Tomo’s Mini Spa

Just needed a massage today and checked out Unilocal’s comment. Seems like Michael is the #1 guy so decided to book an appointment with him.
My feedback:
1. It’s a rectangle box of space with 6 to 8 massage beds (communal). Clean and plain.
2. You can hear chatting from the reception area so if noise is a big deal, you won’t enjoy this
3. Michael is great. I got the 50 mins massage. He started with soaking my foot on a wood barrel, then worked on my head, then my neck, then my upper back while I was facing up. Strong pressure. At one point, I was crying silently but it was also sooo good. Then he went to the legs and feet. Then the finale was for me to turn around and massaging the whole back. I thought he used a rolling pin on my back but it’s his lower arms. For $ 30, it’s definitely worth the 50 minutes.
4. So worth it I got their 4 visit package for $ 100 so there’s $ 20 discount (used the first one in this visit)
5. Needless to say, will go there again :)

What a huge disappointment. This was my second time going to Tomo for a massage and both times have been equally bad. The first time, I merely got a lotioning session and back scratch when I asked for more pressure. The second time was even worst. The massage was ALL KNUCKLES and ALL ELBOWS. It wasn’t just strong (my preference) but it almost felt like he was trying to explicitly hurt me. A day later, I have bruises all over my body and my spine hurts. I am in more pain than before going to Tomo. My boyfriend got a massage too and he left dizzy and with a headache. His masseuse squeezed his head so hard that he lost his vision for 4 – 5 hours. He also complained felt like the masseuse was taking his anger out on him or something. I think we were both better off without a massage. What an expensive way to get beat up.

Michael is one of the best quick fix massage I’ve ever received. Be aware he’s more of a deep tissue masseuse so find someone else if you like soft pressure. Great massage.

I’ve been here numerous of times and the last few times I’ve left even more disappointed. I’ve always had a female masseuse and never had issues with asking for a little more pressure. (Come on, I don’t need to be paying for someone to rub lotion on me when I can do it myself) I’ve been told «if you want more pressure, next time you need to book with a male masseuse «this the the most pressure I can give you»!! (mind you, I am only asking for a little more pressure than just rubbing) I was furious!!! Will never come back again! If you are looking for an actual massage, book with a male and make sure you tell the manager when booking!

Went for a birthday ladies spa day and left horrified with literally bruises ALL over my body. Experience started by being led back to the communal room by Michael, who shuffled loudly in his rubber sandals. Got to our station where Michael had me lay on the roughest towels I have literally ever felt. Micheal then began what felt like abuse by balling his hand to a fist and literally digging his knuckles all over my body. I had to ask him at least four times to be more gentle, but to no avail. Even weirder he did this rough motions on syrange place in the dody which have little muscle which made the pain greater (front of neck, forearm etc.) When asked to turn over, I saw that the hole where your face goes was rimmed with toilet paper… only framing the fact that through the hole your view was of the tattered fake leather stool like was falling apart. I was hoping I could handel the rough back massage better, as I have a bad back and sometimes tough love helps… wrong! Michael continued to aggressively fist my back while he intermittently would squirt cold oil on my back, only to follow by swatting my back with an awkward rub. Meanwhile, the receptionist is taking phone calls and chatting with customers, of which we could every word (not he fault, but still awkward and far from relaxing to say the least). The clincher in when it was time for my lower back/​butt. When it came to butt, Michael went from rough fisting to literally shaking my butt cheaks side to side. He didnt even put the towlels over my butt but rather did the work over just my dress, magnifying the inappropriatness. By the time it was over I count not get out fast enought! Some of the girls I was with had far better experience in regards to their massage therpists, but still, atmosphere and ambience were poor to say the least. So, after my borderline physical and sexual abuse, I will be contacting the Better Business Bureau so no one experiences what I did. WARNING, DO NOT DO IT!!!

I badly sprained my ankle in August and I needed some help. I went in to Michael and showed him my hugely swollen ankle. He was tough on it and I Unilocaled a few times (no pun intended), but within a few visits he had it back to new. Hurt like hell, but when I walked out it felt better each time and with more flexibility.

I got a massage here 5 times. Each time o hoped a new person would be better, they weren’t. They all used their knuckles on me to apply any type of pressure and each time I came out with many bruises.
The most recent time I was there Michael, demanded I tip him $ 10. It was so awkward and I felt weird. The receptionist apologized but he stood there with his hand out and said no I’m $ 10. When they have nothing that says a tip is required. I gave it to him and left feeling yucky.
It is cheap, but no worth it in my opinion. I also asked for someone who speaks English so I could specify what I wanted and that was no use either.

