Portofino Sun Tanning Center

06/27/2008 Posted by NYC03

I went to Portofino because I saw that it was mentioned in the TOP 10 best places in NYC to get a sunless tan. This place is the best. The staff is very friendly and the atmosphere is very high-class. The prices are incredible for as they call it "personally applied airbrush tan." It came out wonderful and all my friends were asking me where I went on vacation! I highly recommend the sunless tan at Portofino.

Pros: Great service, Great prices

Cons: Having to lie about going on Vacation

06/27/2008 Posted by NYyanks03

I couldn't agree less with the last review. Portofino is by far superior to all other tanning places in NYC. The beds are cutting edge (they just got a brand new bed a couple weeks ago) the staff is friendly and helpful, and the place is always incredibly clean (especially the tanning equipment) Portofino is the best. If you want a great tan in an upscale place...Portofino is for you!

Pros: Brand New Machines, VERY CLEAN!, Friendly and Helpful Staff

Cons: A little tough to find your first time there...

06/18/2008 Posted by me13

I went to portofino, to compare prices to the tanning salon I usually go to. the prices were just as expensive, and although the beds were different, I would not say that they were better. the lady at the desk was not polite, even after i spent 51$ for one tan. she was not helpful, and I had to make all the decisions on my own, so it was a good thing that I know my lotions and beds. The beds were good, but there were fingerprints on the beds, which was gross

Pros: various beds are available, and a small variety of lotions

Cons: rude workers, dirty beds, small bathroom, employees with no experience

0 out of 1 people found this review helpful

06/05/2008 Posted by bwayfan25

I've been loyal to Valeria, the airbrusher, for 2 years now. My budget can't always afford the upkeep, but whenever I have an important event like a party or wedding, I treat myself to a spray tan at Portofino. She is wonderful! The tan usually lasts about a week and I always get compliments. Every now and then I do a booth spray, but nothing compares to the personally applied airbrush.

Pros: the AIRBRUSH!

Cons: a little pricey for single sessions

05/26/2008 Posted by hazalangel

Do not use this place for spray tanning. I can't say anything about the other technicians but the girl I got was obviously inexperienced. She had trouble getting things set up with the spray bottle and now that I am home, the back sides of my legs are completely white. She totally missed them- somehow. I also made very clear to her that I didn't want to look toasted. I just wanted a bit of sun. She insisted that I needed 2 applications. So I trusted her and I probably shouldn't have because I am so so dark its kinda ridiculous. I'm sure the beds and booths are great- just stay away from the overpriced technician spray tan.

Pros: Good beds, booths

Cons: Young & inexperienced technicians on the spray tanning

04/06/2008 Posted by bizhop1873

Yeah yeah--I am a dude and I am a fake and baker. I admit it--I have no shame. I'm not addicted or anything- i tan every now and then to keep from looking pale and sickly in the winter months. I stick to the same stand-up machine and it gets the job done. They provide eye covers, towels etc so I just show up and tan. I gotta admit the manager (the redhead) is a definite incentive too. It can be busy after work so I make an appointment ahead of time if i can. I'm not exactly a tanning connoisseur, but I know what I like. I like Portofino tanning.

Pros: good tans, good staff

Cons: nada

04/06/2008 Posted by MetsGrrl07

Ok- to be honest, my first time at Portofino was very interesting. I accidentally went to the OLD location on Madison and then, after seeing the sign, I realized that my friend gave me the wrong address. So, of course I was late for my 1st appointment once I finally arrived at the right place. I was ready to apologize profusely and hope that I could still squeeze in a tan. I walked in huffing and puffing from choosing the stairs over the elevator and to my surprise the girl at the desk was wonderful. I didn't want to deal with details, I just wanted someone to tell me what to do, where to go and for how long. She did just that. In 10 minutes I was set up with a pack of sessions and taking a sweet nap in a tanning bed. All of the initial running around payed off. I've been stopping by the RIGHT salon every couple of weeks or so to take a break and get a little tan. The place is great, the people are great and the tan is GREAT.

Pros: relaxing and easy

Cons: make sure you know which midtown salon you are going to!

04/05/2008 Posted by VickiDiMartino

I went to Portofino to get a spray tan for my birthday. I wore a slinky dress that couldn't be worn with my pale pale arms. The spray tan was a great solution. It lasted about a week and looked great and natural. The whole process took a half an hour and the girl that sprayed me was friendly. Make sure you don't wear nice clothes right after you get the tan though. It did come off a little before I took a shower. (Luckily I wore dark workout clothes so it wasn't a problem).

Pros: spray tanning

Cons: bring clothes to change into-before the shower-it can get on clothes

04/02/2008 Posted by sweetpi49

I visited Portofino to tan before my vacation and just loved it. I only went a couple of times, but each visit was enjoyable. The girls at the desk were so sweet and patient. They explained each bed and recommended how long I should go. I wasn't looking to spend too much money, so I bought the least expensive bottle of lotion (something corny like Dark and Sxy) and flew to the Bahamas with a nice little tan. I just returned and can report I didn't burn at all while I was there. I have already recommended this salon to my friends.

Pros: service, tanning

Cons: some of the lotions were out of my price range

03/29/2008 Posted by tootsYpop99

Where have I been??? How long has this place been in midtown??? I was turned onto this place by a friend visiting who is staying at the Parker Meridian. She asked her concierge for a recommendation to get an airbrush tan and he set her up with an appointment at Portofino Sun, which is 2 minutes from her hotel. I tagged along and was just shocked to find this cozy tanning salon hidden in midtown manhattan! I used a regular bed while she spray tanned and we both left looking awesome. And feeling awesome! The place is so cute, with candy bowls and beauty products to try. I left not only with a new place to tan, but also a new favorite candy, and a hair product that I'll probably look for the next time I'm at Macy's!