I'm having conflicting feelings writing this, but my experience here was really disappointing today. I've been here before multiple times, even have purchased gift certificates, and lived in Sellwood almost 8 years. I freaking LOVE supporting my local neighborhood. Apparently they are under new ownership and YIKES it shows.
My services on previous visits were 90 minute massages and they were in the $120 price range, plus a healthy tip. There was a service menu with prices behind the counter. Oh boy, not today. No service list, no prices, but they were able to take me then as walk ins were welcome. Cool. She leads me to the room, closes the door, and lets me know "it is going to be $120 for a 60 minute massage and tips were usually 50% of the massage. So that was going to be $180." WHAT?!?! I nearly choked.
I let her know my previous experiences and services there less than six months ago were what I shared here above. And my goodness, to ask for a 50% tip on services not yet rendered made my stomach turn. She then told me she ONLY charged me a $3 service fee to use my credit card, like that was a deal?!?
I needed that body work badly today, she has me in the room already, and I just said yes. So at $163 for massage, tip, and CC fee before I even get undressed feels like I'm getting taking advantage of. I'm not in a very good head space.
The room is sparse, there is no music, the AC is on blast, and there is one bath towel for me to cover myself. Not a sheet, not a blanket, ONE freaking Motel 6 bath towel to cover my bits and keep me comfortable. I was not asked what type of massage I would like, or if I have any areas I want focus on. Then the service starts. Y'all, I've had more enthusiastic massages as part of a pedicure. Swedish massage is always too light and superficial for my needs. I like deep, centered work. She asked about the pressure and I asked her to go deeper, and that I like a firm hand. More light strokes, and a subtle increase in pressure, then back to light strokes. Five minutes later I ask her to go deeper and she said "oh you like deeper touch?" Yep, I sure do, as I said when you asked me about the pressure just minutes ago!
At about 15 minutes in, someone walks in, and she stops and leaves the room to attend to the other person. COME ON. When she comes back it's all light stokes again and I can't bring myself to request for my preferred pressure a third time. She turns me over like, 20 minutes in, before barely getting into my back muscles. She completely forgot to massage my left foot at the end of the day, and I'm sorry, but the feet are so important! She has long, lovely hair, and had it down, so every time she leaned over me when I was face up, her hair would brush my face and mouth. It really brought me out of the experience. my crotch is hardly covered, my nips are popping out (one towel for the whole shebang, remember?), it's almost comical at this point.
Eeeeeesh. She was a lovely woman, and aspects of the session were enjoyable. I've been getting body work for well over 20 years in all kinds of establishments, styles, and modalities and in different countries. I would recommend finding another place, as this entire experience made me sad. I'm not a Karen, I wasn't expecting a glitzy Spa experience. I know our economy is crazy and folks need to be fairly paid for their labor. I am honored to receive healing touch by anyone. I do however, expect the experience to match the price tag. Checked their website and there are no prices, but various services offered. Guess I gotta find a new local spot, as this place ain't it anymore. read more