Elegant Massage

Had a good massage. Just good, not great, not fantastic, and not the best I’ve ever had. Me giving a $ 10 tip on a $ 40 massage is really great because that’s way more than the suggested 15 to 20% within the service industry. And for serious people, isn’t it known that you must EARN your tip? NOT expect it? WTF is wrong with all these Asian places?!? I came here after being scoffed at for not tipping more than 15% at a different place on Poway Road (you can look up my review); then here goes another shady Asian massage place where right after you’re massage is done, they flick the lights on so they could hold their sign in your face and tell you how much they expect from you. I don’t appreciate being told to tip way more than 30% on an average massage… effing bullshit. Not returning here. Such a shame because they’re in my neighborhood and I like to support local businesses first.

I have received several foot massages from Elegant Massage and have not yet been disappointed. Every experience has been a little different but they have all been great. Sometimes the pressure is a bit much but if I ask them to go lighter they do, and I do agree the towels are so rough it feels like exfoliation, but where else can you get a great 60 minute massage for $ 20? I don’t even mind the $ 10 tip and am happy to pay it because I feel like they really put everything they can into it. One guy was almost out of breath after 60 minutes of massaging me! It’s nice to have a place that doesn’t short you 10 minutes for «undressing» like Massage Envy or hardly use any pressure at all so you don’t feel any results the next day. Most places charge so much that a tip of 20% ends up being way more than $ 10. These guys work incredibly hard and deserve a good tip. I know I certainly could not massage several people for hours upon hours each day. Thank goodness for this place! So far, I’ve been really happy with Michael and Jason.

I took my girlfriend there for her birthday present. We just walked in and asked for the «reflexology». We both had treatment at the same time, no waiting, and it wasn’t just
foot massage, it turned to a whole body, including the face. We were noodles when we
finished, and will go again soon. They speak english very well, and were very happy! I don’t know the names of the men who worked on us, but both were great. Mary

Just wow! I came here for the first time after a long work day and my body being exhausted. Everyone was so nice and I was taken back very quickly. I had a fantastic one hour massage and left feeling amazing and relaxed for the first time in weeks! My massage therapist was Kevin! I will definitely be returning

Great place, friendly staff, never had a problem with tipping. Definitely one of the better ones in San Diego.

Second time here and got another excellent massage from Cherry. The place seems even better than last time in terms of updated amenities and cleanliness. I’m just going to stick with going to this place for massages, I used to go a lot to different places because most places didn’t stick out like this one for me. Thank you Mike and Cherry for your hard work and commitment to customer satisfaction!

