Friends, if you're looking at these reviews.... Just go! I couldn't ask for a better experience. Tonight I had a 90 minute relaxation massage with Ian, and it was honestly the best massage I've had in SD. I don't like Asain style massages and I don't enjoy having elbows jabbed into my back with unbearable pressure. I communicated that before we began and I was in bliss the entire time. The amenities and spaces were very clean, well lit and the front desk staff were so kind and.... Well, welcoming. Hopefully this gem sticks around! read more

If you are looking for a decent price massage with spa feeling atmosphere, this is the place. The monthly membership deal is good value, I wish I could have kept it but since I have medical related bills I had to cancel after 6 months. The location is very conveniently located in the shopping center, however, parking could be tough sometimes so I would make sure to give extra 10 mins just in case for parking. The place is always very clean, the waiting area always smells good and relaxed. I've had a couple of different therapists but like anywhere else, the only way is to keep trying out different one until you find the one you really like. I also asked the front which therapist they would recommend for what I need which was deep tissue/muscle spasm prob. read more

This place is amazing! I have been a loyal client for years and the professionalism of their front staff and talented therapist always keeps me coming back. I would advise anyone with a knotty back or ache to try out the skills of therapists like Christian, or anyone with perpetual break outs to test out Lindsay's prowess of skincare. Patrick, Gia, and Jeremy at the front desk always greet with a smile and make me feel at home and are quick to get me rescheduled and ready for more pampering. Parking could be better- but the location makes up for it completely since I can grab a tea after and walk Balboa park to complete my zen. read more

Thank you a million times over to the wonderful massage therapist that reminded me what it was to be truly relaxed, Kristina, thank you! Your hands are magical and everything about my experience was way beyond my expectation! She fit me in to her schedule promptly, she made me feel incredibly comfortable, and I didn't want to leave! Yelpers: If you're looking for an awesome massage therapist, you found her! read more

The Knotstop has been an amazing place for rejuvenation for me over the past year. Every treatment has been great. Arthur at the front desk is an absolute sweetheart and helped me revamp my skincare with Eminence products. He is always open genuine conversation and makes you feel at ease as soon as you walk in the door. Happy to have found a lil escape during a wild past year! Thank you all! read more

I love this place so much! Everyone is very good. Sergey is my favorite. Super clean and professional. It's really cute and they have a store with great gift ideas, too! read more

I had the most awesome massage yesterday at this tranquil spa in bankers hill. The decor and atmosphere were amazing. My massage therapist Sergey gives a wonderful Swedish massage. Can't wait to come back for other services too. This will be my new monthly getaway. read more

I've been coming here on and off for years, decided to treat myself last week. Had a facial with Lindsay followed by a massage from Ian, and left feeling blissed out and grateful for this incredible business. The space is gorgeous, the staff are incredible, professional, top notch. Will be back for more soon. read more

Love!!! Tamara is the best. I have tried a couple of other people too but nothing drives me more crazy than heavy breathers and asymmetrical massages!! This is not the case with Tamara who is awesome, attentive and consistent with treatment. Also has great sales on Voluspa candles!! read more

This is a wonderful spa! Very clean and professional! Krishna was very knowledgeable and had very intuitive hands! He quickly identified where tension was in my body and was able to dial in the pressure perfectly! I only had an hour but next time will go longer! I will be back! read more

I have been a Massage Therapist for 13 years now! I am also a chronic migraine sufferer. I have something called occipital neuralgia in my neck, which basically means that my neck muscles are insanely tight, causing them to slam on the nerves at the base of my head, triggering massive pain and migraines! Ouchywallawalla!! Sometimes I can work this pain out myself, and sometimes I need an incredibly skilled, magic hands having massage therapist to do it for me!! VERONICA IS AMAZING! So so so so good! I've been hurting on and off for 6 days, but after a one hour session with her, I feel great! I should have booked a 90 minute! She works very diligently. I could feel her intention to remove my pain with every one of her deep slow strokes! Highly recommend her!! read more

I've been coming here for several years and highly recommend!! Sergey and Kade (probably misspelled, sorry) are my favorite masseuses. The space is beautiful with such positive energy without being pretentious. Service is always prompt and warm. It's also the first time I've ever gotten a massage membership. When I was out of town a lot, it was super easy to freeze without gimmicks, charges, or pressure. And the credit can also be used in the gift shop which offers cute local accessories and high quality skin products. I seem to always walk out with a cute trinket. Thinking about reactivating my membership soon! And their new location is so cozy and cute and now I love it even more. read more

Best massage of my life. Brian is absolutely amazing with his hands. He's the only massage therapist who has been able to apply enough pressure to my glutes and back. He also did this amazing IT band massage and has a unique multiple motion technique where he can move muscles in different directions at the same time. I signed up for their membership right after the massage. I was feeling extremely tense, sore and tight beforehand and now I feel like a brand new person! read more

