Curse my procrastinating ways!! I knew well in advance that the hubby was going to have to engage in a "telecon" with his work right smack in the middle of one of our Calgary getaway days. Had I thought about doing this even one day ahead of the meeting, I would have been able to book a blissful 90 minute service with super skilled therapist "Emily" versus the 30 minutes of what was left of her time when I called a mere 20 minutes before! The facility is small but perfectly cozy and amenable to all of your needs including organic teas (with the coolest steeping devices I have ever seen and that is coming from a "tea snob"!) and cookies in the waiting lounge, five shower heads in the stalls (that was a first for me) and a scrumptious steam room with what smelled like a combo of rosemary and orange oils sifting thru my senses. None of this would have mattered however if the massage I booked were lousy. Quite the contrary, Emily was...and I say this with a decent amount of experience behind me in this regard, thee BEST massage I've ever had hands down (no pun intended)!!! Not only was the pressure just precisely what I needed for my chronically aching lower back, she used no annoying elbows or otherwise jolting body parts to make her point. Here's the huge kicker: I ordinarily find any sort of conversation beyond "how's the pressure?" during a massage to be the opposite of relaxing. I actually had a good conversation with Emily *while* being perfectly relaxed; didn't even know that was possible. Though with the exchange rate, the 30 minutes + facility use was on the steeper end, this was definitely a "you get what you pay for" kind of deal that was for the best. And besides, I was on vacation! Such a shame I live 25,000km away. read more

Excellent skilled massage therapists! (believe me, there are some bad ones in this city, just see my other reviews) Been here about six times and each time the Therapist is better than the last. Friendly reception staff, nice clean establishment. Locker, robe, slippers, use of steam room and all kinds of lady amenities. read more

You are a Breath of Fresh Air! In all the doom & gloom of the weather & the world, I picked the perfect day to forget about it all. From the moment I walked in the door, until I left, my experience with every member of the spa was professional, helpful, respectful, fun & educational. When customer service is top-notch, I sit up & take notice. And I tell 2 friends (more like 20) . This place will be in business for a long time because of their customer service. Hats off to Calgary Hospitality. You still have it! read more

This is a review for the "Enhanced Organic Facial" ($140) I just moved to Calgary and have been looking for a new place to get my monthly facials. Back home I would get maybe 2 per month and my esthetician was a wonderful Hungarian lady. I had a friend recommend Riverside to me, so I decided to check it out. The facilities, staff, products were all wonderful, but I want to discuss the actual facial process here. So upon entering the room and getting ready, my esthetician informed me that she was going to include a hand/arm massage and a scalp/neck massage. I would really rather not waste the time allotted on massages because I am not paying for a massage. I politely asked her to skip the massage and focus on the actual facial. She obliged kindly. Great. Everything seemed ok, she slathered on various wonderful smelling products and talked to me about life. The extraction time came and she literally did extractions on my face for about 3 minutes. After she had finished, I felt my face and had to point out areas that she neglected to extract. I really am not an expert esthetician, but I don't like having to ensure quality control on my own facial. She took care of the areas that I pointed out and finished up the facial with more great products. I used to live in a place where there is a lot of competition between spas, and as a result, only the best spas survive. I understand that Calgary's standard of service may not be as excellent as what I am used to. I get it, it's okay. But for $140 to get a facial where the extraction phase is less than 5 minutes is ridiculous to me. I can use various products myself but I cannot perform certain facial aspects on myself without damaging my skin, hence the need for a esthetician. I did not feel confident in this estheticians ability to do a great facial. I also did not like the "massage to take up time" tactic. None of this is malicious, of course, but this spa should step up its game for the price point. I will come back here, but only purchase the "signature facial" and save myself $25. read more

As I was finishing up a particularly stressful school semester, I thought about booking a massage as a treat to celebrate the end of the semester and the start of summer. From past experience, I now know that massages at busy spas need to be booked a few weeks in advance to get a good selection of appointment times. My default spa for massages has been Stillwater Spa, but I wanted to try something new this time. I had a fantastic pedicure at Riverside last year (see previous 5-star review), so I thought it would be safe to bet that the massages would be great too. The massage was everything I'd hoped for. My RMT asked me what areas I wanted to focus on, and checked a few times if I was happy with the pressure. In addition to the usual legs and back, she worked on my neck and shoulders, and even a bit of hands, scalp and face. The spa is very clean and has a pleasant atmosphere. The amenities include snacks in the waiting room, robes, sandals, lockers, rainfall showers, and a crazy good steam room. For me, a spas extra amenities are only as good as their steam room, and the steam room at Riverside is top notch. The steam has a very soothing eucalyptus scent. My friend was sitting only a couple meters away, and at peak steaminess, I couldn't see her! The massage at Riverside is a bit pricey, but still less expensive than Stillwater. I will definitely be booking my next massage here! read more

