Haven Spa

Great spa, fantastic staff and excellent facilities. If you’re in the neighbourhood and need a relaxing massage, steam and good clean facilities… this is the place.

My boyfriend I live in the neighborhood and as we are both in the fitness industry we get regular massages. When we saw the GEEK and BITCH massages at Haven we thought we had stumbled on a great location… I should have known not to proceed with my booking when the receptionist booking our appointments first said we could come at 1:45 then immediately said 2:30, then stated that we both could not get the GEEK.
We showed up and like most spas were escorted to the locker room which was small and the lounge which oddly has juice boxes instead of infused waters. We waiting in the lounge and my boyfriend was immediately greeted. I on the other hand waited 20 minutes until I went in my robe to the front to find out why I was waiting so long. I was not concerned on timing as I had nothing to do but was concerned that my boyfriend who went in would be confused and waiting around with his thumb up his ass. I asked to speak to a manager and the front staff said that a manager would contact me by Tuesday… WHAT?!? They didn’t even comp me a 30 minute foot massage while I waited for my boyfriend.
This is such an overrated establishment. The staff is useless and even if the massage was amazing… I am sure I could name a few 8^th street Asian places that could compare.

This place was a lovely surprise. Brought by a friend who is a regular. Receptionists were totally pleasant, the manicure stations are beyond lovely, prettiest place I have ever been for a mani. The manucurist was professional and sweet, and i am now looking at the best manicure I’ve ever had! I will definitely come back.

Time to look for another place for manicure and pedicure. No complains about the manicurist.
But the receptionists are not friendly, I wonder why their boss hire them for that job, they don’t make people feel welcomed or friendly.
Also, I go to haven for few times, but today I really decides to look for another place to go. They told me that someone called to cancel my schedule this morning, and they said my full name. So anyway, my schedule got pushed back one hour later. But this is unheard of! No one knew my appointment except my good friend who’s also coming with me for manicure. That just sounded like a lie to cover up a mistake they made.
I got manicure at haven last time, and today I came in to soak it off and do a new one, they even charged me $ 15 dollar to just soak that shit off?! No! I will not come back!

Haven, is that you?
I came back here after moving away for 1.5 years. Before then, I was a pretty faithful customer with getting manicures almost every weekend. Haven was out of the way from where I lived, but the service was top notch, the quality of the manicure was great and the vibe just felt right. The people at the front desk were always welcoming and helpful. Before I moved out of state, they told me that they were moving to a new location and told me to look them up whenever I was in town.
Now, ever true to my word, booking a manicure at the new Haven location was a top priority on the list. They told me that I could come in for an afternoon manicure appointment. Since I have a bit of a hike, I get there a little earlier than intended. First thing I noticed? The receptionists. These receptionists couldn’t be bothered if they tried. In the most expressionless manner possible, they tell me to hang out until my appointment time. So I hang. My appointment is 4:30, but 4:45 nears and I get up and ask the girl if they are running late or if there has been a change. Surely, she’s seen me sitting there for the past hour or so. She tells me the manicurist is putting on top coat and I can go pick out my color in her deadpan delivery.
The manicurist is a bit more apologetic and I figure they are just running behind. Although I asked for the European manicure, I realize they are giving me the «quickie» version. Too annoyed to even argue or care at this point, I pay out (for the «quickie» manicure) and go on my way.
I’m actually sad that it’s come to this because I always looked forward to my regular manicures at Haven and enjoying the atmosphere. Even though it was a trek for me to make it to Haven, I didn’t mind the trip. I know this is the newer, shinier version of the spa, so it may be fine for a newcomer. For me, it looks like my time with Haven has ended.

