So they have a weird tipping thing going on where they have a fairly cheap massage rate, combined with high pressure, in-your-face tipping in the 40-50% range. I think their 1hr massage is worth $100 all-in (massage skills here are good), but the weird games around tipping just make the experience kinda unpleasant. I'm trying to give them the benefit of the doubt and think they do it this way to minimize taxes for the practitioner. In a better world we'd just pay a flat rate with tip included. read more

The Massage Place - Massage Near Me - Los Angeles, California

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I've been going here for years, as it's convenient, inexpensive, and the massages are great. Even as the prices increased, I still felt it was worth it. But I went yesterday for a 90 minute massage ($93). Before I went, they called me to tell me that a $35 minimum tip was required. And that last time I only tipped $25. First of all, why are they recording our tip amount? Does the value of service depend on what we tipped previously? Secondly, a $35 minimum tip on a $93 massage is outrageous. Then when I was in the massage room, the sign states that $40 minimum tip is expected for a 90 minute massage. That's insane. That's almost 50%. For massages, a 20% tip is normal and 25% is for great service. Almost 50% is beyond ridiculous. There are no frills or extras here. So the majority of the cost should be going to the masseuse, right? So why are they asking, no, requiring so much for a tip?!! Also, as the customer, don't I get to choose how much I feel is earned based on the service each time?! I know cost of living has increased but then maybe their salaries need to increase. Not demand an outrageously high minimum tip. If this is how this business will continue to operate, I will not be returning. Which is unfortunate since I've loved this place for years. read more

After my massage, I was changing back into my clothes and getting ready to leave when I noticed what looked like an open condom wrapper left in the room. Regardless, finding an opened, used packet in the treatment room was unsanitary and made me question the cleanliness of the establishment. Someone from this establishment has since called and texted me aggressively threatening to take legal action if I didn't change my review to say it was not a condom wrapper. read more

The Massage Place - Massage Near Me - Los Angeles, California

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I really wanted to like this location, but this was genuinely one of the worst massage experiences I've ever had. I'm writing this about 10 minutes after leaving because I am still in so much pain. I walked in with muscle tightness and left with substantially more pain, significantly more knots than when I arrived, and feeling like I lost progress instead of gaining it. I booked a 90-minute massage and, before we even started, I clearly explained that I had recently had my birth control implant replaced and still had stitches in my arm. I specifically told Pai Lin not to massage that arm. Despite that, she repeatedly massaged it anyway. I also spent time explaining exactly what I wanted worked on: my neck, chest, shoulders, and back because I have rounded shoulders and chronic muscle tightness. I even showed her which shoulder was the bad one and asked her to focus there. Despite specifically requesting my back, she barely worked on my lower back at all. During the massage, she repeatedly manipulated and attempted to crack the front of my neck. I told her to stop because I was uncomfortable with someone manipulating the front of my neck where major blood vessels are, yet she continued. I have had massages, chiropractic treatment, and physical therapy before, and I have never had anyone repeatedly try to crack the front of my neck like that. The massage technique itself was honestly astonishingly poor. Instead of actually working through muscle knots, she was incredibly lazy with her hands and frequently resorted to digging her elbow into me or simply leaning her body weight into my back while doing very little actual massage. At times it genuinely felt like she was just pressing down as hard as possible instead of treating the muscles. The biggest issue was my shoulders. I specifically explained that I have rounded shoulders, an extremely tight chest, and that my goal was to relieve that tension. Instead, she repeatedly pressed aggressively into my upper back, driving my shoulders even farther forward. There was very little work to my chest to balance this out, and I genuinely do not understand the technique she was using. I understand that deep tissue massages can leave you sore. This wasn't soreness... it felt like poor technique. I've never left a massage with more knots and worse shoulder pain than when I arrived. At one point, her phone rang loudly during the massage for an extended period before she finally silenced it. Then, after 60 minutes, she told me my appointment was over and insisted I had booked only an hour. When I explained that I had booked 90 minutes, she checked and realized I was right. From that point on, her demeanor completely changed. She became noticeably hasty, much rougher, significantly more aggressive, and frankly rude for the remaining 30 minutes. The part that frustrates me most is that I specifically pointed out which shoulder was my bad shoulder. Somehow, I am leaving with what had been my good shoulder hurting even more than the shoulder that was already bothering me. That should never be the outcome of a massage that's supposed to relieve muscle tension. I paid for the service in full and am not looking for compensation. I'm writing this because I think people--especially those with chronic neck, shoulder, postural issues, recent surgeries, etc. --should know about my experience. I rarely leave negative reviews, but this experience was bad enough that I felt obligated to warn others. read more

