Portofino Sun Tanning Ctr

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45 W 57th St 4th Fl
New York, NY 10019

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(212) 223-1768
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Portofino Sun Tanning Ctr - New York, NY
Portofino Sun Tanning Ctr - New York, NY
Reviews
( 106 )
( 6 )
( 1 )
( 3 )
( 4 )

Best

Deserves its five star ratings. Clean, friendly, knowledgeable, and didn't smell too chemically inside. Overall a much better experience than Sole di Paradiso. In addition to h...

Worst

I've been to the 38th street location numerous times since it is the closest salon to my office and the 76th (ish?) street location once. The 38th street staff is very hit-or-mis...

Great Tanning place 10/26/2010

Deserves its five star ratings. Clean, friendly, knowledgeable, and didn't smell too chemically inside. Overall a much better experience than Sole di Paradiso. In addition to having a much better atmosphere, the prices are also more reasonable. more
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Wasn't Impressed at SOHO Location 3/17/2010

The receptionist was very nice and informative. However, the bed was outdated and the bulbs did not seem strong at all, like maybe they hadn't replaced them in a while. I ended up spending $45 on one tan and a packet of lotion. I spent twenty minutes in the bed and don't feel like I got any color at all. Of course, I could go back, but it would be pretty expensive. They said you needed an appointment for the spray tan. I expected more too from the SOHO location. The decor seemed old and outdated as well. Also, I remembered the two for one deal on the way out and asked the receptionist about it. She said she just forgot to mention it to me when I signed up. I think they don't mention it unless you ask about it. Anyway, I probably have a free tan now, but I'm not sure I'd go back. I'm going to try City Sun and I'll let you know how that goes... Pros: Very Friendly and Knowledgeable Staff Cons: Bed Seemed Old; Confusing Point System; and Decor more
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Best Tanning Salon in New York City 11/28/2009

I just joined Citysearch and saw that Portofino was #1 nominated for best tanning salon in the city. I would have to agree. It is always a pleasant surprise how much I enjoy going there. I found the salon after a friend came to a wedding looking gorgeous and tan and raved about it. I like to get a spray tan whenever I know I am going out for a special occasion. The whole process takes about 30 minutes and the spray girl is so sweet and makes you feel totally comfy stripping down to nothing... but be warned that you have to get a mani/pedi BEFORE the spray. I almost made that mistake my first time. Ask for Maria or Stella--they have been great. OH and the girls at the desk are fun too. haha lots of good things to share about this place :o) Pros: kind staff, clean place, best spray tanning results Cons: not open 24 hours more
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Dark Tan - Classy Place 11/19/2009

I went to Portofino and the place was awesome. They told me to go and review them online if I liked my experience. Well, I am here doing just that! Very clean place, which is important to me. The beds all look brand new and shiny and the one I used gave me color that I could see even as I walked out. I liked the staff and the candy they have for you when you walk through the door! Pros: Good atmosphere, new machines, nice staff more
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2 Airbrushes for $99!!?? 11/10/2009

I went to Portofino today and got 2 personal spray tans for $99. That is awesome!!!! I have heard of places that charge $99 for just one. This place is good, the girl is skilled, and I love the color I've got. Will definitely be going back here instead of the other place I used to go. Pros: That is a sick deal Cons: None more
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Great Spray Tan 11/3/2009

I got an awesome spray tan here. My mom has been spray tanning back at home and she urged me to try it. I chose this place because it seemed nice and kind of upscale. I figured, for my first time I wanted to try it at a nice place. I loved it and really liked the girl that did the spray tanning, too. I sometimes am cheap about tipping, but I gave this girl a fat tip because I was so impressed. Highly recommend! Pros: Awesome color, no sun damage more
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Vitamin D help 10/6/2009

My doctor actually told me to go tanning. Not a joke. Because I don't ever see the sun here in the city, it turns out that I have a Vitamin D deficiency. Hence-PORTOFINO! The staff there is so helpful. The girl picked out a lotion for my sensitive skin and recommended the best tanning machine for me. I felt a little weird the first time tanning, but now I've visited a couple of times and it is a nice break in my busy work schedule. Pros: recommended, boosts my spirits Cons: I don't really go for the dark tan more
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LOVE this place 9/18/2009

