Soleil

I WORKED HERE!
He was probably the worst owner in the world. He’s beyond a creep (why I would never work late) always had his crazy friends (all on drugs) hanging out at the salon, he himself has been coked out of his mind! He lives right across the street from the tanning salon, and always barges in there when he sees girls! I literally had so many customers call me ahead of time and make sure he wouldn’t be there, he really does deserve to be in jail! I’ve had multiple threats from people coming to look for him while I was working (to the point when customers didn’t feel I was safe there and called the cops) he’s has his entire store front broken into bc of bad fire between a friend. He loved spray tanning the girls naked when there was no need because I insisted on him just teaching me and he always refused and said «no, I’ll just do it» every employer who’s worked for him absolutely hates him. He sells drugs from his apartment across the street and I know a former employer who hung out with him and woke up the next day at his place not knowing how that happened. He’s a disgusting human being!!!

My prev review was taken down. When the owner of a business follows you outside to make a creepy request then uses their client database to get your phone number and call you at 1am it is a reflection of the experience of patronizing the business.

As l wrote before Unilocal took down my veridic ad.
This place was shut down. Alderman closed this serial rapist owned tanning salon.
To all the customers that pre paid packages, you just got raped as well… or something like it. Yack!
Finally that predator out of the way. Literally!.he would stand on Madison avenue and harrass people as they walk.

My wife and I bought tanning packages here earlier this year. While the beds were well maintained, the staff were not professional.
My wife, in particular, felt very uncomfortable around the owner as he asked her unnecessary personal questions and repeatedly offered her assistance setting up the bed she was already well aware of how to us.
Once we read the news and found out that the owner was arrested for charges relating to rape, it was clear that neither of us felt comfortable visiting the facility or being near the owner. At that time, we approached the business together to work out a plan for a partial refund of our package. The staff was combative, rude, and refused to produce copies of our tanning agreement.
We no longer visit this tanning salon, and I suggest you research this business and the owner thoroughly before providing your money to a business of this class.

Marc Winner is officially the worst human being I’ve ever met. And I’ve been alive for 34 years. And in those 34 years, I’ve meet a lot of awful people. I tanned there about seven years ago and when I first met him I found him pushy, inappropriate and generally creepy. I never went back and recently found out about his arrest for aggravated sexual assault. Not a single person here in the West Loop is shocked. Where there’s smoke there’s fire.

I started going to Soliel in April, 2015. My first time, I wanted to do the Versa Spray tan before a work event. The owner doesn’t take ‘no’ for an answer… he kept trying to sell packages and ‘add-​ons’. I kept saying no and he actually followed me down to hall towards the Versa room trying to sell me a small pack of special lotion and little booties to ‘protect the bottom of my feet’. I continued to politely say ‘no thanks’ and he actually took the booties out of the package and shoved them at me…“Well, they are only $ 1 and you can pay on your way out!” he said. I was disgusted — I hate when people say «it’s ONLY $_​_​». You don’t know if $ 1 is a lot for someone or not… it’s just rude, besides that, I didn’t want the product and I had 100% communicated that.
I told the girl who set me up in the Versa room that I worked with lawyers and even this guy was a talker. She then TOLD the owner I actual said that and he hassled me on the way out.
The owner Marc is the one that does custom spray tans and two of the times he’s done mine, he’s smelled like pot.
I actually had an appt for a spay tan schedule for the day he was arrested for RAPE. I was upset that they called two hours before the appt to cancel (I obviously didn’t know about the allegations) but I was more upset two days later, when the owner, Marc, called my cell phone from his cell phone (NOT the Soleil business phone) at 9:38PM to see if I wanted to reschedule. I was upset because it is 100% unacceptable that a business owner to call that late at night from his personal cell phone.
A day later, I decided to go to LA Tan, which is down the street on Madison… that’s where I found out about the rape allegations.
The owner, Marc is the pushiest, most arrogant (always bragged about his motorcycle, his vespa, and how many other tanning salons he was going to open up, boat parties he was going to) man I’ve ever met in the context of a business. I will NEVER go back here and have already told my co-​workers (one goes there too) and we’re both boycotting.
This place was creepy from the start and I should have trusted my gut and not gone back. I will never go here again and will be happy to give my money to LA Tan (which is about 1 block away, by the way!).

