Massage Envy

Got a nice gift certificate for a massage, saw a sign for an introductory massage– one hour, $ 49 bucks! Sounds good, right? Turns out, you have to become a «member» to get this rate, and without it, the massage will cost you $ 79. Why would I become a member before checking the place out and getting a massage? What a crappy business model. They were unapologetic, didn’t care, and we left. Gonna give this «Gift» to someone else– with a warning that it won’t even cover one massage. As I left, a person reading the sign was telling his friend, «Nah, that’s not the real price.». Go somewhere else.

Great place so far. I’ve been there twice for facials. The front desk staff is very friendly and always smiling. They all spoke to welcome me. The lady who does my facials is super friendly. She takes the time to explain everything to me and recommendations for home care. She always makes me smile. She is my mini therapy session to but me in a better mood. I plan to schedule a massage soon. Last visit for a facial, I met a massage therapist who took about 15 minutes to chat with me, just to be friendly. She didn’t even know I was looking to schedule a massage. I will definitely be back. It’s a good fit for me.

Visited ATL for Labor Day and I had a few hours to spare before other friends arrived, so I decided to get a massage. I’m always reluctant to get a massage at a store that isn’t my home store, but contrary to many of the reviews I had a great experience. All the staff was very professional and my massage was great. I wish I could remember the mans name, but I can’t. I asked for an experience masseuse and that’s just what I received.
The location is a bit funky, my iPhone had a hard time getting me there; I had to call for specific directions.

The only reason I’m giving a 3 is because my masseuse (I think his name was Zach) was cute and two, he didn’t do a horrible job. So, the stars are for him and him only.
The two blank stars? Those are for the spa location as a whole.
I called Massage Envy on Saturday to schedule two 90 minute massages for a friend and me (for Monday ⁸⁄₂₄). I was told that we’d need to arrive at least 15 minutes before our appointment (at noon) to fill out paperwork. During the phone call, the rep advises that we’d have a male and female masseuse. I told her that I wanted to have the female therapist because I wasn’t super comfy with a male one. She said that she put the details next to my name on the appointment and Id be okay. We arrived at 11:40, filled out all the necessary paperwork and given water. I advised the front desk that I had a gift card for $ 150 to apply towards the service (for both of us). At 12:01, my friend and I were taken into a separate waiting area. We waited until about 12:10 and were then escorted back. Zach called my name and the female therapist called my friend’s name. Now, I would’ve said something right then and there about the switch BUT he was cute (it’s been a while, so it’s oftentimes necessary to get it how you can). Considering that it’s been a few years since I felt the touch of some manly hands, I figured why not? Again, sometimes you have to get your jollies where you can.
When we got to the room, we were advised to take our clothes off and lay face down (ass up… just kidding) on the table. After receiving the quickest rub down of life, my friend and I were advised that we could put our clothes on and meet them up front. Now, I’ve had massages before and you’re oftentimes so relaxed that the time really DOES fly by. But I grabbed my phone to peep the time and it was approximately 12:55.
We didn’t even get an hour massage. We got a 45 minute rub down.
When we got to the front, the reps swore that we only scheduled 60 minutes (when I’m more than positive that I said 90 minutes each) and not once did either of them apologize for the flub. Not only that, they still charged us for the full 60 minutes and quickly said «you have $ 50 left to use on your gift card.» The hurried conversation and looks on their faces read «oh well. Enjoy your day, sis.»
I’ve never wanted to round house kick somebody in the esophagus as much as I did in that moment, but as you can probably already tell, I’m a fucking lady. Besides, Fulton County takes too long to process you out.
Because I have another $ 50 to use, I’ll be back. But maybe this time, I will at least get a happy ending as a fairwell gift.
I’m joking. Maybe.
Maybe.

Refused to let me make an appointment without taking my credit card over the phone instead of letting me bring it in or use cash. That’s ridiculous. Why would I give my card number to a stranger over the phone before the service? That’s how identity theft can happen! There is no reason for a massage parlor to have my credit card number on file before they perform the service! Seems sketchy!

