For my Halloween treat, I got a pedicure today. Since my fave pedicure place is closed on Sundays, I went to the one by my house, Creative Nails at 71st and Georgetown. This place gives a good pedicure, but looks run down. The owners often have their kids there, and the kids have marked up the walls. If they would just paint the place it would look ten times better.
When I went today, there were only a few people there, but I got to wait in the massage chair for about 15 minutes before my pedicure. The chair I was sitting in had a new massager, which was nice. The quality of the pedicure was good, and my pedicurist used sea salt and lotion to massage my legs. She also did a good job of cleaning up my heels.
Creative Nails is not my top choice because of the surroundings, but it is a good and convenient place to go. Many salons are not open on Sundays, so this is a nice option. The cost of my pedicure was $25 plus tip, the average basic pedicure cost.
Service Quality Rating: 4 stars out of 5
"Spa Experience" Rating: 1.5 stars out of 5
Price: $$ (unless you include the 15 minute pre-pedi chair massage, then it would be $)
Price Guide
$ = less than $1 per minute (very budget friendly!)
$$ = about $1 per minute (reasonable)
$$$ = more than $1 per minute (an occasional treat)
$$$$ = about $1.50 per minute (only if I get a gift certificate or great coupon)
$$$$$ = more than $1.50 per minute (I'll be surprised if I ever get to go to one of these)
I am an Indianapolis native and I have frequented Indianapolis area spas for the past six years. Although I love a good massage, pedicure, or facial, I can't afford to spend loads of money on such things. That's why this blog will focus on reviews of moderately-priced spas and services, as well as feature sources for great spa deals. I have also added a Spa Tips feature. I hope my experiences will help you to find a spa you love!
Sunday, October 31, 2010
Wednesday, October 20, 2010
Splash Salon - Facial
I kicked off my Fall Break today by going to Splash Salon on E. 82nd to get a facial. I purchased a gift certificate for a facial at Splash on livingsocial.com, a local business deal-a-day site. First of all, I highly recommend joining deal-a-day sites such as livingsocial.com and groupon.com. These sites email you a deal every day that you can purchase. The deals are services or store gift certificates for around 50% off or more. These sites offer lots of spa and salon deals, as well as deals for restaurants and other retailers. It's a great way to experience your city for low prices.
I called Splash to make my appointment about a week in advance. Although I was available all day Thursday or Friday, they only had Wednesday afternoon open, so I took that appointment. When I arrived at Splash I was greeted by . . . well, no one. The girl at the front desk was talking to a customer on the phone, however she did not pause to say "I'll be with you in a minute" or "Have a seat on the couch." After about 3 or 4 minutes of me standing there, a hair dresser who was cutting someone's hair beside the desk directed me to the waiting area. Shortly after, the receptionist came and got me and apologized for my wait. They did have an impressive array of beverages that were offered, and the salon was trendily decorated and attached to a boutique. Some of the decorating appeared to be in progress.
The receptionist led my through the boutique and the pedicure area to the facial room. The room was small, but seemed adequate. Sarah, my facialist, asked me to fill out a release form and asked me some thorough questions about my skin. She then left and allowed me to get ready for my facial. One nice spa touch was the heated slippers that were provided. Sarah came back in, turned on some piano music with nature sounds, and began my facial. She used a cleanser and exfoliator, which she massaged into my skin. Then she asked if I wanted extractions, which I did. If you have never had extractions done before, it is when a tool is used to press out the gunk in your pores. It can hurt a bit, especially on the nose. Sarah then applied a mask. During other facials I have had, the facialist used the 10-15 minutes of waiting for the mask to set as a time to do some neck, shoulder, and arm massage, however Sarah did not do this. At the end of the facial, Sarah applied a moisturizer and then left me to get dressed. As with a previous salon I reviewed, Splash did not have a mirror in the facial room. When I came out, Sarah led me to the front desk and I checked out.
The livingsocial.com gift certificate that I bought cost me $39, and the Splash facial is regularly priced at $75, so this was a good deal based on the original value. However, the service was average, and there were some key pieces missing that are available at other places. So I would say that the facial was worth the deal I got, and gave me the ability to experience a new salon, but I will not be in a hurry to go back.
