Akai Wellness Center

Returned tonight and had a really great massage from Mr. Chen. Very strong and very good energy. It was also nice and quiet throughout most of the session. The one thing that I felt could be improved was the system for actually booking the massage. I called the number listed and spoke with a gentleman who said that he was having a hard time reaching the massage studio to confirm that there was an appointment for me to take. He said that I should just go over to the studio and hope that Mr. Chen would be available. Luckily, he was… but in the future, I would like to be sure that I will be able to have an appointment scheduled before traveling to the studio. Thanks

It’s such a pity about the massage «rooms». They’re not actually rooms. But tiny spaces kept «private-​ish» by thin blinds. Oh man. If only this place had actual rooms with doors it would be the best massage parlor in the city. Because the masseuses here are the real deal. Friendly. Sweet. Presentable. Professional. Trained. It’s all so good. The place is clean. And decent. Aaarrgghhh if only those darn little cubicles could be replaced with walls. Even thin walls. But yeah, if you can get past that, then this is the best place in town for a massage.

In desperate need of a massage, I checked Unilocal and This place is only a few blocks away from where I am staying. I walked in and immediately got in. There is a menu of massages. I got 30 mins of a back rub and 15 mins reflexology. It cost me $ 44 plus $ 8 tip. I think if you pay cash, the total would have been $ 42. It was friendly and clean.

I made an appointment for this past Saturday to schedule my 60-​min hot stone massage. Every time I tried to call for an appointment, I was greeted by a «hello» as if I was calling someone’s personal cell, no business name, or business greeting. At first, I couldn’t get someone who understood what I was saying and eventually I got a hold of someone who spoke some English. I asked for an appointment for Saturday at 2 pm, he said okay, didn’t ask for my name, number or payment information and hung up which I found odd. I showed up to my appointment at about 1:50 pm, was greeted by an empty desk and eventually someone popped up out of a curtain and said hello. I tried to explain to him that I had a 2pm appointment for a 60-​minute hot stone massage, he didn’t speak any English so was unable to respond. I repeated myself slowly to see if that would help, still nothing. Then someone spoke from behind a curtain stating he would be right out. The first gentleman that spoke little to no English signaled for me to walk down the room/​open space to the end (where there was another curtain dividing the spaces). I waited there until about 2:10 and was getting ready to leave, since no one had come to greet me formerly at all. The man from behind the curtain that spoke a little more English came out and told me to undress completely and lay down with my head in the pillow which is customary except there were no walls/​doors for privacy. What divided each bed was a small curtain. the «room» I was taken to had half of a curtain which was almost broken. I picked up my purse and walked out, no one even noticed because both men had disappeared back behind one of the curtains.
I tried taking pictures of the place because I could not believe how trashy and inadequate this place was especially for a ‘wellness center’ but I couldn’t because it was so dark in there and turning on the flash would’ve probably been rude. Oh and not to mention, there was no air conditioner, it was very dark and cramped in terms of the space. I could not believe this establishment was listed on groupon. This was a real let down, buyer beware.

I called a few times to make an appointment and the guy answers hello– no business greeting — he says he only has 8 pm or 730 appointments for groupon hot stone massage– i tried to use because i paid $ 29 and that is cheap for hot stone. i called to confirm and same guy again answers hello– no business name– i asked him is this a business — he says it is a wellness center– so i went early and he took me– must have had cancell ed well this is no real business its just him licensed — maybe not– a small closet size space which fits a massage table– although i fell asleep = he knew something about massage — and used the hot stone– but the environment is unprofessional– obvious he is trying by himself and cannot afford a spa or descent space– not worth due to poor and unprofessional space– and he always answerd hello no business name — afraid someone will find he is doing some massage business and has no license– duping groupon customers

Changing my rating to a 4 because other massages I’ve had there with people besides Justin were not as great.

This place is located in a run down strip on Columbus. It’s very small and there are about 3 sets of hanging curtains separating each of the massage areas. But WOW the massages are great. I suffer from chronic back pain — as much as I love to be pampered, when it comes to massage, I just want someone to tear away the pain. Akai masseurs use firm pressure with strong hands and really understand pressure points. I have been to numerous massage salons in the City and this is one of my favorites due to the price and service.

If you want a no frills, amazing deep tissue massage them this a great and inexpensive option on the UWS. In 60 minutes, I could feel the knots melting away, which took weeks to build up.
This place is not for the shy, however. There are loosely hung curtains separating each «room,» with the masseuses going in and out to get supplies throughout the massage.
I’ll definitely be back. Maybe next weekend.

This was one of the best massages I’ve ever had. And so cheap! My husband and I are on a tour of the show Jersey Boys, and our bodies are pretty beat up from being on stage and from traveling. We felt so much better after stopping by!

Awesome massage, friendly staff and cheap.

Just had the best massage of my life here! No more fancy spas that rub my back. This place gives a true hard core massage– they are strong and worked every muscle in my back. Cory was excellent. Not fancy at all but definitely gives you your money worths.

They know what they are doing! Very skilled in a humble but peaceful setting.

All I can say is this place is a major lifeline for my sanity and relaxation! It’s not for the faint of heart, but it is for people who want a serious massage. Hands down best massage on the UWS.

No frills, but gets the job done at a fair price! I went in due to some soreness in my legs and feet after many jogging sessions. Justin did a great job with just a half hour season. The knots in my legs are pretty much gone! He was also mindful to be very quiet and made sure other guests kept quiet too. I greatly appreciate that because I often come across small massage places like these, and the masseuse isn’t ever as considerate. He even have me $ 2 off for no reason. :) For $ 30.00 for a half hour, I’m definitely returning. Thanks Justin!

Small, no frills place with attentive staff that gives some hardcore massages. I’ll be coming back for more. Great prices.

Came here with my GF to get some reflexology foot massages. The lady my GF got seemed to really know her stuff but mine just pretty much just gave me a foot rub. Either way, for $ 30, you can’t beat the price!

I’m very surprised no one else has written a review yet! As I was heading in last night two women came out of Akai and one turned to the other saying ‘That was the BEST massage I have ever gotten!’ I usually go for the 30 minute foot massage which is well worth the $ 32, I leave feeling like I’m floating on air. It’s certainly not a spa experience, so spa-​snobs should stay away because they will quickly be turned off. Akai is in a tiny storefront and while they try on the ambiance it’s certainly not Great Jones. That being said, I’ve been to a bunch of high-​end spas in NYC as well as a handful of Chinatown massage shops– I can say with confidence that Akai is the best massage I’ve received. So if you’re not sure, go in and spring for the 30 minute foot massage to see what I’m talking about.