10/22/09

DISAPPOINTED

by natrebrick

I could hear everything going on in the next booth which is very distracting when you are trying to relaz. Walls are not that cheap to install and they should invest. I went for spa week and am glad I did not pay full price.

• Pros: The women were good at massaging
• Cons: Too loud, curtains as walls, not a nice space, felt cheap

07/03/09

Great Massage!

by NewMe

I go to this place every two weeks and I get to different therapist every time I go. I can't get enough of the massage, they really are amazing.

• Pros: You get what you pay for.
• Cons: none

05/13/09

Nothing Graceful About It

by NorCal2NYC

I went here during Spa Week and got a Body Scrub and a Hot Stone Massage. The "rooms" are seperated by curtains, so you could hear everyone around you. my "room" had the table/bed you lay on and a stool. There was no sink or any products on sight. The woman came in with a bowl full of the sugar scrub. She put it on my body and told me to rinse it off in the shower. There was no technique with the application. And for all I know the scrub could have been from Duane Reade. It didn't feel anymore rough or to have exfoliated more than if I had done it at home myself. Then I had the Hot Stone Massage. The woman basically rubbed stones on my back for an hour. And when I saw rub I mean just running the stone along my back. She did not massage anything. Again there was no technique, no deep tissue work. This was a complete waste of my time and money. I am just glad that I went during Spa Week when it was really cheap. Also, I didn't see a beautician certificate or anything like that. They probably just taught that woman how to do everything. Which is why her services were not at the professional level. My boyfriend could have given me a better massage and body scrub. I'm always trying to find good deals in NYC. I know some times you have to give up some of the nice things (like decor) if you want to save money. But that doesn't mean I should get someone who has no idea what they are doing. If you do decide to go do not go after work. If you do you will be able to hear the loud music from the bar below.

• Pros: Location
• Cons: Cheap products, noise, quality of services

04/17/09

No frills massage

by Loves2Spa

I booked a Thai massage which was quite disappointing because it was performed in the same cramped space which they do regular massages. Thai massage is supposed to be like lazy man's yoga so while the therapist was really quite good when she did traditional moves, trying to do the Thai massage on that narrow massage table was not a great idea. It felt awkward and I am pretty sure it was not authentic. The room was clean but basic. I'd say a step above the really cheap Chinatown places. I am giving it 4 stars though because if you stick with the regular massage, you should get a good thorough treatment.

• Pros: Fairly priced
• Cons: No privacy, small space, thai massage

03/02/09

Absolute Best, Best, Best Massage For Cheap

by mynetta

I read all the positive and negative reviews on City Search prior to making my decision to try Graceful. At $120 for 2 hours I had to take my chances. What a great decision! Here's why: For 14 years I've had massages at well known, mid & high priced spas around Manhattan that dazzled me with decor, amenities, and aromatherapy, but were so-so in the massage application. Here, I was dazzled with the massage, which superceded everything else! I plan regular visits here! For anyone reading my review consider this and move FORWARD: Call for an appointment & be specific about your need so there's no confusion, i.e., "$120 for 2 hrs, strong hands-I need deep tissue work, etc..." (it doesn't alter the price). Don't be discouraged by the grafitti on the front door, or unkempt staircase leading to this 2nd floor spa - Don't get me wrong, you will pause, as I did, LOL, but don't let it stop you. Graceful is all about the actual massage, not the decor. Also, smile and be friendly with the young receptionists. That's it. My masseuse was Amy who is tiny in size but has hands of steel! My shoulder muscles were so hard they felt like bone, but she kneaded them steadily to softness, (which probably took all of the first hour)! NEVER has this been done so well! Oh, there are no walls, but curtains between rooms, and there's only 1 bathroom. All that said, don't sweat the small stuff. Keep in mind, three days later, I'm still mush!

• Pros: Massage technique, pricing, ambiance, staff.
• Cons: Entryway is intimidating, bathroom lighting is too dim.

02/12/09

Great place.. can't believe it exists!

by preeth

I went to graceful yesterday for the second time and it keeps getting better. The first time I went, I had the body scrub and body massage. It was amazing and I felt terrific afterward. Yesterday, I had a facial and a body massage. It was much needed and I felt as if I were floating on air. I kept glowing too and my face still feels amazingly soft. I had Jenny yesterday. She was terrific with the body massage! I highly recommend this place. The staff is friendly, the atmosphere isn't amazing but their lower-than-average prices make up for that. The service is great, amazing. I plan to go back very soon!

• Pros: Great service, low prices, leaves you feeling goooood.
• Cons: None that matter to me

02/09/09

Best Massage...love it all the time !!!!!

by Twiga444

I come here all the time with my boyfriend and I have never been disappointed with the service Ive received. I always get great massages and the massage therapists are really nice and strong. I get a different person every time I go in and they're always very strong and knowledgeable of the body! You should definetely check this place out if you need a great place to relax without spending so much money!

• Pros: Great Massages, Not Pricey
• Cons: None :)

10/15/08

Not Recommended

by mari10028

I went to Graceful Spa for the first time this week for a hot stone massage as part of Spa Week.

For the price, the service was just ok. First, I wish I had known about the layout of the spa; maybe I just didn't read through enough reviews. There are no spa service "rooms;" each spa table is separated from another with a thin curtain, and each portioned off area is no larger than 10'x15'. If you desire privacy, this is not the place for you. You are given a bucket to place your clothes in, and the bucket is placed below the spa table. My rating also is due to my massage therapist -- she didn't ask me what areas I wanted to concentrate on, nor did she spend more than a few seconds on any one area, even my upper back where there were some knots that needed work on. On top of it all, she must have had a cold because she kept coughing and at one point had to leave the "room" to catch her breath.

The experience left me wanting a lot more, and I know I wouldn't be going back.

• Pros: it was inexpensive, yes, but for $50 during spa week I could have gotten a massage at a much upper-scale spa
• Cons: decor & layout (there are no individual spa rooms, merely spa tables separated by thin curtains)

06/22/08

satidfactory

by jen7777un

this isa basic massage place. If u live in the area it willl do , but i would not go ot of your way for it

• Pros: ok

06/03/08

Excellent massage. Attitudinal receptionist.

by krakhor

What this place lacks in ambiance it makes up for with their excellent massage. For the price I wasn't expecting all that much but I was most pleasantly surprised. My therapist was attentive and communicative, strong yet nuanced and skilled with her touch. I felt like I was walking on air for hours after my treatment. The only downside was the receptionist, she made me feel like I was interrupting some important business of hers when I arrived. Also while I was getting my massage there seemed to be a heavyset reindeer tramping up and down the hallway that I later realized was the very same receptionist. The reindeer effect was caused by her loud, jangling, highly inappropriate, bangle bracelets and her heavy stride. Otherwise I highly recommend this spa.

• Pros: Reasonable prices. Great Massage.
• Cons: Attitudinal receptionist