Had the most painful experience of my life, which resulted in me going to the Emergency Room to ensure there wasn’t any permanent damage. Whatever you do, don’t come here!
I came here with my husband the day before Valentine’s Day (2÷13÷2016) for a couple’s foot massage. You pay up front which threw me for a loop and was told I can tip afterward (seeing some experiences on that on here, mine mirrors that negative high pressure tipping experience too. Extremely uncomfortable).
The massage was a foot massage but these sort of things usually do sort of a light «full body» treatment. My masseur used so much pressure it was painful. The entire experience was agonizing to the point where I could hear my muscles «crunching» under the pressure. I asked throughout for him to go lighter, and he did for a second before going back to hard pressure. He rubbed some areas so hard they started to itch, like friction irritation. The towels they use to wipe you down are so scratchy and he was rubbing me so fast it felt like I was being rubbed with sandpaper.
He then asked me to take off my shirt so he could do my back. Now this is standard in places that have private rooms, but this room where my husband and I were had two other beds. While I was face down, another man entered the room to get his massage, so now I’m in a room with a strange customer with my shirt off. This feels very inappropriate and something they should warn you about when you’re getting a foot massage, that if you’re a lady you’re going to have to take your shirt off and other customers will be in there with you. Plus when you’re all done you have to sit up to put your shirt back on. No privacy!
My masseur then began to vigorously «roll» his arms across my back. Normally this is a slow and methodical experience but he was going so fast it was like he was scrubbing the floors, and the force caused me to nearly lift up off the bed.
The entire experience was excruciating and I was so happy for it to be over, but my husband (who is a regular here) enjoyed himself and had the fortune of having his regular masseuse and I was trying to grin and bear it so I didn’t ruin our Valentine’s outing. I tipped $ 20 (while they watched me write in the tip going «Yeah. Yeah yeah yeah» and pointing for me to write it, rude!) on a $ 51 ticket (two $ 20 foot rubs, $ 5 hot stone add ons for each, $ 1 for card processing fee.) and felt more stressed out than I did when I came in. I thought the worst was behind me, how wrong I was.
The next day, at 3AM I awoke in intense pain. For reference, for those of you who have had kidney stones before (I have) if that pain level is a 10, this was a 9.5. I was sobbing and I couldn’t move, I couldn’t walk, I didn’t know what to do, I ended up sleeping in my husband’s recliner chair because I couldn’t climb back into bed, I couldn’t even lift my leg. The entire day was like this, only getting a little better after I put heat on the area, but I was useless for the day and couldn’t go about my daily life/​tasks. My husband said it’s probably a very deep bruise and will get better as the day goes on. The next morning it’s the same pain level, and I was sincerely worried they did some nerve damage, so I went to the hospital where the doctor asked me if I had a birthmark on my back. No, turns out I just had a very bad bruise from the massage and it was affecting my walking.
I called Elegant Massage and asked to speak to the owner about the experience, who didn’t call me back. I called again the next day and asked, and she was there, and I told her what had happened, and she had said that I had to get proof that it was them that hurt me and when I asked for a refund on services (just the service!) and she said, «That won’t be happening» because I couldn’t «prove it was them that caused it». I didn’t do anything between the time of the massage and the time of me calling, because I was in so much pain afterwards I couldn’t even do anything else even if I wanted. It absolutely was the massage. I’ve since made a claim with my insurance to recoup my $ 100 ER visit. My husband is a regular customer of theirs and not only did they lose any chance of having me back, they’ve lost him permanently as a customer too, all because they wouldn’t own up to the fact that maybe they went a little too hard or try to make good. No apology, no refund, no «make good» offer, just a very cold «Prove it».
These people injured me to the point where I had visible bruising, couldn’t walk, and spent my Valentine’s weekend completely immobile and my day off in the hospital, all for a $ 20 foot rub, and they had zero remorse. Do not come here! Go to Cherry Blossom Spa instead for your foot rubs, they’ve never hurt me and the only reason I didn’t go there was because my regular guy was on vacation. I should have waited!