Great value, 2 visits thus far, Peter and Michael are both excellent and really helped my neck and shoulder pain. I think I’m going to be a regular!

No credit cards, cash or check only. No private rooms. You have to lay in a large noisy room with other patrons. This is not a «Spa», this is a chicken factory where they hammer your back in broad daylight.

It was ok, but mostly just a weird little spot that could use some cleaning and sprucing. The massage person mainly pressed and patted rather than actually massage me. As I lay face down in the chair/​bed I’m seeing all the dust bunnies! Normally I would not have tipped for this, but I felt bad for the older guy.

The full body 50 mins massage was pretty good for $ 30! I’m 8 months pregnant and the most attention I need right now is my lower back but he barely focused on that probably due to my pregnancy, but he did a wonderful job on my upper back. Other than that the pressure was perfect for everything else. He massage your head, face, arms & legs while your feet is soaking in warm water.

I wouldn’t have been surprised if he pulled out a neck tendon or muscle! But I chose Michael because someone mentioned that he gives the strongest massage. OUCHEE! I didn’t know I would be flinching in pain.
He never asked me what level of pressure I wanted. His english is limited, so it was difficult to communicate. I guessed I was supposed to get into certain positions or turnover by one word utterances and gestures.
Its funny how rough he was on my neck area, which could have ALMOST felt good because of his thoroughness, but it was just too hard. I kept having to hold back laughing as I flinched in pain, thinking that as rough as he was, he just may pull out a tendon in my neck
The front desk area was noisy which was distracting. The receptionist and a waiting client were talking about dim-​sum and other things. The large room echoes. The receptionist was initiating conversation as well. Just very distracting.
Although the distraction from my overworked neck might have been a blessing in disguise.
In the future I will ask for someone else. If you want a very hard massage, Michael would be one to ask for.
Its a good deal, so I will try again. I don’t mind communal massage.
One other thing, I kept getting a strong odor of fish the entire time. And not in a good way!

3.5 stars for this place. Getting a good treatment is hit or miss so be sure to get the person’s name when you get a good one. I’ve had massages where i felt i was being petted and had to mention harder and still, didn’t get what i wanted.
This place offers light to firm massages/​reflexology (with clothes on) so you’re in a communal room with ‘recliners’. Dimly lit and somewhat quiet considering its right on Park Street with lots of traffic and people entering/​exiting the place.
If you’re up for a no frills massage, this is the place to try… if you can find parking! Best to get an appointment after work and on weekends.

Tomos is a fantastic place to unwind, de stress and relax in the hands of extremely professional and skilled masseuses. Peter is my favorite… strong hands, thorough, and an expert at working out deep knots and sore muscles.

I go here once in a while & i asked for Christine, but i figure out she’s not working there anymore so i tried one of the ladies there. I went there yesterday & I am very disappointed the way she handles me. We all go for a massage to feel better but she made me feel worse. My right arm is very sore & I have scratches too. I went to work today with patches on my arm & if you touch it, it’s painful. I asked her to stop during the massage but i think she didn’t get it & i have to take away her hands. I hope this wouldn’t happen to others.

My first review:
I get a massage here at least 1 – 2 a month. I’ve gotten a massage from every person that works there, but Din is my fav (only if you like it hard) Peter is great all around.
Trust me this place is worth every penny.
Only draw back are the phone calls but I zone those out but at first it annoyed me.

I love this place soo much! It is so great and my number one place to go to! Go here if you need a massage.

Ive been to Tomo many times and tried out many of masseuses. Each time i try and request Christine. Not only is she the best masseuse ever had but i like that she can communicate in English. She understands when I tell her to be more gentle or harder. One time I kept telling this man to apply less pressure and instead I ended with aching muscles the next day. Christine is my go to gal!

Great value! Christine is the best! She is so intuitive and listens to you. She is also very strong if you need deep tissue, very versatile and extremely informed in various massage techniques. I feel very fortunate in having found her within the first few months of moving to Alameda but honestly I would drive a great distance for one of her massages.

Went back again after being away for awhile– a couple of improvements that are worth noting:
1) When you call to book an appointment now, the receptionist will ask if 1) you have a preferred masseuse and if no, then 2) whether you prefer stronger or lighter touch massages. I am assuming based off your answer, if time permits, the receptionist will try to pair you with a masseuse that will suit your preference. major perk!
2) Peter was my masseuse this time and he is fantastic! definitely going back to him if I can next time.

