Desert Sun

I just moved to Tacoma, and this was the closest tanning salon. I’ve been there maybe 10 times now and almost every time I go in is a disaster. I usually make an appointment a few hours before I wanna come in, but the last time I called they said they don’t take appointments??? The girls that work there are extremely rude and act like their being forced to work. One time I walked in and the girl was sitting on the couch with her phone in her hand, same when I walked out of the salon. They don’t bother to say thank you or anything close to good customer service. The beds are almost always dirty. I would save yourself money and a trip and NEVER go here unless you want bitchy customer service and feel like your not supposed to be there. Good luck…

Good tan. Clean and a pleasant staff. What more can you say?

I have been with Desert Sun for about 5 years now and as I moved, I changed to different locations. I will have to say that I love the Desert Sun location in University Place quite a lot. In the last few months I have been going here, a few handful of employees have cycled out. Even though there are new girls, I am impressed. I don’t know if it is because of the manager they have but no matter what the girls at this location are so personal, genuine, and kind. I never feel like I am going to be bothered with attempting to be sold things; I feel like a friend. You girls rock!

I went here because it was one of the closest places and I wasn’t looking to do anything for a long period of time. I’m getting ready for a trip to Mexico and just wanted a package to last me a month. I expected to pay around $ 80 – 100 for unlimited tanning (from my last recollection of tanning years ago) and that’s exactly what I got. I’ve only been twice so far, but the sales girls have both been very friendly, informative and not pushy at all. So far, I’ve really enjoyed my experience here. First sales girl who sold me the monthly package helped me with lotions when I asked about them, showed me what she liked, answered my questions about prices and gave me a discount on one that I chose. No pressure whatsoever. Both times I’ve gone I’ve walked in and they immediately had a bed available. I like it here.

Big shout out to the staff here. They know their products and certainly do their job up selling but without the drabby mechanical or overly zealous pitch you typically get at a tanning salon. Always friendly and smiling, they certainly operate in an efficient manner and uphold good standards in cleanliness. Thank you Bri for holding my phone at the desk after I forgot it in the lobby! Good to know people are still honest out there! My wife says this place is the best customer service experience she’s ever had in a tanning salon!

Normally poor service doesn’t prompt me to write a negative review because I know some people have bad days or perpetual bad attitudes, but my experience at this particular Desert Sun has been pretty lackluster across the board. I’ve called numerous times to talk to someone about freezing my account during my pregnancy and was finally told that I would have to make the drive out to UP (the location I initiated my membership) to accomplish this.
Totally not a big deal if I didn’t live in Yelm now. The gal I spoke with recently was unbelievably disrespectful and unhelpful. When I asked if I could take care of the freeze at the Yelm location she verbatim said, «I doubt they would do it for a person like you». Uhm, what? What does that even mean? Pretty certain a lotion peddling basic white girl who works at a tanning salon can’t accurately determine character by way of a phone call. Perhaps she just isn’t fond of pregnant people, or didn’t grab her daily Starbucks, I don’t know.
Writing this review super bums me out because I’ve had stellar service and experiences at both the Yelm and Parkland locations!

Tonight I was waiting for a bed and in walks some random younger guy who asks to use the bathroom. It seemed strange to see a random guy just come in off the street who wasnt a customer. The girl working allowed him to use it and it made me feel uncomfortable and not safe. As a patron I don’t feel it was safe to let a random stranger in the salon.
To the management what are your procedures to keeping your staff and customers safe?

The new manager is really awesome! Friendly service and good management.

I usually go to Lincoln plaza which is always great, I came to the UP location bc I was in a time crunch to get a spray tab and the girl completely talked me out of tanning there unless I bought the lotion or a booster from there. I have used mystic and versa a lot and never had a problem with them. I will continue to drive out of my way to avoid this location the manager needs some additional training!

I love this place. I’ve been going to Desert Sun for years now. They have a new bed called the Alpha bed. Basically it’s a tanning bed on steroids. The bed plays music and you can choose how dark you want to get in 10 minutes.
If you decided to use that bed, call ahead time to reserve the bed. It is high in demand.
Prices are ok. It’s cheaper to get the membership than using month to month specials. The lotion is expensive… but I do like using the lotions.
Staff is friendly. Haven’t had an issue with them at all.
I’ll keep going back, just because I like to be tan!

Everyone here was super friendly, accommodating, and helpful. Every tanning salon wants to sell you lotion. That is part of the business. That was not pushed on me. I highly recommend this place. Prices are good, too!

This location has the best employees so far. they are very nice to my 14 year old and everytime I sit and wait for her to get a spray tan I observe them being courteous to other customers as well. One time when her spray tan didnt work out so well they were glad to give her a free one even after one week later. I will continue to use this location and would recommend them to friends. the employees really make the difference for me.

You will love the University Place Desert Sun! The employees are super friendly and knowledgeable! You can tan unlimited for about $ 20 a month! So many lotions and options to choose from! Make the switch!!!

I switched to Desert Sun UP from LA Tan by TCC because the manager was unprofessional and rude. At LA Tan I paid about $ 80 a month for their highest level bed and went on a regular basis with good results. Today I used Desert Sun’s lowest level bed paying about $ 30 a month and actually got a little pink! They have been very professional on the 2 occasions I have spoken with them. My payment arrangements were explained well by Samantha and products were offered but not pushed. So glad I made the switch.

University Place desert sun rocks! There are always awesome specials going on so come in and talk to one of the wonderful ladies!
Shanika, sorry you’ve had a bad experience, but after looking up your account you’ve only tanned at the Lakewood Desert Sun. Come to UP and we will treat you with the customer service you deserve! :D