I have been coming here for almost a year for regular full-​body massages. My masseuse, whom I always request, is the only one I’ve had there. I’ve always enjoyed my experience with her therapy. There’s a few quirks of this place. First, they want you to pay up front, second, they hover while you’re tipping. Some of the previous reviewers mentioned being harassed about not tipping enough, but I have no personally experienced this, but I generally tip in cash, and my massage experience was always positive enough that I guess what I offered was considered «appropriate» by the staff. I love the one and only masseuse there, tolerated the quirkiness.
However, I really wish I could leave this as my final review. A recent experience there with my wife really poisoned the pool and convinced me that I could not patronize this business anymore. This past Valentine’s Day, my wife treated me to a couple’s foot massage there. We were lead into an empty room with five recliners. As typical with most Asian foot massages, it usually includes a light arm, back and head massage. We remained clothed, feet soaking and what looked to be a relaxing prospect.
It was sheer luck that I got my regular masseuse for the treatment. My wife got some man I did not recognize (he was not the man I usually see at the front desk).
At some point, they asked us to remove our shirts. For me, not that big a deal, but I didn’t realize my wife was disrobed as well. This was not a private room, soon witnessed as another patron was seated for a massage. This made my wife very uncomfortable.
During the massage, I kept hearing my wife grunting and not making «good» noises. She kept occasionally asking her masseuse to «go lighter, please!» «Nn! Please, softer!» various requests, repeated over time.
Afterwards, I asked my wife how she enjoyed it, and she told me she felt like she was beat up. The masseuse was using MUCH too heavy a pressure. Each request to go lighter, lasted only a short while before he just laid into her heavily again. She didn’t like it at all.
Now. the serious problems started very early the next morning. My wife woke up in sheer pain and unable to move her left leg. She apparently had a very deep bruise near her hip bone that was disabling her motion. We tried ice, rest and Advil, but she was in pain. Later that day, it was getting worse to the point we became generally worried something was very wrong. Perhaps tendon damage, a muscle tear etc.
Took her to the ER and fortunately there was no lasting damage, but the doctor told us that the masseuse was the likely cause and created a deep bruise when a muscle was «rolled» to close to her hip bone, causing the pain. She was advised to rest, alternate ice and heat therapy, and some pain meds. She was also given a 2 day doctor’s note for recovery. Oh yes, we also had some ER visit costs…
Now why my one star review? Purely for how awful the owner responded to my wife when she called. It was deplorably rude and dismissive; a textbook example of how NOT to conduct customer service. My wife called asking to speak with the owner. Two days passed and she had to call back three times before she got a response. My wife asked for a refund… we didn’t ask for anything else… not only was she told «that won’t happen» but she was told that we had to «prove» they caused the damage… Seriously?!? No apology. No concern. No attempt to appease a dissatisfied customer? This was entirely unacceptable. Fortunately, our insurance company is taking this matter seriously. I would be curious to see what a «licensed LMT» really means at Elegant massage.
Folks. these type of massage places are a dime a dozen in the San Diego area. Many of them have excellent masseuses, and most of them will likely treat you better as a customer when you have a complaint. Don’t support businesses like this. I don’t. and Elegant has lost *me* as a regular customer as well.

Ask for Andy
Better call before for his appointment.
I took the Basic foot massage for one hour (20 $).
It was the best i had.

I’ve been to Elegant many times and the massage and service is great. I like walk on back massage and they do a great one here. It’s a great value as well. I’ve recommended to friends many times.

I went here with my boyfriend for a relaxing time and it definitely was not relaxing. The girl barely used any pressure on me. She even asked me if the pressure was ok and I told her no about 2 times. It felt like she was just rubbing me down with oil and not an actual massage. Then they kept leaving the room. My boyfriend said it was ok. I had better massages for cheaper at other places. Then at the end when we walked to the front the two ladies were waiting with their skimpy shorts and pink lab coats which they did not have on when we walked in. They waited for their tips and we did not give them a big tip like they expected. Then a man behind the counter asked what was wrong with the massage. I told him it wasn’t relaxing and my boyfriend told him it was only ok. The man then proceeded to point at the suggestion tip frame. My boyfriend told them that he is not going but what they put there. The two ladies stormed off. The man asked why not. I told him that tips are suggested not required. I was so annoyed at the end that we just walked away. We will not be coming back again. Plus it’s shady that you have to pay for the massage upfront.

Rather nice of them to accept walk ins without appointments since they got a good number of staff to deal with it, def gonna come here for the oriental hospitality. Noticed how clean it is and how lovely the reception girl is.

