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Reviews / Feedback
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Reviews and comments from (I)Spa guests |
Betty Y.
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 I took advantage of the Hawt on Yelp spa special and got a facial here for $65 back in the summer. I've heard nothing but rave reviews about this spa so I had to experience it for myself. I am a huge spa go-er and never pass up an opportunity to try new spas.
I came after work so I walked but I did notice they do free validation if you for 3 hours. the spa is smaller than I expected but I liked the ambiance and when I came, there weren't many people around so the quietness was retained. As a spa customer you do get usage of the hotel pool and jacuzzi but it is on another floor.
I wanted the facial because they use Murad products which work well for my skin. My facialist was very nice and did not try to upsell me on product - that was huge, as most places try to get me to buy their line and I feel if I say that I'll think about it or not interested at the moment, then the upsell should stop there. She told me what she was putting on my face, told me about its benefits, and wrote everything down for me at the end in case I was interested in purchasing there or at another place that has Murad. I really enjoyed the facial as it had many 'masks' and my skin never felt better after I went.
I definitely plan to come back for a facial before the end of the year.
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Hanni H.
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One word for you: OMG. I received an amazing gift for a deep tissue massage from ISpa (heyyy groupon). While I've had massages before, I've never been to a spa proper and definitely not such a kick ass spot like ISpa. The hotel itself is really gorgeous and trendy, akin to the W. You make your way to the spa and the space is very open, white and relaxing. Everyone gets their own locker with a white robe and sandals. This was the perfect way to unwind after a day at work.
Once changed, you leave the white room, which is like a womb of awesomeness and you are birthed into the hall. My masseur, Jesus (literally his name), was waiting for me with a glass of cucumber water. I loooove cucumber water. Then, Jesus led me to a very serene, soothing room and gave me an incredible deep tissue massage. When he was done with one part of the body, he would put a warm pack to keep me warm and comfy. He even put heated booties on my feet! Thank you, Jesus! (said in gospel voice, sort of blasphemous but you get my point)
THENNNNN...when you're all done and blissed out beyond belief and your massage is over, you go to the lounge. In the lounge, you chill on white sofas, read magazines, eat fruits and nuts, drink tea, and just CHILL. My only gripe was that it was a bit cold in this room and i thought it should be on the warmer side, but oh well. I also could have used the steam room or shower but didn't. I highly recommend this place for massages. Everyone should experience something like this at least once!
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Han C.
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The search is over. I've found my favorite spa and therapist in the city! Jesus is amazing.
My first time: My boyfriend surprised me with a 50-minute Deep Tissue massage before my final interview at my dream company (cute, huh?). Easily took the 45 from Russian Hill to the Intercontinental and popped into the clean, but small locker/changing room. Enjoyed some funky elixirs and proceeded to get the most amazing massage ever. Jesus got rid of allllll my knots and had a great personality. Not too talkative, but not standoff-ish. I vowed to return. I also got the job ;)
My 2nd time: i-spa has a pretty sweet promotion program online, so I signed up for the emails immediately. I was sent the Halloween special and made a 80-minute Deep Tissue appointment within minutes. This is when I fell in love with i-spa and decided to make it my go-to, monthly spa. I felt sooooo comfortable and my back no longer ached after my treatment.
So after all this, the only one tiiiny thing wrong with i-Spa is that it does not have a flat iron for my hair :x But for everything else that's amazing, this is minor ;)
Highly highly recommend.
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Betty H.
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I am a spa-er and have probably tried every spa in SF.
LOVE Love love I-Spa! Not only do they have great deals (Look out for their emails, $65 massages, $59 facials, etc.) but they have a complete work out gym, swimming pool, and steam room.
The customer service is awesome and they also have great drinks and snacks. The valet parking is free as long as you get a stamp from I-Spa!
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Dimple S.
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I recently went for a girls spa day at the Hotel Intercontinental. I was really impressed by the facilities and the service of the staff. I had a massage by Jesus Rivas. It was AMAZING. Hands down the best massage I've ever had. I hightly recommend you ask for Jesus should you go to the Spa. I hear he also does private appointments which I may take him up on!
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VickyY.
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`(^(oo)^)`
^do you know what that is? that, my good friends, is a blissfully contented and somewhat drowsy piggy who just came back from I-Spa!
~ Count me impressed. Of all my relatively diverse massages at numerous spas and resorts, today's definitely belongs in the top 3 of all time . . . . which means the first 5-star spa rating in SF has officially been granted on Piggy's Spa Tour! ~
Reception: Was a little bit confused when I first arrived at the hotel, as there isn't really any way to figure out how to get up to the spa on the 6th floor (the elevators aren't visible from the lobby entrance). However, once I made my way up to the spa reception area, Ryan was super efficient about checking me in and showing me to the locker room.
