Graceful Services

I can’t believe I have never written a Unilocal review for Graceful Services. I have been coming here since the early 2000’s, when I moved to Manhattan, and my aunt suggested that I check this place out for massages. The prices are reasonable – $ 90 plus tax for a 90 minute session. I usually tip about $ 30.
The massages here are very good! I almost always get a male therapist; but the female ones are just as capable of delivering a deep tissue massage. You dress down to your comfort level. These types of massages are done with an oil (vs. a cream or lotion). Thus, towards the end, hot towels are applied and the heat massaged in – the towels are then used to remove the oil.
You can walk in but I would recommend an appointment, especially if you have a preferred therapist.
For visitors and newbies, as a warning, the massages are done in semiprivate rooms where there is just a curtain between the tables. There are some private rooms but I think those are for couples massages and facials/​skin treatments.
I miss Graceful Services, so I try and come here every time I come back to visit.

Groupon buyer beware. This is just a Chinese massage parlor packaged on the second floor of a walk up.
I was sort of surprised by this after purchasing a groupon. Could have probably saved even more by going to a transparent Chinese massage parlor and gotten a similar or better service.
Nevertheless I went because they had a LOT of openings. Now I know why. The waiting area is kind of small and confusing because no one in there was of Asian persuasion. I was imagining all kinds of crazy scenarios because of this but I ended up in the back where it was just like any other Chinese parlor with curtained partitions just big enough for each massage customer and only semi privacy.
I proceeded to get a seriously deep tissue massage. The tiny Chinese lady almost made me cry a few times and I was hating her elbows so much. But I feel much less right after the fact. She asked me right away for a tip… awkward. Still, extra star for the woman cuz she was so tiny but powerful nevertheless.
I guess the biggest thing is that you’re paying too much for what this really is. I can get the same type of massage for half the price.

This place is the real deal. No frills (and I mean none, see other reviews), with a mix of western and eastern massage techniques. Given the ambiance, I was expecting a massage on par with what you can find in Chinatown. This was so much better.
I came in with excruciating lower back pain — to the point that I walked around all day with untied shoes because I couldn’t bend down, and I had spent the day at work standing up at my desk because sitting was too painful.
Within minutes, Charlie had located the exact source of the problem. I had to endure some pretty painful work on the knots, but now I come away being able to touch my toes. Not only that, he also fixed my wrist pain and was somehow also able to clear my sinuses.
I normally work with a Chinese pain specialist that I started to see in Houston and also paid $$$$ for, but I think I’ve finally found a replacement here.

For my review, I’ll start with the bad first. The receptionist/​lady at the front that I dealt with was so rude over the phone AND in person. When I called to make an appointment, I could hear her attitude over the phone. I asked is 9PM was okay and she very rudely replied «well if you aren’t here by 9PM on the dot we are leaving», and then I suggested if 8:30PM was better. When my husband and I get there, the Asian ladies there were so nice (one was sweeping and asked me if I mind that she continued to sweep politely which I thought was nice). The African American woman at the desk just seemed to roll her eyes with every word she said. We came with a groupon (90 $ for a couples massage) and she charged me 6 $ of tax because according to her the groupon doesn’t cover tax. I found it odd because I groupon a lot and no one has ever charged me tax on a groupon.
Now the good: the women that took care of us were very nice attentive and polite. The room was very tranquil and nicely decorated. The place was super clean which was awesome. I work out so I was sore from a back workout that I did the day before.
The massages were very very good. But due to the rude service from the young woman at the desk, my husband and I decided we will not return. Yes the service from the massage therapist were great, but I don’t like to pay money to go to a place where I’m treated rudely and neither does anyone else. The bad did outweigh the good at this place for me.

Got a Groupon for a great deal. Called a few days ahead and when I arrived, I had good, quick assistance. I came in early and even started early. The place is not exactly a spa… definitely a little on the cheaper side. You don’t have your own room… you’re in one big room separated by curtains. I had Tiffany and she was very good and very professional. Overall, good experience and affordable. Great for someone looking for a massage on budget without spa experience.