Service Quality Rating: 3 stars out of 5
"Spa Experience" Rating: 2.5 stars out of 5
Price: $$$ - regularly charged price ($ - price I actually paid)
Price Guide
$ = less than $1 per minute (very budget friendly!)
$$ = about $1 per minute (reasonable)
$$$ = more than $1 per minute (an occasional treat)
$$$$ = about $1.50 per minute (only if I get a gift certificate or great coupon)
$$$$$ = more than $1.50 per minute (I'll be surprised if I ever get to go to one of these)
I called Splash to make my appointment about a week in advance. Although I was available all day Thursday or Friday, they only had Wednesday afternoon open, so I took that appointment. When I arrived at Splash I was greeted by . . . well, no one. The girl at the front desk was talking to a customer on the phone, however she did not pause to say "I'll be with you in a minute" or "Have a seat on the couch." After about 3 or 4 minutes of me standing there, a hair dresser who was cutting someone's hair beside the desk directed me to the waiting area. Shortly after, the receptionist came and got me and apologized for my wait. They did have an impressive array of beverages that were offered, and the salon was trendily decorated and attached to a boutique. Some of the decorating appeared to be in progress.
The receptionist led my through the boutique and the pedicure area to the facial room. The room was small, but seemed adequate. Sarah, my facialist, asked me to fill out a release form and asked me some thorough questions about my skin. She then left and allowed me to get ready for my facial. One nice spa touch was the heated slippers that were provided. Sarah came back in, turned on some piano music with nature sounds, and began my facial. She used a cleanser and exfoliator, which she massaged into my skin. Then she asked if I wanted extractions, which I did. If you have never had extractions done before, it is when a tool is used to press out the gunk in your pores. It can hurt a bit, especially on the nose. Sarah then applied a mask. During other facials I have had, the facialist used the 10-15 minutes of waiting for the mask to set as a time to do some neck, shoulder, and arm massage, however Sarah did not do this. At the end of the facial, Sarah applied a moisturizer and then left me to get dressed. As with a previous salon I reviewed, Splash did not have a mirror in the facial room. When I came out, Sarah led me to the front desk and I checked out.
The livingsocial.com gift certificate that I bought cost me $39, and the Splash facial is regularly priced at $75, so this was a good deal based on the original value. However, the service was average, and there were some key pieces missing that are available at other places. So I would say that the facial was worth the deal I got, and gave me the ability to experience a new salon, but I will not be in a hurry to go back.
Service Quality Rating: 3 stars out of 5
"Spa Experience" Rating: 2.5 stars out of 5
Price: $$$ - regularly charged price ($ - price I actually paid)
Price Guide
$ = less than $1 per minute (very budget friendly!)
$$ = about $1 per minute (reasonable)
$$$ = more than $1 per minute (an occasional treat)
$$$$ = about $1.50 per minute (only if I get a gift certificate or great coupon)
$$$$$ = more than $1.50 per minute (I'll be surprised if I ever get to go to one of these)
Sunday, October 10, 2010
Foot Finesse - Chinese Foot Massage
Hello friends! I just went to one of my regular places, Foot Finesse on 86th St across from North Central High School. I love this place because it is very well priced for a great massage. Contrary to it's name, at Foot Finesse you get a full body massage, not just a foot massage. Foot Finesse cuts out all the frills and just gives you a quality massage.
Foot Finesse is a walk-in place, but to avoid any wait, just call the day before or even a few hours before you want your appointment. Foot Finesse has three large rooms with several massage tables in each room. The tables are actually like big recliner chairs that they lay all the way down, and put an ottoman at the end. When they lead you to your chair, you take off your shoes and roll up your pant legs, and lay face up on the chair. For the first part of the massage, your feet will be soaking in water while they massage your face, head and arms. Then, your feet are removed from the water and you get a foot and leg massage. Finally, you turn over and they massage your back, neck, and backs of your legs. The massage style is a classic Chinese reflexology massage, and can be quite strong pressure. If the pressure is too strong you can tell them to go easier. My massage today was just the right pressure.
The atmosphere at Foot Finesse is quiet and calming, with dimmed lights and candles. There is calming music playing, however every time I have gone there it has been one of the two same CDs every time. That probably just means I go there too much :) Because there are multiple people in one room, you do hear people moving around and talking a bit, but everyone makes sure to be quiet so it is not too distracting. Because you don't have your own room, the price can be lower.
Speaking of price . . . at Foot Finesse there is only one main service offered, the Chinese reflexology foot massage for $25 for one hour (their menu offers a chair massage for $25 per half hour, but I have never seen anyone getting one of these). As you can see by my price chart below, this is a very good price per minute rate. The price is low because you are not paying for a private room or all those little spa extras. Also, the massage is done with your clothes on, which some people may not like as well, but I think it is just as good. I highly recommend this place for an inexpensive but quality massage.