Massage Therapist: fabulous! this little piggy is hooked! As per my usual, this little piggy was running behind schedule (what can I say? piggies take a long time to get ready!), but despite the abbreviated length of the treatment, it was unbelievably effective. My shoulders, neck and upper back feel looser than they have in ages . . . I love that Danielle incorporated some stretching and other maneuvers . . . I get massages every week, and usually by the end of the week it's the same exact area that's all tensed up and needs work again . . . . this time I almost feel like the muscles have been repositioned so that I don't feel the familiar twinges of tightness that usually start to build up again . . . very promising!!
Treatment rooms: Really lovely! The linens . . .. ahhhhh they are TDF! Hello high thread count! This little piggy would definitely like to start seeing you more often! (^(oo)^) Also, the table felt much more solid and really supported different areas of my body better than usual . . . for example, the bolster they put under your legs just felt reassuringly well-made. Plus, the treatment rooms are aligned in this lovely long, serene-looking hallway with warm wood flooring . . . . it just looks so peaceful!
Facilities: oh happy day! lovely sparkling clean facilities, everything about it is just so soothing . . . i like that the steam room gets really warm and misty, and yet there's a soft white lighting that makes it seems very fresh and spring-like inside, if that makes any sense . . . no hot tub in the locker room, but i'm willing to sacrifice that for the awesomeness of the massage . . . . also, i don't know if they normally have chilled hand washcloths on hand for people to use after the steam room . . . i took the last appointment of the day, so it's possible they just cleaned up already?
Other Staff: Very friendly! The lady who showed me to my locker asked me for my shoe size and went to switch my slippers for a smaller set, and she was totally understanding when I finished up a bit past their official closing time.
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KatieM.
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I visited the SPA this past week to treat myself and my best friend to birthday massages. After reading reviews and checking out the incredible deals on their website, I signed us up for two one hour massages. I brought in two gently used handbags that were sitting in my closet and took advantage of the "Dress for Success" promotion, $50 off each 1 hour massage. Absolutely made this affordable and guilt-free.
The locker facilities were clean and relaxing. The service was professional, calming, and friendly. The massage rooms smelled of lavender and were very comfortable. Yes, the lounge area is small, but it was not crowded when I was there so we had the place practically to ourselves. Good selection of products in the front room to test before leaving. And of course, the massage was first class. 3 free hours of validated parking and it can't get much better.
I signed up for the email list and will definitely return if and when there is a special I can take advantage of.
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Fabiola R.
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I-Spa was amazing! I got a deep tissue massage with Jesus and it was really relaxing! The massage table was heated!
The drinks they give you while you are waiting are amazingly refreshing!
I would go during the day time so that you have the steam and the shower to your self or else can get a bit packed in there!
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Maggie L.
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I am a SUPER FAN!
I've been in need of a massage and was convinced to try this place out when a friend of mine hooked me up with a friends and family discount. I've never been much of a fan of hotel spas, as I find them to be a little bit smaller, and with less amenities. But for the discount I got (more than 50% off!), I said what the heck.
Boy... did I die and gone to heaven?
I walked into the hotel and was greeted by a posh lobby and bar - plus points!
I proceeded upstairs to the spa and was greeted by a very friendly receptionist. She showed us around, and the minute we were ready in the relaxation room, our massage therapist were ready for us. Yay for no waiting!
I had Sonia as my massage therapist, and she was just WONDERFUL. She asked me where I might want her to pay special attention to, and always made sure the temperature (I had a hot stone massage) and her pressure was just right. I had alot of tension around my shoulders and upper back, and she definitely made sure that she got in there! She also did a few stretch maneuvers on my legs which I've never experienced before. I'm still not sure what she did, but it felt great!
I've never had a massage where I didn't (or more like, couldn't!) get up afterwards. I was so relaxed, it took me a second to get my muscles to work!
The only complaint I have about this place is that it's a bit pricey. I'm not sure I would have came here without the discount. But I'll definitely be on the lookout for promotions (if they have any). I can't wait to try everything else that they offer here!
A big facility with lots of amenities. Friendly, knowledgeable staff. Nice ambiance with a nice supply of refreshing treat in the relaxation room. A super fan I am!
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Matt H.
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This Spa has just opened inside the new Intercontinental Hotel next to the Moscone Center on Howard and 5th Street in the SOMA District
ENVIRONMENT: Excellent environment. The I-Spa has beautiful floor to ceiling windows which allow for natural light into each of the treatment rooms.
STAFF & TREATMENT:The staff was warm and welcoming when I arrived for my Deep Tissue Massage. My massage therapist was a polite young woman named Jaime who promptly set to work on my lower back (which has been destroyed by years of business travel). Halfway through the Deep Tissue session Jaime offered to try some acupressure on me when I made mention of headaches. I have no clue what she did but my head hasn't felt this clear in years. After my time was up I truly didn't want to leave. I am definitely coming back for a massage and to check out the Vichy Rain Shower treatments the next time I need to relax and unwind from my business travels.
