Portofino Sun Tanning Ctr

Anytime I need a fresh, natural glow on my skin, no question...Portofino. Their quality of machines and services are rivaled only by their knowledgeable and helpful staff. I have been to two different locations, and am now delighted to say that I will be regularly attending a third. The new store that just opened up on 57th is my new go-to for glowing results. It is such a beautiful space and the beds are so new and top-of-the-line, you just feel pampered! Not only that, the ladies running the show there are awesome! Tessa, whom I know from previous tanning experience, is so helpful, friendly, and spot-on with her recommendations. Her infectious personality and spunky red hair make me smile as soon as I walk in! She always goes above and beyond... she even remembered my birthday! Every time, without fail, I get great results with her help! I had an event that I was attending, and I needed to look great. Three tans and a spray later... my color was exactly as I had hoped! Valeria is the best at sprays! Portofino is always the best, always worth it, and this new location is all the more reason to get out and get some sun!! more

My wife has been a client at Portofino for years, and when the new location opened she convinced me to go. I don't know anything about tanning, but the staff always suggests the best lotion and bed for my fair, easy-to-burn skin. Not only are they so knowledgeable about tanning, but they are genuinely friendly. Once again, my wife was right--Portofino gets my highest recommendation. Pros: friendly helpful staff Cons: busy around 6pm more

I have been reading about celebrities getting airbrush tans these days, so I had to try it out for myself. I went to Portofino because it was right on my way home from work. This place is such a hidden gem-- tucked away on the 4th floor! The technician was friendly and made me feel totally at home. I walked out with a beautiful, natural looking glow--not orange or streaky at all (which is what I was nervous about). I'm excited that I found this great affordable salon to keep up my color while it is so cold outside. Pros: Ambience and Airbrush service more

I had the best tanning experience I've ever had in my 25 years of living in new york city! The beds were exceptionally clean, the staff was friendly and helpful and I have wonderful color. I will recommend Portofino to ALL of my friends. (and they eye candy at the front desk wasn't bad either) Pros: Friendly and helpful staff Cons: None more

I came in to build a base tan for my vacation. The incredibly informed staff put me on a tanning schedule to safely tan before I went down to the beach. I came in about five times before I left. The results were gradual and strong. I arrived on my cruise golden and ready to face the sun! This is by far the place to go for the best, safest results. Enjoy. more

I went for an airbrush tan the other day. It was lovely. Valeria was my airbrush technician and she was AMAZING. I felt so comfortable and the tan was even with a beautiful result. Such a nice, luxurious afternoon! I will definitely continue airbrush tanning. My friends can not believe how natural it looks! more

My girlfriend recommended this salon for pre-vacation prep. I didn't know a lot about tanning, so I was nervous going in for my 1st time. The friendly, helpful staff explained everything thoroughly and made me feel comfortable. From the lotion recommendations to pairing the right bed for my skin type--I was totally taken care of. I was amazed that I saw color after just my first visit! Not only are the machines quality, but the atmosphere and staff make this salon a nice getaway from the city craziness. Pros: amazing beds, great staff Cons: can be hard to find more

I went back to the 38th Street location to keep up my tan, but was rather disappointed this time around. The person at the desk turned me off completely. She seemed disinterested and not the most accomodating. When asking about the different types of beds available (since the one I wanted was occupied), she kind of just mumbled a few words and pointed at the options in the brochure attached to the desk. She seemed more concerned with getting me to buy a package than in answering my questions. Another thing that disappointed me was the following...I brought in a print out of the Web Specials. One of the coupons states that you can save up to 50% on off peak tanning. When I asked if I could use the coupon (I was there at an off peak hour), she replied by saying that the coupon only applies to packages. I looked back at the coupon to make sure I didn't misread something. She then pointed to the section that said "retsrictions apply". Still in awe - I explained that the wording is not clear at all. Nowhere does it mention packages or individual sessions. I explained how misleading the wording is. She did not seem to care at all that's for sure. I could have been a millionaire with all intentions of buying 100 packages, but she did not try to accomodate their misworded and misleading coupon. Now if I was a millionaire, would I need a coupon, no, but it's the principle of the thing!! Anyway, this person was not the most helpful and I certainly would not have someone like this at the front desk of my store. Oh well, at least I left with a decent tan! Pros: Color seemed to develop pretty quick! Cons: Staff not over the top - maybe the 58th Street location will be better. more

I go to Portofino every spring for 6-8 times to get my base color done before the summer. Great machines, great service, and they always make me feel very comfortable and welcomed. Pros: Great standup machine Cons: none more