I’ve been here three times and wouldn’t return. The first time, we had the 90 min foot massages and the masseuses were chatting to each other the whole time and also kept getting up and walking away inexplicably throughout the 90 mins. That can be kind of awkward when you’re laying there with yours covered and your masseuse leaves you hanging over and over again. It’s just weird. The massage itself was average with the lady kind of robotically spacing out a few times while rubbing the same spot with barely any pressure.
The second time was nearly the same experience– average massage in a less than relaxing environment due to the chatty employees that again got up and left the room repeatedly. This time I had a larger guy masseuse who was a bit better.
Because I had a friend tell me that her experiences have been good here, we decided to give in another try. The last time we went we made a 130 appointment for two 90 min foot massages. We walked in 5 minutes late and the woman told us that maybe we could come back next time because we were too late for the appointment. AWESOME! I get that we were (barely) late, but I would guess that they never held our spots to begin with because it was a matter of minutes.
It’s worth noting that the receptionist was pretty rude each time and when they gave our appointments away she was exceptionally curt. This place just generally
has an odd, shady kind of vibe and the masseuses have questionable skills. These places are often hit or miss, but to me this one is an absolute fail.

I have been going here about 3 months. I started going after an accident that required rotator surgery to both shoulders. I needed to regain my flexibility. They worked wonders. Now I go to retain the progress I have made; to relieve stress; and help sore aching muscles. I like the combination of the deep tissue massage and foot reflex massage.
The staff are always nice to me, they are well trained, and always professional.

I have visited Elegant 4 times now, 3 of those times for a ‘couples’ foot massage. Bottom line: very pleased with the entire experience and I/​we will be going back.
The staff helps to make you comfortable. The the setting is clean and well designed, and what I call the ‘generic massage’ is done very professionally (I’ve experienced 3 different staff members).
Because of a chronic problem, I have been receiving therapeutic massage therapy for over 45 years. I feel comfortable in saying that you will enjoy the experience at Elegant Spa and their pricing is very competitive. I look forward to a full body massage to review on Unilocal

Summary — okay massage but they will harass you for outrageous tips.
I had to let some time pass before writing my review hoping that I could cool down enough to give a clear honest review that wasn’t tainted by my anger.
Fiancé and I have been here once before and had a decent experience. I feel we got what we paid for, a decent no frills body massage for $ 40. Several weeks ago we decided to treat my best friend to a massage since the poor girl has been so stressed. Made her an appointment for 10:30am on a Saturday. First of all, we asked for hot stone treatment after noticing it on the menu. They said that it wasn’t available until the afternoon since the stones need time to heat. They should mention this in the list of services that hot stone is afternoon only service. We stated clearly to the staff that this was our gift to her and to please take her in and get started.
When we came to pick her up I quietly handed my friend $ to tip her masseuse. It was $ 10. That is 25% of the price of the service. I noticed the masseuse look down at the tip and say something to the man at the front desk in Chinese. He responded back to her in Chinese then and asked my friend if she enjoyed her massage… again. She had already stated that it was good. Not fabulous. just good. He then proceeded to point to a sign on the counter with «suggested» tip amounts and stated that maybe my friend would want to tip the suggested amount. I was appalled. I had noticed the new sign when we dropped off my friend and had no intention of adhering to suggested guidelines as the tips amounts were outrageously high. 37.5%+. (It wasn’t there the first time I visited.) I stared at him opened mouthed in shock and he quickly backpedaled and stated that «of course this is up to us and tips are always optional but appreciated.» I told him that I was fine with what we had done and left. This whole incident happened in front of my friend who he already knew that we were the ones paying. Really inconsiderate and tacky experience. It was bad enough that they had the audacity to ask for a higher tip, but in front of my friend who they already knew was being gifted with the service is really inexcusable.
Save your money for respectful people. I’m never going back again.

I knew the tipping was going to bring a lot of negative reviews… change your attitude!

