Beauty Jewel Spa and Laser Skin Care Center

08/23/09

Very Bad Experience - Please read before you decide to go

by bbgunz19 at Citysearch

My boyfriend and I came here for the couple's Spa treatment. Unfortunately, if you are looking for a nice spa with good treatment, I would not recommend this place. Let me explain why:

1) From all my experiences going to spas, it is generally understood that a female customer will have a male masseuse and a male customer will have a female masseuse unless requested otherwise. When I booked my appointment a week advance, I made it clear that I would want a male masseuse and my boyfriend, a female masseuse. We ended up changing our pushing our appointment back an hour later that day - when we arrived and were ready, they only had two male masseuse. My boyfriend is not homophobic in any way, but the point of a spa is to be in a complete state of both physical and mental relaxation; I requested in advance a female masseuse for him because I knew a male masseuse might make him uncomfortable given that we would be receiving full body massages. Obviously, if you are not fully relaxed and comfortable at a spa, it will not be an enjoyable experience. At this point, it was too late to change (we were already in our robes and in our rooms ready to go) and my boyfriend had no choice but to receive his massage. Because the masseuse was a male, my boyfriend did not receive a true full body massage because it would be too awkward. Beauty Jewel Spa a) forgot to take into account that we specifically requested opposite-sex masseuse' for each of us and b) did not inform us ahead of time that they would not have our request fulfilled.

2) When we got to the spa, we were informed that the air conditioning had just broke; they reassured us that the actual therapy rooms would be comfortably cool. Unfortunately, this was not the case. They tried to keep the rooms cool with a loud, noisy, and old floor fan but given the lack of air circulations in the room and the fact that our treatment included hot stone massages, the eventual heat of the room became quite unbearable. It was very stuffy and hard to breathe. However, the worst part was that it was so hot, that my boyfriend's masseuse started to actually sweat on him during the treatment. Let me repeat what I just said, it was so hot that my boyfriend’s masseuse started sweating directly onto him. The masseuse was oblivious to this and my boyfriend had to tell him. This is not only unsanitary, but simply disgusting. Who wants someone else's sweat dripping onto them while you are receiving a massage?

The skills of the actual masseuse were good enough, and the conditions of this situation are obviously not in their control. However, given the amount of money it costs to receive spa treatment, our conditions and service was both unacceptable and ridiculous. They should have told us in advance that the conditions of the spa would be so hot and uncomfortable, or at least not have misled us to believe that it wouldn't. The employees of the place were very nice and that is always appreciated, but they did not conduct their business in a very professional and competent manner. I would never really have anything bad to say about a place like this, as I am a frequent customer of such spas, but given our situation, you could probably see why we were so upset.

I don't doubt that other customers may have had a good experience here, but they really dropped the ball with our appointment. I would not have been so upset if they had just informed us of the situation of both the masseuse and the air conditioning before we went. For this reason, I would strongly recommend that prospective spa-goers choose another place to avoid a terrible experience.

• Pros: Friendly
• Cons: Misleading information, A/C was broken, incompetent

07/31/09

Small, but nice and comfortable establishment

by feyisa at Citysearch

So I came here for my birthday. I got the combo pack where I selected 4 treatments for $200. It was great. Ida worked on my body and she was great. Very pleasant, not too chatty and made me feel extremely comfortable. The body scrub left me soft and I fell asleep twice during my massage, except when I felt her elbow working out those knots in my back! It was great overall and well needed.

The choc wrap was nice (dont know if I'd it again) and the facial was good too. My lady wasnt too pushy on products but let me know they were "extremely expensive but worth it." needless to say, I didn't buy any products.

Everything had gone perfect until now its time to pay....Since this was a birthday treat to myself, I still had some other things planned. So I got up front, she totaled me up and asked how much of a tip i'd like to leave, i started calculating on my phone and she kept hinting "our girls work very hard here", "they come to work for appointments and each of them live atleast an hour away", "just figure it like each girl gave you $100 worth of work", "we are a small salon and our girls are hand picked", i mean she just kept going ON and ON and ON. To myself I'm like what is it with the sob stories?? she's really harassing me for these tips.