This place does not deserve not even 1 star-it’s the worst massage place in NYC. The place is dirty, no privacy, the massage room/​space has one curtain separating you from the employees conducting a consulting session with another customer.
They ask you to undress while there are other people in the next room-​Graceful Service-​there is nothing elegant about your business-it’s horrible and it’s not a place for relaxation. Renovate your space!
You deserve a huge «0»

THE WORST! I tried to book an appointment and showed up for my time and they had no record of it and then made it like I had made up calling them and scheduling this appointment, like it was my fault the old lady who answered the phone didn’t write it down. Instead of apologizing for messing up, offering a refund or credit. The total opposite of relaxation. Totally sucks. Very bad customer service. Ruined my Friday.

I’ve been coming to this place since 2010 when my chiropractor recommended them as a descant place with authentic massages in Midtown East.
The service has always been great and I’ve always been able to get an appointment within 2 days.
The location itself is nothing fancy, it’s on the second floor of a walk-​up so it looks a bit sketchy when walking in. The rooms are standard, separated by a thin wall and sheets/​blinds as the doors.
I’ve never had a bad smell or bad massage at this location, still my goto place for a quick back fix for 5 years now

Not much of a place… But the 60 min Sweedish is AMAZING (so is the price!) and I love the hot towels at the end!
This is my new favorite!
Mario :)

I purchased a couples massage off of Groupon, based on their good reviews and this massage was one of the best I have ever had! I was concerned that it was going to be shabby, but the entire experience was positive! Warning: these are not the masseuses to tell to go extra hard! I don’t know if anyone has ever applied so much pressure in my life (at times I wondered if it was hostile as I could hardly breathe!) but this was one of the most medicinal and perspective changing experiences I ever had although it wasn’t always as pleasant as it was painful. I left with a lighter, released body. My husband and I left floating and feeling re-​energized for days. Please note: I took one star off after a couple months and some other massages, because upon retrospect I do think they were a little curt and on the rough side, especially compared with others.

Great massage by a Chinese woman who does not speak English. When
I was leaving I asked reception to see her massage license. I was shown an esthetics license. The Chinese speaking therapists are not licensed and I do not think they know it is illegal to do massage without a New York State massage license.

This is the worst massage place ever. No privacy! In fact there is no separate room. It’s just a big room split into different small spaces for each client… It’s separate by a curtain. And sometimes you hear the masseuses talking to each other in Chinese! What the hell! And to cap it all, once you are done and leave the room you can be sure that the masseuse is waiting for you asking for a massage.
I will never go back and not recommend it to anyone

The place has a questionable location but with a $ 49 groupon for a 1 hour deep tissue massage i decided to try it out. It’s clean and simple no frills which was fine with me. I bought the masage to alleviate my muscle tension so i had no problems getting straight to business. My massage was ok… but that was it. I gor off the table with as much tension and pain as when i got on. Then after i got dressed the lady who gave me my massage was the the door waiting for me asking me for her tip. I was taken aback ! I’m a college student who could barely afford the massage so i had no tip and quite frankly if i did i wouldn’t give it tp her because i was so shocked at her frankness demanding it. I wouldn’t return only because the massage didn’t help. Otherwise if you want a basic massage to relax and for a cheap NYC price then i guess this will work for you.

I went a couple months back and I would describe my masseuse as quite the opposite of graceful. She was a fairly heavy set lady and she proceeded to walk on me AND it felt like he didn’t know what she was doing. She massaged the front of my neck which was awkward and painful and I’m convinced she honestly thought that some of my bones were knots. Unrelaxing, uncomfortable, and unprofessional.
I used the Groupon and most definitely will not be returning.
There was something fishy with the paperwork that needed to be filled out at the beginning denying all liability and the sign on the wall in the room saying that if your massage sucks it’s your responsibility to speak up and request a different masseuse.
I’ve been to a handful of comparably priced massage places throughout the city and this one is certainly not worth returning to. Even if the massage was free I wouldn’t return.
Do not settle for this spot.