Not the Brentwood location, but this business as a whole: The horrible owner would not give us credit for 8 massages that I bought for my old recently widowed father who lost his home and all of our family heirlooms in the LA fires! I'm not sure that was even legal. They have several locations and it would have been simple to do so. This is a Very unprofessional business. They don't keep computer records and never gave me a receipt! Plus..he did not enjoy his one massage that he had received.He asked her to be softer and the masseuse would not listen. read more

I've been a regular customer at this place for a while and always tipped we accordingly to the massage quality and strength -- usually $25 cash on a $65 one-hour massage. Another time on 60 min Even on a 90-minute session, when I didn't have smaller bills, I still tipped $28 cash while the massage wasn't great. On my latest visit, the manager pulled me aside before my appointment and told me that I "needed to tip more" because the therapist complained about my previous tip. I've never had a business try to demand a tip or tell me what I "should" be tipping. That is not how gratuity works. There are no prior notice, and no justification for attempting to pressure customers into paying extra. Tips are voluntary, and treating them as mandatory feels like a bait-and-switch tactic. If a business believes their prices are too low, they should raise them -- not harass customers at the door about gratuity. The whole situation felt like a shakedown. The massages were ok, but the management's behavior was enough for me to walk away for good. Anyone considering this place should be aware of how they handle tipping and decide if that's something they want to deal with. read more

I've gone to the massage place for years, but at a different location. I booked a 90 min massage with a specific therapist. When I arrived I was given a different therapist when I questioned it the receptionist (who is the owner) was combative. Then I only received a 60 min massage. The owner was incredibly rude when I questioned her about the massage length and then tried to overcharge me by $60 for the massage. I've literally never left a review before, especially not a negative one. The therapist Bella was great. The customer service was not. read more

Always a great experience at the massage place! The parking is easy here and free. Great prices.

I've been in the past and gotten great massages... but PONS WAS THE BEST!!! She is absolutely amazing. I left feeling reborn and I'm not exaggerating. I LOVE HER! read more

She immediately started walking on my back and legs, even though I asked for a Swedish massage. I had worse shoulder pain AFTER the massage. read more

Always a good stop. Keep in mind ever theripist is different and so is clients preference This is a client / theripist Communication Massage By that I mean you should tell your theripist what matters to you if pressure is TOO much if you prefer rhythmic and soothing. Overall Theripist's are great if your looking for a healing touch '‍ read more

I was shorted on time. When asked I was told that they were closing. Then don't book an appointment that you don't want to complete so you can go home. The tipping signs all over the place are offensive. On top of it they suggest 50% tip. read more

I came in for a one-hour massage. Nobody asked what kind of massage I wanted. The therapist immediately started applying so much pressure that I wanted to scream from the pain. When I politely told her that it was too much and that it actually hurt, she said my muscles were "too tight" and refused to continue. Then the front desk offered to end the session. They didn't charge me, but the experience left a really bad aftertaste. read more

It was my first time there. It's behind stairs, not in the most obvious spot of the shopping plaza. A person named "Bank" was very helpful and efficient at the front desk. Suki was my therapist and her English was decent. I wanted more deep tissue but she was willing to accommodate requests. It didn't seem like she had a special sequence of parts. I like when the massage starts in one area and goes to the adjacent or next body part, rather than jumping from one part to another that doesn't touch. I ended up buying a package of 3 90-min. massages for $240. Good deal, I think. The venue was pretty clean (no odors, some debris on the restroom floor), and overall, it was a pleasant experience. I will try different therapists until I find one I like. They put a notice on the back of the massage door to educate customers about tipping and recommended tipping, due to low massage rates. See pictures for more info. read more