Big time creep. Owner had barged in on me while I was naked more than once. Don’t go here!

I wish I could give Soleil negative stars. Not only is the owner a super creep, but his employees are un-​trustworthy. I recently visited the tanning salon for a spray tan and left a pair of valuable earrings on the table in the booth accidentally. I left the store for 2 minutes and realized they were on me so I went back to get them. When I arrived, the girl had already cleaned to booth and didn’t find anything. I was suspicious because I clearly remembered leaving them on the table and it would be impossible for someone to not find them. I confronted both she and her manager at they both seemed nervous and defensive. Later, I spoke with the owner who ended up angry with me that I questioned his employees. He said he was in business for many years and is the most successful salon in the city and there is no way they would take them — they have even found Rolex’s and given them back to the owner. I couldn’t believe that he didn’t hear me out or was even slightly apologetic.
On top of losing my earrings, I didn’t even get a hint of color from the spray tan. When I asked for a refund the owner offered a ‘free tan’ and no refund. I am shocked! Clearly I would never step foot in this salon again even if if was a free tan.
I encourage you to spend your money somewhere else.

OWNER WILL CREEP YOU OUT. DO NOT STEP NEAR HERE. RELENTLESSLY SOLICITS WOMEN ON MADISON STREET.
This man literally stands on the corner soliciting females to visit his salon, which is endearing for a small business owner, but with his tone and my experiences, is incredibly slimy.
Upon moving to the West Loop, I’ve used their service, in support of the local community and out of necessity. Honestly I had a decent experience for the price — but only when he is not there. Conveniently, the spray tan machine has broken on a few of my visits where he has been there and had to personally come in and fix the fluid for the spray tan after he put me in my assigned booth. I wonder what is really going on there? I brushed it off and gave benefit of doubt to expensive equipment. But, each time I pass his storefront he relentlessly approaches me and any female passer-​bys with «have you been here, come see me for a free tan…» when I have been there AND walked by before, sometimes both in the same day!!!
It’s just creepy. I don’t trust it. Don’t go. Spend the extra money and go somewhere else.

Quick tip for the sales girls behind the desk… If you’re paid to sell, know what and why you’re selling!!! I wanted to purchase a bottle of lotion after doing some research online, the girl could not tell me what was so great about it, nor did she do a good job of recommending another lotion– same applied for type of beds/​upgrades. Safe to say I’ll be purchasing a bottle online, sorry Soleil that was a loss for you :\

Ok this place officially may take over the worst encounter I’ve had, in replacement of my experience with wedding invitations 7 years ago. AVOID THIS PLACE AT ALL COSTS. I don’t know where to begin.
The owner is a TOTAL pervert, weirdo, etc. He pushes packages that make no sense on you, and hits on you while doing so. You’re not sexy… at all… stop. He overcharges, is always out spray tan colors, and my toes are still yellow 2 months later. Gross. The second time I went, I swear he swiped my computer charger. Not noticing for awhile, I start getting calls from him. I didn’t give him my number, so a business owner is calling clients off intake forms. And it would be like 3 am. He denies this, I’ll screen shot all of them. He says he has my charger, but refuses to give it to me until I get drinks with him. No, dude. I’m dating someone, and don’t feel like getting roofied. Also not wanting to pay $ 80 for a new charger, I pester him. It’s always only if I go out with him.
So I threatened to reveal the slime he is if he didn’t send it asap, and he writes the most condescending, strange texts I’ve read. How bad I tried to have you know what with him, all kinds of crazy accusations and threats. This guy is ON ANOTHER PLANET! Stay away, I don’t care how good his beds are that daddy paid for. I GUARANTEE he has cameras all over the place. Creep. I went and bought a new MacBook today.

