The Ritz-Carlton Spa, Chicago

This review in no way reflects my hotel stay experience. It is specific to my time spent in the spa. I have traveled extensively and have enjoyed pampering at a multitude of spas around the world. In my humbled opinion, even though this spa is scrupulously clean & the staff is very professional, the spa itself falls short regarding quality of services offered for the price, amenities & privacy. The locker room is shared with the pool, therefore if there are children playing expect noise & some level of chaos. Although that doesn’t sound like a real deal breaker, if you’re paying $200+ to decompress, you may just want to be mentally prepared to share your changing/showering area with small children. My masso was very nice & professional but I would rate my massage a 3/5. I liked the spa but it wasn’t extraordinary for the price.

Providing a disclaimer the Spa is not exclusive to only Spa guests, would be nice. As a female, I was very uncomfortable when I noticed three men while in a robe. After ordering food and being told "give me your card", the food service employee should have explained where he was taking my card to pay for the food I ordered. The only good part was Senada who provided my sister and I with the best massage. Outside of that, nothing was relaxing. No one came in to check and see if there was anything needed. My sister wasn't offered any Rose. She realized I was offered a glass, and walked to the counter to get it herself. The same cups before my massage from other patrons were still in the "relaxation" room after my massage. I was told to help myself to a snack, but it was empty the entire time with trash on the table. The overflow of towels in both dressing rooms was unexpected. I just gave up and waited for my sister to be done with her massage. I visit day spas often, and to my surprise The Ritz-Carlton Chicago, was the absolute worse. Ola tried her best, but management needs to get her some help.

I highly recommend the Spa at the Ritz Carlton! We recently had a group reservation for nail services. First - the communication with Anastasia and her staff was excellent. They were quick to respond, showed great attention to detail and thoughtfulness, and clearly care about ensuring their clients have a wonderful experience. We had considered several other spas, to include the Waldorf Astoria, and were both shocked at how poorly other spas communicated, and at the same time, thoroughly impressed with the Spa at the Ritz in how easy and stress-free their communication was. The day of the actual service, I was blown away by their hospitality and kindness. I was flying in from out of town and got stuck at the airport for several hours, making me late to my appointment, but they still were able to fit in my pedicure with Maria, who was lovely. The other members of the bridal party were already present getting their nails done, and commented on how wonderful everything was and how much they had enjoyed their pedicures. The space is beautiful and so comfortable- the photos absolutely do not do it justice. Also, they brought us hot tea and rosé, which was a wonderful way to compliment a very relaxing experience. At the end of the day, they were able to take a day that had been one of those awful days of travel nightmares + wedding stressors - and turn it into a calm, relaxing, and joyful day, celebrating my sister’s upcoming wedding! I am so thankful for all of the ladies at this spa!! Thank you so very much!!! ❤️

Excellent experience! Impeccable facility and service from beginning to end. Did the CBD and after the massage sauna, cold shower and steam! Therapeutic and rejuvenating!

Disappointing Mother's Day Experience I visited the spa on Sunday, May 12th, for a Mother's Day massage and facial arranged by my husband. Unfortunately, the experience was far from satisfactory, making my first Mother's Day out of state quite disheartening. I specifically communicated to my masseuse that my neck and lower back needed focused attention. Despite this, these areas were barely addressed. The massage felt more like an application of oil rather than a therapeutic session. Even after requesting deeper pressure, I was told I needed to specify how much pressure to apply. While I understand the need for communication, I believe it's also the professional's responsibility to inquire about pressure preferences, especially at the start of the session. This oversight significantly detracted from the relaxation and therapeutic benefits I expected. The facial was equally disappointing. It felt like a joke, with frequent tapping and what seemed like paws applying product to my face, rather than a soothing treatment. Considering the premium price paid for this service, I was greatly disappointed. This experience has left me very dissatisfied, especially as it was meant to be a special treat for my first Mother's Day. I've even had to ask my husband not to gift a massage at a hotel spa in the future, despite his kind gesture. As someone who frequently gets massages and facials at other locations with exemplary service, the experience at "The Ritz" was particularly disappointing. I hope the management addresses these issues to improve the customer experience in the future.

Spent the day enjoying spa amenities. Sad there was no hottub/whirlpool but steam and sauna were perfect for snowy winter day! Nail treatment was excellent with Janet. Will visit again!

