Laura P.
Yelp
I've had a long hiatus from actually reviewing businesses, yet I'm an avid Yelp user. Most Yelper's recommendations are always on point and unfortunately this spa has relatively few Yelp reviews, so I took a chance at visiting this spa during our trip. I actually spent several hours checking out our spa options and I did compromise for convenience because we're staying at Palms Place, they offered a deal on a couples' spa package, and the spa was recently re-imagined. I'm an avid spa-goer so I have an extensive basis of comparison.
I would give this review a solid 2.5 stars if I had the option, but 3 stars is too many. First of all the positive points include:
1. Ambiance and interior design made it pleasant. This included the couples treatment room with awesome massage tables, super soft sheets, cozy robes, ambient lighting, and relaxing music.
2. Our therapists for both massage and facials had great personalities and we were happy with their skill level.
3. All staff was friendly.
4. The body wash and lotion smells amazing, think tropical coconut.
Now for the the things this spa was lacking for this price point:
1. The special was for a spa package that was $520 which included a 50 minute massage and a 50 minute facial with some high end products, and two glasses of champagne with two chocolate strawberries. So for Las Vegas resort pricing, it was a better deal and I was able to share the experience with my hubby. Upon check in though, they charged us an extra "facility fee" that was over 25% based on what we actually spend. When I booked the appointment over the phone, I was NOT notified of this extra fee. Upon check-in I asked the receptionist if this fee included gratuities and she said yes and it's divided between everyone, think restaurant staff style. Well for such a huge fee, I wasn't tipping extra even if the therapists were phenomenal. Also, in the coed lounge they advertised this special on a framed card and it was for $485. I asked the receptionist why we were charged more and she said that it was cheaper in the beginning of the month and due to demand they raised the price. In my opinion that's a questionable business practice and the spa was mostly empty when we were there.
2. Again at this price point, the services were ok and we did leave relaxed, but the facial part was really weak. We're spending $135 each for the facial that did not include any facial standard things like extractions, steam, multiple masks, etc. It was basically hot towels, one enzyme mask, and a lot of massage. For me the facial was really a rip off for what it was. It did leave us both further relaxed.
3. The spa facility amenities were also subpar compared to other spas including Aria (which we loved). There is a co-ed lounge with lemon water, loose granola, and a tiny fruit platter that was never replenished. We asked for menus and the attendant gave us one, but never returned to take our order. Once you crossover into the respective gender areas, their is a spa with jets that are on super high that will tear a hole through your spine, super chlorinated water (I spent 3 minutes in it and gave up). There is a steam room, a sauna, and a heated tile lounge. No ice cold face towels for the steam room (had to make my own), no hooks for robes or towels, tiny dressing/locker area right by the entry door (no privacy), no separate area for drying hair and doing makeup, it's basically the sink area. Showers were even hard to figure out how to turn the water on.
4. We added on Himalayan Salt stones to our massage which was nice, but overpriced at an extra $50 for both of us. This extra upgrade added to the facility fee, so our $520 deal turned into a $718 spa appointment. The experience was average at best, but certainly not worth the money we spent.