For the actual beds, cleanliness, and short wait times, this place would get 4 stars. For the price, four stars as well. For the owner, I’m tempted to give it one star.
Every time I went in, he was SO pushy. My sister-​in-​law and I were told incorrectly about a specific package by a woman at the front desk. When we inquired further, he talked over us and told us that we heard incorrectly and it was our mistake and we shouldn’t expect such a thing because he «has the best beds in the city» and «spent over $ 80,000 on one of them» and «such a deal wouldn’t even pay for electricity to run one of his beds».
He then proceeded to forcefully try and sell us more stuff. Sadly, encounters like this happened more than once and it got to the point that my sister-​in-​law and I didn’t feel comfortable tanning without the other one there.
Tanning: good.
Creepy, forceful, rude owner: awful.
They can keep the rest of my tanning credits, it’s not worth it.

So, first off I would like to say that they probably have the best tanning beds I have ever been to, which is unfortunate when you take into account their business practices and the creepy owner.
My husband and I went in to get their 7−7−7 deal, which I agree with the other reviewer that it is a complete joke! While there we also bought into a tanning package. I am pretty sure that the packages we bought were not the ones that they put in their computer system. From when we started tanning to the end of our packages, the «units» just didn’t add up to what I had bought. there was also discrepancies from on time you would go to the next. I was told once that I only had 3 units left (from the owner) and the next time I went in I was told that I 8 units left (from one of their employees). We were also told that we could transfer our units to each other, when it came time to do that it was a huge hassle where both of us had to be there with ids in hand!
The owner is creepy to say the least and I never found a time when he was not there… and I went at all different times of days and nights. One time when my husband and I went together I went in the upstairs bed right away, but my husband had to wait for his bed. While he was waiting he overheard one of the girls at the desk inform the other girl that when they ask for a certain number of minutes on the bed to give them less time… so they would not burn, because they wouldn’t be back if they burnt! Meaning charge them the units they wanted but give them less! If you don’t want them to burn you should tell them upfront and charge them for the time they use. They also tend to be very pushy on getting you to buy more packages. They ask you at the beginning and at the end of your tanning making you feel very uncomfortable going in and leaving. If we enjoy your services we will buy another package… STOP giving us the hard sell!
Do yourself a favor and go to LA Tan down the road where the packages are straight forward and the staff is professional and friendly AND you don’t feel like the creepy owner is watching you on a hidden camera somewhere!

I’ve been tanning here for the past two years. This is the only place I’ve tanned in the city of Chicago so I cannot compare it to others, however I’ve been to many tanning salons in the past. I love that Soleil is clean, the beds are great, great spray tan booth, and the front desk staff (I mostly go daytime) is very helpful and friendly. I also love that there are two free parking spots out front.
However, I can only give Soleil 3 stars because every time I go in I get bombarded by the owner Marc to buy facials, another package, lotions, etc. It is so damn annoying! He’s a nice guy but he comes off as a creepy used car salesman. And sometimes his creepy friends are hanging out in there. The last time I was in the salon the front desk woman was assisting me just fine in buying another package. But Marc couldn’t keep his mouth shut and had to try to sell me more and more and more. I finally said forget it and got the smallest package.

I was referred to this tanning salon for their air brush services back in October 2013 despite their creep of an owner. Prior to coming here, I read the reviews on Unilocal of this place and was warned by others that have been here. But that didn’t prepare me for meeting Marc. At first he wasn’t there, but after filling out their customer sheet (which oddly enough asked for my home address, and other personal info) out popped Marc from the back… He immediately wanted to know everything about me. EVERYTHING…
I swore I wouldn’t go back, but since the air brush tan was great, I kept going back an putting up with the bullshit, and because I just moved from another country, I didn’t know of any other options. My husband would escort me there and wait in the car out front. He would tell me while I was in my spray tan session, Marc would go outside and «just stand» outside the car and stare at my husband and our vehicle. Weird…
After many disturbing encounters with the owner (Marc) and a few good air brush tans with the polish lady that worked there, she was no longer at this salon, and there was no other female to fill in — oh but Marc called me repeatedly offering his ability to spray tan, since as he quotes «I am the best spray tanner in the city, and you don’t have to tip me»… Out of frustration and panic due to a last minute event, and a $ 200+ session package that I needed to use up (purchased from him a month before) I took him up on his offer (wearing my undergarments). The lady had me wait 45 minutes past my scheduled session as Marc «just stepped out». When he came into the salon, he seemed drugged and spaced out. He was very sloppy putting on the barrier cream and very heavy handed at spraying the airbrush tan. It wasn’t shocking to wake up the next morning with heavy and uneven patches of tanner and completely messed up and blotchy hands and feet. Needless to say, I was incredibly embarrassed at my event as my client noticed and was not happy!
I called Soleil a number of occasions to get the remaining money on my account returned to me. Marc did not return my phone calls and so I disputed the cost through my Chase Visa — amazing customer service! My claim was approved within two hours of phoning them and reporting the problem. Afterwards, Marc has been calling me from a «unknown/​blocked» number and texting me to speak with him on why I am upset with him… So inappropriate!
I now take my air brush business to Halsted Street Beach Tanning in Boystown. I highly recommend them!
And if your stubborn and want to try Soleil, don’t commit to a package, or if you do — put it on your Chase Visa! And if you are a female, AVOID MARC!!!