Daniela at the Ritz Carlton Spa in Chicago is hands down the best aesthetician in the world🌎. I am not joking when I say this because she is amazing at her job due to her experience, she handles everything with such care, and is so knowledgeable. I went for the first time last year for my birthday, and she made it such an unforgettable experience that it is now part of my birthday tradition to see her every year. She is the sweetest, most kind and thoughtful person and my skin is glowing and no other facial has made me feel this amazing. Thank you Daniela for being amazing at what you do and she’s a big reason why I came back and will continue to come back here.

I'm not sure why I didn't come here sooner because it was such an amazing spa experience! I only got a 50 minute massage, and my therapist made the most of it (but I'll make sure to book a longer session next time!). Also, the bathrobes are the softest I've ever felt! The kicker was the extras too like we were able to order the in room dining menu to the spa, the service is unbeatable! I can't wait to schedule another, much longer service lol.

My friends and I had a really lovely day at the Ritz-Carlton Spa! The service was friendly, my massage was amazing, and the relaxation room was very peaceful. The amenities and changing room are a bit outdated. Also, the setting did not provide the most tranquil spa experience as you have to take a roundabout way from the changing room to the spa itself, while passing by the hotel pool in your robe. I would have preferred a more secluded and quiet spa environment.

Recently came here for a massage and was extremely disappointed. It's a chaotic spa. After you change in the changing room, you have to walk in your robe back to the front desk where your masseuse is supposed to be waiting. Of course, mine was missing, so I was taken to the coed "relaxation room" to wait for her. The hallway was full of loud, screaming children running from the nearby hotel pool. It felt odd having to walk in this very public space en route to my massage. The relaxation room itself was fine. It had four chairs with self service tea and water. I had to wait approximately 15-20 minutes for my masseuse to show up. The massage itself was nice. I thought it was a bit tacky they had a paper menu of add ons to the massage for my review prior to the massage but wasn't bothered by it. I was hoping for a relaxing time in the sauna after my massage but was again met with stressed out moms with kids coming from the hotel pool so I decided to leave instead. I was so blown away by the chaos that I will never return.

My service was pretty good, the spa was chaotic and seemed pulled from the 90s. While they mention a relaxation room it is just the hallway to the pool for all the guests. There are no refreshments and just staff running around everywhere. No where even semi calm to just and chill post service. I will say for a relaxing massage it was nice and my masseuse was great. It was everything around it that sorely lacked. Not a place to spend anytime, get in, get out, and at these prices just go elsewhere.

We got manicures by Lynn and she was phenomenal! She used many products to help prolong the manicure, and I am experiencing no chips even after about a week. I also used the saltwater pool, which has a nice view of the Chicago skyline from the roof skylight. Very relaxing floating on the noodles that they keep there. The ladies' locker room has everything you need to get ready: hairspray, blow dryer, shampoo, conditioner, deodorant, lotion, shaving cream, razor, etc. All in all, a great experience!

I was so disappointed in this place as a spa. 1). They didn't offer us champagne when we checked in but did others. 2) they didn't have any flavored waters out or any snack items in relaxation room, only coffee and tea 3) after my massage even coffee and tea taken away from relaxation room. So literally NOTHING OUT AT ALL. 4) relaxation room wasn't even relaxing because it was next to their pool and there were kids screaming at top of lungs. It was so loud you could hear them in sauna and steam room. 5) showers were in awful condition water was barely hot. No shampoo in several, only body wash. 6) no other amenities in shower area like hairbrushes or combs only tampons and cheap razors. - for the $700 I paid, I expected something SIGNIFICANTLY better. Do not bother!!

Seven AM Sunrise Yoga advertised on ClassPass brought me to The Ritz-Carlton Spa this morning. Unfortunately, after 5 minutes past the scheduled time, I was informed that there were scheduling issues. I was the only one that showed up for the class so it would've been a nice one-on-one class. The spa supervisor welcomed me to use the fitness center and rest of the facility. She sent me an apology email while I was still there enjoying the dry sauna stating that I can come back and access their facilities at my convenience which I greatly appreciated, of course. Four stars goes to the quiet spa and friendly staff, Cinthia and Kiara. I didn't notice much of a lounge anywhere but the numerous sitting areas had plush seating with complimentary water, organic tea, and coffee nearby. The fitness center also had towels, bottled water, and fruit readily available. I thoroughly enjoyed the expansive women's changing room. The electronic lockers were decked with hangers, hooks, and a convenient storage space for small items such as keys and jewelry. Private powder nooks lined one side of the changing room which honed a lighted vanity mirror, hair dryer, and basic toiletries. My favorite part: full body tri-fold mirror! Only disappointment about that is the light bulb wasn't on and I couldn't find a switch for it. Showers, dry sauna, and steam room were just further down a few steps. I will be back to access the lovely center again and, of course, attend a Sunrise Yoga class. I can't wait until the Spring to get into the Rooftop Yoga class!

