Serenity Health & Wellness

I was there about a year ago and it was good, but now it isn’t legal. The therapists speak no English and their credentials hanging on the wall are either fake or belong to someone other than the therapist present. Supposedly, they graduated from a massage school in California, but unless they could go to school and test using Mandarin in California they are fake. They use baby oil for lotion, basically the cheapest lotion they can find. They do not drape properly and you could find yourself exposed as my wife did. They don’t even realize they shouldn’t expose you. The hygiene of the facility is not good. They have some skills but my wife came out of there with a sore back for two days because they were so rough. Besides saying ouch and how much there is not much communication. Legally, they should not have you take your cloths off unless they are licensed massage therapists, but they do. It’s illegals doing illegal work in an illegally run massage practice with poor hygiene. Enjoy your massage.

This place is a hidden gem. Very clean and comfortable set up. Its not an Elizabeth arden spa type place but nicely set up. It’s great to pop in any day and get a deep tissue acupressure massage. No need to make an appointment either. The staff is very professional and pleasant. I’ve been three times in the last few months and have had a great experience each time. I explained what areas I was having problems with (shoulders/​neck) and they really worked out the kinks. They also give a good overall all massage.

If your back is sore and in need of a good deep tissue massage with no frills or fuss, then you’re in luck. My fiancé and I went in on a Thursday evening for a 40 minute massage for $ 40 and damn did we feel great after! As others have mentioned, the staff speaks little to no English but are friendly nonetheless.
This is a deep tissue message, I repeat. This is a deep tissue massage! NOT for the faint of heart. If you can’t take a little bit of pain do not go here.

I went in for a massage on a Sunday at 3:30. Buck was the guy that I had. He spent about 10 min on my face, 20 min on my feet, and the rest of my time on my back, arms, and legs. At times it was incredibly painful and other times it was too light, which frustrated me. He also was unnecessarily rough with things like towels, paper towels, body oil, etc, flinging them over my body. It was weird. At one point he dug his thumbnail into my foot. Maybe this is something that someone out there likes, but it weirded me out.
I also wish that they were cleaner about things. For instance, I have no idea if Buck washed his hands before touching my face.
I went in for an hour massage but during the massage Buck pressured me into an extra 15 minutes because at that point he hadn’t even gotten to my back, which was the whole point that I was there. All in all, it was $ 75 plus tip. Expensive for a no frills place, right?

I called at 1130 and the man told me to arrive at 1:00. I arrived on time and was greeted and immediately taken to a table and the word began. Communicating in English is at a minimum, but that did not deter from the quality of the pressure massage. My feet were washed and my body was gone over thoroughly by this man. I felt that his hands were able to detect problem areas in my back and legs without me saying a word. It is intense pleasure to say the least, but the rewards came afterwards with the release of some very tight areas on my body. I will definitely use them again…

I’ve been a few times and always leave happy. It’s clean, affordable, and they know what they’re doing. Definitely good if you want to work through a stiff neck or sore back.

At first I was a little skeptical as the staff didn’t speak English. Also I kept my dress on. Anyways, I’ll definitely go back. They KNEW what they were doing. Perfect pressure — I felt amazing during and afterwards. I’m definitely going back — Groupon or not ! Hayyyyy

Very deep and good reflexology massage curtain divided rooms are not for everyone — you can hear people coming and going from the lobby — but I love this place and the massage!

Worst experience. The massage therapist, Pao, was extremely rough. That would have been fine if I was paying to get a rough massage, but I wasn’t. I asked him FIVE times to be more gentle and he didn’t. I stopped him 12 minute before the timer went off because I was getting very angry and upset and didn’t want to be touched anymore by someone who was hurting me.
I walked out and paid $ 5 less than the 60 minute price. My friend, meanwhile, was having a great time with her massage therapist Lucy. When she came out, I told her what had happened. We both agreed that it was not fair that my bad experience was not addressed, so we complained. Lucy was helpful and called the manager, Jason, who doubted my experience, asked to speak to Pao, and Pao spent a good 5 minutes defending himself on the phone to Jason. AWKWARD. Jason then spoke to me, told me that acupressure is «supposed to hurt», and that he was not going to do anything for me. The experience, overall, was painful, physically and emotionally. Yikes.

Following the description for the two-​star rating, «Meh. I’ve experienced better.» The price was dirt cheap with the Groupon I purchased for a reflexology massage. I should have read the reviews more closely because I didn’t expect a full body massage fully clothed. Not that it was bad, but I would have worn more appropriate clothing. The massage was okay but I felt like some of the techniques were odd and she massaged unexpected places like my butt and face. My neck and upper back are the tightest, and she pushed and ground so hard that I winced and hurt my throat against the bench with the amount of pressure she had on me. I also wasn’t put off my the open space, but I was never asked to take any clothing off like other reviewers.
I assumed these differences had to do with Chinese practices so… my final verdict is that it’s not my style, but you get more out of the price than expected. Only mildly relaxing, mostly painful experience. TBD whether it did the job.

