Crystal Spa

08/06/08

As a licensed massage therapist, I can't recommend it.

by clsneed at Citysearch

I went during spa week in April. I had a 60 min massage, 60 min facial, 30 min reflexology and 15 min hot stone package. I was led into an area where each "room" was basically a space with an 8 foot rug covering a 10 foot opening. As you walk past each space you can clearly see into each room. My therapist kept looking in to see if I was ready - yes she could clearly see into the room because the rug didn't completely cover the opening! As soon as she saw I was undressed she rushed in to help me under the towel - help I didn't need as I would have preferred to keep what little modestly I had left. She was very pleasant but extremely rough during the massage and periodically climbed onto the table to straddle my body. She didn't speak english so I was constantly flinching and saying "ouch" to let her know that it hurt. During the massage she left the room to bring in the hot stones which were so hot she couldn't handle them herself. I said "Ow" right away so she wouldn't even attempt to put them on me until they had cooled. She then pulled my underwear down so that my butt was exposed. She used the stones on my back and as they cooled she would shove them into my buttcrack for safe keeping I guess. During this time the facialist comes in and begins to set up - exposed buttcrack and all! After about 10 stones were removed from my buttcrack I was turned over and she worked my arms and legs. The facialist then started my facial while the therapist did my reflexology. All in all it was horrible experience for me. I was sore for 3 to 4 days following the massage. If you're not at all shy about your body and like extremely deep tissue this might be the place for you. Also, because no one spoke english there was no conversation regarding my health and whether I was fit to have this rough massage or not. As a licensed massage therapist myself, knowing the laws and guidelines of proper licensed massage I could never recommend this place to anyone.

• Pros: Good package pricing for spa week
• Cons: There's no way these people are licensed - they don't speak english - very dangerous if you have a health condition or injury

07/07/08

Don't believe the good reviews. It stinks.

by skeubmdhw7294 at Citysearch

I don't understand the rave reviews. This spa is fairly affordable, but not dirt cheap. The service and decor are cheap. A spa should make the customer feel relaxed. This spa, is a dull, dreary big room, divided only by bed sheets, yes, bed sheets, hanging on lines. You can hear your neighbor talking, as well as the masseuse next "door" talking to the other staffers. It's a cold environment, like a hospital. The staffers speak no English, which is fine in any other profession, but for one where you want to feel at ease, it's nice to be able to speak to the person giving you a facial. That won't happen here. The only thing they say is at the end, "Ok, you finish. Pay now." The lady waits by the register WHILE YOU PAY, so you can hand her the tip in person. It's awkward and impolite.

My facial was not pleasant. Here is the bare-bones procedure. Apply cold cream. Rub off face with very abrasive sponge. Repeat about 5 times. That was the all they did. Just cold cream over and over. After 3 repeats, they steam your face and take out blackheads. Then they repeat the cold cream twice more.

There aren't enough machines, so the steamers are shared. Throughout my facial, my lady would roll the machine, to other "rooms" and back again. It's loud to move around, and it came and went at least three times. Last, they keep refilling the water they use to wipe off the cold cream, and it's not subtle. Because of the location of my "room" I could hear and see them go to the bathroom, turn on the tap, and wait for the water to get warm. They just put that in a bowl and come into your "room."

Finally, the place was so ugly. I was grossed out. I read all the positive reviews before going, and was expecting something halfway decent. The only way this facial could be considered wonderful, is if the only other experience they had was back in kindergarten, where you give each other a facial with the mud from the puddle in the playground.

• Pros: It was over fast
• Cons: $100 wasted

10/22/07

Just so-so

by koyomo at Citysearch

I went during spa week for a deep tissue massage. To be fair, I didn't tell the massage therapist she was hurting me, but she also didn't ask how the pressure was. Half of the massage was uncomfortably painful, but the other half did address the right spots with the right amount of pressure. She also didn't have me flip over on my back so she could pay some attention to the front of my legs, arms and shoulders like I've had in all my massages elsewhere. The curtains to the rooms definitely don't close the whole way, so be wary if you're shy since I saw customers of both sexes. Also, the woman who leads customers to their spaces speaks in a full voice so you can always hear her whenever she's instructing a new customer as to what to do, which is distracting.