I haven’t been here in awhile, but I loved it!
1. Super clean, which is obviously a necessity in any place you remove your clothes.
2. It always had a «private» feeling and I never had to wait long for the bed I wanted.
3. Bathrooms are spacious.
4. A bit pricey (compared to chain tanning salons), but I always felt it was worth it. The employees were helpful and informed me about all the beds. Plus, I would buy packages which would decrease the cost.
I’ll be back, but I usually try to dodge the owner.

I agree completely with other Unilocalers who talk of the pushy/​creepy owner. He literally didnt listen to a word I said about that I wanted and just tried to push huge packages on me despite my wanting only a few tans. Not to mention, every time I go in there is an «up charge» or some other fee. I feel as though I’m getting ripped off and he leaves the place with such a weird vibe.
When I was there, the lobby was kind of busy and all the girls were exchanging looks about the owner who was obnoxious, all over the place and VERY pushy. Not to mention, I live nearby and overheard a girl in the elevator talking about how this man from Soleil chased her down the street to talk about tanning after leaving LA tan and totally scared her.
I am going to finish out my package, but I dont see how this guy could possibly keep return customers coming. He is at best, a joke.
I say… go elsewhere.

Great beds and the place looks pretty clean but if I could take my experience back I would have never stepped foot in that place.
The owner is a complete CREEP and super UNPROFESSIONAL. Looked for any reason to make contact with me and proceeded to hit on me when I made it clear I was not interested and went on to give me his number to contact him personally. I almost regret filling out my phone number and address on the waiver form in fears he will look it up. His young male employee almost seemed weirded out by his behavior.
NEVER AGAIN. EVER.

This place is super convenient to my house so whenever I need to tan I come here. I’ve gone in regular beds and done the mystic when they had it. I needed a spray tan for a trip to Cancun and decided to try the Versaspa.
Marc, the owner and all the girls are usually very helpful. Unfortunately I got stuck with some dude who was basically like «ok go ahead in and push the green button and it’ll tell you what to do.» I kept telling him it was my first time and I needed more direction. He was incapable of giving it to me… I was tempted to walk out. He assured me that the machine would tell me what to do and when to turn, etc. So I get in, push the green button and I’m told to get in position 1… what the f*ck is position 1!!! No one told me. Long story short I was terrified I was going to look like Ross from friends because I messed up and turned to the back when I was supposed to be turned to the right or left… either way, not the best spray tan I’ve ever had. The color wasn’t too bad but it was streaky and I blame that on the dudes poor direction.
I still give this place 3 stars because I’m sure had I known what I was doing it would have turned out better. And they really do have good beds. Homeboy just needs to learn how to help out the spray tan noobs.

YIKES, I encountered the creepy, pushy owner… offering me a deal on a tanning package after I told him I dont tan…
If you can avoid him and his sales pitch, this place is great. If you get the high pressured sales pitch, you will easily get annoyed.
Hello, if I say I tan like once a year… get the picture… I dont want a package. If you would like me to use your tanning salon for that one time, shut your mouth and stop trying to sell me on something that I wont use.