I was somewhat disappointed with them this time. I went in with a group and assumed I would at least have at least 1 of them scheduled at the same time as me for a pedicure. Nope. Then we apparently were given the basic pedicure that were either paraffin treatment or polish.. why wasn't both an option? No one mentioned any of that on the phone when booking. Communication was lacking. So yup it was a disappointment. Who doesn't get minimum polish. I felt like I wasted my money. read more

Five stars goes to Kate (Kathryn), a certified massage therapist that just gave me the best, most mind blowing massage. I have a sore shoulder and she just melted my pulled muscle away. Other reasons to go to Riverside Spa. 1) Lots of parking 2) clean and spacious steam room 3) cucumber water, raspberry lemonade, and a variety of teas to sip 4) while eating cookies 5) in a comfortable relaxation room 6) and multi-faceted showers with 7) organic shampoo/conditioner and body wash. read more

My husband and I try to go for a massage a couple times a year. We decided to try a new location. Based on the previous reviews given, Riverside Spa had good reviews. I like the response time via email. Great front of house service. The 5 shower heads and steam room were amazing. I love the tea and cookies. Loved our deep tissue massage. Tan (male) and Shelene (female) were awesome. Great way to start our Sunday. This spa lives up to the reviews given. Will come again! read more

Came here for a 60 minute massage and enjoyed the session. Also took advantage of the eucalyptus steam room and had some tea and cookies. Friendly staff Only problem was the showers were clogged and water was up to my ankles -yuck I'm sure they would have fixed it by now, but I will ask them again before I book my next massage read more

I enjoyed my trip to the Riverside Spa today. Lovely relaxing atmosphere. The steam bath is great, and I had a pedicure. The operators are friendly, professional & competent. Thank you Crystal! Robes & slippers are supplied. The pedicure chair had various settings for roller massage, vibration & heat which I controlled by remote. I was given a warm neck wrap, and someone appeared with a tray of chocolate at some point. Snack on healthy biscuits, fine selection of teas, cucumber water & my favourite; Zora's organic lemonade. The products used are primarily natural, the black cherry cream was wonderful. All are locally made where possible and are also available for retail on check out. Comfortable chairs and lounges to relax on with snugly throws where you are not rushed. The gas fireplace adds ambience and the place is super clean. Wonderful place to pamper yourself for a few hours. A necessary addition to any self care program. I will be back. read more

I've been a returning client for a few years now. It takes a lot of positives to make me go back to a spa and they've done it for me!! I usually go in for massage therapy because all their therapists are so awesome!! Dan only hires the best! Their prices aren't super outrageous and they do not act all "hoity toity" like some high end spas do. I've had a pedicure done here as well and I thoroughly enjoyed the view of Edworthy Park through the large window. Breath taking!! Oh, and the esthetician did a great job on my feet and toes as well! :o) The reception staff is ALWAYS professional, unlike some places I've been to before. Everyone is super friendly whether it be on the phone, out front, in the waiting area or in the locker room. Parking is usually available. It was a bit hard to find the first time but once I found it, it was no problem at all. I love the tea and cookies they serve. They also have organic lemonade on ice in a pitcher. YUM!! I am a forever client for sure! I always look forward to my next visit there. I hope they never close down!! *2 thumbs way up!!* read more

It's the best Spa we have found in Calgary. Recommended for couples massage. The staff are professional & the service has always been flawless. The place is old, but very well maintained and run. read more

I have never considered myself a spa person...until a couple of years ago when I was given a gift certificate to Riverside Spa. I still might not be a spa person, but I am definitely a "Riverside Spa" person. This is a wonderful place to get away from your family, pets, work and any other things that cause stress. The atmosphere is peaceful and calming. It is a beautiful spa without being pretentious. I've been here probably a half dozen times and I have yet to have a service I didn't love or meet an employee who wasn't really nice and professional. The facials are great but by far my favourite services are the hot stone massage and the glacial pedicure. That's not to say other massages and pedis/manis etc aren't wonderful though! All the spa basics are supplied-robes/slippers etc. The changes rooms are a good size with nice showers and a steam room. There aer a lot of treatment rooms so they can accommodate a fair number of guests at one time. The pedicure area has a nice view of the nearby neighbourhoods and they chairs are very comfy. The lounge has a nice fireplace and an array of seating. It is usually pretty quiet in there unless a few loud talkers come along. I will admit sometimes I've wished the staff would comment to louder guests when they notice them so that the lounge can remain calming. There is a selection of tea, water lemonade and great little cookies for you to enjoy while you wait for your services. I think their prices are pretty good and the location is easy to get to. This is a great place to take some time for yourself or to treat a special someone. I took my mom here while she was visiting for her birthday for a mother daughter morning and it was great. They are consistent in service delivery too which keeps me coming back. read more