I live in Arizona and needed to find a great spa for a bachelorette party in California. I found The Knotstop on Yelp and contacted the spa. They got back to me right away with great prices for massages and facial so I decided to book. We were told we would have a private room with refreshments as well. When we got here, the knotstop exceeded my expectations. We got a private room set up beautifully with rose petals, refreshments, and some cookies. We all had amazing facials and massages. At the end they gave us all little gifts and a special one for the bride as a congratulations on the wedding. I highly recommend this place not only for the amazing spa treatments but also the superior customer service. read more

The Knotstop - After our spa treatment, with our gifts :) - Massage Near Me - San Diego, California

I've always wanted to try this place and finally did. I get massages quite often from a few different places so I feel that I am a good judge of what a massage and "spa" experience should be like... my actual massage was average, nothing special. At the beginning when I said medium pressure, the therapist began rambling off so many prices for different options that I felt like I was at a swap meet. "For this you can get this..." and so on. In addition, the whole time she kept trying to sell me a membership before, several times during and after. I do not pay those prices to be haggled the whole time for a mediocre massage. I will not be returning. It is clear they are a chain just trying to make money. read more

Had a fantastic massage tonight with Gabriel in the Outdoor Oasis! I love that they are open during this time.. they have a beautiful outdoor oasis and it's very tranquil! Gabriel was awesome!! Great technique and really listens to what you need worked on. read more

They have great massage therapists. They are conscientious, and listen to what I need

I've been coming for monthly shoulder/back massages with Jenny for the past 6 months - she's wonderful. I feel as if the services offered are a great value for the pricing, especially if part of the membership. read more

Writing this review makes me want to go back and I have another massage. As soon as you go in this place you feel relaxed. Andie was amazing , I had a 90 minutes deep tissue massage and it was soooo good. It took all my stress away, my headache away, it was perfect . BIG thank you Adam as well. read more

Cute little spot. The facial is just okay here. This review is mainly about their massages which is what most would come here for -- Asking for their lead massage therapist would basically guarantee you a masseuse who knows what he/she is doing. I've had Lynora and Dan (currently both Leads) and Cade and they're all great. All others masseuses are hits and misses, so if you don't want to pay extra you'll be going through a lot of trials and errors until you find the masseuse that's for you since they all have their own technique (some odd ones and some lazy ones in my opinion). (Note that Lynora was recently promoted to be a lead because she's just awesome so I'm sure there are a handful of decent non-leads therapists.) They're all independent contractor so I feel some may be making up their own rules -- One time I had a lady told me it'll cost me extra If I wanted her to use more pressure, and some won't/don't get rid of the knots which defeats the purpose of this place being called the "knot stop" and not knot spot. (I almost always get the Muscle Relief Therapy which is designed to break up knots FYI.) There are times I find myself wanting the massage to end because it's just horrible and so frustrating. Ninety-percent of the time, I'll get called in at least 5 minutes AFTER my appointment, so it's always cutting into my 60 min massages which isn't right. I return for the masseuses I do like, but it also took me several sessions to find them. read more

Scheduled a random massage today with Zena. My entire body is so relaxed. It was amazing. I get about 10 massages a year and this was by far the best massage in years. So intuitive and relaxing. You must go, now. read more

I have been going here for many years. I am very satisfied with booking, the front desk staff, the cleanliness and the anteroom with relaxing music and seating. Sergey has been my therapist for the past year or so and he is fantastic. I think he is the best I've found. Good pressure and overall feel very relaxed after the session. The only downside of my massage is when it ends and I have to wait for my next session! read more

I had a 60-minute "Muscle Relief Therapy" session here last night (I believe the therapist's name was Kyle) and it was one of the best massages I have ever had in my life, if not the best. The therapist targeted my problem areas, found all the knots that needed to be broken and worked on my stiff neck. It was painful but so worth it, and I feel so much better after. I already booked my next session. read more

Amazing. Been coming here for a few years now. I had Brian for the first time the other day I've never had him before and he was AMAZING, the best massage ever and so relaxing. It was only his third day working there too so that is crazy. No matter who you get for your massage, you will be satisfied ! read more

Unlike other chain membership places, this place doesn't pressure you into a membership, so it's great to book an appointment and not be immediately bombarded by pushy sales people. I ended up purchasing a membership anyway. The therapists are great and the staff is friendly. read more

Still in love with this place. They have moved locations, but all the same people. Very timely and efficient with appointments. Dan is fabulous! Ryan gives the best scalp massage EVER. I'd highly recommend you book your next massage with either of these amazing professionals. read more

Great massage. Highly recommend coming here felt so much better walking out the door than I did going in.

