Portofino Sun Center

Spray tans are somewhat ubiquitous in NYC – doesn’t take much to get it right. At this salon, they seem to have a problem over scheduling the clearly overworked lady doing the spray tans. Everyone in the lobby was annoyed as they were running at least 45 min behind schedule. At a minimum, call your clients and let them know not to come as early. This is not an effective way to run your business in NYC where time is always of the essence for your clients. The people at the front desk are nice but they’re clearly kids who have been given little guidance and aren’t properly managed. Nothing wrong with the actual spray tan– just the salon’s time management practices (or lack thereof).

Very clean and sweet staff! I signed up about a month ago and got 10 sessions for $ 100, not bad at all. I like the towels there for clients as well, a really nice touch! Would definitely recommend to others.

When it was Solar Salon, There was great customer service. But now portofino has taken over the customer service is horrible. Go somewhere else. It’s not worth their bad attitude.

The store is super clean, friendly staff and reasonable prices. If you like top notch places this is ideal. If you like shitty things for cheap prices there are other places for you to go, but you’re paying cheap and you’re getting shitty service. Be selective

Decent tanning place. they have a special for 6 sessions for 99 bucks, so not a bad deal if you need to tan prior to a vacation. This place can get really pricey if you want to do long term tanning or other services. They used to offer free lotion in the rooms and now you have to buy tanning lotion packets on top of what ever you paid to tan. So they offer free towels, a sink to wash your face but charge 8 bucks for a one use bronzer packet? Kind of a rip off there, but apart from that, this place is still pretty good. I think some of the bad reviews I have read are rather unfair. They have nice staff and the place is clean.

I never write reviews but I feel inclined to do so in this case, as people who are considering a tanning spot of the UES should think again about Solar Salon. If you want to feel like after being nickel and dimed at the bank for fee’s and charges, this is really is your place.
I would like to say the staff, I dealt with Arielle, are very nice and courteous and the place is pretty well kept.
My issue stems from management and being treated like a $ instead of a customer. First time customers occur a «start up fee» of $ 35. A bit pricey but ok, it is understandable. I signed up for a month to try out the place, before I invested in a long term solution. My month ended 5 days ago, the 16^th of September, I went into renew my contract and was told that I would incur ANOTHER start up fee of $ 35!!! The person who sold me the month was new and therefore left that fact out, yet, according to management it does not matter, somehow I should have known and their motto is the customer must pay more $$$.
It is not so much the money, it is more the principal… I am man of principal and integrity, and, frankly just don’t feel this is right. If you are paying for a service you don’t want to be treated in such a way or feel exploited. If you are a person of principal like myself, please stay clear as you are just another number to management.
Does anyone know of other places on the UES?
If the manager would like to rectify this situation, please feel free too and I will gladly change my review. I will keep people updated on their response.
Brian

I love this tanning salon but I hate the prices! It’s cool, definitely unique from its competition, they offer a digitally advanced check in system and very polite and helpful associates.

I was going to Las Vegas for work and was in desperate need of a spray tan. I called to book an appointment and the girl that answered the phone asked me if I had a Groupon. I did not, but asked if the promotion was still on, because I would definitely purchase it. She said it was, so I found the deal online and made my appointment for Monday, May 27^th at 8 pm, which was Memorial Day. She assured me that they would be open their normal business hours.
The day of my appointment my friend was saying that she didn’t think they did airbrush at the UES location, which started to make me nervous. So, I called to confirm that they did do airbrush in that location and to confirm my appointment. I spoke with Lawson on the phone who told me that I did not have an appointment in the system. He also informed me that because it was Memorial Day, they were closing early, at 7pm. So, of course, I freaked. I was leaving for Las Vegas at 6 am the next morning so I did not have time to make another appointment. And, a lot of the other salons were closed for the holiday.
Lawson said to me that he was going to call his manager to See what they could do. About 5 minutes later he called me back and asked if I could be at the salon by 7 pm. I told him that I could definitely do that! He was going to close the salon at 7 and spray me while the salon was closed. AMAZING! He definitely went above and beyond. Being a customer service manager, I know how important it is to please the customer, and he certainly did that!
Sometimes being airbrushed is uncomfortable because your half naked (or completely naked) in front of a complete stranger. But Lawson made me feel so comfortable. We were chatting about everything! Not to mention my tan looked phenomenal!
I highly recommend this salon and Lawson, and will DEFINITELY go back. Beach Bum ain’t got nothin on Solar Sun! :)

From someone who worked in a tanning salon many moons ago in my late teens/​early 20s, I’m kinda a snob when it comes to these places. Solar Salon was a great find when I moved to NY a year ago and went from the lakes and rivers in Central Texas to the concrete (which I love) that is the city. The staff is very friendly and helpful. The beds were great. And free lotion?! Say whaaaa?! And the cool towel at the end of my visit was a much appreciated gesture. The only thing I’d love to see at Solar Salon is Mystic or VersaSpa spray booths. When I’m feeling like Casper, the not-​so-​friendly ghost, I will definitely return.