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I used James as a masseuse about 5-6 times for 90mins and thought he was fantastic. I have always had tightness around my hips and he did a great job hitting the muscles that really needed it. I have always tipped well there, I would say 40% each time which is higher than I normally would but lower than their signage suggests. I just think that their 50-60% tipping suggestions are a bit insane. I just got a call from the front desk about my massage this evening and said that James no longer wants me as a client because we are "not the right fit" due to the fact that I needed attention on my lowerback/back of hips. Keep in mind - he ASKS at the beginning of the session where I need focus. I honestly was SPEECHLESS considering I have never asked for anything crazy. Reading between the lines - they essentially called me to tell me he doesnt feel like doing his job for what they pay him or maybe the tips he gets. I have also read other sketchy reviews of this location calling people and harrassing them that they didnt leave a high enough tip and would be dropping them as a client, even if the tip was 20-30%. I don't know what they are doing, but its a horrendous way to handle business. It seems like unless you are tipping 60% on top of them raising prices they are going to pull some BS and drop you as a client. Such a shame - James is a great masseuse. But I have such a sour taste in my mouth after this icky phone call and then reading the reviews of what has happened to other people that I never want to come back. read more

I scheduled a massage for today, and even before the massage started, the receptionist told me to give a better tip. The last time I came here a few months ago, I liked the massage and gave a $12 tip for a $59 massage, which is over 20%. Previously, I have given lower, when I was not happy with the quality of the massage. As a reminder, tips by definition are optional, and will vary based on the quality of service and customer. If you believe there should be a minimum tip, perhaps you should consider raising prices to make up for the difference, instead of telling customers what they should tip. read more

I had a prenatal massage there with a lady whose name started with a P. The massage itself was good but I couldn't help but wonder about the chemically smell of the massage oil. When the massage was done, I looked at what she had been using and it was hand sanitizer gel!!! She wiped hand sanitizer gel all over a pregnant woman?! I'm absolutely appalled and shocked. read more

I have been going many The Massage Place locations for years. I understand a great massage is hit or miss if you don't know your therapist, however, I had a terrible experience at the Brentwood location! My therapist asked me nothing about what I wanted before she began and then it felt like she was just gently patting me for about 10 mins. There was no pressure at all. I asked for more pressure and she began literally digging into my back bone with her elbow to the point of pain! I tried to endure it but had to say something and when I politely spoke up, she responded, "Maybe you shouldn't get a massage from me!" and left the room, with me undressed, lying on the table, and the door open! I felt violated and stunned. I got dressed and went to check out, nearly crying, saying what happened and the guy at the desk identified himself as a manager and basically said, "oh that happens." He did not apologize or offer me anything. He said I could speak to the owner and I left them a voicemail and never heard anything. I proceeded to leave crying and eventually developed a bruise in the area she hurt me! l will never be going back to this chain of massage places and I'm sharing my experience widely because I've had dozens of mediocre massages in my life, but this experience and how it was handled is appalling! read more

My problem with this place is the lack of courtesy and communication. No one here seems to care about their jobs. The lady at the front desk was totally indifferent and clearly didn't want to be there. I watched her basically hang up on two clients trying to book appointments while I was waiting. The massage therapist asked me where she should work, I told her neck, shoulders and lower back. I also told her I have a high tolerance for pain and that she should go full strength. It's good she asked, but rather than acknowledge the request, she spent 50% of the time on my hands and feet (which is exactly what massage therapists seem to do when they are trying to pass the time) and the strength, well that was non-existent. Simply put, she just didn't try. To make the situation worse, there was a sign on the door that indicated that I should be tipping $50 or more for the 90 minute massage. I'm not sure if that the business owner or if the therapist put that there herself. Either way, it was totally unprofessional. As a business owner myself, I would NEVER suggest a client tip me for services rendered and I certainly wouldn't specify an amount or a percentage. If Massage Place want their therapists to be well compensated, they should stop lowballing them and then guilt tripping their customers into making up the difference. CHARGE MORE upfront and hire more people friendly individuals who care about what they are doing. I would have paid a premium for that. I know this place has been open for several years. I've definitely had positive experiences in the past (pre-2020), which is why I came back. It's a shame to see what it has become. It just seems like everyone is giving their bare minimum here. read more