Service Quality Rating: 4 stars out of 5
"Spa Experience" Rating: 2.5 stars out of 5
Price: $
Price Guide
$ = less than $1 per minute (very budget friendly!)
$$ = about $1 per minute (reasonable)
$$$ = more than $1 per minute (an occasional treat)
$$$$ = about $1.50 per minute (only if I get a gift certificate or great coupon)
$$$$$ = more than $1.50 per minute (I'll be surprised if I ever get to go to one of these)
Foot Finesse is a walk-in place, but to avoid any wait, just call the day before or even a few hours before you want your appointment. Foot Finesse has three large rooms with several massage tables in each room. The tables are actually like big recliner chairs that they lay all the way down, and put an ottoman at the end. When they lead you to your chair, you take off your shoes and roll up your pant legs, and lay face up on the chair. For the first part of the massage, your feet will be soaking in water while they massage your face, head and arms. Then, your feet are removed from the water and you get a foot and leg massage. Finally, you turn over and they massage your back, neck, and backs of your legs. The massage style is a classic Chinese reflexology massage, and can be quite strong pressure. If the pressure is too strong you can tell them to go easier. My massage today was just the right pressure.
The atmosphere at Foot Finesse is quiet and calming, with dimmed lights and candles. There is calming music playing, however every time I have gone there it has been one of the two same CDs every time. That probably just means I go there too much :) Because there are multiple people in one room, you do hear people moving around and talking a bit, but everyone makes sure to be quiet so it is not too distracting. Because you don't have your own room, the price can be lower.
Speaking of price . . . at Foot Finesse there is only one main service offered, the Chinese reflexology foot massage for $25 for one hour (their menu offers a chair massage for $25 per half hour, but I have never seen anyone getting one of these). As you can see by my price chart below, this is a very good price per minute rate. The price is low because you are not paying for a private room or all those little spa extras. Also, the massage is done with your clothes on, which some people may not like as well, but I think it is just as good. I highly recommend this place for an inexpensive but quality massage.
Service Quality Rating: 4 stars out of 5
"Spa Experience" Rating: 2.5 stars out of 5
Price: $
Price Guide
$ = less than $1 per minute (very budget friendly!)
$$ = about $1 per minute (reasonable)
$$$ = more than $1 per minute (an occasional treat)
$$$$ = about $1.50 per minute (only if I get a gift certificate or great coupon)
$$$$$ = more than $1.50 per minute (I'll be surprised if I ever get to go to one of these)
Saturday, September 25, 2010
Allure Nail Salon - Pedicure
Hello all! I just went to my favorite nail salon, Allure on 86th and Westfield, for a pedicure. I go here for pedicures at least once or twice a month since my best spa-buddy Natasha introduced me to it several months ago. Allure is priced about the same as other walk-in salons, but the environment and services are better. Allure is nicely decorated, and not junky and run-down looking which a lot of walk-in salons can be (I guess it helps that the salon is fairly new). One of their best features are seven really great pedicure massage chairs. They are honestly the best automated massage chairs I think I have ever sat in at a nail salon. If you have a bit of a wait when you get there, all the better, because then you get to sit in the chair and have a pretty good massage with your feet in warm water while you wait. The service at Allure is also above average. They have a hostess, which is nice because then the manicurists and pedicurists are not having to get up to answer the phones, get people set up, and take people's payments.
I went in today at about 11:30am, and waited in the massage chair for about 15 minutes. When my pedicurist got there, she gave me the regular pedicure. The tools of course were brought out in a sterilized package. I have found that most walk-in nail salons I go to have a similar level of quality to the main pedicure part. The real difference is in the leg and foot massage. Today I got the sea salt massage for $5 more. So I got two massages; one with lotion and sea salt, and one with lotion and oil. She then gave me the hot towel treatment, and did a little bit more foot massaging with the towel. At the end she rubbed a bit of gel into my legs, which keeps your legs from getting dry after the lotion is wiped off with the towels. Many salons don't do this, but I think it's a nice touch.
Next came the polish. Again, I find that most salons seem to have a similar selection of nail polish colors. Today I got OPI's color Russian to a Party, a brownish red. It must be the brand of bottom and top coats they use, but I have found that Allure's pedicures don't chip as fast.
So what was the cost of my pedi? I got the regular pedicure for $26, plus the sea salt massage for $5, so the total was $31 plus tip. A great affordable spa treat.
