I bought two vouchers from groupon. Each voucher has 50 mins of massage and 50 mins of facial. I tried to book massage and facial for me and my hubby on the same day. First I called them many times and left messages. However they never returned my phone calls. So I tried to book them online where only allowed to book either massage or facial at one time. And I booked massage and facial on different days since they had nothing open for both services on the same day before my vouchers expire. We went there on last Friday 1/22/2016 to have our massages. As I was changing to bathrobe and getting ready for the massage, one lady came in and asked for my vouchers while I was naked(I had my credit card on file to reserve the appointment. How convenient you have to ask me to pay while I am changing!!! And I even didn't have my massage yet) when we were about to leave, I told the same lady that next time we come back to have the facials which we haven't used this time. She said that the two vouchers were already redeemed so I cannot use them for my facials next time. And I asked her what happened to the voucher value I purchased for my facials. She said , "well, they are wasted since you didn't use them at the same day with your massage". I asked her where on the policy it says that we will have to use the services on the same day. She couldn't find it. However she wouldn't return the voucher value and would have her manager Kimberly call me the next day to follow up with the issues ( well the manager never called me). Later I complained the matter to groupon and they did help me. So one tip If you have already purchased such voucher, please make sure that they will honor the full value of voucher. Otherwise you may walk away upset as me. If you look for a relaxing treatment and better customer service, you may want to look at other places. read more

Extremely disappointing for being an Intercontinental. I've visited the spa a few times over the years and have had an "ok" experience. They recently sold 1000s of Groupons and cannot accommodate them. They don't even return phone calls or pick up once you've been placed on hold. I definitely will not be visiting again and would not recommend it. read more

Is there an option for zero stars? I've called this business several times and been put on hold, or told here too busy to take reservations at that time, or just hung up on. I have a groupon for a massage and facial that I would like to redeem. When I finally got someone live on the phone- they told me the first available appointment was the second week of May. I told them I had a group expiring in April and they told me it would not be honored. They recently sold THOUSANDS of these vouchers- with the deal still active as of today. They clearly don't have the capacity to service these, what a sham. I have contacted groupon for a refund and anyone considering purchase should beware of the inability to use it. read more

Showed up for an appointment I booked online to find out the spa is closed. No one reached out, the lobby staff gave me directions to the spa. Sent me on a fools errand. What a disrespectful waste of my time oh and money for the gift card I bought. Where's my $100?!?!? read more

I realize beggars can't be choosers and I got a good deal on a 50 minute massage from Travelzoo. I wish I had read some reviews first to be picky about my masseuse... The women working at the front desk were amazing both on the phone and in person. The locker room was small but perfectly fine and the steam room was a bit dated, but it was steam in January so all was well. The masseuse never asked me anything about what sort of pressure I like or any spots that needed attention, only if I was OK with a scalp massage. She was really chatty at the beginning but quieted down when I sort of stopped replying. I've had a ton of massages and while I prefer deep tissue (which I believe is what I booked on the phone), I'm cool with a lighter Swedish style... but this was basically a stranger giving you an all over rubdown with no pressure, no knots addressed and no body work of any kind. It felt like she was filling in for a stunt double or something because there is no massage program that would teach this. And the scalp massage ended up being over 10 minutes, and wasn't a massage so much as it was her absent mindedly loosely stroking and even scratching my head. It wasn't unpleasant but it was totally weird - like I use more pressure when I'm patting my dog's head. The price for a massage was good if it had been a massage, but I wish I had saved these dollars towards a full priced massage elsewhere that was legit. read more

Extremely disappointing. I bought a Groupon voucher for facial and pedicure. Tried to call the spa to make an appointment, but nobody would pick up the phone! I tried calling for two days and nobody would return my call. Finally i was able to make an appointment only the spa made an appointment for a wrong date. I was planning on visiting the spa on April 3rd, while they made an appointment for March 27th. Needless to say I 'missed' the appointment and they charge the entire visit of my appointment to my credit card on file. When I called back somebody extremely mean named Vinil answered the phone and said that he is not allowed to do anything and that i need to speak to Kimberly, the manager of the Spa. Needless to say she was not helpful and basically blamed me for missing the appointment. Beware of this spa! read more

