02/08/09

Heaven is a place on earth...a Rooftop Deck on 5th Ave!

by cuteincouture

Not sure what the nay sayers are talking about but you have to question the validity of statements when have the words are misspelled! This is truly a relaxing getaway in the heart of NYC. I'm a bit of a spa snob so I'm very particular about the decoration, ammenities, and service. The spa is extremely clean and it's clear that management takes the presentation very seriously. From the moment you go through the glass door, you feel a sense of 'Ahhhhh...'. I'm a regular and will go as often as I can. Love the Cornelia Signature massage but I think the Tension Balancer Massage may be my new favorite. DON'T LEAVE without getting a mimosa and a light lunch on the rooftop deck. Sometimes I can't believe I'm still in New York when I'm there. It's truly a gem :)

• Pros: It's not just a place you go for a massage...it's an 'EXPERIENCE' of being at a spa resort!
• Cons: It's pricey but you get what you pay for...Those who enjoy being pampered endlessly won't be disappointed.

01/08/09

Great Facial- James was wonderful!

by ksldion

Had a facial at Cornelia last week. I have been to many spas and had many facials. This facial was by

far the best. The esthetician I saw was JAMES, he gave me an extremely comprehensive skin consultation and an amazing facial. The extractions were painless and my skin glowed like never before. The facial included a lovely foot, hand and shoulder massage and parafin for both hands and feet. My skin was glowing and I was never so refreshed after a facial. Well worth the money!!

• Pros: Great Facials, excellent service, warm and comforting environment!
• Cons: none

12/11/08

Desillusion

by Niky00

As a former constant client, of what it used to be New York's most exclusive day SPA, I just want to advice you all, to think twice before you make a decision in what SPA you choose to treat yourself.

The major reasons that made me stop going at Cornelia's are the lack of professional costumer services, not having treatment results and last but not least an inadmissible business matter practiced with the employs

witch are payed of what I heard, cash and not on time.

In the end I want to announce you that all the luxury aspects that made this place world known, fade away..

11/15/08

cornelia cannot pay their employees on time! they will have to wait 5days to get a check!

by lucy11111

i think the services are are mediocre, but they continue to raise their prices! maybe their employees are unhappy that they are not getting paid on time after having worked .

09/30/08

It's something to experience if you really want to treat yourself.

by zenjen

I treated myself to Cornelia for my birthday and I don't think I could have given myself a better gift. It's pricey, but I'm sure you've heard that! It was worth it for me because I feel I paid for the experience rather than the actual services. Lunching on the rooftop deck in my suggly spa robe was priceless! The massage, mani and pedi were middle of the road good, but when I left, I felt so relaxed that the crowds on 5th Avenue didn't even phase me! I'm sure you can find services that are less expensive, but if you want a true spa experience, check out Cornelia. Treat yourself!

• Pros: Posh, luxurious and pampering
• Cons: Pricey

09/29/08

Its just OK

by karennyc

I took my boyfriend here for a 90 min couples massage on a Saturday morning. The staff was extremely nice and attentive and I liked how they had an attendent in the locker room to direct you where to go so you didn't have to 'figure it out'. We had 2 male masseuses, which was fine since they told us ahead of time. Now here's where it goes downhill. My masseuse asked me about pressure preference. I told him and before we even started he kept going on and on about how I need to tell him if the pressure was good. I said ok. He said, "don't just say ok you need to tell me". He repeated this at least 5 times to the point where my boyfriend said "trust me, she'll tell you". The massages for both of us were not that great, less than average actually. He kept doing some wanna be a healer thing by placing his hands on me and leaving them there for 10 minutes at a time. It was just weird. After the massage they both left the room for us to get dressed. For the first time in all the many spa treatments I've had I never had someone knock on the door after 5 minutes and open the door to see if we were coming out. I had always been told to take our time. Not only was this unprofessional but I was appauled that this man would open the door when a female was in the room putting her robe on. Not only that, a client should never feel rushed especially if the massages came to over $600 with tip. This was my first and last time there.

08/22/08

Worst Altogether Facial Experience I have ever had

by jhochle

I just returned from a facial at Cornelia. I was so excited because I heard this was the best spa in NYC. The registration desk told me that facials start at $190 so I was absolutely stunned when, after getting into the facial bed, my facialist told me I needed the oxygen facial, which costed $325. I said I did not want to spend that much money, and if there was anything less expensive. She told me that I could do the collagen facial, but it wasn't really right for me. I was stuck in the bed and had no place to go, and I didn't want to spend $285 on a facial that "wasn't for me." She spent the entire facial telling me how bad my skin was (thanks, I already know!!) and telling me that I need "a lot more treatment." She finished my facial by asking if I wanted to buy some products because my dermatolist prescribed acne medication "really wasn't working." Still reeling from being bullied into spending 70% more, I declined her offer and headed to change clothes. The entire facial was 60 minutes of pain and stinging (which she told me was completely normal) It was fine, though, nothing amazing, but not horrible either. I told the manager (Eddy Vilaire) in the nicest way about my experience, and he proceeded to ignore me and continued to repeat that the oxygen facial costs $325. Next time, I will look for a place that doesn't make you feel cheap paying $190 for a facial and treats you with general respect.