My partner bought me a gift certificate to Riverside Spa for our third wedding anniversary, and when he did so, I got really upset at the cost. At the time I was unfamiliar with Riverside, and didn't know anything about it, but my $350 anniversary gift left me somewhat agape. My certificate, however, was used at a particularly stressful time (just following the end of the first year of grad school), and ended up being a real God-send. It bought me basically a day at the spa. I had a massage, a facial, and a pedicure. And while each of these treatments was wonderful in and of itself, the best part of Riverside Spa is the ability to linger in their wonderful terrycloth bathrobes. They have this lounge they call the relaxation room, and it stood true to its name. The music in the relaxation room, lighting, and generaly comfort made this a place to truly unwind. The organic cookies, lemonade (LOVED the lemonade), and tea all made it a place where my school stresses melted away. Overall, I had an excellent experience at Riverside. Finding it proved a little more difficult than I thought it would be, and the outside of the building yielded little promise, but once inside my journey and the exterior were soon forgotten. If you're in need of some pampering, definitely head to Riverside Spa. read more

If you like being charged $100 for a vegan pedicure and $60 for a vegan manicure then this is your spa, no shellac offered, which isn't advertised anywhere on their website or stated when you call to book, no they wait until you're in their chairs to inform you, and when you tell the aestheticians your disappointed you weren't told this their standard response is "would you like a paraffin wax and you can go elsewhere to get your toes/fingers painted", which tells me the owner is very aware of his dissatisfied customers and chooses to continue deceiving them. If you want to spend $100 on a pedicure only to go somewhere else the next day to have them painted then go here. read more

Today is Valentine's Day and I thought I'd pamper myself with a massage as life has been stressful lately. 'For the past week I've also had a cold. I got up excited and prepared for my my massage thinking it was at 2:30PM. The weather was so amazing for my walk with the dog before my appt. and I was just feeling very blissful. It's abit of a round about in driving to get to the spa and when I got to my anticipated parking the lot was full. I circled around three times with parking everywhere simply marked "private parking, 'will tow if unauthorized" and as my dog was in the vehicle while I'd be in the spa I started to feel stressed. I finally parked somewhat illegally near the entrance with a note by the windshield indicating where I'd be if there was issue. When I got to the reception I was immediately told rather accusatorily that my appt. was actually at 2PM. My appt. would be "docked" for the time I was late. I had been at the spa once before when I was aware I was actually running late and they had made sure to "dock" me then. The use of that word just made me suddenly feel very angry. This was my special time and now I was being told to "hurry up and get ready" , I might as well make the best of the time I had left! The receptionist left to get the mgr. who, without any empathy for what had obviously been a slip in attentiveness for me in noting the time of my appt, simply told me what the receptionist had just finished saying, "to make use of the time left as they were going to charge me the full rate whatever I decided to do." If there had been any empathy on any staff member's part about their being sorry I was missing my special time, 'that they'd make me a special tea, 'that I'd really enjoy a long sauna after to make up for it, anything positive and reassuring it would have reframed the moment of upset for me immediately, 'however this was just about "we've already got your credit card info, 'you're getting charged, you've inconvenienced our perfect punctual selves and so I just stormed out. The last time I was there for the "docked" facial which was actually very nice I went to the reception to pay later and had to wait for a good half hour while they tried every one of my credit and debit cards initially making me feel like my credit cards were being rejected till they finally realized their system was down. I did not complain then however I guess their time is far more valuable than mine. This experience really was a disappointment on a day where I had set myself up to have an awesome relaxing experience. I think that Riverside Spa should clearly mark where the "overflow parking" is with proper signage so you don't stress getting in for starters. I think that when people do come in late you can still make them feel great and welcome and focus on the positive without dwelling on the obvious as the majority of people do not want to be late, 'we are rushing around all day trying to do our best and mistakes happen, 'that is why we are usually visiting a spa, 'to decompress a little. I know the interior of the spa is beautiful, 'the products top notch, I have no idea how my massage might have went however I lost my appetite to try as the initial presentation upset me so. I guess in the end everyone loses if you hold to grudges so leaving quickly let me let go of my negative emotions about the greeting I received at Riverside Spa and get back to work at rediscovering the magical way I had felt before arriving. A "spa experience" should start when you walk in the door and that didn't happen for me today here. read more