I really wish I could say good things about Massage Envy but I just can’t.
After being a member for two years, I can tell you it’s a good concept poorly executed — at least at this location. The therapists, though generally good, are anywhere from 5 to 10 minutes late on a regular basis. One even failed to show entirely.
The entire practice is set up for volume, not quality. The walls are paper thin and you can hear the attendants cutting up with each other from the break room and in the hallways. It’s understandable between sessions but because they stager appointments it’s downright disruptive during a «relaxing» massage.
The front desk attendants seem completely oblivious to the lapses in service. Their main job, instead, is to oversee the nickel and dime-​ing that occurs from the tipping system to the extras like aroma therapy (which amount to the addition of 50 cents worth of essential oils to the lotion they use — charging $ 15 for it). It’s ludicrous.
What’s even worse is the parking situation. It’s like you need a whole other session just to deal with finding a space not to mention lining up to get out onto Ponce.
For $ 65 per month, I have to believe I can find a better massage. The only reason I stuck with it for so long was the perception that the points/​rewards program would render itself worthwhile in the long run but it didn’t.
I would rather find a more professional practice even if it didn’t mean getting a free massage for every $ 750 I spend with them.

Most times I want a massage, it’s because I’ve got back pain that I want fixed now, so it was awesome that they had an opening the same day I called. They really take the time to figure out what you want/​need during the hour you are there, and I liked that you filled out a form where you were able to list areas you do not want massaged – at least for me, I found it less awkward. While it took a little longer to actually start the massage, they didn’t let it cut into my time on the table. Steve was great and really did an awesome job breaking down the knots in my back. While some people have said that they were bothered by the sales pitch at the end, I wasn’t even asked to join. No problem there.
If you are looking for a luxary spa, this isn’t the place, but if you are looking for a competitively priced massage to work out the knots, it’s awesome.

We tried so hard to have a good experience at the Ponce Massage Envy, giving them the benefit of the doubt again and again. But in the end they continually disappointed us.
I had arranged for a massage package for my wife with a front desk employee, and paid the price they asked. When my wife went in to get the massage, they said she owed money for what was arranged, refused to serve her, and given it was supposed to be a gift, she left crying.
I came back the next day and expressed my disappointment, and the same front desk employee was there. Three employees said that not all employees understand the guidelines they have and the pricing. All three said they felt bad and doubled the package as a way to say sorry. They said they were entering it the system, gave me their business cards, and promised all would okay.
A month later my wife finally felt comfortable enough again after the embarassment to try again. She booked an appointment. I called right beforehand to confirm all was okay. I was left on hold for 20 minutes. When I called back they said they were «working on it». After another 20 minutes they said they won’t honor it. And they said if she didn’t show up for her appointment they would charge us for missing. We were distraught. How is this place so bad at communicating with one another, especialy when their computers tell them everything is set up?
Ultimately a manager go on and promised us if we came in the next day they make sure all was righted. I wasn’t going to be fooled a third time. They are full of empty promises and poor communication. It’s a confusing disorganized operation.

This comment applies to all locations. Before you sign on the dotted line, make sure you read your agreement in total and make sure you have read the on line terms and conditions fully! The people that sign you up only give the briefest of explanation of benefits. Case in point, the transfer of unused visits to another person. Also, even tho they make you fill out a health conditions and preference form, most therapists do not have the time to fully review it and if your location is a busy one, you won’t be able to always get the same therapist. Also, customizing your massage will be at additional cost to you.