I came here for a Geek Massage. Was really looking forward to it because I work almost 12-​hour days constantly and had back strain and wrist strain. The spa environment was really nice and looked classy. I loved the waiting room and the hallways, and the locker room (although tiny) was serviceable and had a steam room and 2 small showers!
However, the actual massage itself was not what I wanted. Before the massage began, I was facedown on the table before the therapist came in and became aggravated because the front desk apparently mixed something up. So we had to switch rooms, which I was fine with. But, I received a RANDOM massage (not what I ordered) by my therapist who had no idea what I paid for. The receptionist did not confirm my massage, and neither did the therapist. I sensed something was not right at first, but when he started working on my wrists I thought he understood. However, later he started working on my feet (wha? not included with this Geek service) then immediately started working on my head. Like, right after without washing hands, etc. Now I don’t know how sanitary their sandals are, but I prefer not to test that out by essentially rubbing my face where my feet had been.
He also started talking about his podcast and other pursuits. That’s fine, but the whole massage became all over the place once he lost focus. His initial annoyance carried over into the rest of the appointment which became thoroughly unrelaxing. Later when I told the receptionists I think I got the wrong massage, they didn’t care much and half-​heartedly offered a $ 25 discount on my next service and looked annoyed and rude. Not worth it for the price.

The space is beautiful, dream-​like. I went for the «little bitch massage» offered during Spa week, but, after speaking with my masseuse at the beginning of the session, we decided a «customized» service that focused on my arms and hands (I was very sore from tennis) would better fit my needs. The massage was amaaaaazing. I wish my masseuse spent more time on the areas we talked about, but overall, it was excellent.

Came here for spa week which can be hit or miss as sometimes places are not worth much more than the 50 dollar special price. This is not the case with Haven. I choose it because they offer what they call a geek massage which focuses on areas that are stressed at desk computer jobs. My masseuse Lana did just that spending time on my back, my neck, up to muscles on skull which were surprisingly knotted. I felt much better afterwards and still feel stretched out now which is not always the case with massages as many time feel worse or relief was superficial. Not sure if worth 135 charge normally but if feeling tightened up from work will call and hope can fit me in. The place is big for a day spa in nyc but seemed very booked and I do not think with just spaweek people.

The spa is beautiful. 5 stars for beauty. And I was very relaxed by the end of my massage. But they lose stars for a few reasons. 1) The massage table was not very comfortable. Seemed kind of flimsy and not cushiony enough. And the cradle for my head wasn’t great either and I ended up with lines on my forehead for hours after the service. Everything just could have used some extra padding. 2) I got the Geek massage. It was Spa Week so it was a 45 minute service. But the description mentioned that the massage therapist would use massage balls and that we’d get to take them home. There was no use of massage balls whatsoever and while I was on my stomach the whole time, it didn’t really seem like the massage was any different than other massages I’ve gotten. My arms and legs were massaged in addition to my back. Which I didn’t mind. But I expected something different. 3) The waiting area is pretty but the water cups were very small and it was water from a tap. When I go to nice spas, I expect at least pitchers of water and I appreciate flavored water like cucumber or fruit. And the only snack that was there was a bowl of cashews, maybe they were glazed or something? The problem was, they were tiny pieces of cashews, not whole cashews, and there was no serving spoon. I didn’t know how one was supposed to eat from that. I used the tiny water cups to scoop out a little bit. But I found it odd that there wasn’t some obvious way to serve myself from the big bowl of chopped up nuts. 4) When my massage was over, my therapist told me she would be outside with water. When I exited the room, she wasn’t there. I wasn’t sure where I was supposed to go so I headed toward the waiting area and then she appeared after little bit after with a tiny cup of water. I definitely did not rush out from my treatment room so I was surprised that she wasn’t there when I was ready for my water. I know I probably sound incredibly entitled and I don’t mean to be. I just expect certain levels of service from nice spas. And I would definitely want more than a tiny cup of water after a massage.

Came here with some coworkers and had a good time. They were very helpful on the phone while trying to coordinate the reservations. Had the mani pedi mini escape and enjoyed how thorough it was. The mani pedi area is very clean and relaxing. I would definitely want to bring someone here as a nice treat.

Stalina is my favorite person in NYC. Okay maybe not but she is basically a personal trainer for your skin.
If you need some help achieving flawless skin… Call Stalina. Be prepared to pay. And change your life.