I can't say enough good things about this beautiful spa at the Intercontinental. My friend and I went in for a massage and facial and planned to spend the day there. Upon arrival, the ONLY negative thing that happened during our experience is that they accidentally missed one of our appointment bookings. They were missing one facial, but I insisted that I called not once but twice to confirm our appointments - they very professionally rearranged the schedule to accommodate us and never made a stink for one second. I was so grateful for the ease of fixing the issue, and give them an A for customer service. Once we got into the relaxation room, we felt immediately calm and rejuvenated. I upgraded my Groupon to a deep tissue massage for only $20 and it was totally worth it (my therapist was Haity). She used an amazing lemongrass oil and it was perfect. My facial was standard, but my esthetician was fabulous - intelligent, honest, and answered all of my questions. After we took advantage of the relaxation room some more and the steam room and showers, and it was great. I would definitely recommend the Groupon or Travelzoo deals - its not often that they exist for 5 star spas. read more

Horrible service. Kept asking me silly questions. Then they required me to wait 40min for the masseuse. Never coming back here again

Last evening with my fiancé before our wedding so we decided to unwind and relax with a couples massage. Worst massage In my LIFE! I woken up with my neck and back in pain as is he. I had to tell her to stop and she kept coughing and knocking things over. She was told that my wedding was the next day and we wanted to unwind and make sure to not bruise. Well apparently she is either the janitor or def not certified. She cracked me back! Leaned on my head! Never asked if I had injuries. She grinder her elbow in my pressure points and bone. We are both in so much pain! I would not recommend this lady nor her partner... Whom couldn't remember the others name!!! Absolutely terrible! read more

I was really disappointed with this place. I went here for my birthday and the lady who saw me was not only late, but she also rushed through my facial in a huff, and then cut my service short. I mentioned to the front desk that this happened and I was promised that the manager would call me back. But no one called me back, which is totally unacceptable. This is relatively expensive spa, and the service was nowhere near the quality that you'd expect from such an establishment. So save yourself the disappointment and look elsewhere. read more

This is a one of the nicest spas I've been to in Boston. Great treatments, very relaxing space, really nice locker rooms and waiting area. Excellent touches from the super fluffy bathrobes to the dried fruit provided after treatments -they really have the details down pat. The estheticians were great, I saw Annett for a massage & paraffin hand treatment and Brenda for a body scrub. The treatments were top notch and both were very professional and sweet. Recommend them both. The treatment rooms are well sized and everything is still very new. The only things I don't like are that it's a bit less "zen" than an ideal spa experience because hotel guests use the same locker rooms and check-in/out area for pool/gym use. Thankfully for me, the horde of 13 year olds heading to the pool arrived as I was checking out, but dealing with them while trying to check out still managed to undo some of the overwhelming relaxation I'd felt just a few minutes prior. I will definitely be back, but will try to schedule for sometime when the hotel facilities are less likely to be busy.... read more

My husband and I recently went here for a couple's massage and facial because of a Groupon deal, and we will not be back. First, the massages were fine (though not worth the price), but I specifically asked my masseuse to focus on my back and shoulders where I hold my tension, and she only spent about 1/4 of the massage there! After being confused about that, we went in for our facials. I wish I had warned my husband that if he starts feeling like his face is burning he should speak up. He came out with red welts all over his cheeks! My facial was not the norm that I'm used to at all. The steam was on ONLY the left side of my face which was bizarre, and to top it off instead of massaging my neck or arms while the steam was on, the esthetician rubbed products into my face the entire time. There was no relaxing application with brushes. I literally felt like I had undergone Chinese torture when I left because my face was NUMB and sore from her rubbing the same spot over and over again for about 35 minutes. I would not recommend this facial, and I feel badly for anyone who paid the full price of $140! read more

I had a Groupon for a massage and facial and bought because of friends recommendations. A day later, i still feel relaxed and my face is super smooth and looks bright. I love the Naturopathica products. I'll be back!! read more

Wonderful experience. Friendly staff, soothing atmosphere, clean and well appointed changing area.