I have been going to Graceful Services for several years now. I LOVE CUPPING and they do it here and it is wonderful. The people at the front desk are always pleasant and although they seem to have a large turn around of employees I have never once had a bad massage.
I leave revitalized and refreshed after my massage and cupping combo. As a NY’er you learn to drown out all the inane noise you hear on a daily basis so having someone just beyond the sheet that separates us from each other isn’t a problem for me (unless of course… if the begin to snore, lol).
Thanks to the staff for saving me when my stress level has peaked and working out all the knots in my neck and back.

Just had a massage today. Overall, a very pleasant experience. My masseuse was excellent. No ambiance. Before I went there today, I read a lot of the reviews and braced myself for the worse. It wasn’t that bad. Of course, I did not like the close proximity of others getting massages next to me, the whole curtain divider room situation. But, the people to the left and right of me were very courteous and spoke low when they had to. Bottom line, a one hour $ 45 Groupon… how can I complain. I would go back, only with a Groupon deal.

This isn’t a place to luxuriate with some scented candles and fall asleep to soothing ocean sounds. But if you want a fairly cheap massage (look out for $ 40 groupons!!) that aren’t afraid to hurt and will restore function to your muscles — this is the place to go.
I often call the day of. Had several masseuses, all of which were good, but my favorite is Daniel.

Watch out for the horrific front desk lady. Wow, was she surly. Doesn’t she realize that some pleasantries go a long way when it comes to customer service?
Also, did you know you had to pay $ 3 tax on a Groupon? Really? I have used Groupon many times for different services (including massage) and have NEVER EVER had to pay an additional tax. What’s THAT about?
I also requested the Chinese Tui Na massage… gee, funny how it felt just like every other massage I have had there. Would I go back? Nope. I bought several massages via Groupon, and each one was worse than the other. I even had a non-​Groupon massage (foot) that was absolutely sub-​par. It’s unfortunate, because I am a massage person and would have liked to use Graceful Services (it’s close to my home) on a regular basis.

I don’t understand why people gave a good review to this place! The massage was just OK I have had much better. The place is awful… I went with my husband for a couple’s massage. They don’t have a separate room. One big room with many bed and curtains in the between!
You can hear all conversations in the whole-​way, you can hear customers taking off their clothes and putting them back on. Anyways I won’t go back!

If you are looking for a happy ending, this is not the place for you. Don’t read my review.
If you are looking for a normal massage, go ahead, read my review.
$ 60 for a one hour Swedish massage. Cheap.
This place is no frills. There are only curtains between the massage tables, I knew there was a dude next to me getting a massage. You will not get herbal tea, healthy soups here, they give you water at the end.
This is what happens:
1. Call to schedule. I managed to get a same day appointment.
1. Walk in
2. Pay at the cashier. I recommend paying cash because there are extra charges if you use a credit card.
3. Front desk lady walks you to your massage table (sorry, not your private room).
4. Strip. Yes, that includes bras for you ladies out there. You can wear your panties if you like.
5. Throw the sheet provided over you and lie down on your front.
6. Masseuse will come in to give you a massage. She asked me how strong I wanted it, so I said medium. The masseuse was Chinese, you will probably get a better massage if you can speak Chinese.
The massage started off with the sheet over me. She removed it later when she used lotion. I thought it was funny how she massaged my ass. I told her I had some pain on the left side so she really massaged the left side of my body really well. I was having some lower back pain but apparently it was due to a kink in my left shoulder, and she massaged the crap out of that kink. I was very impressed. There were times when I knew she was climbing over me…
7. Timer rings. TIp your masseuse generously. (I gave 20−25%)
If you are looking for a cheap, no frills place that does the job, Graceful Services will gracefully massage your back (with no happy ending).