First time with acupressure and this business. I didn’t know what to expect but was pleasantly surprised!
I requested acupressure with a focus on my back. Buck did a great job! It was very intense pressure but I am glad I hung in there. Afterwards I felt MUCH better.
Ambiance is quiet and simple. Very processional and accommodating to adjust pressure. Payment was a breeze.
I’ll certainly be back.

I was so excited when I discovered a Groupon deal for Serenity Health & Wellness. Fans of my reviews know all about my search for cheap, no frills, Chinese massage places in DC to match up to my favorite spot in New York. My search has been mainly unsuccessful after checking out a couple of spots in Rockville and one in Dupont.
Pros:
1) Serenity Health & Wellness is located just a few blocks north of the Columbia Heights metro.
2) The massage beds are comfortable.
3) The massage itself wasn’t the best but it was good enough. The masseuse spent 10 minutes on my face, head, and arms; 20 minutes on my feet; and 30 minutes on my back.
Cons:
1) The reflexology started off great but turned very weak and light. She also didn’t hit all of the essential pressure points.
2) An hour-​long massage normally costs $ 50 (the Groupon was $ 35). For a no-​frills, low key massage place that can’t even be classified as a spa, I feel like $ 50 is over-​priced. After tip, you’re looking at about $ 60.
3) Setting up the appointment was difficult. The number they listed on the Groupon voucher was not the store number so that threw me off. When I called the store, the lady who answered didn’t take my name down and didn’t tell me what times were available on the day I asked for so I gave her an arbitrary time I knew I was free. Later that same evening, I got a call from another guy explaining that he takes appointments for Serenity Health & Wellness and he took down my name and appointment time. When I walked in for my appointment, they couldn’t find my name even though I spoke two different people.

This was the best no-​frills massage I’ve ever received! Despite it being over my clothes, Jason managed to really get in there, and I could tell he knew what he was doing as he kept focusing on problematic areas without me telling him. The massage was so good that I ended up drooling, I was that relaxed. Plus, he didn’t skimp on the time — no shortcuts and I got the full hour-​long attention.
Bring your ipod with you, load up some gentle tunes or a fun podcast, and enjoy the hour.
I hope to go back soon, though it’s a little hard to reach anyone by phone (I had tried all morning and a few days before).

Got a groupon for a friend and I to check this place out – 2 reflexology massages – for after our 11 mi and 9 mi runs, respectively.
We’ve been laughing about it ever since.
Bottom line: we can’t wait to go back. We’ve told all our friends about it. It’s worth some of the initial issues we had getting through (they have like 2 numbers and their phone message system was down, etc). The following day the only soreness in my body was in my back from some of the massage – nothing else. It was like I hadn’t run 9 mi the day before.
I could end there.
As others have said, this is NOT a «spa» per se. It’s rough around the edges, it’s an open room divided by long curtains and screens when needed (I’ll get to that). They must be reading the reviews b/​c earlier comments re: lack of music and lack of plastic liners in their buckets are not an issue now – they have traditional music and liners. The bathroom was clean. They had enough people to man the phones and give us massages. Also – I’m sure they’d sell you a box of green tea if you wanted to buy one – they have enough to last a few years…
Our guys didn’t have tech coats or anything, just regular clothes. Mine spoke maybe 5 words in English – my friend’s cracked jokes that had us both laughing… but I preferred my masseuse’s quiet, direct, and efficient style.
It’s like he knew every muscle that had been stressed in the recent runs and was hell bent on pushing them into recovery. There were times my eyes watered. But I could tell I’d be better for it later.
After he was finished with my head, arms, legs and feet, he pointed to the oil, motioned it was for my back, motioned I should take off my shirt and said «off». A bit surprised, I go, «wait, what?» «Off» he commanded. Repeat 2x. Me «umm…ok» and started laughing – he cracked a smile – I think he realized how ridiculous this suddenly had become. With his back to me constructing a screen, i took off my shirt and laid face down on the table, whispering to my friend what was happening and both of us started laughing. It was weird, I won’t lie. But at the time I really didn’t care because of his magic hands. He then worked again with blunt force efficiency.
We have been laughing and sharing our story with all our friends about this experience. We’ve also said that it was the fastest long-​run recovery either of us has had in a long time. I hope they stay busy and open, if my next appointments are like the first, they’ll certainly have my business. If you see a Korean there taking off her shirt and laughing, I apologize… but you’ll find out why it’s worth it…

Was impressed by the two gentleman who give massages but really disappointed with the female masseuse. I went in for reflex which I have previously been there and I could barely feel anything. I told her harder and she seemed annoyed that I asked for more pressure. She used a stick thing and just pushed hard and that didn’t make feel better. She was terrible and now I’m prob not coming back. I am so disappointed.

