Spa prices?

Cafe Society
1

I’ve never visited a day spa before. But it’s been a really tough couple of weeks for me, and the next couple of weeks don’t look like they’re going to be much (if any) better.

I’m thinking that once things get a little more settled, I might treat myself to an afternoon at a local spa.

Here is the best deal I can find at a local spa, and I want your input as to whether it’s a good deal or not:

“Swedish Massage, Classic Pedicure, Classic Manicure and Champagne & Chocolates.
Estimated Time 3 Hours” $120.00

The cost is about what my hubby and I (combined) earn in two-three hours of work, for whatever that’s worth in your assessment.

I really need a time out, just for me (I will turn off my cell phone!), and this seems perfect.

What say the Dopers?

2

Seems like a decent deal to me. Around here (San Jose, CA) I see anywhere from $80 to $120 for a one-hour* massage at most day spas, usually dependent on their rent costs.

*: Often actually 50 minutes.

3

Three hours of pampering for $120? It’s a deal. I have paid between $20 and $45 for just a mani or just a pedi (depending on how elaborate it was and whether it included massage techniques) and figure on about $60-80 for a full body massage lasting about an hour.

Sounds like you’ve earned it! Go, splurge, enjoy!

4

Good deal. Cheap mani-pedi usually runs about $40 and a 60-minute Swedish massage between $60 and $150.

They may try to up sell you, though (‘Would you like a scrub with that?’), which can be pretty hard to resist when you’re relaxed!

ETA If I were you I would try to find some online, unbiased reviews of the place (and they might tell you what massage therapist to ask for or avoid).

5

I’ve paid over $400 locally for the same three services so I think it’s a good deal!

Obviously prices for these things are location dependent, but I think it sounds pretty good.

6

As for ‘up-selling’, I will stay just conscious enough to say ‘no!’ (Depending, of course, on how much champagne they’re talking about, lol!)

But seriously, after things settle down a little here, sounds like I could do worse than to schedule an afternoon at this particular spa!

7

I’ve had a ton of massages in my life (both sports and in a spa or spa-style setting), so I may be a bit of help.

Price is almost never an indicator of service rendered. My cheapest massage ever (at the school of massage in my city) was the best I’ve ever had, meaning that it’s all in the person, not the place. It’s like when you buy a packaged food item, half of the $ you’re spending is on the actual branding, marketing, and packaging.

Also, ask yourself what you’re looking for. Are you looking for quiet time, candles, subdued atmosphere? Are you moreso looking for actual massage - really going at the muscles, might be slightly painful at the time, while the next morning your muscles will feel refreshed?

Definitely look online for reviews (just type the name of the spa and reviews and google), or if there aren’t any reviews on the place (I know you live in the boonies) just ask around (perhaps at a nicer grocery store “I really like your nails…do you know a good spa in the area?”) or ask a nice restaurant or the concierge desk of a nice hotel. Do this with a few hotels in the area if you’re not the type to directly walk up to someone - sometimes they have an agreement with one place that they get a cut of whoever they send there, whether or not they’re any good.

FYI, that’s a great price - just be sure you get a good product before you plunk down the money. My mother can’t understand why I get a monthly massage because she’s had terrible experiences in the past. Just research as to what you’re getting beforehand. Good luck!