I purchased a massage and facial on gilt city. If I paid rack rate on the services, I would have been extremely disappointed. The Massage in particular was good but the spa was not what I would have expected for a Ritz Carlton. Another review described the spa as functional and I completely agree. It was not luxurious. I have been to many luxurious hotel spas. (Peninsula in Chicago, the waldorf in Chicago and New York, the Boca Raton resort, the Turnberry near Miami plus a number in Scottsdale, Sonoma etc). This was the least luxurious...by far. There was tepid water with 2 tea bags and tap water with orange slices. For future guests, throw in some almonds or a lavender cookie or a freaking apple. It was pretty disappointing. Also no one cleared the dirty cups. I went back to the relaxation room between services and cups were still there. I popped in two hours later at the end of services and garbage was still there. I suppose I could have bussed myself but I didn't see a garbage can. Also there are a few maintenance closets that both my friend and I independently opened. I don't want to see the stinky mops. Perhaps you could lock those doors? Three sinks had 2 soaps but they were on the far end of the three Sinks. I doubled over laughing when my girlfriend tried to wash her hands and got a fistful of mouthwash. (She noticed one dispenser said lotion and assumed the only other nearby dispenser held soap.) In short, services are fine but keep low expectations on grabbing a handful of dried fruit or reading a magazine (although they did have one Mother's Day edition of Good Housekeeper if you want to pamper yourself)

Came to a Chicago for a short trip and made a same day appointment for a massage. Little did I know, they were not even open today but found a way to organize an appointment for me. Wow!Amazing costumer service! The massage was amazing too, and my masseuse was really nice. Beautiful ambiance, as well.

I have been to many spas in many cities and have NEVER been so misinformed and lied to as the Ritz Spa in Chicago. They sent a confirmation email to arrive 30 min early to enjoy the lounge, sauna, and showers. NONE of these were open. So we sat in the hotel lobby instead. Also they placed a hold of $432 on my card for 2 massages and charged me again for $378 for our actual services. I was told they need a credit card to hold the reservation NOT to place a hold on my card for days! Another lie. When the Waldorf opens up they will get all my business as well as my friends. They are true professionals!

"We pledge to provide the finest personal service and facilities for our guests who will always enjoy a warm, relaxed, yet refined ambience." The Ritz Carlton credo. Most certainly not the case. I was disappointedly surprised by my experience at the spa on July 5, 2019. From Our greeting and instead of high quality service it was basically a self serve...here are the instructions for the changing area lockers and so on. There explanation was the were short staffed. Well that should have been a clear indication not to proceed. My masseuse gave out energies that shouldn't even want to be there And it was felt in the massage. Quite honestly the massage places in the middle of the mall would have done a better job and I would've saved a lot of money. Certainly won't revisit and I would really consider making an appointment at this location.

On the 11th floor of the Ritz, is a tranquil spot just perfect for the road weary traveler, the Spa at the Ritz. The front desk staff is great- checking you in quickly, making the filling out of the forms painless, and in the end taking care of the payment flawlessly. You are then led into the dressing room and shown to your locker. Interesting, this spa is not as opulent as I would have expected from a Ritz . . .functional is more how I would describe it- although I did like the private areas that you can sit at a dressing table to do your hair and makeup, although bring a comb or brush as there are none to be found in the spa. I wasn't crazy about the dual gender waiting area although I understand in smaller spas it is often a necessity. On the day I was there- there was no tranquility in the "waiting area" as some tourist couple (think big, overbearing, giant man bellowing to his wife about how congested everything is in Chicago and how different from Texas) So after listening to him for about 10 minutes I was relieved when Chris, my massage therapist came to get me. But here was the problem . . .the treatment room that they took me into to get my massage was located right next to the waiting area- so I continued to hear this guy talk, although muted through the door. Shhhhh . . . . .you are in a spa! Well, he eventually finally stopped talking and I got to enjoy the rest of my massage in peace. A 60 minute massage ran $150 plus tip. It appears that local residents can buy memberships in the "spa" as there were several locals using the pool and the steam room. In addition there is a dry sauna and a jacuzzi- although the jacuzzi was not operating on the day I was there. My friend got a facial which she raved about and someone else got their nails done, also to high reviews. There is no salon at this spa so if you want to get your hair done after your treatment, you will have to go to one of the salons that the concierge suggests. So all in all- I'd describe the Spa at the Ritz as functional. For this spa loving girl- I just wish there was a little more pampering, a little more "Ahhhhh" . . . .