Could NEVER been worse. Never never ever again, the worst customer service I ever got. Agree with all previous comments, these people bully you before you get out to pay 40%, I paid the price and 15%, and they gave me such hated looks as if I was their blood enemy for many years. BBBrrrrrr… A nightmare. A massage itself was about nothing. No pressure at all, and the person was yawning all the way…

So I had high hopes for this place I really did. The price and location were just right. However it pretty much when down hill from the time I came in until the time I left.
First of all they make you pay up front. Ok fine. I get it. You don’t want people skipping out on the tab. $ 1 charge to use my card. So $ 41 total. As I was going to write in my customary 20% tip EVEN THOUGH mind you. I haven’t even received my massage yet. The lady stops me and said «oh it’s ok. You can tip later» I think. Hmm ok maybe she doesn’t want me to tip yet because she wants to make sure I receive a good massage. How nice of her. right?!?
Ok now I go into the massage room. I went with my boyfriend so we are in a room together. Room is clean and nice. When the masseuses come into the room. The lady asks my boyfriend what type of pressure he wants and also to let her know when the pressure is too much. I wait for my masseuse to ask me the same question. (Cricket Cricket) ooohhhkaayy. I finally say «I would like firm pressure please»
During the massage. It was basically her rubbing oil all over my body. Barely any pressure. What was also strange was. Instead of massaging my head she was scratching it. Kind of gross if you ask me. She also rubbed lotion all over my face. I guess that is the face portion of the massage. Usually at other places they massage my temples. Nope not here. She even put her hands over my ears and pressed her palms over it. Like she was trying to pop my ears?! She also yawned. Sighed like she was annoyed. and I’m pretty sure she did one of those silent burps. On a side note my boyfriend felt like his massage was good with just the right amount of pressure and his masseuse didn’t scratch his head. Also during the massage they were talking in another language and left for a few minutes. My boyfriend and I had a full on conversation before they came back with the hot towels. How long does it take to get hot towels? Apparently a few minutes.
Ok now we get to the front and pay. The guy behind the desk is watching my every move. I write $ 8 for a 20% tip and immediately the same lady from the beginning busts out with this sign that starts off with. Although gratuity is not included it is appreciated… And then it has a breakdown conveniently for the customer that says for a 1 hr massage $ 15 and up! She starts saying something about the body massage tipping is different than foot massage. Blah blah blah. Sorry lady but I refuse REFUSE to be bullied into paying 37% tip for a massage that was not up to my standards! I got bullied at Lotus Thai (see my other review) and I will not let that happen to me again! My boyfriend on the other hand felt bad and tipped $ 15. Also when we got in the car it was exactly 1hr from the time we got there so we figured the massage was only 45 mins.
So will I come back?! It’s very unlikely. I should have learned my lesson from these massage places that charge $ 40 for an hour massage. If anything it makes me appreciate places I normally go to like Massage Thai Way (Linda Vista and Mission Gorge a 1hr massage $ 35-​$ 45) their massages are WAY better and you NEVER EVER get pressured into tipping more. It’s probably why I tip their massage therapists 30% because the price is decent and their massages are awesome. AND that’s why Massage Thai Way has 590+ reviews and 4.5 stars!
Bottom line. If you want a mediocre massage and feel like you want to get pressured into tipping for something someone didn’t deserve. Then this is the place for you!

Living in the area, I thought I would try to support the local company. I booked a couples massage for my husband and myself on a Saturday.
They had us pay for the massages up front, but let us know that the tip would be added later. We paid the $ 80 ($ 40 a person, this was not a special, just their normal price).
We were walked back to a room and undressed. The tables were not heated, nor were the blankets (something I am used to from previous massages). The women did a decent job on the massage, but used lotion on my face, without asking. Being that I have sensitive skin, I would have preferred to have been asked. Overall, decent massage for $ 40.
The main issue came once we went out to tip. It is my understanding that you tip 20% on services, and gratuity is never included, just appreciated. I wrote the 20% tip on the receipt and the receptionist pulls out a card with recommended tipping. We ended up being bullied into giving a $ 31 tip on an $ 80 massage! That is almost a 39% tip. I understand that it the massage is normally more than $ 40, you tip on the normal price. But the $ 40 massage price is the normal rate. I did not appreciate being told/​bullied what to tip… Needless to say, I’d rather spend more on a massage and tip the 20% than be bullied into paying a ridiculous amount for a tip.