Portofino Tanning is the best tanning salon in New York City (perhaps in the world), hands down. The staff is unusually knowledgeable, friendly and eager to help. They make sure you get the deepest tan possible without burning. They take the time to get to know each customer and always check in with me to see how I like my tanning results. The managers are in the salon on a regular basis and know every customer by name. Walk in the front door and you'll feel like you've stepped into a party with a group of old friends. The beds are always clean and they have XM radios set up in each room. The have a variety of other services available too like teeth whitening and spray tans, but I haven't tried those yet myself. (I have been meaning to check out the UV free sprays) It IS a little odd that they are tucked away on the 4th floor. Bottom line: I'll never tan anywhere else! Pros: great tanning results, employees go above and beyond, clean Cons: on the 4th floor, hard to find more
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AWFUL!!!!! DON'T go for spray tan!!! 9/1/2009

I went to Portofino after reading all the great reviews here. I really wish I didn't and I'm very disappointed. The woman who did my tan was not very nice and didn't really seem to wanna be there. (which is fine just don't show it to me....) the color she did was not the one I asked for. Therefore she had to do it all over again. The Spray itself was very bad quality (I think it went bad). It took hours to dry.... My skin is looks awful my tan is uneven I have spots of color all over my body and my skin tone is Orange at places and dark and unfaltering at others. Thank God this will fade eventually . Instead of bragging about my tan I need to hide it with long sleeves in the middle of the summer. VERY UNPROFESSIONAL. I will NEVER go back there again. Cons: unprofessional staff more
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great for first time tanners- brides 8/9/2009

I have never tanned in my life because of all of the skin care hype. BUT I am getting married in about a month and I decided I couldn't be in that white dress, getting hundreds of pictures taken, and look like a pale ghost fading into my bridal gown. SOoo--off to Portofino I went. I called first and chatted with a gal who was so friendly and patient as I asked a million questions. She eased my fear and simplified this process. I came in, bought an intro package, a bottle of tanning lotion that is made for sensitive skin, and bit the bullet. My first experience was such a surprisingly pleasant one. I will be back all month to build up what will hopefully be a nice little wedding day tan. I would recommend this place for anyone with anxiety about tanning, or wants to really feel in good hands. Pros: knowledgable, friendly, convenient location Cons: it's tanning... more
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clean new tanning spot 8/3/2009

Clean, friendly and all brand new. I'm relatively new to tanning, but the front desk staff was polite and helpful, and the pricing was straightforward--no pressure to buy stuff I didn't need. I'm definitely impressed with this place. Pros: nice, friendly Cons: none yet more
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I recommend the airbrushing 7/29/2009

I have fair skin and can't do the tanning machines so I tried out the airbrushing after my friend suggested it. I bought a series of 10 sprays to last me through the summer and with this awful weather lately, I am so glad I did. I shave, scrub and bring grungy clothes to throw on afterward. Stella and Yadira are the two technicians I have had and both are so sweet, professional and thorough. I usually opt for their disposable undergarments and after 30 mins I am a golden goddess. The only down side--it is gone after a week. seriously. don't let people fool you into thinking it lasts longer--it doesn't. As long as i know that-i am a happy and TAN gal. Pros: fake tanning/uv free Cons: splotchy after a week more
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Friendly,clean and fast 6/29/2009

Staff was very pleasant and helpful. This is right around the corner from my job so its very convienient. It may be alittle pricer than expected but the place is spotless. I will definitely return. Pros: clean Cons: nothing yet more
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teeth whitening!! 6/28/2009

