Ciao Bella Day Spa

Went by to check this out and they shut down… just FYI looks like another cute business moved in its place.

Loved this place. My sister and I went here for a little treat to ourselves, Facial and Massage, taking advantage of their Seasonal Special right now (50 minute Facial or Massage for $ 50).
I set up the appointment for myself on Thursday and was able to get my sister in last minute the day of on Saturday. We got there about 5 minutes early and checked in to start some paperwork (by the way, check in on Foursquare and you get a free eyebrow waxing!). One of the specialists came out and explained her masseuse was running about 5 minutes late and offered us some tea in house to apologize, which was absolutely delicious!
Once we got in, the lady I worked with (Sarah) was extremely helpful in explaining everything and while she was doing it and catered it to what I was looking for. I was completely relaxed and the products she used on me left my face feeling so refreshed and on top of that she made the atmosphere perfect, just what I needed after a stressful week. When it was all said and done, we talked about other services they offered there and she explained how each one would be beneficial. She even recommended another business down the street, which I find so great when businesses work together in a peaceful manner.
Anyway, talking with my sister, she said it was one of the best massages she had and we were both completely satisfied and happy with the services provided. We will definitely be coming back!

I want to preface this by saying that I don’t do spa days every month, every quarter or even every year. So when I do something like this, I’d like it to be a special day!
I set up a spa day for my GFs sister’s 40^th birthday. I called around to all of the SPAs she’d identified that took the Spafinder cards, got quotes and told everyone exactly what we were looking for. I made calls, I sent email and all the communication was the same so we could make price/​product comparisons. Some folks offered spa packages, some folks shuts their spas down for parties, some folks did the royal treatment that included lunch, cakes for parties etc…
Our request was simple and clear
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4, 1 hour massages
4, pedicure treatments
If you offer cake, lunch etc… we’d rather not since we’re having lunch before this treatment, and we’re having birthday party fun after we leave… so if you’d like to offer champagne instead, we’ll take it.
This is not a hard request, and when confirmed by email, I figured we were in for a treat!
I talked to this particular spa by phone and followed up with an email to confirm. We chatted a few times and confirmed the day before by phone. GF P and I flew in from San Diego for this big day and were looking forward to a great and relaxing time for her sister and friend.
At the time of set up and by phone, she (Clair) quoted a price she said she’d discount since and she said we’d get exactly what we asked for for the discounted rate.
Since we were on a time crunch, we confirmed ahead of time too that we’d have 2 getting massage, while 2 got pedicures, then we’d switch and get everyone out before 5pm. Asked by phone, confirmed by email… it was all set!
We got:
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4 ½ hour massages
3 pedicures that were basically ‘foot wash’ with a very light hot stone treatment.
1 facial
1 box of Baklava
We did not have the time managed the way we needed to get out in time even with the massages cut in ½…hence 1 less pedicure.
Even though I don’t go every month or whatever, I’ve had spa services around the United States and abroad… and this was the worst experience I’ve had.
The spa manager closed the spa when we arrived (her choice).
She threw in a facial for the birthday girl and that was nice, but it wasn’t want we asked for. The pedicurist was as nice as she could be, but that service was nothing that would give your feet that feeling you get when you leave your ‘regular shop’ where you know there’s no cuticle left, the nail polish will last, the heels are smooth as a baby’s butt and your legs feel all smooth and buffed up. And I get all of that at my regular shop for ½ the price I paid here!
When I asked about why we were getting only ½ hour massages, she (Clair) said that is what I asked for? I tell her that I need to now know what the price is for what we got since its not what I originally asked for and have the quote for. She starts telling me that she closed the spa, turned away business (like this is my fault), and that the ‘owner’ must have gotten things mixed up…(even though I only spoke to her every time I called).
All of this mess and we’re trying to have these corrective discussions all out of earshot of the birthday girl so as not to ruin her day. It was a big mess. And it all started to feel like a bait and switch… no matter how ‘nice’ the manager was trying to be. I’ve lived my life being on the receiving end of thinly veiled politeness because of race and where I grew up so I know «the veil», just not sure what was on the other side of hers or what her issue was.
I’ve planned events for 600 people before. I’ve run software development divisions. … I don’t need to look at my competence in planning. I’m not sure what was going on at this place, but I can say we decided not only would we never go back, we would never refer anyone to this place.
This event was almost a month ago and I’m still pissed off about it. I don’t like bad business and that is exactly what this felt like. I said I would wait a while to see if I was still pissed off before I hit Unilocal… and well — here we are folks. This one is NOT a keeper.