I would highly recommend the I-SPA for anyone who is in the area and has some time to kill. They have treatments that last anywhere from 20 min facials to 5 hour treatment packages.
Pros: Great staff, knowledgeable therapist, excellent location
Cons: They wouldn't let me spend the night in the spa
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Garett W.
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I'm not a spa pro, but dang I could get used to this. The majority of massages I have had before this were asian massages (no happy ending).
Just walking into the place was relaxing. They have a nice setup, private secure locker for you to put your things, and also the heaviest robe I've ever worn (a good thing) to dress down into. I should have come 10-15 minutes earlier to take full advantage of the relaxation room. You can take a load off in their trendy chairs, read a magazine, listen to those weird spa music tracks that make you feel like you're in nature. Pretty much the ultimate sleep room.
The masseuse was great. They put hot stones on your back to make sure the sheet covers your body parts not being massaged. At first I was worried that she was going to be a bit too soft, but she must've read my mind. She immediately put more pressure. I couldn't have been the easiest person to massage. I had a cold, and my nose was completely stuffed. I probably was snoring/wheezing during the whole thing. Little did she know those were my sounds of appeciation. She also gave me helpful info about any ankle that had been bugging me.
The only critique I possibly have, was that the massage room had too much lighting. I usually like massage rooms to be pretty dark. but that detail is to minor to dock a star.
Great massage, friendly staff, perfect ambience. I get why people go to high end spas.
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Chester M.
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This was my first time going to this Spa and it was superior to the others I went to before. You get your own locker to put your things in and its locked also. I got the 50 min deep tissue massage. My first impression was that the facilities were very clean. Jesus was my massage therapist and was awesome. They asked you questions to really personalize your massage session. I was training for a half marathon then and needed to get my legs stretched and massaged. He knew very well what specific muscles needed to get worked on. He even spent extra time to show me specific stretches and worked on some more areas that were really tight and achy. He even gave me a sample of Biofreeze to use after a long run to bring down muscle swelling. He didnt charge extra for spending more time on me. He was great and deserved a very nice tip. This place is well worth the time and price.
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Dana H.
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This was the best spa experience I have ever had, hands down, end of story. The whole experience left be in such a state of bliss that I had trouble leaving - in fact, I would love to move in.
I left my car with the hotel valets because I called ahead and I-Spa will validate your parking for 3 hours if you use the spa's facilities. As my friends and I entered the lobby we were greeted by one of the hotel's staff who nicely asked if we were there for the spa (I guess our sweats and flip-flops kind of gave us away). He then wrote us each two spa certificates for $20 off a 50 or 80 minute treatment at I-Spa. Nothing like getting money off of something you are already committed to paying for!
A second staff member then led us to the elevators that would take us to the spa. The hotel lobby was kind of loud and congested, but once we stepped out of the elevator onto the 6th floor, it was silent. It was as if we had been transported out of the city entirely. We checked in and filled out the requisite spa information forms in the reception area.
The spa staff then took us to the woman's changing area. The facilities here are great, everything here was amazingly clean and looked brand new. The lockers have digital codes and are stuffed with long robes, plush towels, slippers, and bath salts. Unfortunately the steam room was broken when we came, but next to the steam room was a platter of chilled cucumber slices on ice and cool towels (I can only imagine how refreshing that would feel after coming out of the steam room). There are products to use after your treatments as well as razors for shaving and blow dryers. The shower has 10 heads that manage to spray you from every angle. There is also a beautiful outdoor terrace, although it was a bit cold to use when I was there.
The lounge was filled with tasty goodies as well as tea and water that were infused with a variety of elixirs for calmness and tranquility. A staff member brought us heated neck warmers to calm us before our treatments began.
My facialist was wonderful. And the treatment rooms were sooo comfortable. The tables were heated and the sheets were satin and so soft. In addition to all the great products that she used on me, she also gave me a great shoulder and neck massage while my masks were drying. When she was finished she brought me back to the lounge and let me get on my way. At no point did she pressure me to purchase any of the products she used. But when I came out to pay, she had left me a list of the products she used for me to keep as well as putting all the products she used in a corner if I was interested.
The whole experience was wonderful and left me trying to contemplate how to cancel my cable and internet so that I could use the money for treatments at I-Spa each month instead.
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stephanie p.
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I never new a facial could be so good.
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christopher l.
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wow!
the space is very nice. the snacks are nice (but no brownies). the head aesthetician is knowledgeable. the steamroom is steamy but not hot. the gym, pool, and hot tub are included amenities. there's even cold cucumbers for your eyes!
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lacee k.
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It took a mere 12 months of constant distraction, incessant Muni lines, less than beautiful lunchtimes strolls downtown. And one massage late I finally hit ,my zen.