I've had very good massages here. But! Here's why I'm not impressed anymore. You guys keep raising the prices, AND on top of it you have signs everywhere demanding we TIP a minimum of $20-$35 more! Give me a break. Tips should be 20% period and based on service given. You as a COMPANY should pay your masseuses better, NOT the consumer. This is backwards! Put a percentage tip from the company automatically! It's WRONG to "bully" the consumer and ultimately you're going to lose clients. If this a budget that works for you, then great! But people who come to a lower rate massage DO so, so they can do so within their financial budget supported means. The entitled expectation is annoying and a turn off. Therefore, I might as well take my MONEY somewhere where I'm required to pay the exact same amount or less! And yes! I have and can find quality service with great rates elsewhere and have. read more

After reading the numerous reviews of people whining and complaining about tips at the massage place, I have to say if you cannot afford to tip $35.00 for a one hour massage and at least $50.00 for a ninety minute message, then please go elsewhere. This is NOT some fast food place where you tip 20%. These massage therapists work hard and the prices that The Massage Place charges are so low compared to anywhere else. So again, if you can't afford to tip (it's so RUDE and disrespectful to give a $10.00-$15.00 tip) then please go elsewhere. I have been going to the massage place for many years once a week and have NEVER ever had an issue, the employees are always polite and hard working. However, I have witnessed quite a few "Brentwood" women (mostly women) who behave in an entitled rude way and then leave a shitty low tip. Oh and then you come on to YELP and whine about having to give more than a 20% tip, really $12.00??? The tip prices are listed right when you walk IN and inside every massage room. Again if you can't afford to tip, stay home. I am a happy customer, who always tips well. read more

If you want a FABULOUS massage ask for Cartoon! She is phenomenal I have been going here for 10 years and she is new and AMAZING Call now Cartoon is so good strong intuitive with your bodies needs!!! read more

Bottom Line: To all you Brentwood Soccer Moms who like a non-massage, soft massage, this one is for you! One of the worst massages I've received thus far in my life. But at least it's super cheap, like $54? Still, would have much preferred to fork out 70-80 dollars from a high-quality massage from a mom 'n pop joint. Yeah, if any indication of the quality you will be receiving, apparently Massage Place is a chain. And one thing I've learned a thing or two: chain massage places really, really are a complete joke. So let's start with the booking. They asked me if I was a new customer. And I replied enthusiastically with a 'yes' thinking I'd get some sorta special deal. Nope. Apparently, if you're a new customer, they take your credit card info down to secure the spot before arrival. Note: To all you flakes, this is a scare tactic. If they actually charge you for services rendered when they never even performed the services, just do a chargeback. You'll win on the spot. Btw, no massage parlor asks this of you upfront. The Message place might do it to discourage someone from shopping around post-book as they realize this place might not that of a good deal after all as they wizen up. Anyways, now for the actual massage: And immediately, within the first five minutes, I knew this was gonna suck. The masseuse was way, way too soft. There was no technique. She just pressed on my joints for a couple seconds targeting pressure points. Kinda felt more like physical therapy than a massage to be honest. And because this parlor uses a layer of blanket between the masseuse and your body for just about everything, the pressure and intensity of the massage is diminished quite a bit. Lots of repetition, and even for an hour I viewed it more of a chore, rather than a relaxation exercise. This place is to be avoided, and I wouldn't dream of coming back. read more

Called for a 90 min deep tissue/Thai combo last week and the masseuse I normally get wasn't there so they were able to recommend me someone else... she was amazing!!! She spoke great English and was so sweet and attentive. She also was fully masked with a shield which made me feel even safer. I also may just be coming at the right times but I always feel like the receptionists here are so nice! They always help me figure out appointments or who to book with and I've been coming here for the past few years. I also agree with the other comments about the tip. It's a relatively inexpensive massage but it is almost ALWAYS just as good, if not, better than places like Burke Williams, Four seasons, etc. So you pay less upfront because you don't get the amenities like you would elsewhere but the quality is still great. I honestly don't mind tipping at least $20 if the masseuse is good. I think it's about knowing to ask for what you need and they do a pretty good job of pairing you with the right fit. read more

i've been going to KAREN for massages for the past 5+years and she is truly the very best. the massages are tough...but she gets in there and does absolute magic. for the past few months, i had an issue with my piriformis and i tried it all. MRI's and xrays, magnesium and cbd creams, acupuncture and PT and even a cortisone shot! nothing worked but after 3 sessions back to back with Karen, i no longer have the pain. i wish she worked more days and times bc she is the best. read more