Spa InterContinental gave me the best massage ever. Everything about my visit was just perfect. They put me in the best mood. Highly recommended! read more

I love your facility and your people who made my visits so pleasant! I have received massages from Lucy & Limara. Both were very good!

Although I live right down the street, the experience at the Intercontinental with my massage was amazing. I really truly felt like I had escaped on vacation for the day. It was so relaxing and the masseuse was very professional and one of the best I've ever had. read more

Wonderful massage, great amenities, and products! Very helpful and professional staff.

A groupon gift led me here. I had heard wonderful things about massagist Jose but he no longer works here. Well to sum up steam room excellent, pool small crowded, lockers awkward and not easy to see numbers on lock to get to, facial by Olga was lovely and relaxing with massage of hands, arms and shoulders a real treat, massage by male staff was itself disappointing, didn't start on time and then as its only a 50 minute massage too much time spent on draping (2 or 3 layers of sheets, blankets, towels ) for each area and limb and set up and wiping oil/cream off and instruction to take deep breaths and moving around on a stool and getting warm towels.... A massage should flow and not have so many gaps and discontinuity. So for that reason I'm giving it a 3, if it was just the facial Ilf give it a 5. They sold 1,000 groupons so it's pretty hard to book but they did extend expiration date. read more

I came in for a 50 min classic facial (thanks Groupon!) last weekend and was very pleased all around. From reading other reviews I expected to have to book several months in advance for a weekend date, but I called on a Wednesday and they were able to get me in on Saturday morning of the same week. Though I did have to do a little digging to find the right phone number- I called the one listed on the Groupon a few times and I only ever got the spa's voicemail. A lot of places can have a bit of an attitude about using Groupons but I didn't get that vibe at all from the Intercontinental, they were very professional and pleasant throughout my entire experience. Once you get to the spa on the 2nd floor of the hotel, you check in, fill out some paperwork, and they give you a mini-orientation to the various facilities- fitness center, pool, locker room, steam room, and treatment waiting room. You also get a robe and sandals to wear during your time there. The Good: -The facial itself was great, though I felt more attention could have been devoted to extractions. To be fair, this was a classic facial, and they offer other facials that focus more on pore-cleaning and extractions, which probably would suit my expectations and skin type better. Yeti, my esthetician, gave a spectacular back/shoulder/arm massage and even increased the pressure to my liking when I explained that I'm an extremely durable masochist. -Quality products. While checking out, I read through the ingredient labels on the products they have for sale, and the basic ones I recognized from my facial had pretty solid lists (few fillers, fragrance low on the list, the ones that do contain alcohol have it lower down the lists/at a less harmful concentration). I would be vigilant if you have any known sensitivities to certain plant/citrus extracts though, as some definitely contain lavender and lemon extracts, which can irritate and/or sensitize skin. Most won't have an issue though, especially without prolonged use. -Front desk, intake form, and esthetician all asked me about allergies which I take to be a good sign of how seriously they take them. As someone without allergies but with definite ingredient sensitivities, I really appreciate this in a spa. -Plenty of quality amenities (towels, lotion, soap, bodywash, shampoo, conditioner, mouthwash, hairspray, deodorant, hairdryers, qtips...). -Comfy zen-inducing treatment waiting room (low lighting, relaxing music, water/coffee/tea/fruit). -HUGE treatment rooms (I hate feeling like I'm in a cramped little closet or doctor's office when getting a spa treatment...not relaxing at all). -Actual steam room rather than dry sauna (although that's a matter of personal preference) -Apparently the showers have some kind of cooling eucalyptus spray mechanism which sounds lovely? I wouldn't know, the two standard showers were in use every time I wanted to use them so I always ended up in the handicapped stall, which brings me to.... The Bad: -Not enough shower stalls. Two plus a handicapped stall is not enough for the client volume this place has, at least on weekends. I was there by 9:30 for my 10am appointment, and it wasn't crowded at all, but by the time my facial was over and I wanted to take advantage of the amenities, it felt a bit crowded, and the standard shower stalls were always in use every time I tried to use them. -The actual changing area/locker area is waaaay too cramped- it's one tiny corner in the huge women's locker room. More than three people trying to change at one time is a hot mess, and that's IF your lockers are spaced out evenly. I kept getting hit with locker doors when I changed back into my street clothes. Do yourself a favor and change in one of the bathroom/shower stalls, or out in the open if you're not shy. Only two little benches (like 1.5 person capacity) to sit on near lockers. -Many of the lockers (choose your own punch code variety) are nonfunctional. I went through three before I found one that worked. -The pool is a bit of a hike from the locker rooms (on the opposite side of the spa facility) but not a huge deal as long as you don't mind wandering through reception and fitness center in a towel or bathing suit. I didn't use it but it looked really nice- the floor to ceiling glass walls are a nice touch. Verdict: I'll be back for another facial, even at the full price ($140). Compared to other high-end hotel spas in Boston that's actually reasonable, believe it or not (lookin' at you, Mandarin). I would love to try out some of their other body treatments as well, and their amenities make it easy for me to justify the cost. read more

