As you may know, I am spoiled rotten! I have really gotten used to the atmosphere and services of a…read moreDay Spa Retreat! A"Spa" like this is a quick stop, where you might be able to have services done without the need for an appointment. I didn't have one on this particular Sunday afternoon.
I had been at a coffeeshop with a friend, closeby, and as I was leaving, I decided to check out this facility for cleanliness, prices, and service. Well, the prices sure are inviting! You can get a mani and pedi for $40 or less, depending what you want. My upper lip needed waxing, and they charge only $5 for that, so I tried it out.
It's not a huge place by any means! It resembles one long hallway: at the front is the friendly receptionist presenting a chalkboard of services and prices. Beyond that, there are 4 or 5 chairs for pedicures on the left, facing the same number on the right. You pass this gauntlet to reach the manicure station where there are 3 or 4 spots to have your hands done. At the back are 2 rooms for waxing and presumably for massages (if they offer that? I don't honestly remember...)
There was no discernible smell in the salon, but they don't offer hair services at all. And the front door was wide open to let in the fresh air. But there were a couple of incidents that knocked points off for me: One staffer was curled up in one of the pedicure chairs reading the paper. She looked really bored! It's summer, and it's the first hot weekend we have had. You still have to look busy and engaged when you're at work!! Secondly - and really, more personal to me - when I got to the waxing station, and the aesthetician invited me to make myself comfortable on the bed, but the bed looked rumpled as it had already recently been used! When I mentioned it, she removed the wrinkly paper and head towel.
As for the waxing itself, she did this in an interesting way which I have not had done to me personally previously, although I've seen it done this way on TV: she put the wax on, then covered it with paper, got a grip, and ZIP! it was off!! Other locations don't use the paper. It did work, and she did pluck the occasional stray hair. Unfortunately, my lip was red and raw for a little while after the service. So this spa gets a 3-star.