I came here in 2019 and was satisfied with the massages they were great, but now in 2021 I think the standards have dropped tremendously. My masseuse, Margie , was inexperienced with time management. She did my back for an hour and didn't have time at all to do my legs properly. Before turning over, I went to the bathroom and saw that there was only 8 minutes left to work on the front side of my body. Obviously, there wasn't enough time at all. She told me to just lie down with my clothes on and did some quick pressing plus stretching. It was super rushed, the blankets kept getting caught and it felt totally unprofessional. Additionally, the stuck up receptionist was not too happy after I told her my massage was rushed, even though it ended on time. She didn't say a word after I made my payment and just replied uh huh when I asked "is that all?". I wouldn't go back here and do not recommend this place for a nice self care time! read more

Terrible customer service the women who booked our appointment was beyond rude and talked down to us when we asked to change our reservation. This place is unprofessional and terrible don't go here! read more

I just received a phone call less than 2 hours before my scheduled massage. I was told that I did not tip enough last time I was in (although I tipped over 20%). If they had just told me they have new rates, I would have been fine with that. What doesn't sit well with me is that they are calling people to tell them they aren't tipping enough. Instead of accepting the new "flat rate" I cancelled my appointment because it feels as though my masseuse did not want me as a client. That phone call made me feel very uncomfortable and made me feel like I was being judged. Why doesn't the establishment just raise the rates instead of calling people and telling them they're too cheap to attend a massage at a no frills establishment? read more

Just had a fantastic deep tissue massage with Krystal. Strong pressure, listened to areas of focus that I noted

The Massage Place is one step above a foot massage spot, and a few notches below a Massage Envy....and needless to say, not even in the same vicinity as a spa. I woke up with a killer migraine one day, and was desperate for some type of relief. My regular massage therapist was booked, of course, so I called here as it's close to home. They had an opening later that day, and I eagerly snatched it. I can't say I was impressed when I walked in. In fact, I was a bit worried. It looked a trite disheveled (slap on a coat of paint!), and most concerning was that the therapists looked unprofessional: unkept t-shirt and shorts and flip flops. Yes, flip flops. Hmm. I did not enjoy my view of toes through the face rest. I got worryingly closer and closer to them as he lowered the table. Overall, I was pleased with the results. Certainly not one of the best massages I've had, but definitely did the job of bringing me some relief. It was part Thai, part deep tissue. My massage therapist was strong, and really got in there. I'm grateful that I've got this place as a back up should another emergency need arise! Free parking on Sundays! 3.5 stars! read more

The Massage Place - Brentwood history - Massage Near Me - Los Angeles, California

I had a massage there recently. I gave a 20% tip which is a good tip. They had the nerve to call me and tell me I didn't give a big enough tip! They have a lot of nerve. What a crappy place to go. In all my years of massage never have I heard anything but a genuine thank you for a tip. I will never go back there and I don't recommend going there at all. The worst experience and customer service I have ever seen. read more

Amy is a new therapist there and she's fantastic! I've probably had about 500 massages in my lifetime, both high end spa/hotel and local. What I like are deep tissue and Thai style massage. I've been going to The massage place and it's affiliates for a few years now and have tried many therapists in order to find one that is strong and targeted. Amy communicates well and is able to provide a thorough deep tissue type massage. Amy uses everything her hands, her feet her elbows and her knees and communicates well if it's a little too hard or not hard enough. Sometimes you have to try a few different people to find who fits your profile but if you like firm to hard massage Amy is for you. The pricing at The massage place is excellent, but be sure to give the therapist a good gratuity because they count on those to pay their bills. The place is clean and quiet and well located not fancy but you're looking for a great massage I think this spot is excellent. read more

