Laurel Spa

I was here recently for a massage and pedicure. I’ll review them separately, because I think they were two very different experiences.
The massage was good. Not the best I’ve ever had, but solidly mediocre. The massage started, and apparently there was some work being done on the floor above the spa, so for the first 5 – 10 minutes, there was the sound of power tools being used. Strange. Once the extraneous noise stopped, however the massage was fine. There were some aromatherapy oils used, which was nice.
The pedicure was pretty disappointing. I booked the Spa pedicure, because it came with a paraffin treatment, which sounded just heavenly. I had been looking forward to this since I booked it several weeks prior. So the pedicure itself was sub-​par. There was a shallow bowl with some fluid in it that was poured on my leg and semi-​massaged in. I thought it was maybe some type of chemical exfoliator (alpha hydoxy or glycolic acid). It wasn’t until she used it on my other leg, and this time all of the salt crystals came out, that I realized it was supposed to be a salt scrub. Interesting. So the bottoms of my feet were pumiced, and I have to admit that she spent more time buffing the soft parts of my skin rather than the callouses. And finally came the paraffin dip. The technician took two plastic bags, scooped some warm paraffin into them, and I put my feet in the bags. The wax was scalding hot. There was barely enough to cover the bottoms of my feet (which maybe was a blessing in disguise), and yes, I walked away with a burn. Incredibly disappointing. And then came the polish. Just awful. The color on three of my toes looks different than the rest, mostly because I think she skipped the second coat. Instead of polishing my toes in order, she jumped around. (Big toe first, then pinkie, then second toe, and then it’s a crap shoot if polish actually touches any of the other toes). And I have two toes that are only partially polished. And for this I paid $ 83. EIGHTY-​THREE DOLLARS! I got ripped off.
Also, the pedicure chairs just sort of vibrate. There was no actual massage action. It was so bizarre, I just turned it off. Also, she didn’t clean the foot tub when we were done. She just excused herself saying she needed to move on to the next client.
Oh, and the kicker? Gratuity was INCLUDED. But it is not posted anywhere that this was the policy. Again, I got ripped off.
Overall, the facility was clean and relaxing. If I go back, it’d be for a massage, and probably only because I needed to kill time while my husband golfs, not because it was an amazing experience. I’d be embarrassed to recommend this place.

I went to the Laurel Spa with a group of 7. 5 had massages and 2 had manicure/​pedicures.
A little list of what is wrong with this spa:
1. The nail technician that assisted me was not trained. She was distracted and often would look out the window as if she were somewhere else. She did not use many of the implements that are typical to a manicure/​pedicure and throughout the pedicure did not once lift my foot. (side note: I have nice feet, not to be scared of, however they did need the pedicure). I equate this service as having a random person plucked off the street who was asked if they could remove and apply nail polish. The «massages» that usually come with a mani/​pedi, did not accompany my service. For $ 100 I was not pleased with the value, although I was happy to get out unscathed (my friend was cut my her technician). I will get another pedicure somewhere else, this service did not serve its purpose.
2. There is a clear lack of management. There are many examples, one is the front desk attendant who was completely unable to handle simple transactions. For example, she could not locate the stairs for another guest and told them to return to the main lobby (another building) to ask directions. She also complained that a group of 7 was stressful for her. I’m generally a very easy-​going and forgiving person, but with this attendant, I felt I had to sternly keep her focused and direct her in the process of checking out a client. The staff were all pleasant, but were all mildly terrified — clearly inadequately trained and left alone without guidance. A terrible working environment.
3. The hot water carafe in our waiting room was luke warm. At our 4:00 pm appt it was clear the hot water was from the morning. I didn’t dare try the lemon-​water, who knows how long it was there and if the lemons were washed. The magazines were from April 2014 (note, it’s May 2015).
4. I’d be very shocked to find the spa to code for cleanliness. It was as if the building was vacated years ago and somehow there were staff present to keep the operation running, although nothing had been done to upkeep or improve the facility.
My friends who did the massages said they were fine, but there weren’t any raving reviews. I just wanted to get out of there. Do not go until they have trained their staff and have solid and present management.

