Portofino Sun Tanning Center

This what I expected when I started tanning in New York instead of New Jersey - high end equipment and yes, a little bit higher bill. I really do like going to Portofino though, so its worth the inflation. At my Jersey place, I feel like I'm going in at my own risk. Not Portofino. Its like having an appointment at a spa or something. May be only 15 minutes, but those 15 minutes are stress free, clean, and give me results that last a lot longer than that. I work in Midtown and use their midtown location for spray tanning (the girl there is awesome), but on the weekends I tend to shop on the upper east and stop by this place for a weekly pick me up. Be prepared to get pampered - and tan! Pros: High class Cons: Popular more

I'm quite particular with my salons. I've lived in many neighborhoods throughout the city and have seen the best and the worst. For tanning, Portofino is lovely. I used to tan at their old midtown location by the Four Seasons and I made the switch to the one on 3rd Avenue in January. I think this one even surpasses the other. The staff is as friendly as you get and the rooms are always clean. I like to tan just 2 or 3 times a month to maintain a constant glow. I recommend calling for an appointment though if you want to tan right after work. It seems to be more efficient that way. Pros: ambiance, staff, results Cons: can be busy right after work more

i found out about portofino tanning on citysearch and took a look at their website from the link. so i called to find out about the specials they had advertised online. from the moment they answered the phone to the moment i walked out of the door after tanning, i recieved nothing but first class, professional, friendly service. they were able and willing to answer any and all questions i had about the salon itself and tanning in general in great detail, and they really know what they're talking about. i had been tanning a few times before, but i didn't really know much about it so i had no idea what kind of bed to do before i got there, but the girl helped me figured out which bed was best for achieving the result i wanted without the risk of overexposing my skin. i used their newest bed, the mastersun 360, and i got the most amazing color of my life--and after only 15 minutes of tanning! i will never go to another tanning salon. i love this place, because you can't find the level of customer service coupled with the trendy, relaxing atmosphere anywhere else. Pros: strong tanning beds, helpful employees Cons: location is not convenient for me more

When I break out, I go crazy. The only thing that helps me is to zap those zits with a little TANNING. Thank god for Portofino. All the other places are going out of business, but this place has been around for so long....and I see why. They do cool deals for students, and their beds do the job. My skin is less disgusting thanks to the tanning at Portofino. Less zits, and a tan to show off the zit-less skin. The place is run by cool people too - who didn't make me feel embarrassed about why I was there. Pros: Good advice on what to do Cons: Popular more

The woman who does the spray tans there is fantastic. The place itself is pretty small, very clean- but nothing that fancy. I don't go for the ambiance, I go for the perfect spray tan. All my friends at work ask me where I went to get my tan. I say Portofino, but only I know that it is on the UES, not Italy. I am not sure how much it is for one time, but for a package of 5 sprays it is less than $300. I am a fashionista, and nothing makes my clothes pop like gorgeous tan (fake-tan) skin. Pros: spray tan, location more

I am married to a dermatologist, so of course I have heard everything under the sun ;-) about tanning. I don't go too often, but every now and then I stop by Portofino to get some Vitamin D. The place is clean, the staff is really knowledgeable and I'm in and out in 20 minutes max. I work all the time and don't have time to be out in the real sun, so this is a wonderful remedy. I usually stick to a cheaper standing machine and tan for only 8 minutes at a time. It may sound silly, but I think the occasional tan keeps me in good spirits during the winter months. I wanted to write this little note as a thank you. I am not a tanning salon connoisseur, but I am always pleased with the service and would recommend it to anyone looking for their Vitamin D. Pros: staff, facility, vitamin D more

Let's be honest-it is ridiculously cold out. I had to give in to a few tanning sessions to warm up and get rid of my winter white skin. I'm not a tanorexic-I am actually very skin-care conscious, but I say, ""Everything in moderation."" Right? Ok, so to get to the point-I LOVE this place. The employees that work there are so friendly and funny. They set me up with a little package of a couple of sessions so I am paying less than $20 per tan. Not bad for helping cheer me up when it is this chilly outside. Pros: great machines, nice employees more

