That really sucks and I am glad you got your money back.
Is it common for a day spa to require a cc to get a mani/pedi appointment? I have never heard of that, and I live in the land of day spas. Personally, I would never go to a day spa that required a cc as an appointment guarantee up front.
Ask people you know that go to day spas ask where they go and if they like it or call some places up or stop in and pick up some info brochures (services/prices) and keep them handy for when something like this comes up again. “Every now and then a good friend of mine comes into town and we like to have girls day out. I just stopped in to check you guys out blah blah blah…” You probably will get a tour of the day spa and possibly a gift coupon for a discount.