Teeth whitening at a tanning salon? sounds sketch. I couldn't help but try it out though because it was seriously $150. Compared to my dentist and britesmites it was a DEAL! I got there, filled out the paperwork and was walked back to a little room with a loungy chair. I got comfy and the girl walked me through everything. She was friendly and fun and made the experience enjoyable. I admit though the room was pretty bare bones--not fancy at all. I did two 20 mins sessions and was impressed. I would say they whitened 5 or 6 shades. The downfall--my coffee addiction was put on hold for 24 hours. (WHY can't they make clear coffee...) for the price, this was fab. I def recommended it to my friends and thought it was review worthy. Cuz--let's be honest--youre doing teeth whitening at a tanning place Pros: sweet staff, cheap, effective Cons: no coffee for 24 hours, set-up was not fancy more
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celeb sightings spice it up 6/6/2009

So I am sitting on the couch at Portofino waiting for my machine, reading one of their many trashy mags when Hulk Hogan's daughter strolls in.--Brooke Hogan right? I know she is not some super duper celeb, but she was definitely in the US Weekly that I was literally holding. I know it's stupid, but I love seeing that they treat me just like a celeb and the service was fab for celebs and little ol me. I do love the tanning beds there... I just hope I never look as tanned as a Hogan. (PS we use the same tanning lotion. sweet.) Pros: high end high quality without high prices Cons: fridays are soo busy! more
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Best Staff 5/24/2009

This place is run by two super cute girls who know their stuff. I always go in pale and leave tan and happy. Its just very zen. I hope you go there, too! You will love the girls behind the desk and learn to trust them and rely on their advice. Tanning isn't rocket science, but there is a method to the madness. I'm glad Portofino realizes that help is needed for those of us who only do this a few times a year. Pros: Love the staff, really good beds, always have a sale more
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student tanning discounts 5/16/2009

Holy cow! i thought i would be nice and give portofino a shot out and couldn't believe how many positive reviews were up here. I guess i'll still give my two cents (though it looks like they don't need it). My friend told me about the student packages they offer so I signed up for 10 tans. I think it is the cheapest I found in midtown. I assumed because I was only paying about $8/tan that I would be in a dump. (but being poor, i was willing to take it) but, i didn't have to "take" anything...THAT PLACE IS GORGEOUS!! i don't know how they make money tanning us students for so cheap, but man-i am obsessed. The girls that work there are always funny and down-to-earth. the only that i'd change is they don't give away free tanning lotions. umm that def won't stop me from bringing my friends. Pros: awesome machines, cool employees Cons: no free accelerators more
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Love this place! 5/10/2009

This salon is the best! I love the tan I get from the tanning beds and I always feel like a million bucks when I leave! The packages are great and the staff is friendly. I think their customers are really pleased with their results. I know I am! Pros: Best Tan more
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Cool place to go after work 5/3/2009

I like going to Portofino to get a tan after a long day at work. Its probably the most relaxing part of my day. My own escape after the office, and before I get home to my three kids. Only thing to watch - they close at 9, and you cannot shmooze them to stay open later. That's fair though, I mean.... 9 am - 9 pm seems reasonable. If you're tanning at like, 11 at night.... welll :) Good job Portofino! Pros: 12 minutes is like 2 hours on the beach Cons: They close at 9 - and they mean it! more
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HIDDEN tanning oasis in midtown 4/28/2009

First time to Portofino?? Like me, you will probably get lost. I am sure of it. Let me walk you through this. You read all the rave reviews so you assume this place is huge and people are lined up outside right? well kinda...There were a ton of people there but it is hidden on 57th st. It is up on the 4th floor, not on the ground level. Look for the Danku restaurant, it is right across from one of my fav lunch spots-Mangia. So once you get inside-this place is gorgeous. there is a painting on the ceiling in the waiting area and the rooms themselves are clean and contemporary. Though it took me forever to find, it was worth the wait. Now I feel like I am one of the lucky ones that knows this tanning secret exists. Pros: the nicest tanning salon I've ever seen Cons: it is sooooo hard to find more
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Editorial

  • This sunshine-yellow salon's tanning beds, headlights, and airbrushing booths will keep you basking year-round in summer's glow.

  • 9/26/2008 Provided by Citysearch
Additional information
  • Hours: Mon-Fri: 9am-9pm Sat: 9am-8pm Sun: 12pm-5:30pm
  • Payments: Discover, American Express, Visa, Master Card
  • Neighborhoods: Midtown Center, Midtown
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