Service Quality Rating: 4 stars out of 5
"Spa Experience" Rating: 2 stars out of 5
Price: $$ (unless you include the 15 minute pre-pedi chair massage, then it would be $)
Price Guide
$ = less than $1 per minute (very budget friendly!)
$$ = about $1 per minute (reasonable)
$$$ = more than $1 per minute (an occasional treat)
$$$$ = about $1.50 per minute (only if I get a gift certificate or great coupon)
$$$$$ = more than $1.50 per minute (I'll be surprised if I ever get to go to one of these)
I went in today at about 11:30am, and waited in the massage chair for about 15 minutes. When my pedicurist got there, she gave me the regular pedicure. The tools of course were brought out in a sterilized package. I have found that most walk-in nail salons I go to have a similar level of quality to the main pedicure part. The real difference is in the leg and foot massage. Today I got the sea salt massage for $5 more. So I got two massages; one with lotion and sea salt, and one with lotion and oil. She then gave me the hot towel treatment, and did a little bit more foot massaging with the towel. At the end she rubbed a bit of gel into my legs, which keeps your legs from getting dry after the lotion is wiped off with the towels. Many salons don't do this, but I think it's a nice touch.
Next came the polish. Again, I find that most salons seem to have a similar selection of nail polish colors. Today I got OPI's color Russian to a Party, a brownish red. It must be the brand of bottom and top coats they use, but I have found that Allure's pedicures don't chip as fast.
So what was the cost of my pedi? I got the regular pedicure for $26, plus the sea salt massage for $5, so the total was $31 plus tip. A great affordable spa treat.
Service Quality Rating: 4 stars out of 5
"Spa Experience" Rating: 2 stars out of 5
Price: $$ (unless you include the 15 minute pre-pedi chair massage, then it would be $)
Price Guide
$ = less than $1 per minute (very budget friendly!)
$$ = about $1 per minute (reasonable)
$$$ = more than $1 per minute (an occasional treat)
$$$$ = about $1.50 per minute (only if I get a gift certificate or great coupon)
$$$$$ = more than $1.50 per minute (I'll be surprised if I ever get to go to one of these)
Saturday, September 18, 2010
LaDolce Salon & Spa - Swedish Massage & Express Facial
Welcome to my first post! I got the idea for starting this blog as I was enjoying a Swedish massage at LaDolce Salon & Spa in Carmel. My very good friend and spa-buddy Natasha gave my a Sunshine Spa Promotions gift card that she had purchased for me (and herself) through her work, I think. This gift card entitled me to 4 spa services at LaDolce: an express facial, mini-mani, 30 minute massage, and hair conditioning and design, with optional upgrades. Today I chose to partake in the express facial and the massage upgraded to a 1-hour Swedish massage.
Scheduling this visit on a Saturday required about a week in advance, which is reasonable for a medium-scale spa, which I judged LaDolce to be based on the prices listed on my gift card. I arrived at the spa today at 10:30 (my original appointment was at 10:00, but they called to reschedule it, which was ok). The salon/spa is not so special looking from the outside, but was very nice inside. There was a salon up front in addition to some jewelry and other sale items, and the massage rooms and pedicure stations were in the back through a closed door. The feel of the place was trendy. I was helped within a minute, and waited for my massage therapist for about 5 minutes. I was surprised that I wasn't asked to fill out a health release form which I am normally asked to do at this type of spa.
Michelle, my massage therapist, led me back to a pretty spacious massage room. The room had all the right components: candles, piped-in calming music (although a bit too muzak for my taste), and even a shower. The massage itself was great. Michelle used hot towels before and after massaging each area, and did some over-the-sheets massaging as well, which I like because it changes up the texture on your skin. She did a good job of maneuvering the sheets and towels so that no part of me was uncovered unnecessarily, which I appreciate for temperature's sake more than for modesty. And speaking of temperature, the massage table was heated, which was nice. Michelle also did quite a bit of manual stretching of my limbs. Because it was a Swedish massage, I knew it would be a lighter touch, but it wasn't too light. A definite plus for my taste was that there was a minimum of chit-chat. I really don't like to talk during spa services because that is not calming for me.
After the massage, Michelle went right into my express facial. The facial was standard, although Michelle did use an extra scrub product even thought it was not normally part of an express facial. There was only a little consultation as far as the condition of my skin, recommended products, etc., which was fine for me. After the massage and facial, Michelle left me to get dressed. The one thing the room lacked was a mirror. If you have ever had a massage or facial before, you know that you can look an absolute mess afterwards. However, Michelle met me right as I came out and pointed me to the restroom. She also gave me a cup of water which had been spiked with fruit (a classic spa touch).
