The Carlton Club Spa

Karl was sent by the gods. He did an amazing job. My mom had someone else and said she was amazing as well. Glad we decided to get the massages.

The lounge area is not private, hotel guests and children use this area to get to the pool. It’s not a quiet area for relaxing before treatments. The locker room does not have an attendant, towels were all over the place considering my service in the middle of the day, this was a shame for the Ritz Brand.

I was thoroughly disappointed with the spa. There was no actual relaxation area, the chairs set out were shabby at best and it appears that the area also serves as a chatting area of a number of local retirees who use have gym memberships there. (the picture below is the entire relaxation area). I also asked for a deep tissue massage and received what was, at best, a medium Swedish style rub down. (and I did ask for adjustments in pressure) At least the massage rooms were well adorned and the staff was nice.

My daughter and I had a mani-​pedi at the spa a few weeks ago. It was by far the worst we have ever had. The women who did the services appeared to have no idea what they were doing. The pedicure bath was broken and I had my feet soaking in tempid water. For our feet, I can do a better job at home. There was really no pedicure, per se. The polish was applied with no base coat or top coat. For the manicures, they gave us our choices of the «new polish» that lasts longer. They did not tell us that this was gel polish, that it has to be professionally removed and that it costs twice as much as a regular manicure. Unknownly we chose the polish. It appeared that neither of the ladies knew how to apply it. We ended up with very thick, gunky looking nails. I ended up spending over two hours removing it from my nails (not knowing that it is supposed to be done professionally). My nails are totally trashed now.
I did write the spa, and received a less than sincere reply.
People should be aware that they are taking advantage of and being tricked into something way more expensive and poorly done than they sign up for. I actually was quite fearful that I would get some sort of infection, since I know places that don’t properly steralize mani-​pedi tools can pass infections on to unsuspecting people.

Karl is the most amazing massage therapist I have ever had the pleasure of receiving a massage from. He works out every knot and ache in my body. His rhythmic movements puts me into a trance. I would recommend a full body massage from Karl… no other massage can compare!

I helped organize my friend’s bachelorette party which started with the 15 girls at the party getting mani/​pedis at the Ritz. Their Spa Manager Cherith was BEYOND helpful and make sure that everything was perfect before we even got there that day. She had worked out a schedule so that we could start at 10am and get out by 2:30pm which was definitely a stretch. We were out perfectly on time!
The accomodations were amazing. They had a conference room set up for us where we could hang out, but they also gave us access to the locker room, sauna and pool for no extra cost. Everyone was so happy with their service, and felt like it was a really relaxing fun day. I would highly recommend doing a bachelorette party here. Super luxe and gorgeous atmosphere!

I just got back from Chicago for New Years and had the most amazing stay at this hotel and spa. On the day we were leaving my back was killing me so I reserved a Swedish massage. What a delight! Amy rubbed every aching muscle and literally put me in a state of bliss! She even went the extra mile and added heat packs to ensure that the muscles were being relieved while working on other parts. Did I mention the scalp massage!!! She will ask you if it is ok that she gives you one prior. The spa was fantastic and Amy was the best. I actually enjoyed my flight home!

I have known of Daniela’s facials for years from my clients who rave about her work. I finally got to experience what they were talking about… and it was all of that and MORE. Daniela’s technique is spiritual and calming. Her fingers «dance» across your face like she is taking in your beauty with her fingertips. The neck and shoulder massage while the steam moisturizes your face is so relaxing, I almost fell asleep.
I have very sensitive skin, so I was expecting to be red and splotchy the rest of the day. However, I spent the rest of the day without makeup (and I one of those that doesn’t throw out my garbage without wearing lip gloss) and got SO many compliments on my glowing skin!
Daniela is magic.

I got a «Seasonal Escapes» package as a present from my generous in-​laws.
This includes:
— a seasonal body treatment
— swedish massage
— mani-​pedi
— seasonal treat from the chef
The changing room is very luxurious. As other reviews say, this spa is on the smaller side, but still very indulgent and nice. A perfect escape from reality.
I encourage everyone to request Loni for their massages/​body treatments. She is so nice and has a calm and relaxing personality. A high-​strung masseuse can wreck a massage and Loni is the opposite of high-​strung. The seasonal body treatment was a full-​body scrub with chamomile-​scented body salts in oil. So relaxing! Loni is the best. You are in good hands with her.
Loni did an even better job with the Swedish Massage. She obviously had a lot of experience and by the time she was done I was so relaxed I was almost drooling!
For the mani-​pedi, be sure to request Stephanie. She did the best job of removing dead skin on my feet I’ve ever seen. She also was very friendly and relaxing to chat with. She had excellent ideas for mixing up the polishes on my finger nails and I walked out with def the best mani-​pedi ever.
I was so relaxed I actually forgot about the treat from the chef! Oh my!
Just a word of warning, if you buy a package that includes a credit to use at Deca restaurant, they expect you to use it THE DAY you have your spa appointments. This didn’t work for me so I’ll have to call and remind the spa staff to call Deca when I finally make it there.
All around this place is small, but very nice and professional. Ask for Loni and Stephanie and you can’t go wrong! =)

Good massage but spa is very small and not fancy at all. Would have thought spa at the Ritz would have been nicer.

On the 11^th floor of the Ritz, is a tranquil spot just perfect for the road weary traveler, the Spa at the Ritz.
The front desk staff is great– checking you in quickly, making the filling out of the forms painless, and in the end taking care of the payment flawlessly.
You are then led into the dressing room and shown to your locker. Interesting, this spa is not as opulent as I would have expected from a Ritz…functional is more how I would describe it– although I did like the private areas that you can sit at a dressing table to do your hair and makeup, although bring a comb or brush as there are none to be found in the spa.
I wasn’t crazy about the dual gender waiting area although I understand in smaller spas it is often a necessity. On the day I was there– there was no tranquility in the «waiting area» as some tourist couple (think big, overbearing, giant man bellowing to his wife about how congested everything is in Chicago and how different from Texas) So after listening to him for about 10 minutes I was relieved when Chris, my massage therapist came to get me.
But here was the problem…the treatment room that they took me into to get my massage was located right next to the waiting area– so I continued to hear this guy talk, although muted through the door. Shhhhh. .…you are in a spa!
Well, he eventually finally stopped talking and I got to enjoy the rest of my massage in peace. A 60 minute massage ran $ 150 plus tip.
It appears that local residents can buy memberships in the «spa» as there were several locals using the pool and the steam room. In addition there is a dry sauna and a jacuzzi– although the jacuzzi was not operating on the day I was there.
My friend got a facial which she raved about and someone else got their nails done, also to high reviews. There is no salon at this spa so if you want to get your hair done after your treatment, you will have to go to one of the salons that the concierge suggests.
So all in all– I’d describe the Spa at the Ritz as functional. For this spa loving girl– I just wish there was a little more pampering, a little more «Ahhhhh». .. .

I was super tired after traveling and was in need of a polish change. Stephanie was really sweet and quickly, but not too quickly, got me on my way.
The ladies the front desk were also really friendly. Getting a service here is a no brainer if you are a guest of the hotel.