It’s a beautiful new location. I had gotten my facial in the previous location which was a good experience minus walking out with what turned into a little scab on my nose. The woman who did my facial wanted to do my extractions with a little needle, which I haven’t heard of, and I refused. I guess she squeezed to the point where a little blood came out and my skin isn’t even bad to begin with. I have pretty good skin, but like most people, I do need extractions every so often. Anyway, I unfortunately I went on vacation with that mark on my nose and in three days it came off.
Now that I learned they moved closer to my job, I thought I’d go get a pedicure. I was excited because of their new location and interior. I made an appointment which became pointless because I had to wait twelve mins extra. I was already ten minutes early. It’s up to you to make an appointment or not. Anyway, they only had two woman working. When I had my turn, the woman filed a bit on my skin while filing my nails, which hurt. When it came time to dry, they didn’t have a drying machine. I had to sit there for fifteen minutes, because I wasn’t going to sit for any longer. It still wasn’t very dry, even after spraying it with a quick dry spray. I put my socks and shoes on, and prayed that this $ 40 pedicure wouldn’t mess up while I’m walking to the train to get home. I hope they take my $ 40 and buy a machine so the next person doesn’t have to sit alone for fifteen to twenty minutes.

I can’t say enough about my masseuse. My back was so tight, and my girlfriend recommended I go here for a massage.
Vladimir was the best. Such an awesome guy and very skilled at what he does. I was the last appointment for the day and I clearly explained what was bothering me (my back was tight). He told me not to worry. Vladimir explained that we would spend the hour working exclusively on my back.
Ohh my goodness. I feel like a new man.
A+ I will be going back again.
Vladimir you are the best!

This was my first trip to their new location. While the new space is beautiful, I did not enjoy my overall experience.
The locker room was very nice and was excited to see there was a stream room. When I went to use the steam room it was either not turned on or broken, because there was no steam. I figured I would just ask the front desk after my massage. I went to put on my robe, and there was black hair around the tie (my hair is brown). I just brushed it off and headed to the waiting area which was nice and I enjoyed some tea. I then found another black hair on the robe. At that point I was seriously beginning to question if the robe had been washed.
My therapist was not very pleasant. She asked me why I had chosen a Geek Massage and interrupted me when I started answering. I guess I looked slightly annoyed because she said «I have to ask that question.»
The massage itself was pretty good, but it felt repetitive and I was left covered in lotion. She would put lotion on the same area like three different times. I’m assuming the lotion was unscented but it gave off a sort of smell of dairy that had gone slightly sour. The fact that it was in a open tub, did not make it any more appetizing.
The massage ended very abruptly with her saying «Thank you, the t-​spheres are on the counter». It was like she was trying to leave the room as fast as possible. This was the first time I’ve ever had a massage where the therapist was not waiting outside with water or to check to see how I enjoyed the massage. At $ 145 for an hour, you expect some sort of bed side manner. I turned the wrong way to get to the locker room, somewhat out of it after the abrupt end to the massage, and wondered around until someone on the cleaning staff kindly pointed me in the right direction.
Previously, when I got a greek massage here, the T-​Spheres came with a oil to spray on the balls, noticing that was missing this time, I asked at the front desk if they had the oil. I was told that it only came with it if you purchased it and you only got the T-​Spheres so you could bring them back next time. When I told her it had came with the oil last time, she just said «sorry.» Later, when I went home and looked on T-​Spheres website, I saw I had been given the «pure relief» uninfused/​unscented t-​spheres (which are green). This explains why there was no oil, but Haven description states «Includes a set of T Spheres (purified aromatherapy infused rubber massage balls) that are used during the session and then given to take home to utilize for trigger point work on individual specific issues.» I was a little annoyed they had used the one type of T-​Spheres which were not aromatherapy infused, when the description clearly states they will be.
They did honor my $ 10 coupon from the other location which was good.