A friend of mine at work suggested I try the "Idyllic You" special at i-spa. I was a bit hesitant at first, considering a couple of spas I have been to here have been dingy revamped apartment or store fronts (cough, cough spa sole') I went along with her one day during lunch and though I was impressed with the beautiful, pristine facilities, my heart wasn't 100% stolen. I did however sign up for the 6 mont program. Nearly kicking myself as we walked back to Market street for "throwing away money"towards a place that may very well be subpar.
As I suspect is the case for most things in this city - some of the very best secrets must be unleashed by native friends.
I booked a treatment last week, had to cancel and finally made it in last night. As I unchanged in the womens dressing room I felt an immediate sense of calm as I heard positivley nothing. Silence. The sound of my own breath. I was already transported to a higher place of CALM. A smile snuck up on my lips as I realized I was the only sole in there. I retreated to the "quiet area" where I indulged in a spa magazine (I can't believ people actually are lucky enough to review spas for a living!) and sipped my herbal tea and grazed on my goji berries. I was so damn content. Beaming. My therapist Gardner came for me - I originally had opted for a body smoothing treatment though he took a look at me and raised his brows "you know this is more of a cellultite treatment, with all work on the lower legs, did they uh tell you that?" I shook my head no - after all I didn't want to spend the next hour with him scrubbing my legs and the idea of forceful water shooting onto my body sounded even worse. looked up "well, can we do a massage instead?" he said "Sure, yeah..lets go to this room" with that he left behind the room with the odd overhead nozzles and whisked me away to a massage room
"What kind of massage do you want?"
"Swedish I guess, I have a lot of tension in my neck"
Gardner then showed me my robe, asked me to undress. Evfen his tone was calm and relaxing. Thus imposing calm onto me.
The next 50 minutes proceeded to be all out orgasmic. This man's hands are absolutely perfect. The strength, softness, touch and motion. I literally felt as if I was floating. As if he was performing a dance of sorts on my body. I found myself thinking to myself several time during the treatment how unbelievably lucky anyone is to have Gardener's hands at their disposal. To have these hands, these movments at my every whim. He did a complete body massage - with the perfect amount of lotion, firmness and pressure.
Then the inevitable end came. I was dreading it so-thinking about it during the massage (though trying to shoo away the thought.) Gardner proceeded to apply extremeley hot towels (it felt god though) to the bottom of my feet- one at a time. He held my feet in the towels for about 30 seconds and then gently released. I felt all of the tension and stress oozing out of me.
Gardner ended the treatment by poruing a wine glass full of water, suggested I drink some and told me he would be waiting for me outside. Did I mention he's quite easy on the eyes as well???
I exited the massage room where Gardenr was waiting for me. He paused before letting me go back to the womans room and appologized for the out of oprder sauna (sauna, what sauna? I just had a mind blowing massage)
I found myself a bit woozy, delirious and completely zen'ed out as I returned to my locker, changed and packed my belongings. As I walked out of the hotel I felt as if I was renewed. I felt reinvigorated. I wanted to close my eyes and pretend I was in Sedona, or maybe some beachside resort. I actually went with it for as long as I could, until the inevitable sound of muni's, fire trucks, police cars and general SF life returned. Thank you i-spa I will be back.
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Sassy k.
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I'm a deep tissue snob...and this was awesome! Maybe it's the time I spent in asia...where small asian women dig their unbelievably strong little hands into your knots and somehow release all the stress you didn't even know you were holding on to.
I-Spa is the first spa in a long time where I felt pampered and also fully satisfied with the massage. I work in a high stress job in front of a computer all day long. So I've developed some crazy bad muscular habits which result in knots the size of golf balls. It's been a long time since someone was able to work all the knots out of my back. The only thing I could ask for is more time on the table!
And bonus - the flavored water and goji berries and almonds! Yum.
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ny n.
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My last review gave I-Spa at 3 stars becausee of the awkward bathroom and the odd the way the reception desk behaves. While I'm a highly critical individual when it comes to my reviews, I also recognize effort and improvement in an institution.
The bathroom:
There's really nothing they could do with the layout, so I'll live with that. But the shower door have been frosted which means I don't get angry stares from old ladies anymore.
It's also STILL impecabbly clean, I swear they have little elves working for them. I never see them, but for some reason the towel basket is always emptied out, the shower stalls are always recently dried, the towels always picked up, the chairs put back in place, etc.
The massage:
I usually get Faye, but I got Adam today, and OH MY GOD. I loved it. this shows that they have a great selection of masseuse if I'm not stuck to only ONE great masseuse.
Reception desk:
Service really got better. I got to meet two different receptionists (I guess one was ending his shift, and one was starting). They have started becoming more attentive.
Everytime
I go, the overall service is improving. And I appreciate that, considering they're still a new spa.
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