09/14/09

nothing special

by diankiny

i expected a lot from this experience as i read the book by susan ciminelli and i loved it. i booked my massage appt and when they asked me if i prefer male/female massage therapist, i specifically request female. when i came in, i was told i am having my massage by a male therapist (the front desk did not take me to a locker room, asked if i wanted to drink, etc) the massage was good but it does not change the fact they did not honor my request and they did not even say anything. do not recommend.

• Pros: amazing book by the spa owner/author
• Cons: no customer service whatsoever

05/01/09

Worst customer service ever

by raquelgrosman

I went to Susan Ciminelli's new spa location on east 56th street and it was a bit of a disaster -- and I suggest you don't waste your time here. I made an appointment for 4pm and the spa called me two hours before to tell me they made a mistake and the masseur had an errand to run and would be unable to take me at that time. An errand to run? Two hours before my service! Very unprofessional. So I rescheduled my appointment time to 5pm to accommodate them. I arrived at the spa and the staff seemed unprepared and somewhat confused. (The spa had just opened two weeks prior). The locker rooms had no lockers or towels and the cleaning staff was still preparing the space. My massage was fine, but when I went to pay, it turned out that my gift certificate was completely incorrect. I had a gift certificate for an aromatherapy massage - which is a service they don't provide and I didn't get - and the certificate was actually meant to be for a facial. The certificate also said that gratuity was included - which is apparently not possible at this spa - so I got hassled at "check out" and it took several phone calls to the Bergdorf site to sort it all out. Less than relaxing - but the piece de resistance was this: I called the spa the next day to just tell them that I didn't have the best experience and to give them what I thought might be helpful feedback - i.e. things are still rough around the edges at the new place, so maybe go out of your way to be extra nice to your new clients so they'll come back to that location. I spoke to Susan's "PR person" directly who was lovely and apologetic and assured me that she was sorry I had had a suboptimal experience and "would check in with Susan and call me right back and see what she could do to get my business again". I didn't call the salon expecting anything - but when she said this, I at least expected her to call me back. She never even bothered to call me back. Amazing! So a few days went by and I called her again (this time I was annoyed) - and she argued with me and said she called me back (but didn’t leave a message?) and besides “she was very busy and couldn't remember all the calls she made”. Busy indeed! I hope not anymore. Don't go. It was a perfectly acceptable massage, but the customer service was so terrible, that in this economy, I suggest you give your money to someone who will treat you more kindly.

• Pros: I hear the Bergdorf location is nice
• Cons: Many - see my review

03/11/09

Amazing services!

by bklynqt05

I was here last week to try out yet another spa in NYC and booked a facial. First off, the spa is absolutely gorgeous and I immediately felt relaxed and welcomed as soon as I walked through their door. The facial was really relaxing and the aesthetician was extremely knowledgeable and professional. I was so happy with my new glowing skin I decided to get a massage. All I can say is WOW. Best day at a spa in NYC in a looooooooooong time. I finally found a spa where all of theyr services are top notch. Try it here, you'll love it!

02/04/09

amazing facial

by DrinkingupNYC

I came into Susan Ciminelli spa with my mother over the weekend after a nie afternoon of shopping. We were tired and ready for some relaxation. While it was a little tricky getting on the right elevator in Bergdorfs to find the spa, we were glad that we did. I got the Hot Stone Massage which was fantastic and i loved it. My mother opted for the Swedish Massage and she said that hers was excellent as well. This was a really nice place to take my mother for some quality girl time. This is a very fancy place and everything was excellent. I would highly reccomend coming here for something special.

• Pros: Great Massages and Technicians
• Cons: A little hard to find!

11/02/07

BEST SPA IN NYC!!!!

by katiesellu

SUSAN CIMINELLI!!! is the epitome of outstanding...literally, i used to work for Elle magazine and our company always offered incentives and weekly facials @ susan ciminelli's spa @ bergdorf and i always looked forward to those days, because i knew i was about to get the best there is. I recently moved from NYC and i miss my SUSAN sooooooo much, i will be back for the holidays and after i touch down in my hotel room...nxt stop 754 5th ave PLEASE!!!!! oh and of course im goin to try to get some shoppin in also.