The atmosphere was very calming and welcoming. The rooms were very comfortable and I especially liked that the massage tables were adjustable so your head or leg position could be moved to accommodate the area that was being worked on. read more

Unfortunately I have to give only two stars as I wouldn't go back. I got a Groupon for a massage and pedicure. It was very cheap. But the esthetician's personality was very different than mine. She was nice enough but just such a different personality such that I couldn't relax during the massage. When she came to get me in the sitting room she placed her hand on my back which made me feel uncomfortable. Then later she placed her hand on my wrist before we got to the individual room. I understand she needs to touch me during the massage but I don't like to be touched outside of that context. Also she seemed to be very chatty when I just wanted to relax and not talk such as asking whether I was visiting from out of town etc. But when I mentioned that I preferred not to talk during the massage, she was understanding and didn't talk anymore. But it would be good to be aware of differing people's taste in being touched outside the massage and also the chattiness of people. Then during the massage, it seemed like she spent a while on the head massage. Head massage which I've gotten during hair cuts always seem like a waste of time to me. She also mentioned I have a lot of tension at the back of my head. That was pretty strange to hear as I've gotten massages before and no one has even told me that before. They've indicated that my areas of tension are in other places. I also never thought that the back of my head was an area of tension. At the end I feel like I would have to speak up about so many things in order to be comfortable. I think she was a nice person though but would be better suited for other clients with a much different personality than mine such as more outgoing people. The massage itself was just ok. I think though Swedish massages just aren't for me compared to other types of massages that I like more such as deep tissue, sports massage, hot stone massage, ayurveda massage, etc. In hindsight in addition to the many other things I also should have asked her to apply more pressure. But I don't go to get a massage to have to say so many things. I think I just have been really lucky in the past to have had much better massages even the ones that were Swedish massages. Also at the end she called me something like sweetie or so and I also didn't like that as we're complete strangers. Definitely she is someone who is better suited for someone with a much different personality. If you do get a massage and aren't super outgoing, I recommend asking specifically for someone who isn't super outgoing. That would probably result in a better experience. The pedicure seemed pretty good. But I probably wouldn't go back just for that as there are other places closer to me for that. It was nice to be able to use the gym and pool though. read more

I had a great experience at the spa. Making a reservation was very easy and on my appointment day I was checked in right away upon arriving. They provided you with a robe and sandals and they give you a tour of the locker room and steam room area. I arrived a little before my massage and was able to enjoy the steam room which was amazing. The waiting area is very peaceful and they have tea and water to enjoy. They were running right on schedule and I was brought into the massage room right at my appointment time. Mary, my masseuse was great. She asked what areas needed more attention and applied the perfect amount of pressure. After the massage I was able to use the showers which were very clean and stocked with great shampoo and conditioner. I would definitely come back again. This made for a great relaxing Sunday afternoon! read more

Had a Swedish massage today. Alexis was amazing - true professional and a thoughtful & talented masseuse. Super relaxing!

