Hand & Stone Massage and Facial Spa

I received a gift card for a massage here. I was really excited it was wrapping up my birthday/​spring break/​san Diego vacation week. I’d spent the previous 48 hours with little sleep and less comfort due to long plane rides and traveling in general. I was running a few minutes late (like 2 – 3 tops) which in my opinion shouldn’t cause such a ruckus. When I arrived the girl at the front desk was panicked hurriedly giving me forms to fill out and when my masseuse arrived, she told me to fill the rest out later. When in the room, which is not sound proof at all, she went down the list of medical questions and when asking about skin irritations motioned to a small area on my neck which had gotten sun burn and said, «like whatever is going on here» as an example for a skin irritation. I wouldn’t say I was offended but I was definitely surprised at the lack of professionalism. I told her it was a bit of sunburn and she just kept going down the list dismissing me quickly and noting she’d avoid the area. The massage was just okay, felt very broken up and like she was going down a check list of things to do rather than listening to me about the ailments I had and hoped to focus on. She was nice enough and I view these issues as stemming from training and or company policies. She did seem rather beginner as well which I can’t blame her for I know you gotta start somewhere. During my massage I could hear outside convos and people walking which was not relaxing. I was also made to feel guilty for having gotten some sun on my arms because she skipped one of them all together even though I’m certain they were the same level of tan/​sunburned. I assured her over and over that i was okay and that there was no pain but after having done one whole arm she skipped the other all together. I was surprised when my massage ended it seemed too soon, and judging by the other reviews here this seems like a regular practice here. Im guessing she ended about 10 – 15 minutes early based on when the actual massage (not the questions and getting onto the table) started. Then when leaving I went to the front desk to finish the paperwork and they tried about 4 times to get me to purchase a membership which I politely declined. The girl used the guilt/​pushy persuasion method and it was highly unappreciated. Im not blaming any of these employees as they were all nice enough, and my guess is their behavior was indicative of meeting demands of bosses for time– fitting in certain number of clients, money– getting everyone to buy into a membership, and using the one size fits all– with massages being the same (checklist) across the board regardless of the persons preferences or ailments. I hope all those employees get their resume builders and get to a better, locally owned, spa.

The experience was OK… They were running behind and having to wait 25 minutes for a scheduled appointment isn’t exactly relaxing; and that was after filling out all of the paperwork. I requested a couple’s massage and originally rescheduled because they did not have a female available for my spouse. (His preference); When we went into the room; the male began massaging him and the female massaged me… complete opposite of what I requested and rescheduled for. Aside from that they cut our massage time short. I looked at my clock before they started the services. Since they were running behind and it had a domino effect on the rest of their clientele; I guess they thought cutting 5 – 10 minutes on a client here and there would help them to catch up. I’ve had much better experiences at massage envy… not that much better, but better. Hand and stone should be more attentive to their customer’s requests; after all I did reschedule in order to accommodate and then they overlooked it.

I’ve been getting facials for ten years and have developed a snobbery about good estheticians using good products with good results. When I moved to the Haverford area I began having facials that have left me disappointed for nearly three years. Finally, I tried the Haverford Hand and Stone and I am thrilled to report that a facial with Katie meets my high standards. I didn’t expect a franchise to be as good as a private spa but I was wrong. My skin feels and look great when I leave, not tight nor gloppy from product, and I’m relaxed. Katie gives a neck massage for a few minutes that is just incredible, too. I’m serious about taking care of my skin and I trust Hand and Stone to help me. I joined and as a member the prices are extremely reasonable.

Things have been a bit tense for me lately and I impulsively made an appointment yesterday only a few hours in advance. It was nice that I didn’t have to wait.
I had a hot stone massage with Lori and it was good. I was definitely relaxed and she managed to work out the kinks I had in my back. She was very professional and good about checking in with me on pressure and such. I don’t think I will sign up for their membership. However, it is good to know there is a last minute place in my neighborhood should things get crazy and I decide to take the world on my shoulders literally or figuratively..

I went for an hour long massage today, which, because I was a new customer, cost 49.99. I was surprised when the massage ended and it had been only 35 minutes, but thought maybe the staff thought I had wanted a 30 minute massage. When I went to pay, I was charged 49.99 for a 60 minute massage. I explained to the receptionist that I had only received 35 minutes, and she said that really a 60 minute massage is 50 minutes of hands on massage, the other 10 minutes is prep. I asked what about my other 15 minutes and she answered that my masseuse had another client after me so she cut me short. After all of this, they still had the audacity to charge me 49.99, they didn’t offer me any discount for the massage being half as long as it should have been. Will NOT be going back.

This place isn’t perfect, but it’s a great spot for a cheap massage. Yes, the walls are thin. But the membership is worth it if you find a good masseuse (ask for Charlie). I’ve had many massages in my day, and Charlie does a better job than massages that cost three times as much.

I have to update since my last visit. I kneaded – HA – a massage badly this week and was able to score an appointment only hours ahead, same day. I wasn’t expecting much, considering my last visit was pretty unmemorable. The thing is, with places like this, results vary greatly depending on your masseuse. This time, I had Lori, and she was phenomenal. I requested a deep tissue massage with firm pressure, and boy, did I get it. Everything was just right, and I left floating. It was one of the best massages I’ve had. Full disclosure: I’ve had about ten, but still, that’s pretty good. I even signed up for the massage-​a-​month thing but will be requesting Lori whenever possible. More good stuff: they accept credit cards, including Discover, and let you put the tip on there, too. I was much happier this time around!

