionally hear, there is an option to pay $20.00 extra for a private room. personally, i don't see the need for it. you might hear another masseuse quietly ask the other person a question once in a while but no one gets loud or distracting. the hour ends way too fast. and at only $60.00 before tip, it's an unbelievable bargain. it didn't help with my insomnia, but i left feeling more relaxed than i had in quite some time, with absolutely no tension in my neck or back. read more

If you are looking for a happy ending, this is not the place for you. Don't read my review. If you are looking for a normal massage, go ahead, read my review. $60 for a one hour Swedish massage. Cheap. This place is no frills. There are only curtains between the massage tables, I knew there was a dude next to me getting a massage. You will not get herbal tea, healthy soups here, they give you water at the end. This is what happens: 1. Call to schedule. I managed to get a same day appointment. 1. Walk in 2. Pay at the cashier. I recommend paying cash because there are extra charges if you use a credit card. 3. Front desk lady walks you to your massage table (sorry, not your private room). 4. Strip. Yes, that includes bras for you ladies out there. You can wear your panties if you like. 5. Throw the sheet provided over you and lie down on your front. 6. Masseuse will come in to give you a massage. She asked me how strong I wanted it, so I said medium. The masseuse was Chinese, you will probably get a better massage if you can speak Chinese. The massage started off with the sheet over me. She removed it later when she used lotion. I thought it was funny how she massaged my ass. I told her I had some pain on the left side so she really massaged the left side of my body really well. I was having some lower back pain but apparently it was due to a kink in my left shoulder, and she massaged the crap out of that kink. I was very impressed. There were times when I knew she was climbing over me.... 7. Timer rings. TIp your masseuse generously. (I gave 20-25%) If you are looking for a cheap, no frills place that does the job, Graceful Services will gracefully massage your back (with no happy ending). read more

Good for a cheap massage. I had a couple's massage through Groupon for $100 total. The location is noticeably what used to be an apartment, less hospital-like than was described in other reviews. We were led to a small room with two doors that led into the hallway. Instead of doors for privacy, there were curtains. My only complaint was that while I was undressing, a woman who worked there swung open the curtain to show two young girls the room. I was half undressed, and told her to close the curtain, but she ignored me. The masseuse was male and very talented, but was muttering at some points to himself and sniffling a lot. He marched in, poked my shoulder and declared my upper back was sore-it wasn't-and focused mostly on my shoulders, so BE CLEAR in the beginning on where you would like him to focus. All in all, go in with a sense of humor. You're getting a $50 massage in a converted apartment, and should expect that it may be run a little oddly. read more

Uh the pics for this place are seriously misleading. Not cool people. I went in for a massage for the first time yesterday and it will be my last time. The not friendly receptionist should have been a clue. But no, I went in anyway. The sour nursing home smell of the place was off putting, as was the cramped tiny nursing home spare dank massage room they put me in. So no not like the pics at all! There is NO privacy, my table was next to a guy getting a massage separated by a hospital curtain so being half naked next to a stranger was very uncomfortable. My masseuse was a little odd. The oil used smelled bad. The sheet they gave me to cover up with was legit old, yellowed, worn down and gross. I should have just left then but I didn't unfortunately. My actual massage was meh. I seriously don't get these pics they have up, it really a misrepresentation. I could not wait to get out of that place, never going back. Never. read more

I completely agree with Pippi, I want to give a really good review, but my experience with Graceful Services wasn't 100%. The place was extremely clean (almost too clean, I was laying on a peice of that thin hospital table paper that didn't have a hole cut out for my face) and we didn't wait very long, but once the massaging began... PAIN!! And not the good kind. My mantra was, "pain equals endorphins." I know there's the kind of massage you get where it hurts and then after it stops hurting and you just feel really good... nope. My back hurts more now (the day after) than it did going in. The main problem is that rather than using her hands, the woman jabbed me with her elbow repeatedly. The least painful part of the massage was when she was massaging my butt because I have sufficient padding, but it certainly wasn't relaxing because I had a stranger grabbing at my booty. I should have just told her that she was hurting me so much, but I seriously did think there would be a point where all the pain would be worth it. Also, the loudspeaker announcements "so and so to room blah blah for massage" got really annoying. I'm not sure if a more expensive massage would have been less painful, but I would hope they would have the sense not to pound my breast bone. I mean, come on, is it just me that finds that so painful? When my cats accidentally step on me there I shove them off without even thinking about it because it hurts so much. Hopefully I will have a positive massage experience, so I can refer you guys to a place that won't leave you super achy the next day. read more

It is true, it's a straightforward experience. The massage was good, not over the top. However, it served its purpose. However, was disappointed by learned under the paper sheets were dirty towels that were under me. read more

Back for more and still impressed! No frills, but polite and nice people who care about giving you a great massage. I told my masseuse that I had a terrible headache all day and she massaged my head well, and my headache faded away. We will be back again! read more

Got a great deep tissue massage through a groupon I purchased. It's a no frills place, with a curtain in between you and others but the massage was great because she used a lot of pressure. read more