• Pros: prices
• Cons: lack of privacy; painful pressure

04/01/07

Just what I needed!

by amg31 at Citysearch

My shoulders & upper back were bothering me for a few days, so I figured it was finally time to get a massage. I came here because my Mom said her co-workers have said good things about this place. I made an appt. for a deep tissue massage and it was just that! My therapist worked hard in getting the knots out of my shoulders and back, She was very attentive and adjusted the pressure when I was getting ticklish or hurting. The only thing I didn't like was that she waited around while I was paying to wait for her tip. I was going to give one, of course, but needed change from the receptionist. They should have an envelope for tips at the receptionist table, so that the therapist don't wait around, which kind of annoyed me. I would definitely go back though!

• Pros: Was seen on time and attentive staff.
• Cons: Should have envelopes for tips at the receptionist table.

03/15/07

Great experience

by grivera at Citysearch

What a tranquil place. Very peaceful and welcoming. THe receptionists very considerate asking questions such as how did i feel and to tell you the truth I felt so relaxed. I haven't felt this way in such a long time it was a relief to find a peaceful and relaxing place in the city. I've been to other spas but none like this one. You will enjoy your experience at this spa. I went for a 60 min Massgae and ended up staying an extra 30min and getting a facial because I felt so relaxed. NO pressure into keeping me there. I will be going back there at least once a month maybe more if I get the time...

• Pros: Great cuastomer service, Relaxing, get what you paid for and more
• Cons: none

03/01/07

What you read is what you get

by wandabest at Citysearch

I googled this spa yesterday morning. I laughed at the fact that they used the word "tranquility" not believing that this is the feeling that they leave you with. I went in yesterday as a walk in last night and after the wonderful massage I had I must say they definitely reserved the right to use it in their ad.

• Pros: excellent service, excellent staff

02/28/07

Excellent People

by darrylcb at Citysearch

The service was excellent but I also wanted to add that the receptionists who are there are extremely helpful as well. They were very knowledgeable of the services and made me feel just as warm as the therapeutist did. It's hard to find a place with good service and nice people. I was fortunate to find both.

• Pros: Great Staff

02/28/07

Bigger is not always better................

by apachenyc at Citysearch

I often target large spas to get my massages thinking that the bigger a place is the better the service. I recently had a bad experience so I chose to go to a smaller place. I heard about Crystal's Spa from a friend so I chose that place to go to. For a place to be small the staff and the service was great. I loved the fact that I felt like I had their attention when I needed it. It was a great experience I can't wait to go back next week!!

• Pros: Clean , warm and friendly environment

02/28/07

Great Service, Great Massage

by jontue at Citysearch

If you want to go somewhere where the environment is excellent as well as the service than this is the place to go. I have such long days and exhausting weeks and they gave me just what I needed to feel rejuvenated and relaxed. There massages are so superb that I had to extend my time. I'll be going here for now on , if your smart you will be too.

• Pros: Friendly and warm staff

02/26/07

Immaculate?Must experience the rejuvenation.

by dsanchez631 at Citysearch

Wow, Now I?ve been to spas before but none like this. The experience was fabulous. Relaxing, Rejuvenating, Refreshing and I felt like I was on cloud nine. Everyone is so friendly from the receptionist right down to the masseuse. When I finished my hour massage I felt so refreshed and at ease that I went for a facial and wow is all I can say. I was so relaxed that all I felt like doing was going home to rest. This is a great place to tell your family and friends about. They offer gift certificates which is great for birthdays. I told and continue telling all my friends about it. So take a night out of your busy schedule and go relax. I know I will be going back.

• Pros: friendly workers, great atmosphere, wonderful relaxation
• Cons: none