I had a good time here ... I had the riverside ritual package from 10:30 to 3 pm. My facial was very good!!! I was happy with it! The pedicure was ok..... Very average... Nothing special... the manicure too... I had to remove it after 3 days... Even when I don't even wash dishes!!... I think is overpriced for what they have to offer... So my suggestion would be or they reduce prices and make them accordingly to the service they offer ... Or they improve service to make it a good value for their customers ... read more

From the outside, it doesn't look like much. Once inside, the receptionists were friendly and let me to a typical locker area. I changed into the provided robe and thongs and had a seat by the cozy fireplace and had some tea and cookies. The masseuse came and let me into the room. During the massage, I could tell she had a bit of a cold. She kept trying to hold back a cough, clearing her throat, and was sniffling. This kind of put me off. The massage was pretty good itself. Once the masseuse left the room, I could hear her coughing for a long period of time. This experience could have been better without the cold germs floating all around me. read more

I'm a returning customer. Bought packages online for wife and mother. Emailed and was told there were just two spots available while we were in town, but I could not book via email. Told to call back when they opened at 8:30, so called next day at 8:30 and was told that the spots had been booked. How, when I was calling just when they opened? Oh, we open our doors at 8:30, but answer phones at 8:00am. Spoke to manager Dan, and he apologized but said there was nothing he could do. Spoke to owner William Ast, who refused to admit they did anything wrong. When I asked if something could be 'thrown in' to make up for the mistake, he said the best he could do is refund my credit card for the spa packages. He would rather walk away from a customer, and from their business, than admit a mistake and offer token compensation. I hope one day he learns what real customer service means. In the meantime, as the oil price plummets, and Calgary moves from boom to bust, good luck keeping the business going. He's lost me as a customer for good. read more

I've been to they Stillwater Spa (Calgary and Banff), Newbury Spa, and Oasis Spa, but I always find myself returning to Riverside. I love this place and the people are awesome and atmosphere is so relaxing. You also get cookies and lemonade. read more

The entrance to this place looks like it's straight out of Wyoming in 1987, but once you're upstairs in the spa area things are a lot fresher. I've been for massages a few times and have consistently been impressed with the massage therapists' communication and technique. I actually leave here feeling like I've had a massage- unlike, say, at Spa Ritual. The women's change room has great showers and a fantastic steam room, though lockers are a little small and cramped. The lounge has a few comfortable chairs, beverages (herbal tea, lemonade and cucumber water) and snacks (three kind of cookies- two are wheat-free, though not gluten-free). I'll be spending all my Health Spending Account here! read more

Hi. Last night I went for a 175.00-dollar facial at Riverside spa. Very relaxing experience but the actual product " the facial" that I paid for was terrible. So dissatisfied. Makeup was still on one of my eyelids after my "facial". I had to wash my face after the facial. Yes facials aren't miracle cures but my skin did not show any sign whatsoever of a facial! Not even a clean face. When I called and spoke to one of the managers - I believe Dan, at riverside spa to provide feedback rather than being offered at a minimum a proper facial at no charge, i was invited to pay 50 percent of the cost of my "next facial.". Rather a surprising customer service failure! read more

Having recently been a victim of credit card fraud, I had to cancel my credit card. I called Riverside Spa to make an appointment for a massage after having read extremely good reviews on Yelp. After spending 5 minuets on the phone with an extremely unhelpful receptionist, who made sure I felt like I was an extreme inconvenience. I was very disappointed to find out that I could not even make an appointment without a valid credit card number. I did explain my situation and offered to leave my visa debit card number but was told that I would still not be allowed to make an appointment. I find it extremely surprising that in this day and age when online shops and even hotels will accept visa debit cards that this place is a little behind on the times. Shame as it sounds like a wonderful place, maybe time to move forward with technology Riverside Spa? You just lost one new client. read more