• Pros: The waiting area is nice
• Cons: Snotty Management, Pushy Service

07/17/08

it depends on what you consider amazing..

by cotedazure

The first vibe I got when the elevator doors open is not of a tranquil spa (already a disappointment right there)but of a mini cosmetic salon with yapping counter girls.

True, they spent a mint to spruce up the place but the interiors were a disconnected theme between reception or their foyer and the inner rooms/hallways...locker rooms are bright white with faux marble, posh and clean, nice touch with the name card on each locker ( even if they can't spell your name correctly).. with a touted high-end spa such as this ?attention to detail is a must)...relaxation library will appeal to both men and women with the dark brown interiors and plush seating. and treatment rooms are also dark and nicely appointed..they do require a cell-free area and silence is encouraged amongst guests...but perhaps not with the people who work there who readily speak in high tones coupled with the clanking of mini-plates being replenished in the library....a nuisance while one is trying to relax and get away from the city noise...

The rooftop garden was also nicely done - - with bamboo potted plants around ....BUT you also share the space with the loud buzz of the commercial airconditioning units.... tranquililty anyone? The lounge chairs are comfy with Cornelia blankets in the reverse color scheme of an Hermes box or shopping bag - dark brown background wth "Cornelia" spelled in Hermes orange.

My masseur was lame in technique...almost lazily rubbing ( with only one hand at times!) vs massaging or kneading...and please require your people to gargle some mouthwash or have a mint before treatments...bad breath is enough to wake one up and spoil the experience.

For $175, this massage was NOT worth it. And I have been to a number of spas in the US, Asia and in Europe.

The hype jacked up expectations.It was a hodge podge of services and interiors did not even come close to the level of excellence one can have in a spa of an Amanresort or a Mandarin Oriental.

• Pros: location
• Cons: not good value

06/03/08

RAMONA- best FACIAL IN NY

by manaboutown228

Cornelia is heaven!! The men's sauna/locker room is amazing- they put your name on your locker before you arrive, so clean, so friendly- couldn't ask for more in a spa. Cornelia exceeds expectations!! It's not cheap but it's amazing!! The facials are the best in NY- ask for Ramona- she is the AMAZING. Oxygen facial is mad good and you come out glowing and skin is plump- they actually know how to do a great O2 facial, many other spa's just charge and don't know what they're doing. Standard Cornelia facial is awesome as well- either way- this place is AWESOME!! if you're feeling glamorous get the add on for $50 or so and they have an additional person massage hands and feet while you are getting your facial. SO WORTH IT! The rooftop restaurant is great in spring/summer- get the mushroom spring rolls, and the little cookies in the lounge are amazing- i think they have anti-oxidants so yummy and healthy!! i've been to spas all over the world and this is top notch- great to find in NY- especially right on 5th Ave. enjoy!!

• Pros: ambience, best facial, professional, clean, on-time, not pushy
• Cons: none

02/09/08

The roof deck is an absolute gem in the summertime!

by ASD83

I bought a package for myself and my mom for mother's day this past May for us to each have a facial, massage, manicure/pedicure, lunch, and have our hair done. Needless to say I spent a lot of money. What I liked: the spa itself is absolutely gorgeous, the lockerroom, lounge and amenities are top notch. The roofdeck where we ate lunch was one of the most memorable experiences I've had in the city and I grew up here. It was absolutely gorgeous, we sat up there in our robes, completely relaxed, and ate amazing food. The massage was very good - not amazing, but good enough. My masseuse used stones without charging extra for hot stone massage, which was nice. I also love the gift shop there and have returned since to buy a cute handbag I saw there - they carry a nice, edited selection of very high-end but rare brands in cosmetics, accessories, etc. WHAT I DIDN'T LIKE: The facial is way too pampering - I don't need someone slathering 300 different creams on me. I want efficient products and procedures and good extractions. I got the best esthetician in the spa who is written up as an amazing facialist in all the big women's magazines and she did the worst extractions I've ever had in a facial. Also, they have a second girl in the room massaging you while you get the facial, and frankly, it's just annoying and unnecessary. This facial is NOT worth $200. The hair and mani/pedi was also nothing special AT ALL, but apparently they've since renovated the salon part of the spa so I'm sure the environment has improved. Overall, I definitely recommend this for a special pampering day with a loved one, but don't come here for one service because nothing is THAT great on its own. Save your money and go to one of the smaller, specialty places - like Christine Chin, Mario Badescu, Tracey Martyn, etc. who are FAMOUS for their facials.

• Pros: The atmosphere is luxurious and the roof deck is incredible in the summer.
• Cons: The front desk staff have no clue what they are doing and are RUDE.