If you happen on this spa, make sure to ask for Josefina. I used to go to her salon in Newton. Getting a Brazilian can be uncomfortable and painful (as many of us know) but Josefina is so quick, efficient, and gentle, that I almost forgot that I was getting a Brazilian. I went to her again to get a facial before a wedding I had to go to, and it was the best damn facial I've ever had. At the wedding, I got compliment after compliment on how great my skin looked. Now that I know she's at the Intercontinental Hotel, I'm telling all of my friends to go and make an appointment with her. I have to make one as well! read more

This spa is truly a wonderful and indulgent experience. Yes, it's pricey but it is totally worth it (though if you get massages or treatments done every few weeks, the amenities might prove to be unnecessary) For the occasions where you really need to take a load off and relax completely, this is the place to do it. read more

The reservation process was really unacceptable. I started the reservation process at least 6 month's prior to our appointments. I was making appointments for a group of 6 women. of which 4 were flying in form out of town. I explained we wanted to have our treatments at the same time. I was told the spa could accommodate 3 of us at 12:30 and the other 3 at 3:30. The spa contacted me at leas t 2 times in 2 month intervals to change one appointment to 1:30. I had to explain each time the point was for us all to be together. I was told it would not be a problem. The day of the appointments I received a call at 8:30 in the morning (after holiday) asking if one of the ladies who had a 3:30 appt would be open to switching to a 1:30 pm appointment - no explanation was offered as to why this was necessary. This is really rather unacceptable. Not only did one member of the party have to switch but the appointment was switched from a 80 minute facial to a 50 minute facial without telling the guest until treatment was over. The service was comp'd, but i don't understand why the original appointment and time was not honored. Another member of my party experienced a problem as well. The machine malfunctioned as a result the facial cut short - From 80 minute to 50 minutes - the service was discounted by 15%. I am giving 1 star because my massage (with Amy) was actually wonderful. Because of the difficulties with the booking/ how the Spa is run, I can not recommend this SPA. read more

If you're truly looking for a 5-star experience, look else where. Spend your money at the Mandarin Oriental Spa instead. I've gone to the InterContinental Spa twice now, once in 2016 and most recently today. Both times have been a disappointment. The majority of the lockers were broken, I actually spent an absurd amount of time trying to find one that actually worked. The robes are clunky, old, and worn. We were rushed into our treatment and did not receive service for the full 50 minutes, only about 35/40 minutes. Also, when it came time to check out, the receptionist tried to charge our cards on file from last year and add an automatic 20% without our consent. I suppose, you get what you pay for. We purchased a $150 gift certificate for $75. We definitely received a $75 massage...actually, not even. Will not be returning -- would rather pay more for superior service and amenities that are indeed "luxury". read more

I booked appointments for my friends and I for Spa Week $50 for treatments why not try it out. Knowing the hotel was really nice, I thought the same would flow into the SPA. We got there with 10 mins to settle in before treatments and when you check in you are asked for payment as if you could run off without paying. Then you are given these small awkward books to carry around to your treatments. Entering the locker room I was waiting to see a luxurous spacious retreat to trigger relaxation. The changing area is cramped but the facilities are very nice. The waiting room was nice had a great harp player strumming away and I was expecting to have a great experience from that moment on. My facial was first and it was a good facial but felt like the hot wash cloth was on my face more than any product. The shoulder massage portion was great and I left that appointment feeling good and ready for a massage. This is where my review goes south......I am glad I didn't pay full price. My shoulder massage durning my facial was better than this lack luster body rub. I couldn't wait for it to be over so that I could go have a glass of wine with my friends. Its a shame that this spa fell short, in a town full of great spas you would think this one would put more effort into staffing/quality treatments. Spa week is a perfect opportunity to show off your best to customers who wouldn't normally come in and keep them coming back. Unfortunately I will not be. read more