The cake topper... So after indicating how much i wanted and spent close to $250 including tax and tips, she basically told me my tip was too small by saying "ohhh, the girls will think you dont like them".... and she proceeded to wait like maybe i'll feel bad and change my mind. ( i also think gratuity was included in the tax as well, but whatever) So i kindly but firmly told her that the girls were great, but i also have a budget i'm working with and that I was satisfied with the tip I'd left. I guess she figured that since i had treated myself that I'd come prepared to tip everyone enough to pay their rent.

Anyway, that's the only thing that kept me from giving the place 5 stars. But, I'll definitely be back for some body treatments, not to big on the facial (i feel like i can do most of what she did myself). And I think next time I'll just ask for one person to do all my treatments, that way I wont be harassed about a not leaving enough or leaving a huge tip big enough to split for multiple people at the end.

ps-I heard about getting chocolate, but I didn't get any chocolate, but that red wine was GREAT!

• Pros: Nice girls, felt totally comfortable, good body work
• Cons: Harassment for tips, tips and more tips.

07/12/09

Great spa

by JackieDspa at Citysearch

My experience from the booking online through treatment to leaving the salon was great! There was an error with my online booking and within an hour I received, two calls one advising of error and its correction and the other to book my appointment.

The salon was clean, quiet and comfortable with a soothing atmosphere. Olga, the receptionist was very pleasant and welcoming. I was served a glass of wine, a port my favorite !!! The aesthetician Nina was very professional giving me full explanation and information throughout each stage of my body wrap and facial treatments. There was no pressure to purchase products or get additional services. She recommended another treatment for me that was more suitable to my body needs. I have been to several spas in Manhattan and Brooklyn and I highly recommend this one. When I got home my husband noticed how great and beautiful I looked !!! Now that warrants a high recommendation!!

The price and service is very good especially the specials. I am glad that I found Beauty Jewel spa this is certainly a gem to keep, as I’ll definitely be back.

I only have to one comment ….. Keep up the great work Beauty Jewel spa!!!

• Pros: convenient location, specials available
• Cons: no full length mirror in changing room, no vichey shower

07/11/09

Addicted!

by pleasekim at Citysearch

I visited Beauty Jewel with a friend for her birthday and at the time they were having a special (they always have great specials!). We both had deep tissue massages and my friend had a body scrub and detoxifying wrap. We both left feeling totally relaxed! I was so relaxed that I fell asleep during a part of my massage. Everything was perfect!

The staff is super friendly and very professional. Olga is the best and always greets you with a smile. The massage therapists are also excellent! I read some of the reviews about the male massage therapists lingering at clients and using small towels??? That is total bs! They are extremely professional and they are very handsome so I am sure they don't need to stare at anyone's breasts or lust after any of the clients. I think some of the clients probably lust after them:) I never had a male massage therapist and I felt totally safe and secure with Tony. I would recommend this spa to my mother (and I wouldn't send my mother into a den of perverts) and anyone else that likes to be pampered. My only warning is it can be addicting. Since my first visit I've gone back 3 more times! But there are so many specials and deals that is is definitely worth it!

• Pros: Relaxing, Friendly Atmosphere
• Cons: None

05/28/09

Great massage and mani/pedi

by blckgardn at Citysearch

i booked this place on lifebooker for a mani/pedi and massage. Olga welcomed me at the front desk, and was extremely friendly and accomodating. Nina did nails, and because I had a massage too worked with my schedule to make sure I was out timely. Bogden's massage was great and relaxing! I'll definitely be back soon, it's on my way home and conveniently close to the w 4th street station!