Beautiful location, pampering to the max. Don't miss the ultimate body scrub and finish with a manicure with Angela.

I have thoroughly enjoyed the ritz Carlton Soa. The reason is that my treatments with MARLISSE have been the best treatments I've ever had She is a very intuitive and gifted massage therapist. I leave every treatment 100 percent better than the way I walked in. I would recommend MARlISSE to anyone needing a great massage.

I was super tired after traveling and was in need of a polish change. Stephanie was really sweet and quickly, but not too quickly, got me on my way. The ladies the front desk were also really friendly. Getting a service here is a no brainer if you are a guest of the hotel.

I got a "Seasonal Escapes" package as a present from my generous in-laws. This includes: - a seasonal body treatment - swedish massage - mani-pedi - seasonal treat from the chef The changing room is very luxurious. As other reviews say, this spa is on the smaller side, but still very indulgent and nice. A perfect escape from reality. I encourage everyone to request Loni for their massages/body treatments. She is so nice and has a calm and relaxing personality. A high-strung masseuse can wreck a massage and Loni is the opposite of high-strung. The seasonal body treatment was a full-body scrub with chamomile-scented body salts in oil. So relaxing! Loni is the best. You are in good hands with her. Loni did an even better job with the Swedish Massage. She obviously had a lot of experience and by the time she was done I was so relaxed I was almost drooling! For the mani-pedi, be sure to request Stephanie. She did the best job of removing dead skin on my feet I've ever seen. She also was very friendly and relaxing to chat with. She had excellent ideas for mixing up the polishes on my finger nails and I walked out with def the best mani-pedi ever. I was so relaxed I actually forgot about the treat from the chef! Oh my! Just a word of warning, if you buy a package that includes a credit to use at Deca restaurant, they expect you to use it THE DAY you have your spa appointments. This didn't work for me so I'll have to call and remind the spa staff to call Deca when I finally make it there. All around this place is small, but very nice and professional. Ask for Loni and Stephanie and you can't go wrong! =)

The spa on the 11th floor is tricky to get to but very nice and relaxing. Loni did an amazing job it was an awesome 80 min massage.

Not so Friendly but great place to relax if you just wanna be left alone good service is excellent massage I've only been there once

I can't speak for any of the other salon services, I just went for a manicure. Definitely not what I expected for spa prices. Lacking choices for colors (esp if you want gel or no chip). There were only about 15 colors to choose from. It says it is 50minutes, so I guess I just assumed there would be nicer elements to the massage (hot towels, scrubs, paraffin), but none of that is offered. All in all, It was about 25 minutes and is just a basic manicure I usually get and I paid $20 more for it (without even getting a color I really wanted) If you're staying at the Ritz Carlton, I would just suggest finding a local place to go for a manicure.

I helped organize my friend's bachelorette party which started with the 15 girls at the party getting mani/pedis at the Ritz. Their Spa Manager Cherith was BEYOND helpful and make sure that everything was perfect before we even got there that day. She had worked out a schedule so that we could start at 10am and get out by 2:30pm which was definitely a stretch. We were out perfectly on time! The accomodations were amazing. They had a conference room set up for us where we could hang out, but they also gave us access to the locker room, sauna and pool for no extra cost. Everyone was so happy with their service, and felt like it was a really relaxing fun day. I would highly recommend doing a bachelorette party here. Super luxe and gorgeous atmosphere!