I had a spa appointment booked in advance and was really looking forward to it — call it a small self-​pampering gift for the holidays. Upon reservation (made walk-​in over a week prior to appointment), I didn’t look around the spa as for one, I simply assumed for a retreat of this caliber it would be up to high standards, and I didn’t want to disrupt any patrons using the facilities at the present time. The receptionist was nice and professional, booked a couple of procedures for me and gave me a courtesy reminder call a day in advance. So far so good. Sadly that’s where the positive experience ended. Upon formal check in, they didn’t find the reservation right away and seemed somewhat abrupt about it. After a few short moments an patience on my end all was squared away and off I went to the locker room. The size of the lockers were at best kid-​size. I couldn’t even position my shoes (size 10 so this isn’t Shaquille O’Neal sneakers we are talking about). And this being winter I had a coat and a sweater. Coat was hanging off the ground (as were my jeans given height of locker was maybe 2 ½ ft if that), and I didn’t even have any room left to position my very small gym bag with toiletries). Figured I’ll just tread through this and just make due with the little space that was afforded. I proceeded to take the bath robe that was provided, which to my horror had seen a zillion washes to the point threads were hanging left and right from it. Not very confidence inspiring from a hygiene perspective. Nevertheless I decided I’m just going to forget all about the experience so far, jump into the steam room, for lack of anything else to do prior to my massage appointment. This being marketed as a full service spa is a severe misrepresentation. There is little you can do short of a massage. There is no sauna, no aroma therapy, no jacuzzi or any form of hot pool, pretty bare bones. They might as well call it a nail salon (as you can request a mani and pedi) with massage option. Anyhow, I jumped into the steam room, which never reached operating temperature. In a couple of moments time, as there wasn’t much steam to begin with, you get to ‘enjoy’ the ambience, or should I say mold. All around the cheap $ 5 Home Depot lights (one had yellowed and trapped more debris than a mosquito zap light!). Complemented by the anything-​but-​fresh odor, I quickly decided I may as well cut this ‘experience’ short and jump in the shower and get ready for the upcoming massage, which I had looked forward to the entire week. Well, jumping into the shower revealed more disappointments. In the first of only two shower enclosures, the knob had broken off and laid idle on the floor. I quickly proceeded to the second shower only to witness that the water was at best lukewarm! Coming out of a steam room, and in 25 °F December weather, a cold shower is not something you really look forward to. Looking around, sterility and hygiene were clearly never a priority for the staff it seems. Sadly one by one, these series of mishaps and unpleasant experiences turned me off completely from the massage I had so eagerly been anticipating. I proceeded back to my undersized locker so I can dry quickly without hopefully catching a cold, while wrestling to untangle my coat, shoes, jeans and sweater in the 10×30inch pigeon hole. On the way out I wanted to speak to the manager, politely decline my upcoming massage given all that had transpired and provided my constructive feedback. Quickly discovered that there is no ‘spa manager’ on sight and the sole attendee of the spa (outside of masseuses) was the receptionist and there was little she can do, nor even wanted to do. A very very sad and disappointing experience. Fair to say I wouldn’t recommend this quasi-​spa, and it’s terrible operation and sanitary standards to anyone. I’ve been to third world countries and seen far better. This literally marks the absolute rock bottom of spa experiences I have ever encountered. Really, really sad and pathetic operation. Stay far. And if you really want a massage, maybe look for a nearby mall as I’m sure the masseuses operating in the galleria will be a lot more attentive, and less chance of you catching a cold or bringing home fungus…

Me and my best friend scheduled massages for after the Warrior Dash. Wow! The spa was beautiful and relaxing! The staff was wonderful and accommodating. And we had wonderful masseuses who knew what they were doing. Fantastic! We felt so relaxed and I just about fell asleep on the table. I would recommend the Laurel Spa as it was worth it!

If you met me a year ago, you could have never asked me to spend more than 50 dollars on a massage. I just couldn’t imagine how different a 25 dollar massage could really be different compared to a 100 dollar massage. But, Laurel Spa showed me why the money is all worth it in the end.
The front desk women were absolute dolls. They were not only professional and extremely friendly, they also had a sense of humor. (God knows the world needs more of that). *Book your spa appointment at least a day in advance because they do have full schedules.
My girlfriends and I went for a body butter massage, and coincidentally, we each chose the lavender scent. But to backtrack, we went to the the steam room to, well, let off some steam. Then we showered in their multi-​stream jet, put our stuff in our lockers and waited in the quiet room.
My masseuse started from my scalp then moved her way to the front of my body. The body butter glided smoothly, my knots were taken out, and she provided just the right pressure. I seriously did not want it to end.
The price, 118 dollars includes gratuity. I was shocked that I didn’t have to tip separately. After a day of grueling kayaking, we needed this spa.
Perfect for some city girls who want to get away to the Poconos and receive the treatment they deserve.

Just returned from a lovely day at the Spa. I wanted to surprise my husband with a couple’s Swedish massage as this was his first experience at a spa and we both loved the service, attention and friendliness given to us when we arrived.
We arrived about 45mins early (as we were staying at the Inn across from the spa) and took our time getting situated and waiting in the relaxation room. We were met by Jean and Ann (a) as they guided us to the couple’s room where they were friendly, concerned about any ailments/​concerns we might have had and went straight to the massage! It was invigorating to say the least! My husband felt like a new man (as he suffers from back problems) and I left wanting more! We live in NY and would gladly come back out again JUST for this experience.
We were lucky that they were offering the Valentine’s day special package which was great and affordable. The soft music, ambiance and staff were amazing!
When we undoubtedly return to stay at the Inn, we will definitely make it a point to visit the spa and try out other services!
Thank you again for the great experience!
Elizabeth GC

Great place for the price, staff was excellent! Price was good, very pretty & relaxing. They don’t hustle you in & out. Massage, facial, manicure, pedicure all very good. It isn’t in the league of the woodlands day spa but for the rates it’s very good! I would go back again when I am in the area…