All in all, this was an excellent spa experience. But what was the damage? Well, for me this was a gift, so all I had to pay for was my massage upgrade price ($39) plus tip. But without a gift card, it would have cost $75 for the massage. The express facial isn't on their menu, but I estimate to be about a $35-40 value, as their signature facial is $75. The prices are average for this type of spa, as part of what you are paying for is the "spa experience." I do enjoy the spa experience, however I often don't like to pay for it. But, I also judge the quality of the services to be above average compared to other spas of this level I have been to. I will be back to this spa for the other services on my gift card, but other than that, I would consider this location to be a once in a while splurge (for my budget).
Service Quality Rating: 4 stars out of 5
"Spa Experience" Rating: 3.5 stars out of 5
Price: $$$ - normally charged price ($ - what I actually paid)
Price Guide
$ = less than $1 per minute (very budget friendly!)
$$ = about $1 per minute (reasonable)
$$$ = more than $1 per minute (an occasional treat)
$$$$ = about $1.50 per minute (only if I get a gift certificate or great coupon)
$$$$$ = more than $1.50 per minute (I'll be surprised if I ever get to go to one of these)
Scheduling this visit on a Saturday required about a week in advance, which is reasonable for a medium-scale spa, which I judged LaDolce to be based on the prices listed on my gift card. I arrived at the spa today at 10:30 (my original appointment was at 10:00, but they called to reschedule it, which was ok). The salon/spa is not so special looking from the outside, but was very nice inside. There was a salon up front in addition to some jewelry and other sale items, and the massage rooms and pedicure stations were in the back through a closed door. The feel of the place was trendy. I was helped within a minute, and waited for my massage therapist for about 5 minutes. I was surprised that I wasn't asked to fill out a health release form which I am normally asked to do at this type of spa.
Michelle, my massage therapist, led me back to a pretty spacious massage room. The room had all the right components: candles, piped-in calming music (although a bit too muzak for my taste), and even a shower. The massage itself was great. Michelle used hot towels before and after massaging each area, and did some over-the-sheets massaging as well, which I like because it changes up the texture on your skin. She did a good job of maneuvering the sheets and towels so that no part of me was uncovered unnecessarily, which I appreciate for temperature's sake more than for modesty. And speaking of temperature, the massage table was heated, which was nice. Michelle also did quite a bit of manual stretching of my limbs. Because it was a Swedish massage, I knew it would be a lighter touch, but it wasn't too light. A definite plus for my taste was that there was a minimum of chit-chat. I really don't like to talk during spa services because that is not calming for me.
After the massage, Michelle went right into my express facial. The facial was standard, although Michelle did use an extra scrub product even thought it was not normally part of an express facial. There was only a little consultation as far as the condition of my skin, recommended products, etc., which was fine for me. After the massage and facial, Michelle left me to get dressed. The one thing the room lacked was a mirror. If you have ever had a massage or facial before, you know that you can look an absolute mess afterwards. However, Michelle met me right as I came out and pointed me to the restroom. She also gave me a cup of water which had been spiked with fruit (a classic spa touch).
All in all, this was an excellent spa experience. But what was the damage? Well, for me this was a gift, so all I had to pay for was my massage upgrade price ($39) plus tip. But without a gift card, it would have cost $75 for the massage. The express facial isn't on their menu, but I estimate to be about a $35-40 value, as their signature facial is $75. The prices are average for this type of spa, as part of what you are paying for is the "spa experience." I do enjoy the spa experience, however I often don't like to pay for it. But, I also judge the quality of the services to be above average compared to other spas of this level I have been to. I will be back to this spa for the other services on my gift card, but other than that, I would consider this location to be a once in a while splurge (for my budget).
Service Quality Rating: 4 stars out of 5
"Spa Experience" Rating: 3.5 stars out of 5
Price: $$$ - normally charged price ($ - what I actually paid)
Price Guide
$ = less than $1 per minute (very budget friendly!)
$$ = about $1 per minute (reasonable)
$$$ = more than $1 per minute (an occasional treat)
$$$$ = about $1.50 per minute (only if I get a gift certificate or great coupon)
$$$$$ = more than $1.50 per minute (I'll be surprised if I ever get to go to one of these)
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