50 minute massages for $ 25. No appointment necessary which is a plus. Sometimes the receptionist is a little clueless but overall efficient. Michael and Den are two of the super stars here, michael being the more firm of the two (I had him work on my dad). I’ll be back because it’s so affordable. They spend time on your back, neck, hands, feet and shoulders. The location is right on park street and parking is metered. Wear comfy clothes and shoes– think yoga gear. Who knew 50 minutes could go by so quick?

I understand it’s not a fancy spa, so for $ 25 I am fine with the shared massage area and the lack of privacy.
The towels seem sketchy and they are rough to the skin.
Not sure what the oil/​lotion they use, but they just baste it on you.
I went here once before and didn’t have a great experience. I usually try to give a local establishment and give them the benefit of the doubt.
The first time I went, the masseur just went with his routine of giving me a shiatsu style massage. It was hard to communicate with him regarding what I wanted and they pretty much just tell you to lay down and have the look of «let’s get this over with» as they begin. Fingers and elbows come at you like blow gun and rolling in a box full of gold balls.
I know they haven’t been trained and don’t really know the pressure points of the body, but the owners really need to give them some advise on how to give a basic massage.
The reason I felt compelled to write is the experience I had going here the second time around.
As other reviews state, if you get a masseur, they will use The People’s elbow on you and go at you at the power of OVER 9000!!!
They did not go over my whole body this time around and just focused on the part I told them to be gentle with and preferably avoid. I had a slight should cuff soreness and I guess he really wanted to heal me because I kept having to tell him, «it’s fine, please move on to the other areas of the massage». He kept on going back to my right arm and kneaded it like the toughest dough in the West. So most of my left body was left un-​massaged, my arm got a bruise in the back and front (see picture uploaded).
Not sure what oil they use, but I can tell you it’s cold and they used what seemed like a gallon of it on me. When it was time to use the moves they learned from watching WWE on my back (elbows, elbows everywhere), I could hear him pumping 5 – 6 pumps of oil on my back and could feel it dripping along my sides. I felt like a turkey being basted before the oven.
At the end of the massage, he said to come back when it is feeling better, I assume he meant due to his handy-​work.
Still gave him $ 5 for the effort, but I can tell you I have bruises and won’t be coming back.
Some advice to owners, I know it’s tough as I’m sure the masseurs/​masseuses don’t get a lions share of the $ 25, but please train your staff that come through here on how to give a basic massage and maybe go over a few different types/​styles. Also, please consider teaching them to ask about the amount of pressure to avoid/​give.

You want fierce and drama to your hairstyle, then this is the place to go. Tony is the only one that can touch this hair of mine, his the best of the best. Love him!!!

My aunt invited my sister and I as a sort of a girls day out and you can’t beat the price at the moment which is buy 4 get 1 free and very reasonable for a 50 minute massage. There are 6 massage lounge chairs and each has a box for you to put your belongings. The only clothing you have to remove are your socks and shoes.
They soak your feet in a tub of hot water while they give you a massage. I think it all depends on what kind of massage you enjoy and I have tried several massage therapists and types of massage. If you want a massage with strong hands, fingers and pressure, this is the kind of massage for you. The spa offers Chinese-​style massage — some combination of acupressure, shiatsu and reflexology.
I told the massage therapist, Den to be gentle as I have sensitive muscles/​bones. I usually go for a relaxing Swedish massage elsewhere but this is definitely NOT a Swedish. It is rather intense, starting with a pressured massage of your skull, gentle massage of face and neck, arms, hands, legs and feet. The foot massage for the most part was rather relaxing and he used lotion to massage but when he got to my back and shoulders, I was in pain. because this kind of massage is rather strong and intense. During the back and shoulder massage I got rather tense and Den asked me if I was ok and I told him to be more gentle. So if you like that type of strong pressure, this is the place for you. My aunt and sister thought it was the most relaxing massage they’ve had.
I think it all depends on what kind of massage does relax you. For them it was this kind of strong pressurized massage. For me, I prefer the Swedish as I am usually not sore from a Swedish.

BE AWARE of this business!!! Have a foot massage today and the service is totally HORRIBLE!!!
1. Not professional! Their foot massage have no technique, as long as your both hands are function, you can be a massage therapist.
2. The guy who provided the service was fall asleep during the massage, and I also recorded with my phone.