I went to Portofino last Saturday to set up a tanning package to get ready for my wedding. I was surprised by how busy a tanning salon was on a Saturday afternoon. Though there were several people in the lobby, the girl at the desk gave me lots of individual attention. She walked me through their confusing point system, explained the machines and suggested a tanning lotion. I am very fair skinned and haven't tanned since college so I asked A LOT of questions. I was surprised by how high-tech everything was. (a huge improvement since the cheapo college days) Anyway, I chose a bronzing lotion and have tanned 3 times in a week and I am actually seeing a TAN. Each time I have been in, the service has been great and the rooms clean. I am trying to get my fiance to come now too. I would recommend making an appointment though, that little salon is popular. Pros: fun and friendly staff Cons: popular place nights and weekends more

VERY NICE AND CLEAN, ITS JUST TO BAD THAT THEY DON'T HAVE THE LEGTANNER ANYMORE, THIS \r WAS A GREAT ASSET FOR THEM. Pros: THUMBS UP FOR THE NEW MACHINES Cons: THUMPS DOWN, BECAUSE THEY DOENT HAVE THE LEGTANNER. more

Portofino has really superb equipment. They add new machines all the time and the employees are very informed on what going on in tanning. Trust this place.Tanning here was a great experience. If you get the right package tanning even on their high end equipment is not expensive! Pros: great choice of equipment, very professional Cons: gets busy at rush hour more

Machines and especially staff here are top notch; definite improvement over the other tanning salons I've visited in NYC. (I need ADVICE on which beds to do -- it doesn't help when people just arbitrarily put you somewhere, and these people are SMART and very helpful!) I started with a buy-one-get-one free, but I ended up buying a package there, because it's just always a nice experience. I find that even without an appointment, I don't wait long for a good bed, so I'll often just hop in. Seems busiest around 7-ish? maybe. Lotions are pretty standard (California Tan products) and have normal prices. Unlike the other poster, I have used their ""older"" beds, and I got great results, they just take longer because they don't close down on you (which my clautrophobic friend likes). Anyway, I like this place, and I highly recommend it. Pros: Smart friendly staff, good machines more

I went to Porto Fino twice - once to check it out, and the second time because I had a buy one get one free special for new customers. The sessions are around $25 each, or cheaper if you buy a package deal. They use a point system, which seemed a little complicated to me. The staff is VERY knowledgeable and will tell you everything you need to know about tanning, as well as give you recommendations for your skin type and tanning history. The rooms are a little cramped, but clean. Lotion can be purchased there for $5/packet, so probably cheaper to buy a whole bottle on your own. Make an appointment, because it can be busy! Also, if they are busy they may try to stick you in one of their older beds. It's worth the wait to hold out for a newer piece of equipment. Pros: helpful staff Cons: cramped, busy more

I went to Portofino because of its reputation, and was extremely disappointed. The 3rd Ave. location is claustrophobic, and the staff was aloof. I called to inquire about package pricing, and I was put on hold while the staff member had a lengthy personal conversation with a customer. I finally hung up and called back, and the staff member didn't even apologize. They have external fans as opposed to internal cooling systems, and the entire place was hotter than HELL. The day I went, it was about 60 outside and at least 90 degrees inside - every person who left was sweating profusely. I think that Portofino is overrated (at least this location), and the prices were out of control, even for NY. At $35 per session, I should've had the experience they advertise (friendly staff, beautiful decor, and amazing results). My results were just okay. Take your money elsewhere! Cons: Rude Staff, Hot/bad atmosphere more

totally overpriced. I wouldn't mind paying if it was worth it but its not at this location. I used to go to the Portofino salon around 58th st (between park and mad) and it is 100 times better...different owner and great results. I do not recommend this location at all more

This place is unbelievable expensive!! $35 for one time and not worth it one bit! Anyone who goes here is looking to blow money. more