I have been coming to this Spa for years. I have been to many other spas in the city, and nothing compares to Riverside. First and foremost, the front desk staff is incredible. They do everything and anything they can to ensure you are recognized and comfortable in the spa. Second, I find the front staff to be incredibly accommodating - if I need to reschedule or cancel within an appropriate amount of time (within a few days) they always do what they can to help me find a new time for my appointment (again, so long as I am not calling an hour before to cancel). Third - the facilities: so clean, so relaxing, so inviting. They really keep things updated here. Forth - the treatments and spa staff! WOW! They are incredible - TOP NOTCH! When I am having my facial or massage or pedi, I feel like I am being treated by some of the best in the business! You will not regret treating yourself to a service here. Lastly, the owners: Will and Dan! They make you feel like you are family here, and not just another guest or customer. They WANT to make you WANT to be a regular. Thank you Riverside for giving me a little piece of heaven in Calgary when I need to get away and relax and rejuvenate! read more

I had been to the Riverside Spa for the first time in June of 2013 and had a great experience. The staff was friendly, everyone was pleasant, it was overall a good time. I received a gift card for the spa a month or so later and decided to use it in December of 2013. I was excited to go back and be pampered. I booked a hot stone massage. I arrived on time and the girl at the front desk basically handed me my locker key and that was it. I kind of wandered to the locker room, forgetting where it was. I expected more of a "here is what we offer you, here is where the locker room is, here is what to do, someone will come get you shortly" type of thing. No one talked to me until the girl came and got me for my massage. The massage itself was excellent. When I got home my roommate asked if I had wine, or had their snacks or tea, or went in their stream room or their shower, and I said no. I was not told about any of it and had forgotten from my time 6 months prior. This spa is expensive and people go there to treat themselves. I felt uncomfortable while I was there since I had expected more and no one seemed to care about those in the waiting room. I did not have a good second experience and I am weary to recommend the spa. You want to get what you pay for. read more

I don't go here often, because of my schedule, but when I do, I try to take a vacation day and do one of their packages with three or more treatments. It's not close for me, but the atmosphere at riverside is completely relaxing. So if you're trying to get rejuvenated, the atmosphere is important. Enjoy special teas, infused water and healthy crackers by the fireplace in their lounge while you're waiting on your next treatment. Their signature facial is my absolute favorite. You will feel completely relaxed after this treatment and you're skin will be as soft as a baby's butt. The treatments can be a bit higher priced, which is why I gave it 4 stars. I will go here again. read more

Too me this is the best spa in Calgary. I have never had a bad experience and have always felt spoiled. I love it so much I am bringing the VP's wives for a girlie morning during Stampede. read more

Had a wonderful spa pedicure with 3 friends. The staff were wonderful. The pedicure and foot massage perfect. The added touches were the warmed neck pillow and blanket as well as the chocolates delivered to our chairs. They now carry a line of nail polish that dries in 20 minutes. This was a totally relaxing experience and I'm sure to return in the future. read more

I have seen Kara twice now for my facials and she is so amazing. Everything from her knowledge, to her massage, to her product recommendations. Both times, I have left with radiant, glowing skin. Love her! read more

This is the only spa in Calgary worth going to. The staff are so well trained. Every visit is flawless. Atmosphere is supreme.

Initially the staff was pleasant on the phone and help me decide on which services to book. The day of my appointment my new car would not start and this had never happened before. My appointment was in 20 minutes so I called and explained the situation. The service staff told me I would be charged the cancellation fee which was equal to the entire service fee - $190!!! I asked to be passed to a supervisor who told me the same thing and was subsequently passed to the owner (William Ast) who told me: 'It is not my problem as to how people decide how to get to their appointments but our cancellation policy is very strict'. Even though i explained my car not starting was completely out of my control he proceeded to tell me to 'get a cab or get someone else to drive me'. I did ask if I got there right away if they would honor my massage; however, they shortchanged me by about 20 minutes. I needed to go to work the next day and figure out what was wrong with my car so I had to leave the spa and go home and get my car sorted by the dealership. Unfortunately something that was supposed to be a stress relief turned into a huge stress. I was so upset at the thought of throwing 200$ down the toilet I rushed there just to use it and had my car on my mind and everything that needed to be done the whole time. It's too bad the worst person I had to deal with there was actually the owner - he made it very clear to me they are not in need of any new clientelle and he will screw you over to make his money. I am not poor and I have frequented a number of spas around the city - even without his cockiness I would have to rate this spa mediocre at best. The shower drain didn't work so my feet were floating sludge (in a 5 minute shower). If you want a spa go to a real one and don't waste your time on this and if you do make sure nothing unexpected that is completely out of your control comes up. read more