Here’s the thing… the Massage Envy concept really works if you are aware of what you’re getting into ahead of time. Over the years, I have seen mixed reviews across many Massage Envy locations and it’s usually due to the membership model or the expectation that Massage Envy should be representative of a «spa» experience, which it’s not. It’s a low cost provider of a health/​wellness benefit and until you’re sure that you’re ready to commit to a membership, I suggest you politely decline. So far, I’ve never heard the staff be rude to someone who says No… Now, I have seen the occasional review where someone just has a bad massage, and I definitely understand that can happen anywhere. In fact, the worst massage I’ve ever had was also one of the most expensive and I received it at an actual Spa. Up to that point, I was a firm believer that a Great massage=Expensive massage because «you get what you pay for», right? Well, not always…
This Massage Envy location is my favorite In Town, but it’s also one of the busiest/​most popular so keep that in mind when you schedule. I usually set my appointment 2 weeks out to ensure I receive my preferred therapist because he books up fast. Also, due to the increasing popularity of the area (Ponce City Market is across the street) the parking and traffic can be impossible if you visit during peak hours, so plan accordingly if you get a headache just thinking about that. When you arrive, give yourself time to de-​stress and relax in the Tranquility Room versus the lobby, it provides a better overall experience. Also, keep in mind that you have 5 minutes before the massage to undress and briefly discuss your preferences and 5 minutes after the massage to re-​dress, so deduct that from the actual massage time.
Because a «great massage» can be subjective, I found my FAVE therapist by inquiring about the Best and Most Experienced therapists based on customer feedback, by «type» of massage. The reception staff was extremely helpful in narrowing down my choices to 3 individuals and I’ve had terrific massages with all of them over the past year. One of the keys to success for me has been communicating clearly on what I want… a true professional will appreciate that. FYI, a couple of the therapists came from a larger, expensive Spa chain that I won’t name here (you can probably guess), so I received the same massage that would have been twice as expensive around the corner! That’s a WIN in my book :-)

I must admit I’ve heard bad things about Massage Envy but I received a gift so decided to go.
The reception staff wasn’t the best and most were on the phone.
I did like the tranquil room as well as the setting in my personal room.
I came in with alot of tension and left with NONE! Jamal has magically hands. He took his time to find the trigger points, stretched me and worked out all the kinks. The only reason I didn’t give 5 stars was because of their high rates. I would love an appointment with Jamal again.

This was by far one of the worst experiences I have had with a massage. I had an appointment with Jarett for a deep tissue massage and it was painful bc he was pressing against my bones! I kept telling him it hurt but he didn’t understand how to massage and I had to tell him to just stop after 30mins I complained to the front desk and they still had me pay for the full introductory hour and asked me if I wanted to schedule another appointment?!? Not only that the appointment was suppose to be for 10:45 and didn’t start till 11:10! I got there at 10:30 to fill out the new client paperwork like they asked and I waited there longer then the length of my massage! Awful awful experience! Would not go there if you like good massages like I do!

My previous review and 5 star rating was for My therapist Jill. She’s still amazing! This review is for the spa itself. On several occasions, my excellent massage has been interrupted by loud, chatty staff. It’s incredible that the staff doesn’t’ realize (1) people come here to relax, de-​stress, and for a moment of peace (2) that the walls are thin (3) that they should speak more quietly when greeting clients AND walking thru the hall, and in the treatment rooms!!! There’s one loud mouthed male therapist in particular who is always laughing and chatting loudly with clients. Dude, shut the hell up!!! Go next door for coffee if you want to socialize. You’re ruining the experience.
If it were not for Jill, I would never go back? So everyone, go to Jill so she can make more money and open her own’ Tranquil Room’. Self-​serving, but I’ve had it!

Massage Envy is what it is, no more, no less. If you frequently need a massage for health issues like I do, or if you regularly get massages, it’s not a bad deal. You may need to book massages with a few different people before you find someone who fits your needs, so don’t give up on them right away. I’ve had very good people massage me for my back issues in various locations in Dallas and Atlanta. This location is just as good.

I’ve been a massage therapist for 14 years and my expectations for bodywork are high to say the least. Aaron was not only knowledgeable, professional and sensitive to my needs, he was also thorough. After my session, he had my treatment plan ready for me with his schedule so I could reschedule. I’m going back for sure! Thank you Massage Envy.