You know, I really would like to give this place a good rating after reading the other reviews but I can't. I decided to try this place based on the reviews and for the price, it is inexpensive and i expected it to be no frills but man, this is definitely not a place where you can relax. The evening of my appointment, I checked in 15 minutes early and as I was sitting and reading my magazine I get a call 15 minutes later to find out my therapist was running 15 minutes late. Hmmmm, i thought that was strange since I was already sitting there. When it was time for my massage I was lead into this tiny cramped little space and I wondered how the therapist was going to be able to move around. The table itself seemed kinda rickety and not properly sheeted but rather covered with that paper used to sit on when you go to the doctors office for a physical. As for the massage, it was fine, and for most of the time, the therapist was literally on top of me giving me the massage. She seemed nice enough, didn't speak much english. What annoyed me the most about this place was that during the whole session I heard all these kinds of noises: alarm clocks going off, feet shuffling loudly back and forth, two guys in the next room speaking and laughing, the front doorbell ringing, doors slamming and so forth. There was no silence at all during my 90 minute session. Not cool. For the price, maybe that's NY standards but I didn't think it was worth it at all. I felt more stressed out leaving than I felt checking in. Would rather spend the extra money for a better facility and to relax. read more

The place has a questionable location but with a $49 groupon for a 1 hour deep tissue massage i decided to try it out. It's clean and simple no frills which was fine with me. I bought the masage to alleviate my muscle tension so i had no problems getting straight to business. My massage was ok....but that was it. I gor off the table with as much tension and pain as when i got on. Then after i got dressed the lady who gave me my massage was the the door waiting for me asking me for her tip. I was taken aback ! I'm a college student who could barely afford the massage so i had no tip and quite frankly if i did i wouldn't give it tp her because i was so shocked at her frankness demanding it. I wouldn't return only because the massage didn't help. Otherwise if you want a basic massage to relax and for a cheap NYC price then i guess this will work for you. read more

I came here a while back with a groupon, and while the massage itself was good, I was really disappointed with the atmosphere. I was led into a big room that was full of massage beds separated by curtains, which didn't even go all the way to the floor. I was presented with a dirty looking plastic bin to put my things in, and I opted to just put my clothes into my totebag. I don't know if things were just old, but it felt dirty to me. I guess this is just a no-frills kind of place, but if I'm going to be almost nude I would at least like to be in a room with a door. read more

Great massage by a Chinese woman who does not speak English. When I was leaving I asked reception to see her massage license. I was shown an esthetics license. The Chinese speaking therapists are not licensed and I do not think they know it is illegal to do massage without a New York State massage license. read more

AWESOME!!!! A couple of friends and I went there for spa week and were blown away. We all walked out of there on cloud nine. The massage was tough, but I feel like a new woman. Don't know what others had but I was in a private room, right near the front door and had no problem with noise. I was so relaxed i fell asleep. You get your moneys worth. I'm going back there as many times as my pocketbook will allow. read more

Just had a massage today. Overall, a very pleasant experience. My masseuse was excellent. No ambiance. Before I went there today, I read a lot of the reviews and braced myself for the worse. It wasn't that bad. Of course, I did not like the close proximity of others getting massages next to me, the whole curtain divider room situation. But, the people to the left and right of me were very courteous and spoke low when they had to. Bottom line, a one hour $45 Groupon....how can I complain. I would go back, only with a Groupon deal. read more

this is not your state of the art spa, so if that's what you are looking for, this is not the place. it is clean and reasonably priced, and a job well done. you basically get naked on a table in a room-let, formed by sheets from the wall (hospital style). you put all your clothes and items in a bin that goes under the bed-table, and then massage starts. got a 90 minute deep tissue massage, and man, they do not mess around here! she worked out my back knots for a good long time, and they give you a legit butt massage! like, squishing and moving! i had never had a legit butt massage before, but this is the place to have it done. at first i was a little weirded out, but at the time, my body had become jelly-like from the first 45 minutes of rubbing. it's hardcore. but, an experience well worth it. i think i prefer the more relaxing kind, as this is a super intense muscle smacking, knot-rubbing massage. but facilities are clean and my masseuse knew her shit. i could hear the guy next to me getting smacked and his cell going off, but whatever. still a good affordable place to go in the area! read more

once you've experienced chinese qi-gong massage (i think that means "small freakishly strong chinese girl climbs on your back and pummels you"), you'll never go back to swedish or sports massage. if you can handle it, you'll leave feeling like jello. hurts so good. and for $60/ hour, you can treat yourself regularly. oh, i think they offer facials and other stuff here too. but i'd stick with massage. it's what they do best. read more

Got a Groupon for a great deal. Called a few days ahead and when I arrived, I had good, quick assistance. I came in early and even started early. The place is not exactly a spa...definitely a little on the cheaper side. You don't have your own room...you're in one big room separated by curtains. I had Tiffany and she was very good and very professional. Overall, good experience and affordable. Great for someone looking for a massage on budget without spa experience. read more

I have been a faithful Graceful Services client for the past 7 years and have never been disappointed. Look, the place is no frills, but in a good way because the massage is amazing and the price is right. Yes, you are in a big room separated from fellow patrons only by curtains. So if you need the John Tesh wave music and complete silence, this is not the place for you. But if you are looking for a massage to get out the knots and kinks, this is the place to go. And once you have a 90 minute massage there, there is no going back to 60 minutes. But 90 minutes there still costs less than 50 minutes at the high end places. And I think the massage is better. read more

This place is getting 4 stars ONLY because the receptionist was so unwelcoming. She does not belong there. The massage was amazing, not too tough and not too soft. I will come back read more

I was attracted to this place by its late hours and low prices and it was absolutely worth it. Sure it's just a 20'x12' room with massage tables separated by hanging fabric, and yes, you can hear the guy next to you sighing (or groaning), but even absurdly-modest-me felt comfortable and the massage was top notch. This is a no-frills massage. $60 for 60 mins. read more