Mixed feelings on the various services I have received at Haven Spa.
Waxing– I have been getting Brazilian waxes since I was 17 and this is without a doubt one of the best places to get your bikini/​Brazilian done. First off no double dipping which is huge for me. Suri was amazing-​she was quick, thorough, and made the experience pretty painless. The honey wax was really great.
Body therapies– the island wrapture was such a great treatment and I love the Fiji products. I definitely want to come back and try the surf and turf treatment. See Marta.
Facials– ok here is where my complaints come in. The first time I got a boot camp facial here I was extremely pleased and I had clear skin for months. But the last 3 – 4 times I have come here my skin has almost gotten worse! I had unfinished extractions which were causing more breakouts. I recently went to Maris Dusan for a classic facial and it was a world of difference (especially with the extractions). They even explained to me that I cannot have a facial massage before my extractions because that stimulation would cause more breakouts (something that the facialist at Haven would still do to me). I am a little disappointed. I expected the facialists here to be skincare experts especially since you are paying a lot of money.
Overall– clean and relaxing spa. Though it is very beautiful inside I agree with another reviewer who commented on the bizarre and exposing locker room setup. I will be returning to Haven for waxing services but if you want an amazing facial by skincare specialists I recommend elsewhere.

I’ve been going to Haven for 6 – 7 years now. I’ve never had issues with the place and loved the services I’ve received there. Until they moved to the new locale. I’m not sure if they also changed management.
The new receptionists at this place are just awful. I’m not sure exactly what they do besides being there to take our money. They don’t call clients to remind them of appointments (that’s computerized now) and they certainly don’t tell clients when their estheticians are running late. I arrived on time to my appointment, and ended up waiting 30 minutes for my facial. Apparently, the previous client came in late and hence my esthetician’s subsequent appointments have been pushed back. It would have been nice if either 1) the receptionists had called me to let me know so I could have come in a little later or rescheduled or 2) let me know upon my arrival so I wouldn’t be waiting for 30 minutes not knowing why I was being made to wait so long. I seriously think it’s lack of training as these girls look to be high-​school age and this gig is probably their first customer service job.
In regards to the session booking policy, Haven needs to have a policy where the spa turn away clients who comes in more than x minutes late for their appointment OR there needs to be at minimum a 10 or 5 min break in between appointments to account for clients who will inevitably show up late. Clients also have their own schedules to adhere to. Because I was seen late, I left late and was late for my next appointment. Also, the facial this time seemed rushed than usual. I normally leave satisfied with Hanna’s service, but this time i left disappointed (probably didn’t help that I was already in a pissy mood for being kept waiting so long).
It’s sad that I now have to find another place for my facials. I had such a great relationship with Haven all these years… the estheticians are great, but there are other great estheticians out there in NYC working for establishments with better business policy.

I have been going to Haven for a decade now and I’m a very loyal client. The new location is absolute my beautiful and immaculate. There are no better estheticians and manicurist in the city! I love Marta, Rina, Hanna and Mariola. All the manicures I love Gabby and Famida. One of of the things I love the most is how punctual they are with appointments and how professional the employees have always been.

This new location is awesome! It’s so much more inviting, and not dimly-​lit like the old place.
I was told to head into a room and pick a color for my pedicure. The last came right away and sent to business. No chitchat or anything, which is fine with me. She (Rosa) did a great job and didn’t hurt my cuticles (people usually push too hard or cut too much). She paid a lot of attention to detail, which was awesome! She told me exactly how long to wait for it to dry, and I was set!
Definitely a quality place to get something done, but on the expensive side :(

I would give Haven Spa’s new location 5-​STARS… It looks amazing. I love the new nail spa area. Spacious, well-​lit and enough elbow room per chair so you can read your magazine without bumping into the next client.
However, the new receptionists are not as friendly as the ones that they have at their previous location. Also my favorite manicurist, Gabby, left :-). She is the only reason why I go to their spa. But I figured since I’ve been going there for years, I could try a new person.
This is my first time with Marlene and she is not friendly. I tried to have small talk with her but she seems un-​interested. The nail polish on my toes looks bumpy and uneven. I went home and took them all off. But when her next customer came (I guess they know each other) she was quite friendly and chatty with her.
So sad that I have to leave them and find a new nail salon. I thought ThinkPink on West Broadway was bad. But they are actually better especially after my recent visit to Haven.

This new location is absolutely breathtaking! They revamped the spa and made it open, bright and modern. The service is just as good as before (perhaps even better) — you won’t want to go anywhere else for your pampering needs!
Manicures to die for and perfect customized waxes in about 10 minutes — perfect for a lunchtime run. I love you, Haven!!!