Brenda P.
Yelp
Torn about this review. I'm going with a solid 3 ONLY because my two accompanying friends had good massages. "Not the best, I've ever had. But good and relaxing enough," they both said. Otherwise, it would have been a solid 2 or less.
Mine was not. It was one awkward moment after the another with no end in sight. More in a bit.
I booked my appointment online a week before the trip. The staff was quick to reply to my request and finalize my appointment. My room happened to be right by the spa elevator, so arrival was beyond easy. Checking in was also a breeze. The woman at the front desk sweetly welcomed me and gave me a cute small (yet generous) bag with my toiletries for the day.
Someone else came to get me and gave me the spa tour: locker, robe, slippers, lounge area, etc. The service includes a glass of bubbly which I shared with my friends while we waited for our massage appointment time. As expected, the lounge area is small but very zen and relaxing.
My masseuse greeted me and took me to the treatment room. I specified some of my likes and dislikes, and then the service began. The first red flag was the excessive use of his forearms. It's something I usually don't mind. I kept thinking there would be no need to say something because surely, he wouldn't keep using them...but he did. And at what point do I spend the entire massage time vocally directing? That's not relaxing! He would also hold pressure with the forearm in one spot for a good 15-20 seconds. Was he alive? Hello? Anyone there? I couldn't tell. He also kept switching from pressure to a soft fingertip thing up and down my back/arms/legs. I hated it. Shudder. There was also the weird inner thigh position he put my leg in (not inappropriate, just odd) and another different "technique" for upper chest/shoulder area. Finally, he took a hot towel and used it on my feet thoroughly. I was happy thinking it was time for focus on the feet (which is my FAVORITE). At least there was that to end on a positive note. Instead, I heard the isolating DING of the bell that signals the end of the massage. What? Clean feet and ding?
A massage that began at 4 pm had me sitting back in the lounge by 4:45pm. Exactly how short was this "service?" I booked a 50-minute massage! I figured I would mention this at check out and think long and hard about gratuity.
My girlfriends and I had a good chuckle at my expense when I was retelling the story and showing them the "moves." I ultimately chose to "find the good" and just resolve that at least I had some spa time and I was on vacation. But when I went back outside to check out, only MY masseuse was standing by the cashier. That's not cool. Why was he standing there? Yet another uncomfortable moment. What was I supposed to reply when she asked: "Was everything great?" Blank stare. I just nodded like a wuss. How do I tell him I disliked it that much? Then, for the grand finale she followed up with " There's an automatic 20% gratuity added to your bill, is that OK?" as the masseuse stared at me along with the cashier. Is that an intimidation technique? It worked. They got me.
Given I really liked the hotel and I plan on staying there again, I am resolving to give the spa another go with a different therapist. This time, I will make sure to be very specific as to what I expect: before, during, AND after.