I had an appointment booked for 2 months on last Friday which for which I received a call on the D-Day to inform me it was cancelled and had to be rescheduled. Lucky for me on the next day...It was a birthday gift from my husband. It took me an hour to drive there with traffic. I arrived, checked in, informed them by filling in the questionnaire I was pregnant (11 weeks exactly - will be 3 months this week!, and had written 2 months to be short), waited on the pool deck for 45min then went to the waiting room for my treatment, was ignored for 10min, then finally a therapist came to ask my name and took me to a room. There she asked me the same questions already answered from the questionnaire and when I told her I was pregnant she refused to take me and said she couldn't give me a massage according to "policy" (following which guidelines exactly??!) and took me back to the waiting room!!! I was literally about to take off my robe and finally enjoy my massage I was so looking forward and I was told sorry can't do it, no. I asked why and she said I should have told this when I called to make the appointment. BUT lady, at the time, since it takes so long to actually get an appointment 1) I wasn't even aware I was pregnant, 2) how could I have known this would be an issue?? 3) I was pregnant once before and got a massage in my first trimester and never had any problem, neither me or my perfectly healthy little girl, 2 years old now. Then, she told me I should then have informed the front desk when checking in which I DID and so she went and looked through her paper to double check (!!!)...then came back to me and said well I'm sorry but I can't you said you were 2 months so I can't. I told her was exactly 11weeks, she then said I was lying (!!!!) because in the room I had told her 2 months I said I am telling the truth I am not going to show you my pregnancy app on my phone to confirm this and show you I am 11 weeks this is ridiculous...I had even written 3 months at first and scratched to put 2months. It's the same!! She said well come back in a week!!! I told her it doesn't make sense to come back in a week it won't change anything and my physician is totally ok with me getting a massage so there is NO problem. She then simply dared to give me lecture on what my priority should be given the fact that I am pregnant and should think of my baby's health first! Can you believe this?? I was hallucinating.. I told her this is MY baby so I know best what to do then, I didn't believe there would be ANY danger in getting a massage (I was not begging for alcohol or drugs!). I had driven all the way here for a massage I was so desperately looking forward to, being a fulltime working mum of a 2 year old who never sleeps and always wakes up at 5am in the morning and this was my well-deserved treat so NO she didn't understand and told her as tears were coming up into my throat that I was even about to cry such the disappointment was big and her attitude condescending. Then went back to the locker room to take off my bathing suit calling my husband almost crying (I am exhausted and all mothers would understand the feeling), and then one of the front desk lady came to me and told since I was already here (....) she could try to fit me if I was willing to wait for an extra hour for a facial. I then asked her for free? Because of course I wasn't here for this and the service so far was quite miserable...and she said NO of course I can't do that... Then No thank you. What did she think? I was here to enjoy my gift certificate for a massage which I was refused and their "solution" was to offer me to spend 200$ in a service I didn't want?? I wasn't here to spend more money on a service I didn't want... I was here to relax myself. Instead I ended up being completely aggravated, frustrated, crying on my way back to the car, and got to drive for 2 hours for nothing, paying parking for nothing..A total waste of time. For such a high-end hotel on top of that I should have be given anything else as a compensation. Even a poor manicure would have been better than to let me leave like this, not even a discounted service, nor any kind of gesture on your part to try making up for it. Not only the therapist was unpleasant, not even soft or gave me smile, she was just a cold heart person who ended up giving me a lesson ! And the front desk simply didn't care much.. I was purely and simply discriminated because I was pregnant and I felt horrible. Don't even know now what I am going to do with the gift certificate. I just hope you learn better manners to treat your future clients because this was terrible! read more