Seriously, I love getting rubbed. I'm a knotty girl. I have .. kinks. I get massages once or twice a month (when I can) but this one was THE BEST ever. So good that I'm considering downgrading all my previous five star experiences. Jordan was THAT good. The basic details? Front desk staff was super helpful and polite, explaining my options, and instantly pulling up my friends previous visits. The back waiting room is peaceful and cool, and the treatment rooms are spacious and comfortable. Prices are really reasonable, and can be customized with add-on options. They ask a lot of questions on first visit paperwork, and follow up to get a lot of detail about your needs. Jordan kept double checking to make sure he wasn't hurting me (I like it hard) and was very through in his attack of my rock hard neck and shoulder muscles, even going so far as to advise that I switch the side I carry my bags on. An hour later, I was so mellow and chilled out that I had a hard time walking to the car, and had to hand the keys over. I will absolutely be back the next time I am in the area! read more

First time here yesterday and received a very good, relaxing deep tissue massage. I was referred by a friend. Pros: Great ambience, well-decorated, roomy enough, soothing lighting and music, cucumber-infused water was refreshing, staff is friendly and professional, easy to make an apopintment, convenient location with lots of things to do nearby. Cons: -Good experience overall, but the price is a bit higher if you're not a member or you don't get the first-time introductory rate. -The main reason I give The Knot Stop only 3 stars is because the actual massage itself was only 47 minutes. I checked in about 15 minutes ahead to fill out the paperwork, as advised. By the time I was brought in to the room and the therapist came back to start the massage it was already 15 minutes past the scheduled time. I called today to inquire if this is standard operating procedure for them and they said yes, the actual massage time themselves are more like 45-50 minutes. Advice: The Knot Stop should disclose/advertise that their terrific massages are 45-50 minutes, not 60 minutes, so that customers know what we're paying for and what to expect. read more

Came here out of desperation and I don't think i'd ever come back here even if I were paid to go. Why? Let me count the ways... 1. I showed up early for my appointment and I still wasn't seen in time. 2. Once I was seen we spent 15 minutes talking about what I wanted. 3. THEN, once we were supposed to start my 1-hr massage, she left the room to prep.. shouldn't it have been prepped ahead of time? 4. when she started massaging me she kept talking and talking stopping every now and then amidst her random thoughts which I could care less about. 5. It wasn't relaxing AND like everyone seems to complain about, my hour massage was actually 40 minutes considering the unnecessary conversation and prep time. Shame on you for ripping us off with your unprofessional nature. Avoid this place if you wish to relax and enjoy what you paid for. read more

I think I know what waterboarding feels like now. It feels like being on a massage table at The Knot Spot having requested deep tissue for 90 minutes and wondering why your therapist a) is elbowing you in the ribs repeatedly b) only applies pressure with his elbow c) feels like a small child finger painting on your back. stay away from therapist named YANS. also, request that your therapist be certified by something other than a 30 minute online course. i felt far worse when i left than i did when i arrived. or if you want a real massage go to IPSB or find a certified professional. ALSO: i had to feign sickness to get the hell out of there. still paid. and it shouldn't have taken a rocket scientist to figure out that i was miserable but the front desk guy was too busy charging me for more time than i had been on the table for. THIS PLACE SUCKS. read more

I should preface this review by saying I am really NOT a massage person. Before this week I'd had two in my life and wasn't real enthused either time. My fabulous wife loves this place, and talked me into getting a pregnancy massage. Partners and husbands, here's a tip - get your pregnant lady a pregnancy massage. Call The Knot Stop and ask for Elizabeth. While you're waiting, pop into Trader Joe's and get her a quart (yes, a QUART) of Ben and Jerry's for afterward. BUT back to the massage...Elizabeth was friendly, personable, made me feel comfortable right away, AND gave me a great massage. She also does reiki, and the baby and I both got some at the end of the hour. For $69 (regular massage is less, but us pregnant people are special), I will be back a few times before our little guy gets here... read more

I've been going to Knotstop for a few years now and been seeing Sergey - one of the master therapists - once or twice a month for over a year now. Not only is he extremely skilled, but his touch makes your body melt. He'll adjust the pressure and focus depending on what I need that day. Being a former dancer of 34 years, my body bears witness of a long career - and the subsequent consequences of a transition to an office job. He's helped me work through old and new injuries successfully. I couldn't recommend Knotstop and specifically Sergey enough. I always leave my sessions feeling rejuvenated and light. read more