I have known of Daniela's facials for years from my clients who rave about her work. I finally got to experience what they were talking about...and it was all of that and MORE. Daniela's technique is spiritual and calming. Her fingers "dance" across your face like she is taking in your beauty with her fingertips. The neck and shoulder massage while the steam moisturizes your face is so relaxing, I almost fell asleep. I have very sensitive skin, so I was expecting to be red and splotchy the rest of the day. However, I spent the rest of the day without makeup (and I one of those that doesn't throw out my garbage without wearing lip gloss) and got SO many compliments on my glowing skin! Daniela is magic.

Thank you to JoAnne for the fabulous deep tissue massage! Whether you are a hotel guest, visiting family nearby, or live in close proximity to the Ritz Chicago, do yourself a BIG favor and go treat yourself for a heavenly experience at their Spa. You will thank me later.

The staff at the spa are top notch - starting with Karl who gave me the BEST massage experience I have ever had, Maria and Lynne in the nail salon were fantastic, and the facial Daniela gave my 87 year old Mom was something she absolutely loved. As big Urban Oasis fans for over 20 years we will be coming back to the Spa at the Ritz next time we are in town!!!

Good massage but spa is very small and not fancy at all. Would have thought spa at the Ritz would have been nicer.

I just got back from Chicago for New Years and had the most amazing stay at this hotel and spa. On the day we were leaving my back was killing me so I reserved a Swedish massage. What a delight! Amy rubbed every aching muscle and literally put me in a state of bliss! She even went the extra mile and added heat packs to ensure that the muscles were being relieved while working on other parts. Did I mention the scalp massage??!! She will ask you if it is ok that she gives you one prior.. The spa was fantastic and Amy was the best. I actually enjoyed my flight home!

Karl is the most amazing massage therapist I have ever had the pleasure of receiving a massage from. He works out every knot and ache in my body. His rhythmic movements puts me into a trance. I would recommend a full body massage from Karl... no other massage can compare!

I just left the Ritz Carlton spa and I immediately had to write a review. To start, this is a comparison to other spas in Chicago at 5 star hotels. I understand that $60 is a lot to stomach for a pedicure regardless of where you go, but I decided to treat myself and made a last minute trip to the Ritz. I am so glad I did. I saw Lynn and my experience could not have been better. Lynn spent over an hour working on my feet (which needed it), talking to me, pampering me - she remade me tea twice, she brought me nuts and a muffin. She totally blew me out of the water. I have been to the city's Four Seasons and the Langham for a pedicure and both times I left thinking "not worth it, next time I'll just stop by the local salon and have it done for $35." But not today. I felt refreshed and relaxed. When I was finished, Jason offered for me to relax in relaxation room but I left, a perfect end to the day. I will certainly be back, thank you Lynn (and Jason)!

I was thoroughly disappointed with the spa. There was no actual relaxation area, the chairs set out were shabby at best and it appears that the area also serves as a chatting area of a number of local retirees who use have gym memberships there. (the picture below is the entire relaxation area). I also asked for a deep tissue massage and received what was, at best, a medium Swedish style rub down. (and I did ask for adjustments in pressure) At least the massage rooms were well adorned and the staff was nice.

My daughter and I had a mani-pedi at the spa a few weeks ago. It was by far the worst we have ever had. The women who did the services appeared to have no idea what they were doing. The pedicure bath was broken and I had my feet soaking in tempid water. For our feet, I can do a better job at home. There was really no pedicure, per se. The polish was applied with no base coat or top coat. For the manicures, they gave us our choices of the "new polish" that lasts longer. They did not tell us that this was gel polish, that it has to be professionally removed and that it costs twice as much as a regular manicure. Unknownly we chose the polish. It appeared that neither of the ladies knew how to apply it. We ended up with very thick, gunky looking nails. I ended up spending over two hours removing it from my nails (not knowing that it is supposed to be done professionally). My nails are totally trashed now. I did write the spa, and received a less than sincere reply. People should be aware that they are taking advantage of and being tricked into something way more expensive and poorly done than they sign up for. I actually was quite fearful that I would get some sort of infection, since I know places that don't properly steralize mani-pedi tools can pass infections on to unsuspecting people.

The lounge area is not private, hotel guests and children use this area to get to the pool. It's not a quiet area for relaxing before treatments. The locker room does not have an attendant, towels were all over the place considering my service in the middle of the day, this was a shame for the Ritz Brand.

Karl was sent by the gods. He did an amazing job. My mom had someone else and said she was amazing as well. Glad we decided to get the massages.