DON’T GIVE THEM YOUR BUSINESS.
I had an awful experience at Solar Salon. Once I got into the bed, there was a bee swarming around. I spent 2 – 3 minutes getting out of the bed, killing it, and re-​situating myself in the bed. I sent the manager an email explaining what happened and that I lost 3 minutes of my paid session, simply requesting the salon to honor another session. This was his response:
We’ve contacted the staff member that was working the night that you claim there was a bee in your room and she and our maintenance man found no evidence of a bee alive or dead in any of the rooms throughout the salon. There where no other clients that expressed a bee problem before or after you left the salon. Based on the fact that we found no evidence that suggests a bee problem, we will not honer you with a second session.
Of course the staff working there will not admit to a bug problem, in fear of losing their job for lack of upkeep of the salon. As far as I’m concerned, the customer is always right and I was shocked at this rude response.
With plenty of tanning salons on the UES, give your business to a salon that is managed better.

This was my first time ever tanning, I looked through Unilocal to find this place. I just wanted to see what the hype was about tanning. Spur of the moment. I was tired of the pasty paleness of winter. And my legs were about 4 shades lighter than my arms and face. So I sprung for Solar Salon. Can’t say the new customer bogo deal didn’t hurt. I started out buying one session for one free. I wasn’t sure how I was going to like it.
The place is very open and inviting. Most of all super clean. It’s modern as well with the computer registration and sign in with fingerprinting! Yes, fingerprinting! I was impressed. The guy at the front was really nice and helpful with registration and showing me the room. I opted for a bed since this was my first time. He made recommendations for me and seemed genuine enough. The room was spotless and everything was sanitary (mind you I’m not a germophobe.) I got undressed, laid in the bed and closed the top. I was nervous at first because I wasn’t sure what to expect. There were weird noises and I felt a little uncomfortable because I was half expecting someone to walk into the room and just flip the bed open on me. LOL weird I know! Just as I was getting comfy, the time was up and I was done. When I was getting dressed I noticed the satellite radio on the wall next to the bed, and the lock for the door to the room. Whoops. Should have checked out the deets more carefully before hopping in.
I was satisfied with my experience overall, and ended up buying more sessions for the bogo before I left. At $ 24 + tax for an Anytime session with free lotion, it’s a steal compared to what I’ve seen. The Off Peak rates are cheaper, but I’ll be honest with myself that I could never make those times. Yes there are cheaper places out there, but you get what you pay for and you’ll be sacrificing a lot just to save a buck. Take the plunge! And trust Solar Salon. :-)
While I’m not going to turn into a serial tanner, I will deff keep this place in my book.

This is a wonderful place. State of the art equipment, complimentary lotion to choose for over 5 different skin types or tanning preferences, clean, good music, smells good walking in, feels like a spa, nice bathroom and the staff can be super friendly or just average.
if it weren’t for the cool looking yet malfunctioning flat screens that are used to check this place would get a 5 star. but every time it creates an error which delays my check in and also makes me have to wait for the staff to guide me through it. Seems like such a cool system but it has to work. Make it work and we are golden. :)

Solar Salon is probably the nicest tanning salon I have ever been to! I only go occasionally (bought a package of 15 almost a year ago and still haven’t used it all) and bought the «off-​peak» sessions, but there never seems to be more than one other person in the place, so there is never a wait even though they don’t take appointments. It is always clean and the equipment is well maintained and the beds are really strong so they must replace the bulbs regularly. Also free tanning lotion is a nice touch!
Staff is friendly, I personally am not a fan of the digital log in as my finger print only seems to scan 50% of the time, but overall I have never had any issues here! My only complaint is that it is a bit pricey, but buying the 15 session off peak package works out to $ 14 or so a session so that isn’t as bad as the pay per session rates. Sessions don’t expire which is great for an occasional tanner like me!

LOVE THIS PLACE. $ 100 per month for unlimited tanning plus spray-​tan sessions is a pretty damn good deal. Individual tanning sessions are sort of expensive, but considering the bulbs are always strong and you get free lotion, it all sort of evens out.
There’s always a friendly receptionist when I go there. You log into your account by scanning your pointer finger, which I think is pretty cool. I always go at the end of the day after work/​gym and I’ve only had to wait once for a bed. Each room has a range of tanning lotions for you to use as you please — they all smell good and work. Each room has headphones to listen to music, although they don’t usually work. Overall, great place!

The ower of the salon contacted me directly after seeing my previous review. She was VERY concerned with making sure that I was a satisfied customer and offered me several apologies, explinations, and a free session.
The radios are still under construction but at least they let you know now and are taking care of the issue.
The new staffers there were extremely friendly and adorable. The manager came out and greeted me as well and ensured that I was comfortable and had the booth of my choice for the amount of time that I wanted.
Special thanks to Lisa for carring so much about her business and the satisfaction of her customers!