• Pros: friendly service, great color selection, central location
• Cons: none

04/19/09

Worst massage ever!

by MissPink at Citysearch

My friend and I went here for Spa Week. She had a facial and I had a massage. My Masseuse was a man by the name of Bogdan. I've had male masseuses many times before and have always felt very comfortable with them. Bogdan was different. I felt completely exposed. The towel that was covering me was small and when he was massaging each of my legs he opened the towel way too much. To make it worse, he did not turn away when I turned from my stomach to lie on my back. Usually the masseuse will lift the towel high enough so that they do not see the client, wait for you to turn around, and then place the towel back on top of you. This one did not. He lifted the towel and stood there watching while I turned over. It wasn't until i turned to lay on my back that I realized he was just standing there and watching. The lights were dim but he definitely saw 'everything'. Completely unprofessional and gross. Plus, his massage was very mediocre. All he did was rub his hands on me. I would barely consider it a massage. Don't ever go here for a massage and don't ever book anything with Bogdan. He's completely unprofessional, has no skills, and is a total pervert! My friend was happy with her facial but we both left feeling that the staff was so pushy with trying to sell their products. Made us feel uncomfortable for refusing to buy them. Will never go back!

• Pros: clean, nice facility, friendly staff
• Cons: Massage, Masseuse, So pushy to sell products

02/01/09

Couple's Passion Package was amazing

by melanne02 at Citysearch

My husband and I ended our anniversary trip in New York City by visiting this spa. We enjoyed the Couple's Passion Package thoroughly! This was my husband's first experience with any spa, besides sending me to them, and he had a wonderful time as well. The staff was well educated about each of the services we had. The ambiance was very romantic. The price was very reasonable for the amount of attention and service we received. Definitely would recommend this spa! They even threw in a few gift certificates for future trips!

• Pros: Ambience, service, quality, etc.
• Cons: I can't think of any

01/17/09

always a lovely experience

by ty1233 at Citysearch

i've only come here for brazilians, but the staff is really nice and always accommodating. i generally get their 'gourmet' wax, which they say has nutrients or vitamins in it that make it less painful (not painless, who could ever have a painless brazilian wax?) i've had other brazilians before, and though at other places, they can get you in and out in 15 minutes and do your entire nether regions in 8 yanks, i'd rather not go through that again (talk about pain, yeesh). i love the gourmet waxing so much, i even bought a package of 6 (i never do things like that). i should give a wax to my friends, but i might just keep it to myself, who knows. laura, who usually takes care of me, is very sweet and makes sure you're comfortable and checks in with you if she notices you wincing too much. very clean, relaxing place.

• Pros: wonderful staff, relaxing atmosphere, super close to the w.4th train station
• Cons: n/a

11/23/08

Im coming back for much much more!!!!

by DoctorShimon at Citysearch

I love it!! I love it!! I love it!! thats all there was to say after my services....this is by far the best spa in the area. This place is high class and the prices are right!!! Dont be fooled by its hidden location nor outside appeareance. Judging a book by the cover isn't what mama taught me. When you enter this place its like another galaxy very relaxing...I m definitly bringing my friends here...Its like walking on the moon. If you want something unique this place can cater it to you....The manager is so nice he desrves a kiss. and rumor has it that this place is expanding to 5th avenue. Well I guess you now know what the Doc has prescribed for now be well.

• Pros: Service, price and staff
• Cons: hidden location

07/15/08

FANTASTIC for parties and special events

by Lisa1987 at Citysearch

The week of my sister's wedding I organized a girls spa day here and I couldn't have been more impressed! The whole staff went out of their way to make the event very special - they closed down the entire place just for us and really threw a party!! They provided us with fruit, cookies, cake, sodas, wine, crackers.... the whole 9 yards. Then, they went around and interacted with everybody and took pictures and made us a picture CD so we could capture our memorable event forever.

If you are planning a spa event, you should definitely check this place out!!! They give you the royal treatment for sure :)