Special offer

The Worst Massage Ever

By
Industry Observer with Digital and Direct Response Marketing

 

The worst massage ever

Last night I went to a day spa (name withheld for now) in River Edge NJ to get a deep tissue massage.  I should have canceled at the first sign something was off but here is what happened and why it was the worse massage ever:

11:00 AM Thursday         I called in the morning to make an appointment with a specific massage therapist.  Great all set for 7 PM (love the late appointment so you can go home and go right to bed).  I was informed I couldn’t cancel since it was day of etc.  I said no problem.

6:15 PM                the day spa calls to say the therapist is running 30 minutes late.  Fine not a big deal.

7:15 PM                I check in so I can get settled.  I fill out the paper work etc

7:25 PM                I am now informed the therapist is running an additional 25 minutes behind (if you are following she is now almost a full hour late).  I should have left at this point.  I am told I can wait or someone else (“equally strong and skilled”) can give me the massage.  Fine I say and am told to wait.

7:35 PM                I inquire if they are ready and told another 5 minutes.

7:40 PM                I meet the therapist who does not seem happy to be there this late after being called to replace the other therapist.  Again I should have left but figured I am here let’s see what happens.

From this point forward I don’t know the exact times since I was in the massage room.

I inform the therapist to work on two areas and not to worry or work on others and I try to relax.

A few minutes later she is working on the very areas I didn’t want worked on so I stop her and tell her again.  She inquires why I didn’t want those areas worked on and I explained (not that I should have to explain since this is my massage, right?)

A little while later I hear a buzzing.  It’s a cell phone.  Would you believe she answered it!  Bad enough it was on in the room, but to answer it?  She apologized and continued.

The same thing happened again approximately 20 minutes later.  This time she had a longer discussion in a low voice, as if that mattered, and at the same time worked on me with one hand!  Now I am really not happy but try to relax and just finish the massage.

Next thing I know she working on the areas I specifically asked her not to work and ignoring the requested areas.  I figure the massage is almost over and just wait for it to end.

When she is done she leaves the room without a word.

8:30        I don’t feel relaxed but I change, get a drink and go to leave and of course she is there waiting for a tip.

At the main desk the person is on the phone and I didn’t want to wait to discuss this issue so I just leave.

Today I called and spoke to the spa explaining the issues (I just have the highlights here) and am told the owner will call me on Monday.

So tune in on Monday for the conclusion of the worst massage ever.  What do you think was this the worst massage ever or do you think I am over reacting.

 

UPDATE

They gave me a credit for the massage and one additional one for free.  So in the end they did the right thing.  I still don't feel like going there but I will have to use my credits and determine if I stick with this spa or move on.

Pete Cullen ~ Broker Associate, GRI,CRS
Bailey Properties, Inc. - Santa Cruz, CA
Serving The Entire Monterey Bay Area

You're not over reacting at all. Thattherapist was obviously not in the mindset to do their job properly, and to pay the kind of money massages run for an experience like that is horrible. I hope you get your money back or at least comped another one

May 06, 2011 09:03 AM
Josef Katz
Digital and Direct Response Marketing - Manhattan, NY
{Marketing Maestro}

Pete - thanks I am working on it.  I hope to have a resolution on Monday.

May 06, 2011 09:06 AM
Karin Lundeen
Keller Williams Realty - Denver Southlands - Centennial, CO
Realtor Centennial Homes For Sale

I had a therapist once tell me she was going to stop massaging, she would hold her hands above my body and let me feel her energy come down to my body... I guess through the air?  LOL! I hope you get your money back!

May 06, 2011 09:52 AM
Josef Katz
Digital and Direct Response Marketing - Manhattan, NY
{Marketing Maestro}

Thanks Karin.  That sounds like a lot of new age stuff.  I'll stick to the old fashion hands on back method.

May 07, 2011 02:53 PM