I had a facial by Katie and it was terrific! I’ve signed up and am getting a massage this week and hope it will be as good as the facial. The negative for me is that the waiting room is right on Lancaster Avenue and combined with the Reception area so you don’t get a chance to sit back and relax to get in the mood.

My husband bought me a groupon for an hour long massage. It took me almost a year to redeem it. I was very excited too! Hand & Stone is very clean and just what you would expect from a spa. The room was somewhat chilly, but since it was almost 100 degrees outside, I didn’t mind. The staff was very friendly.
My one concern is that I requested to have deep/​firm pressure on my back. I know that is where I carry most of my stress; i can feel the knots in it. My massage was not focused on my back (even though I requested it). My masseuse kept going back and lightly feeling over my knots, so I know she knew they were there. Also, there was some kinda strange jerky movements that I have never had during a massage before.
Overall, it was a good experience. I felt relaxed. Staff was nice. I just wish I would have left with the massage I was expecting. I might go back, but only with another groupon. And the next time I would definitely be more vocal.

I’m a member of another location. But, let me tell you that the professionalism and service at this location blows my member-​location away.
They are thorough and professional. And, I’ll go here before I go anywhere else!

I surprised my husband with a massage from Hand & Stone. I paid for a hot stone massage. Unfortunately the woman that gave him a massage talked the entire time that she massaged him. This was disappointing to hear, but even more disappointing was the topic of conversation. She complained about our economy, our president, and complained about certain ethnic groups taking «our jobs». My husband was appalled, and yet felt the need to give her a larger tip, to prove to her that she has misjudgments about other races (he is not the same race as her). I felt it was a waste of money to have what should have been a relaxing experience turned into a very uncomfortable situation. I am writing this review in hopes that she will read this and realize that it is inappropriate to talk during a massage and also very inappropriate to talk politics and speak poorly of other people.

First off, I had a Groupon so for a 60-​minute massage I paid half of the normal price; for half-​off, the services matched the price. However, I wouldn’t pay full price ($ 90) for a massage here. The massage was strange; many techniques felt uncomfortable for me. She kept shaking my legs back and forth; I tend to get massages about 4 times a year so I’m used to what normally happens and this was odd. Also, immediately walking into the room, it smelled like a hoagie. I think the masseuse had just finished her lunch in there before inviting me in. It was a huge turnoff.
Overall, if you can get a Groupon or Living Social for half off, I think it’s worth the price. However, if you’re going to shell out a decent amount of money I recommend going somewhere else. There are tons of places in the area that offer better services for lesser or equal price.

This was my first time receiving a massage and with not knowing what to expect, I was completely happy with the level of professionalism and knowledge. My therapist was wonderful and I hope to receive her services every time I am there. I can’t recommend this business enough.

I have been going to Hand and Stone for about 10 months. My husband and I are part of the membership. We have been receiving wonderful massages from Tom. I get my eyebrows waxed there too. They are professional and do fantastic work. We always feel relaxed and our knots are worked out. This definitely a treat to enjoy

My husband and I both purchased memberships last August. The «Membership» here is the BEST in the industry because it goes month-​to-​month and you can cancell at any time with no penalty. All the other massage memberships I have encountered require a minimum three month non-​cancellble membership, and many massage studios require a YEAR membership. Whether you have a membership or not, though, the prices here are more than fair. If you DO have a membership, the prices are FABULOUS! We have several massages each month and every time we go in we are GREATLY satisified. the therapists are wonderful, the waiting room and massage rooms are clean and serene and the staff is great. The staff remembers us and calls us by name, and remembers our preferred therapists. I highly recommend this studio!!!

I was excited to get a massage at Hand & Stone in Haverford this past weekend. It was kicking off my birthday weekend. This place let me down in the worst ways.
Let me start off with the positive. The place is beautiful and very clean. It comes with free parking in the lot next to the strip of buildings. The staff was very nice, and my masseuse did a pretty good job under the circumstances.
Now for the negatives.
1) I paid for a 60 minute massage and didn’t get one. I laid down on the table at 3:40, masseuse entering about a minute later. She ended the massage at 4:26. I paid for a 60 MINUTE massage and got a 45 minute massage. I HATE spas that do this. That’s completely ripping off your customers.
2) The place is freezing. I had a terrible time enjoying my massage because I was shivering so bad. I think my masseuse had a feeling about this and kept trying to tuck the blankets in tighter in an attempt to keep me warm. Imagine being freezing and then having lotion applied on you. It makes you that much colder. I ended up getting into my car and turning on the heat and it was 85 degrees outside. I was that cold.
3) The lotion used was unscented. That might be fine for most, and is probably used to prevent an allergic reaction. However, I think you should offer your customers a choice. The lotion made me smell like a hospital. I will say the lotion left my skin very soft though.
4) The rooms are not sound proof. The massage rooms are sectioned off from the waiting area. I could barely hear the waiting room, but when people are in the massage areas, you can hear people loud and clear. For a good 10 minutes there were women just chatting away near the room I was in. It was not relaxing by any means. If you escort people to the back rooms, tell them it’s a quiet place. Or, don’t let them linger in the hallways. I paid for a relaxing experience, and it just annoyed me.
I would not recommend this place.