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Review content:
While most people will definitely enjoy this spa and all of its amenities, let me just say that there are a few that this facility would not be for.
I can see how some people might be "put off" by the sometimes insincere attempts at customer service like big smiles and hands on your back to lead you, noisy dressing rooms at peak times and perhaps hokey décor. I myself have sometimes been a little uncomfortable with the whole hand-on-the-back thing, but I just go with it because it is such a small part of the experience. And I have to admit that this says a little more about me than it does about the spa. For those of you that find the spa experience diminished because of these things, I recommend "Urban Retreat" on Ventura Blvd. in Tarzana. They still provide a relaxing environment but they are just a "massage and go" kind of place.
For the rest of us, this place is heavenly and I always dream about it until the next time I can get there. I have never had a bad massage, and in fact, few places give you all the rest of the amenities like a Jacuzzi, aroma therapy towels, fruit and ice cold water (there is even lemonade in the lounge and you can also ask for hot tea). The showers and restrooms are equipped with everything you'd ever need like shampoo, conditioner, body wash, razors, hair ties, toothbrushes (w/pre-applied toothpaste), Qtips, sanitary napkins, tampons, facial cleanser, toner, moisturizer, lotion and mouthwash. They even have under-arm spray deodorant as well as bathroom deodorizing spray! At the ladies' dressing table, you'll find an array of hair sculpting products along with clean brushes, combs, hairdryers, curling irons and even extra magnification mirrors. They even provide plastic bags for wet swimsuits (though, a swimsuit is not required for the whirlpool). I don't even have all this at home!
And did you know that you can ask for fluffy cottony robes instead of the still-quite-plush terrycloth ones? If you need bigger robes or sandals, they'll get you that, too. At BW, you never have to search around for a waste basket and neither do you ever wonder where to put your soiled robe which hasn't always been my experience at other massage salons.
You can also make free local calls from the phone booth areas and you'll also find that your cell phone gains service while in them (I also discovered that my cell phone will work at the furthest ladies dressing tables, too). I have been able to pass more than an hour on my own quietly sleeping or reading my guilty pleasure- rag mags- in the Quiet Room which is something that is nearly impossible for me to do with my daily work schedule and toddler twins at home. This alone would have been enough for me but the rest of what BW supplies puts them far and above your average massage parlor. Last winter, I swear my chronic bronchitis was vastly improved by spending 20 minutes each in the sauna and in the misting room.
I find the general atmosphere at this BW absolutely relaxing and though I haven't tried anything there besides the massages and nail care, I have found that the value for your money can't be beat anywhere. You may be able to find a slightly cheaper massage but not really by much. A 50-minute massage for $105 is pretty much market price. And considering that you get all the rest of the stuff AND you can stay as long as you want as long as they're still open, this place is one of the last great service bargains left!
BTY, I just visited 10/15/10 and they were running a gift certificate promo that gives a percentage off of your treatment that day depending on the future certificate value you purchase. I am kicking myself now for not having bought one. I need a massage right now!
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