This is another place I found just by virtue of its high yelp rating. And it's ten minutes away from my house! Even sweeter! The Knot Stop is one of those places that's easy to miss unless you're looking for it. I called it Narnia under my breath as I first walked into the shop, nestled in one of the many stores in the urbane shopping center on 10th and University in Hillcrest. I called at noon trying to find a good time for an appointment, and found that they could see me next at 12:30. My jaw dropped. They didnt' have any male masseuses on hand, but they had a few on call, and were happy to call them in for when I arrived. When I finally made it through the wardrobe and reached the slightly hard to find Narnia (look near the Starbucks), I was very impressed by the professionalism, great atmosphere, and the amazing prices. Massages start at $49/hr for first time visitors (although if you like deep tissue, like I do, it'll start you out at $59, fine by me). Lest you be worried, the prices are fantastic for the service you get. I've paid nearly twice that much for an equally good massage in L.A. My masseuse was a guy named Reuben, and he was amazing. Friendly, professional, and very good, I felt the tension of the last week of teaching plus a week of building homes in Mexico fall away almost immediately. An amazing, amazing place that I would recommend highly to everyone. Definitely give it a shot. ------------- EDIT: August 15, 2007: I just went back for the second time, and it was even better than before. I am seriously madly in love with this place. Edit #2: Sept 12: Ruben, you freaking rock at giving massages. This place rules. read more

I really like the massages here. The first time I went was for a bachelorette party and they were super nice with accommodating all of us, even though they were really busy. The guy that worked on my back was so good at getting down into all the knots. I really like it when they are hard (that's what she said) and usually when I get massages, after half an hour, the intensity gets lower. Another time I did a couple's massage here. It was a little weird because both of us were in the same room and you could hear the therapist talking to the other, but it was as soothing as you could be. Again, my therapist was perfect, everything about the intensity was just right and he really took time to get out all the knots in my neck, no matter how painful it was. read more

I typically don't write reviews, so right away that should tell you something. I've been going to The Knotstop for over 5 years now and I've always had a great massage there. I did have one of the best massages that I've ever had tonight by a massage therapist named Lisa and I figured that other people that are looking for a great massage deserve to know! Lisa was very knowledgeable and understood the pain points in my body very earlier on in the session. She was able to focus a lot of her efforts to my problematic areas and went above and beyond in every aspect to ensure that I was comfortable during the entire process. I would 100% recommend to anyone that is looking for a very targeted massage in problematic areas. read more

Next to eating a lot as my favourite past time, I like to get the crap kneaded out of my body once in a while. So, I was enticed by the big $49 first time visitors sign while shopping at Ralph's across the street from this place one day and decided to check it out. I have to say.. for $49 for an hour massage, it's pretty damn good. When I was done, they also gave me a $59 90 minute massage coupon, which was pretty cool. The sd reader also has a coupon too so if you're going back for a second round, you could probably use it. http://www.sdreader.com/php/qshow.php?prefix=body&id=knotstop read more

I was given a gift certificate by my lovely girlfriend for Christmas and was excited to try it since I'd never been. The good: I was able to get an appointment for the next day, which was a Saturday. The lobby is very pretty. The receptionist was very welcoming. My masseuse, Emily, I believe, was amazing. The not-so-good: Being led into a dim, and admittedly relaxing-seeming waiting room to wait with a bunch of other people isn't all that relaxing. It felt a little awkward and a little too intimate for a waiting room. The deal killer though was during my massage I had to ask my masseuse if I was hearing the guy at the front desk talking because there was a man's voice talking constantly and not all that quietly on the other side of a wall. She said that no, it was the owner of the smoke shop next door and they had talked to him but he basically said that the owner of the knot stop should have insulated the walls better during their recent renovation because he wasn't going to simmer down. So, my masseuse was wonderful but I couldn't relax because of the constant talking I could hear. I might consider going back if I could reserve a room that didn't back up to the smoke shop, which are the rooms through the door to the left of the reception desk and down the hall on the right hand side. I would say it would probably affect all three or four of those rooms. read more

I loved this place. Two girlfriends and I called late on Saturday afternoon for three appointments the next day, they could fit us all in. The waiting room is actually really nice and relaxing, complete with cucumber water. My treatment room was right off the waiting room and I didn't hear any talking/noises from outside. No wait either, my therapist was right on time. My therapist, Hannah, was excellent-perfect amount of pressure and she worked my back out so well. One of the best massages I've ever had and I've had a number. My friends also thoroughly enjoyed their masseuses. The rooms were a little cold, we all felt that way, but they mentioned their A/C was out the day before, so I'll rack this up to something that doesn't ordinarily happen. I will go back and highly recommend this place. read more

I was not at all impressed. I felt robbed when I left, I specifically asked my massage therapist to use more pressure, asked him to focus on specific areas... it was like I was speaking a different language or something. This was hands down the worst massage I've ever gotten and I would not go back. It was a bad enough experience that I've actually taken the time to leave a bad review, something I don't do lightly. read more