My mom booked a massage here and as a thoughtful gesture I called to pay for it while She was in her massage. I told the lady who Answered the phone, Jane to also include 25% gratuity! She started telling me over the phone telling me if that's the kind of tipper me and my mom are she is going to go in and pull my mom out of her massage. I couldn't believe my ears. She told me unless I tipped a minimum of $35 + on a $58 massage I need to "get lost". Can't believe a business is being ran this way! Take your business elsewhere. Also walls are paper thin so if you want to relax without hearing Jane yelling and threatening her customers this is not place for you! read more

I started coming here but in the last few months each therapist have a huge sign were they demand you pay them a $30 tip or more.They make you feel unwelcome and it's really not a good way to start.I gave one therapist kalen $25 and it did not seem to be satisfied with that amount and the next time I called she refused to see me.If you have a place where the employees discriminate with some customers that cant give $40 tip eventually you lose clients.Its not a welcoming place. read more

Walked in & made an appointment on Wednesday for Friday at 6:30 pm. They put it down for Thursday. (I knew I wouldn't make it on Thursday because I'd still be at work). They called me on Thursday after 6:45 pm to let me know I was late. I told them I thought I made it for Friday because I would still be at work at 6:30 pm on a Thursday. They said, "Let me talk to my manager & I'll call you back." I called back almost 45 minutes later to follow up & was told it was considered a "no show" & they would have to charge me. Oh, but they wouldn't charge me the full amount, just acouple dollars less. I've gone to this location many times over the years (it's only two blocks away) and thought it was a good deal for a no frills massage. NEVER GOING THERE AGAIN! I'd rather pay top dollar for some customer service. read more

If at the end of a long day you want to try and get a walk-in appointment early evening, be prepared to walkout. Went in to get a time slot and the front desk person was not too friendly; made a sarcastic remark about it being the weekend (a Friday evening) and it was not smart of me just to walk in. I then asked about Saturday and she just gave me their business hours with an eye roll like I can walk in anytime. This employee's demeanor was rude and off setting. Never had a problem here before, disappointed about this interaction; not the relaxing experience I was seeking. read more

I'm so sorry to leave this review but this place disappointed me twice now. First I scheduled with a specific person and they switched me to someone else without notifying me. When I went there, it was made clear to me that the front desk girl messed up, which was fine. Yet the same day, my husband's masseur walked right on his spine and bruised his chest. He was so disappointed of their lack of anatomy knowledge. A week later my husband and I scheduled the masseurs we liked. Before our appointment they called us and said they would like to switch me because I apparently I asked for a massage without fingers? I'm not sure what that means... Or because we don't tip enough? We tip $15-$20 per person or $30 total for two massages. I just can't believe how unprofessional they are. Plus I'm not sure they change the sheets after every massage. I only see them change it at the end of the day at 9 pm. So all this time I've been getting massages sharing the same sheets with 15 people before me! Avoid at all cost. read more

I truly enjoy coming here and everyone is very nice. All the girls on the front desk are truly professional and super nice. Joy is great therapist and I will suggest this amazing establishment to everyone I know! She knows her job plus she is super gentle. P.S For those who complain about tipping: If you are gonna be cheap- stay home! read more

Today I called to schedule an appointment and Maria answered and thoroughly explained to me the procedure and what each massage entails, I was so drawn aback by the excellent customer service that I will recommend this place to my friends. People like her make me want to revisit read more

Disrespectful experience. I booked a massage with Pailin - a masseuse I had booked twice with before that I had a good experience with. After I book my appointment this time and I'm getting ready to leave, the receptionist calls me & says "the massage therapist will not work with you." I asked why and felt very weird in my stomach about the call - as if I'm being judged or am not liked for a reason I'm not aware of. I'm a clean, respectful 25 year old woman and have tipped 20% until this point. I'm not sure why Pailin refused to work with me and found this unprofessional to book me & then call to cancel my appointment. Also leaving me with an icky feeling in my stomach not feeling welcome to ever return to that location. read more