Massage Envy is my go to place for relaxation and to help the stress knots get out of my neck and back. I absolutely love the staff– they know me by name and always greet me with a smile. The front desk staff is beyond professional and treat me like a princess every time I visit them.
Jamal and Sam are my favorite masseuses. They are total sweethearts and they really care about the quality of the massage, making sure every detail is perfect. They custom tailor the massage to fit my exact needs. I highly recommend getting a massage from either of them, if you have neck and upper back problems, they are the best!
5 stars for the quality of the massage, the clean and peaceful ambience, the professional and kind staff, and the personable massage therapists!

I have had a couple massages in the past but after trying out massage envy (as ordered to do so by my chiropractor next door) I decided I needed the regular therapy for my back and stress so I joined their monthly club. The two main reasons I joined at this specific location are:
1) My therapist Jasmine is great and really helps work out all my stress areas. My sessions are genuinely therapeutic and tailored to fit me perfectly. She does a good job figuring out where I need the relief even when I don’t know. She is highly recommended. I drive past the Massage Envy in my neighborhood and many other spas to visit her once a month.
2) I like Massage Envy and feel it is cost effective. Although I’m sure other «Spas» are a bit fancier and provide a different atmosphere at the end of the day I’m just walking in the place only to lay down, close my eyes and get a great massage. Massage Envy seems to do this for me in the most cost effective way. I’ve compared prices for other places and most all of them seem to charge more. Especially when you consider the membership club prices at ME. Massage Envy is all that I need. It’s clean, has great staff and cost effective so I give it five stars!

Not honest people.
I had signed up for a membership here and I don’t even know how. I was gifted 5 massages for my birthday. The folks here had me sign a «disclaimer» to get those massages, which turned out to be a 6 month membership. Long story short, they started charging me that day and continued to do so for the next 12 months. I finally had to go down to that store to «cancel.» No, I couldn’t cancel at the store two blocks from my house.
Two months later they called and said I still owed them for another two months after my cancellation because I failed to make a final payment when I cancelled in store (nevermind that they didn’t ask for it or tell me or had been billed for months for massages I never used)).
Stay away from these people — the model this franchise uses is a scam and a class action should be filed. It’s the same nonsense that President and First Lady Health Club used to employ in the early 90s (and they got sued). I have never been involved in such a cluster in my life and I am out $ 300 for nothing.
Awful experience.

I learned a long time ago that regular massages keep me happier, healthier, and work wonders on my stress level, so I was pleased to see a place for massages so close to my house when I moved to Atlanta.
I have been to other Massage Envy places and as other reviewers note, there is a bit of pressure to buy-​in to the membership plan. I’ve never done so until this time, mostly because the massages I’ve had are just so-​so.
Jasmine and Tamara are the two to see at this place. I like good bodywork with deep tissue and I have yet to be disappointed after six months of membership. It is always easy to get an appointment and the quality of the therapists (at least the two I’ve tried) has been exceptional.
That said, I think it’s important to manage your expectations. This is not a spa at the Westin or Four Seasons, so if you’re looking for over-​the-​top atmosphere, you won’t get it here. But you will get a session that’s relaxing and therapeutic.
The only inconsistency I’ve experienced is in the front desk staff. There are a few who are always happy and helpful, but I regularly hear others chatting away about stories of their personal life that are far from professional.
I’ll keep going for the quality of work I continue to get from Jasmine and Tamara. It’s a good value and they give me a great experience each and every time.

This location has some amazing massage therapists but I wanted to give a special shout-​out to Sam. I fell behind on getting a massage every month, so I have been catching up with two-​hour massages. The ones from Sam are like slipping into heaven, leaving me in an ecstatic stupor every time.
I can only imagine how hard it is to maintain great pressure for one hour, much less two, but Sam doesn’t slack even for a minute. With other people, I have to endure agonizing pain and be contorted in positions my body just can’t do. But with Sam, I can expect to feel like I’m at a high-​end resort and most importantly have a back that is pain free!