I go to Portofino probably once a month... and every time, I am welcomed by the super sweet people who work there, and I take a relaxing nap in one of their comfortable tanning beds. It's like my little retreat from a stressful week. Plus, they've got the BEST candy and you can hang out and relax for a bit after your tan. Really relaxed atomosphere... They started me off with this great rate to get my tan going, and they're always there to ask me if I'm happy with my color, and what my thoughts are on all their beds. It's honestly my haven away from work on a cold wintry day. I love it there... Pros: clean, friendly, intelligent Cons: none! more

NOT what I expected from the salon's impression, but Fabulous Tan. Nottt very tasteful, but the machines are excellent & so is the service & staff. I walked out with great color, and the staff was very caring about it! On the other hand, the walls of the place are dreadfully tacky, not even rustic but just cheap looking. Rooms are so tight, uncomfortable...Um Hello, where are we, the bronx? Then the bathroom is just weird. I had higher expectations. Madison ave. Portofino is not so fino.. Pros: machines, great tan Cons: tacky decor, cheap looking more

I'd give this salon a five-star rating in every category. I went in pale a ghost, and after 2 weeks, I was tan, and I never burned. Every tanning salon I'd been to b4 had burned me, but the machines and the people here are top-notch. Pros: friendly service, non-burning beds, open weekends more

Okay, I went here to tan before my wedding, and they are AMAZING there! They totally made me feel special, and the people who run it are sooooo nice, really had an excellent experience all around. I used beds, and my friend did airbrush tanning, both were very good. You can share packages as well, which I did with my girlfriend. They have satellite radio in the rooms, jewelry boxes for you while you tan, WINE TASTINGS (love that!), it's just a classy place. Highly recommended. Pros: nice employees, good beds, good airbrush tan more

The machines here are superb, but Portofino is a little busy sometimes, I've found that if you call even a few minutes before coming over, you're usually fine. Morning is the best time to walk in. Good variety of machines, the staff are all from someplace with cornfed, nice people who went to college and know how to talk. that alone makes me like this place. E! TV Network came in for a reality show makeover when I came in last time. Look for me in the lobby! Pros: smart staffers, happy vibe, nice tanning beds more

I read about this place in "Bergdorf Blondes," and had to see what it was like, I figured it would be fru-fru and pricy, but it's very reasonable. It's run by a VERY nice brother & sister duo from the midwest. I was prepping for my wedding, & had to laugh when I saw Monique Lhuillier there (my bridal gown designer), but other posts are right about the celeb factor (saw Luca Orlandi & Donatella Versace!), and the wine tastings on Fridays are a nice touch. Pros: good prices, free wine tastings more

believe it or not, my dermatologist sent me here. i have very fair skin, and hadn't seen the sun in years, but i planned a vacation to Bermuda, and my doctor said, "If you're going to tan, do it right. Go to Portofino and use their UV-A beds." I did, and I was very, very pleased. I got a special tutorial from them about how to build a tan safely. the place was very clean and very comfortable. an all-around good experience! Pros: inexpensive, clean, relaxing more

Our concierge (at the Hudson) sent us here while we visited town for a few weeks, and we loved it. They have european-style beds I haven't found in any other city in the US, and my wife did the airbrush tan. Both were excellent. The store was clean and inviting, the staff was good and very very friendly... i could hardly believe I was in New York. One word of advice: if you want to walk-in, I would suggest going in the morning. They seemed to require appointments in the afternoon and evening. Pros: good airbrush tan, staff, location more

Best tanning salon in the city, period, and best of the Portofino locations. The staff is fabulous; smart, friendly, and VERY helpful. (A remark below about the staff "talking to each other" must be penned by someone who's never visited; only ONE person works at the desk). They've got a wide varitey of machines, both high and low pressure, and I've used them all. I just did a sunless spray "airbrush tan," and it looks so good, I had to come here to compliment them! Thank you, Portofino! Pros: great spray tan, good beds, staff is great more

My only beef with Portofino is that they seem pretty busy right when i get out of work, around 5 or so. i guess thats normal for a retail in manhattan. but I wish they would expand. i think they have maybe 15 beds or so? usually if i dont have an appointment i dont wait for very long to get a bed. the other reviews are right about the staff, they really couldnt be nicer. i always go on fridays for their wine tastings. anyway i get good results, better than the salon i used to go to before. ive never seen a celebrity there, but my friend says she saw justin timberlake and jessie from saved by the bell, which i think is hilarious. Pros: good tan, nice staff, smells good Cons: , i'm not famous, i wish i were more

The staff at Portofino are incredible. They know their stuff, they're incredibly friendly and personable. They make sure you're getting the results you're looking for. I use the high pressure beds. While the sessions are longer (20-30 minutes), my tan lasts a lot longer than the other salons I've been to. I also learned that I save a lot of money by getting a package -- their single rates are almost twice as much money. I'd recommend Portofino to anyone! more