This place is fantastic. I came here recently on a groupon for a 1 hour acupressure foot massage. I fell asleep during the massage if that’s any indicator of how relaxed I felt. As the others mentioned, this is not a typically Western massage/​spa set up – there’s one big room and individual massage tables/​beds are separated by curtains and you keep your clothes on. You hear others talking, etc — but for the price ($ 48 for 60 minutes, and I think it’s $ 1/​minute up to 40 minutes or so?). Worth a visit. No need for an appointment at this point in time.

The massage was great but I almost gagged when the older male massage therapist gave me a cup of water at the end and saw his long dirt yellow crusty fingernails. He massaged my face and head too with those hands. I just wish the place were sanitary by using disposable plastic bags when washing feet in the plastic bins and also having g paper towels to wipe hands in the bathroom. It appears that they don’t wash their hands with soap before seeing new customers

How much you like this place will depend entirely on what you’re looking for — a soothing pamper-​princess day spa experience or a highly functional accupressure massage?
If it’s the latter, you’re in luck.
Hot stone aromatherapy with flickering candles has its place in life, but sometimes, you just need to get that crick out of your back. It was with that attitude that I went to Serenity Health & Wellness — just walked in off the street, no appointment, after work hours on a Tuesday. There were three eager, enthusiastic massage therapists (MTs) hanging around in white jackets and I was immediately shown to a table. This is a clothing-​on massage, an appropriately so because there’s only one treatment room divided by curtains. The tables are clean, new, and VERY comfortable. The MT went to work with INTENSE pressure, but checked in with me to make sure I was ok several times. I requested a 30-​minute service, but when the buzzer sounded at the end, my MT wasn’t quite done, so he turned it off and kept going for probably another 3 – 5 minutes. I have sciatica, so some days my whole body just feels «off» and achy even if there’s no specific pain, but after I left Serenity, I felt like a whole new person. Not bad for $ 30!
Pros:
+ VERY reasonable prices (cheapest I’ve found in the city so far)
+ Clean and professional
+ Massage therapists highly skilled in pressure point massage. They do a FANTASTIC job.
+ Conveniently located, expansive hours, and you just walk in.
+ Customer loyalty card! Buy 10 massages, get one free! I am a sucker for these things. Ask me how many free smoothies I’ve earned at Robek’s. Go ahead, ask me.
Cons:
— Eerily silent — no music, no tinkling fountains, not even a white noise machine. This is easily remedied by bringing your iPod, which I did (and recommend.) Also covers up the sound of other patrons (remember, you’re all in one room together.)
— It’s right next to a crowded bar, so you sometimes get a whiff of hookah smoke smell off their patio. I’m tempted to bring my own essential oils next time for the face cradle, but that’s probably getting too fussy.
— Like I said, not private. You’re not asked to disrobe, so it’s a not a true issue, but without headphones (again) you can be distracted by the sound of other people getting their services.
Verdict: For what it is, it gets the job DONE. I’d rather have a great massage in a weird basement for a reasonable price than a bad massage in a trendier/​pricier (:cough: M3 Georgetown: coughcough:) establishment any day.

Okay, I haven’t written a review in a looong time so this is important.
Having experienced my fair share of massages, from on-​the-​sidewalk chair massages to hoity toity massages in extravagant spas, I have to say, OMG this place is the bomb. And I love the fact that it is in Columbia Heights. No more treks down to Wat Massage on Florida. I like walking home from a massage, not drive/​ride the bus or bike.
Yes, they are not as good as marketing the whole experience (the place is a little plain, they could play some music, they could light some candles for ambience) but I like the price. Screw those candles for the type of service that I can get at this place.
My struggle was to keep this a secret, or share it with others. I have to say, I would be super sad if this place went out of business. We are busy people and we need this place to help us relax.
Anyhoo, my husband and I agreed I could go there once a month. If I could, I would be there almost everyday. But then I’d be broke but relaxed.
Serenity Health & Wellness, welcome to the neighborhood!

Lovely!
This is a new business that provices Chinese acupressure massage and reflexology in Columbia Heights. They are open Monday to Saturday 10 am to 10 pm, and on Sunday from 11 am to 8 pm. They are currently offering a 20% grand opening special.
I had the 60 minute «total foot relaxation reflexology.» After entering from the street level to a vividly-​painted green reception area, I was escorded into a relaxing treatment area with four new chairs that lower to beds. The towels and pillows were all new and in great shape. While my feet soaked in the therapeutic foot bath, I received massage on my shoulders, arms, and head. It was a great way to start it out.
As far as the reflexology went, I really enjoyed it. It’s only been 12 hours so I can’t speak to any positive effects, other than I slept really well last night. Parts were uncomfortable, but I expected that.
I will definitely be back to check out the acupressure. I like that it is open late so I can stop by to melt away the day. It was a great service at a good price in a convenient location (three blocks north of the CH metro station).