As most other reviewers had commented, the place is very clean, spacious with a nice tranquil atmosphere. There is meditative music playing throughout, and though the cars from Broadway can be distracting when it's really quiet (if you're the only one there as I was), it's a really relaxing lounge.
I'm not sure if the receptionist was new, but he didn't know the process of signing in people with vouchers from Groupon - even though there were pages and pages of other customers, so I knew I was not the only one.
I had bought a voucher for 3 appointments of either 45-minute upper-body massage with herbal pad placement and essential oil or a 50-minute foot-reflexology. I went all three times for the upper-body massage.
For my first appointment, I had an older Chinese man, and though I was in pain most of the time since he was pressing too hard, I forced myself through it since I thought it would 'unwind' my tightly knotted muscles. Bad mistake. Even after 3 days, I was sore. I decided that for next time, I would ask to have a gentler massage.
Near the end, the hot pack was placed on my shoulders. A bit hot at the beginning, but soothing afterwards. When the man came to pick it up, he said it's done and "go drink water." was all he said as he carried away the hot pack and that was that. The abrupt ending was kind of a turn-off. He came by to clean out the garbage can at the cashier as I paid, so I guess he was preparing for the end of his shift? Though it was only 8:30pm, and they're open till 10. But he didn't say thank you and avoided any eye contact.
If you're there with the voucher, you'll be asked to pay for all three sessions' taxes after the first session. Remember to know how much tip you want to give before hand as the % on the taxes (on the machine) doesn't give you the right amount of tip for the service! (because it's calculating a percentage on the taxes only, not on the service)
Second Time
My second upper body massage was a much better experience. A different receptionist greeted me who seemed new to the job again, but otherwise, I was served tea with 2 pieces of chocolate. Very nice! Perhaps they forgot it the first time I went?
This time, it was still 6:30pm on a Tuesday evening, and the staff were busy with 3-4 other customers, but I didn't have to wait too long. The masseuse was a lady this time, and for most of it, I believe it was well done. I don't like the slapping part as I am just skin and bones, so it wasn't all too pleasant.
Third, Final Time
The receptionist this time was what seemed like the manager, whom I'd seen the previous two times. He greeted me and offered me tea and chocolates.
This time, it was a different Chinese man. From the moment I saw how he looked at me, I could sense something. There was a lot more direct physical contact (the other two used towels as much as possible to minimize skin contact - not that I am against skin contact in the first place), and it could be my imagination, but he worked on the lower end of my body the more than other two, though nothing that crossed the line. He was more curious about me, asking where I worked and if it was close by to this spa and such. Nothing terrible, but I don't think I'd come back if he was the only one that worked there.
Overall, I like this place. Neat, peaceful, pretty good service and fair prices. read more