DONT GET A MORNING TANNING PACKAGE. Whoever works the morning shift is NEVER there. I’ve woken up early for work sooo many times to go tanning, and have been outta luck when I got there cause they weren’t opened even though they were supposed to be open at 8am. Another girl was waiting there once in the morning when I got there and also said she’s shown up about 3 times with nobody being there to let her in. Very unprofessional. Whoever works the morning shift, please get your act together. There’s a bunch of people who would love to have a job and you’re taking yours for granted. Not to mention creating a poor impression of the salon.
Otherwise, the place is nice and clean and the employees (except for mystery morning shift person) are professional, friendly and knowledgeable. You can probably find some place cheaper. I find the bells & whistles at salons unnecessary and not really worth the higher $$$, but that’s just a personal preference. I would recommend Sunpoint Retreat on 63^rd to anyone who’s looking for another salon on the UES.

I usually only tan when I go on vacation, since the New York water is disgusting!!! I saw a deal off Groupon, $ 45 for unlimited tan for a month, it was such an amazing deal i couldn’t resist! This is my second time stepping foot into a tanning salon. The place is beautifully decorated! I have never seen such a nice tanning salon. Since it was my first time at the place, I received a mini tour by the receptionist. He was super informative and very friendly.
I have been there 5 times now, and the results of my tan is pretty amazing! I take it very slow, i built my tan very slowly and gradually, thanks to the receptionist’s advice on how much time I should spend and the right lotion I should use. My complexion is definitely on point!
Even though my deal has expired, and the prices are a little high, but I honestly feel like it’s money well spent if you are a tanning guru. The facility is spot clean, the little tanning rooms are very private and pretty spacious in my opinion. Their equipment are top notch! I prefer the stand up, i have never used the bed before since final destination scared me to death… lol
I really enjoy this place and I high recommend anyone who’s looking for a beautiful natural tan/​glow.

My go-​to tanning place when I wanna get my sexy on.
That’s right brah — when the kid is into heavy training I like my tan to be fresh.
The place itself is tight — clean, great machines (beds and stand up), high tech sign in, movie star-​like swankiness, spa like bathrooms, chill tunes in the booths, towels, lotion, the works.
Not the cheapest tanning parlor around, but the quality is off the hook. Plus, they have all types of packages and long hours. Staff is usually ok and will explain how it all works. Skin cancer be damned!
Now, if they would only supply some of Hef’s Playboy girls to apply the lotion…

as far as service goes… it’s hit or miss. some of the people are really nice and some are not. some have good days and some have bad. just like starbucks. however, as far as tannign quality goes… this is it. always ask before you go in if the «lotion is working» and if the head phones are working. but again, those are amenities not always provided to you at other salons. the lotion is a must though. DRY SKIN DOES NOT TAN.
DRY SKIN DOES NOT TAN!
lotion lotion lotion. I also recommend alternating the bed and the stand up. this way you get the best all around tan. I did the custom spray tan here to. it was awesome. please keep in mind that their are tricks to spray tanning. exfoliating and moisturizing starting a couple days before. and not exfoliating but heavily moisturizing after.
I know sometimes the people seem to get annoyed with questions, but ask anyway if you have them! you are the reason they get paid (but not that well). you deserve your answers. be patient with them and most likely they’re going to realize they’re being a jerk. It is just frustrating with a million new tanners or repeating the same speech over and over… trust me, i use to work here. I left as an employee but can’t as a tanner. it’s great. it really is.

I was a total tanning bed virgin and decided to give this place a shot because it’s close to me and had great ratings. Sorry to bring the stars down, but I wasn’t THAT impressed.
I decided to take advantage of going in the mornings before work since it’s «only» $ 18. I was given a tour by their manager, who seemed like a nice guy and all, but the professionalism was mediocre. I feel bad for saying that because he was a nice guy, but you know… you can just tell. For instance, he wears a hoodie ON his head while he’s at work. And he blasts his music and as soon as you’re out of sight, he does his own thing. I dunno, maybe working at a very quiet salon makes you not want to get into the professional mode?
MOVING ON, the actual tanning experience was ok. He told me that I’m supposed to push this blue button to make my tanning bed start. I was given complimentary lotion to apply before I go on my bed, but I guess I took too long and the bed started without me! I kinda freaked out a bit because it was SO LOUD and I didn’t press the blue button yet. He told me after that I basically had 5 minutes to get undressed, apply lotion and get settled or else it’ll start without me. (It would have been nice to know that beforehand!)
Because I was confused about why the machine just started on it’s own, I lost about 1 minute of tanning time. I didn’t know if the bed was «on» or not, so I just quickly went into the bed. However, the quality of the salon is VERY nice. Everything seems new and in mint condition.
The 2^nd time I went, I made sure to QUICKLY get undressed and apply lotion so I’d be prepared for the loud bed. HOwever, I was given a room that seemed a little less perfect than my first room. There were cracks on the plastic of the tanning bed— large cracks. This time I went for 7 minutes.
I do love the results but I’m pretty sure I could get the same results using any other tanning bed for cheaper. I think I’ll shop around and see if I can tan for a cheaper price. (My friend tans for $ 5 back in Cali!)