• Pros: EVERYTHING
• Cons: NOTHING

09/28/07

Problem skin savior!!! Best spa in NYC

by kathydupont

I Have been to some of the top spas in NYC, but this by far was the best experience I have ever had. The entire staff is so helpful and professional-- they totally pamper you at this place and its worth every penny because when it comes to skin, they know what they are talking about!!! Susan ciminelli is a living legend!!And she even came out and introduced herself and she was one of the sweetest most knowledgable skincare experts I have ever met. I came in there with cystic acne and scars after trying every product out there, and going to every spa. I had a deep pore cleansing facial with Marina which was really cleansing and had every single pore extracted and had no redness whatsoever. marina said shes been there for years and she knew exactly what products to recommend. The products are really expensive which is a bummer, but they really work and at first I thought it would take me forever to go through the ciminelli regimen but it takes me like 5 min every morning to do. If you are lucky, you may bump into Susan herself who will tell you exactly what kind of vitamins or foods you should eat to help your skin. I took her recommendations and 4 weeks later, my skin is glowing. HIghly recommended!!!

• Pros: deep cleansing facials
• Cons: no sauna, inside of bergdorf goodman

09/21/07

Once Was Enough

by ellie202

I can't review based on years of experience at this place because once was enough for me. All I got was a facial, and from the moment the technician started pushing product I knew this was not the place for me. I found the sales pitch offensive and not conducive to a relaxing experience. In addition, I didn't think the facial itself was that terrific (she overdid it; I have good skin that requires little maintenance and a good technician ought to be able to acknowledge that).

• Pros: None
• Cons: See review

08/21/06

Yeah, I think they must be kidding

by taroberts

I'm a 4-year client and never, ever had a problem, either. Perhaps SC is not as "progressive" or "hi-tech" as the other spas, but I always feel at home when I go there. Face treatments are the specialty. Her facialists go the extra mile and Susan herself is a real treat, not to mention a sweetheart. And her heavenly products make it easy to do home facials between treatments. Plus, they work. I've even tried other spas and products but always find myself going back to Susan despite the price. If one wants to really experience rude, pushy and unprofessional behaviour, go to Mario Badescu.

• Pros: Helpful receptionists, peaceful atmosphere, relaxing facials
• Cons: Pricey, but hey--it's Bergdorf

08/12/06

Are these reviewers kidding?

by b102198

I have been a client at Ciminelli for well over six years and cannot believe these reviews people wrote. The front desk staff are so sweet and friendly, my regular masseuse and facialist are the best in the city and the products...I wouldn't be able to live without them. So, please, take my word for it...someone who has been to this spa at least 75 times, it is so well worth it. Just be on time, they're busy so if you're late, too bad for you..you're not the only person in the appointment book that day!

02/01/06

Seaweed and essential oils rule at this luxurious day spa.

by Sandra Ramani

The Scene
For more than 20 years, "seaweed queen" Ciminelli has soothed New Yorkers with her unique brand of holistic healing. Since 1996, she has run this spa, nestled on the top floor of Bergdorf Goodman, as well as a newer East Hampton location. The spa boasts a knowledgeable staff, pleasant treatment rooms and shelves of the popular, extensive house line. Celeb fans include Naomi Campbell, Pia Getty, Ellen Barkin and P. Diddy.

The Services
Therapists address the body as a whole, treating both the cause and effect of a client's particular issue and incorporating nutritional and lifestyle counseling. Massage styles--designed to relax and treat pain--include hot stone, cellulite, reflexology, deep tissue and aromatherapy/lymphatic drainage; body treatments include enriched fango mud and seaweed wraps, and the decadent Belgian Rose Mineral Salt Scrub. Popular, effective facials include Pumpkin and Prune Fruit Enzyme Peel and Aromatherapy with Essential Oils. Waxing, mani/pedis and packages also available.