This is the best place to relax your nerves and collect your composure. You can’t help but be calm and at peace when you leave the place because they treat you like royalty. Yo-yo and the front desk staff are friendly and accommodating. The facial and massage specialists are very knowledgeable in what they do.
Monica G.
Place rating: 3 Alhambra, CA
I think better communication could have solved some issues I encountered here. First of all they were almost half an hour late in getting me in for my appointment. Wouldn’t be a big deal if I had nothing else to do that day. Second, my massage was not 70 minutes but rather 65 which isn’t a huge deal. Third, I paid for an aromatherapy massage and didn’t smell anything no matter how much I was sniffing. I asked the receptionist about what happened and she said that the oil used to massage me was the aroma that I paid for but its very light so I couldn’t smell it(I don’t buy it-think there was a miscommunication and no aromatherapy was used). The lady who massaged me was good and the place is nice but it’s basically the same massage that you get at one of those«foot» spas except you’re behind a curtain and naked. You can hear everyone talking and someone actually came into my room to have a 5 minute convo with my masseuse. I also heard a lady in the front discuss the amount of her tip with a male customer who must be a regular because he promised to give her more money next time. The price is fair and I didn’t get hassled for a tip which is also a plus.
Caitlin B.
Place rating: 5 Las Vegas, NV
This place is unbelievable. Super clean, super well decorated and you get a massage in individual rooms. Everyone is really professional and super nice. BEST $ 35MASSAGEINTHEWORLD!!!
Josephine H.
Place rating: 5 Artesia, CA
Went in for couples massage. 60 min body massage. This place is very proper and clean. The massage was great and the owner was really friendly. Recommended! I will definitely be back. Extra parking in the back, easy to find this place. They also have specials on mon-fri only before 1pm.
Isabel L.
Place rating: 3 Los Angeles, CA
This joint is pretty good for a Chinese massage place. I bought a groupon online for three 70 minute massages for $ 99. Some pros about this place– it’s super clean and well kept! The bathrooms & rooms are all spotless & the place looks very professional. The staff are all very nice as well and they speak some English so it’s not a complete language barrier. The only bad thing is the inconsistency of masseuses. The first massage was decent. The second masseuse was pretty good. But the last one I had was not good at all. She didn’t ask what pressure I wanted and she was super light. I asked for deeper pressure and she probably increased it minimally. She didn’t really get any of my knots or tension points. I’m not the biggest fan of Asian massages unless I have no other choice(last minute) or cheap deals on groupon! But I would definitely come here if I had to choose an Asian massage place! Normally it is $ 35 for a 60 minute massage. And they no longer do stamp cards for 9 massage get 1 free :(
Kathleen S.
Place rating: 1 Temple City, CA
I had a hot stone massage and a one hour facial. The massage I give 2 stars. One star for the facial. The massage was very very hard. and rough I had to tell her 5 times to hard. I like a deep tissue massage but this was so hard my chest hurt from like a rub burn. She finally gave me a towel for under my breast. I hate when they say full body and they don’t do your neck or legs. Just the back and back of my legs. For the facial. I never had a facial where they were so rough on your skin. Then every product she put on she got it in my eye area. My eyes are red and itchy now. Ugg. Look elsewhere for massage and facial. The only name I remember is Anna so steer clear. I did not have a Tina like the other reviews.
Satine T.
Place rating: 2 Pasadena, CA
The massage was so bad it was hilarious.
Melissa H.
Place rating: 4 Los Angeles, CA
Since I started working out and running on a consistent basis, I’ve had tightness in my legs and knots in my back/shoulders. Now I try to get massages on a monthly basis to help with the soreness and have looked into different places in the SGV. This place is a great value, especially if you come in for their weekday specials from 10am-2pm, which is $ 10 off their normal prices for a body or combo massage. The first time I went, I opted for the 70 minute combo(40 min body + 30 min foot) for a discounted $ 28. There’s also a 60 minute body massage for $ 25 during the special(but hey, for 3 bucks more, why wouldn’t you go with the 70 minutes??). I got a great massage with Joanna — it hurt so good! She definitely worked out the kinks in my shoulders, which I asked her to focus on. And it really is a full body massage that they give you, from head to toe. I walked out feeling rejuvenated and will be coming back soon!
Miss J.
Place rating: 1 Los Angeles, CA
If I could give this place 0 stars, I would. After writing my first review(see below) I got a very unprofessional response from the owner(English name: Yo-Yo) to write back to me here.(See below for reference). Instead of trying to «make things right» with me or acknowledging her mistakes or faults, she decided to add more insult to her already insulting behavior. Way to go. Very *telling* on how much she values her business and how much respect she has for her customers. What an absolute FAIL.
Lani G.
Place rating: 1 Los Angeles, CA
Major Groupon Fail. I bought a Groupon to this place because it advertised«60 minute hot stone massage» for $ 27 which I could not believe. Well, it did turn out to be too good to be true because about 15 minutes into the worst massage of my life, I asked where the hot stones were and she informed me that the deal I purchased was for 10 minutes of hot stones and if I wanted longer than 10 minutes, it would cost $ 10 more. I immediately agreed to that but I guess the masseuse was not happy I requested more hot stones because she whispered loudly to her co-worker in Mandarin when she brought the basket of heated stones. Once she finished wiping my back with the hot stones, she rested one of the hot stones in the middle of my butt crack. I am not sure why that one needed to be there… I didn’t get my masseuse’s name. Secretly I just wished the hour would go by fast. I asked her to do it softer a few times and she did not ease up at all. Then I asked her to do it «less hard» and she was like«more hard?» Hmmm… seriously!?! I understand that English may not be her first language but if you’re in this business, shouldn’t you at least know the words«softer» and«less hard?»
T.H. H.
Place rating: 2 Pasadena, CA
I wish I had a better experience. This was the first massage I’ve ever received that I’ve wanted it to be over with while I was receiving the massage. The facility itself was clean. I arrived on time and my masseur took me into a room. The room didn’t have a door, only a curtain. This didn’t block out sounds and noises effectively. The massage table had a covering that was similar to a doctor’s office exam table paper. It crinkled and crackled when I laid on top and moved around. The area where I laid my face on was covered with paper towels. My masseur didn’t speak English so my request for the lights to be turned down lower was dismissed. I asked her a question regarding aromatherapy but she didn’t understand so she had to bring in several people before one knew what I was talking about. The massage itself was ok. It wasn’t spectacular, and to be truthful, it was mediocre at best. Overall, the whole experience was mediocre, bordering disappointing.
Kim T.
Place rating: 5 San Gabriel, CA
Oh the pain!!! But man, it feels so good!!! Come to think of it, I probably got a lot of fat cells melted away with Tina’s deep tissue, power, hot stone massage on me, lol! The heat tingled, but it felt so relaxing!!! This lil lady definitely has strong hands and a knack for deep tissue massages. At the end, my body felt light and so relaxed. I can withstand the pain as long as the outcome makes me feel as light as a noodle, lol! It just bums me that whenever Tina starts pounding, that means the massage is done :( As always, I dig this place and love that Yoyo is always so sweet and attentive in ensuring your massage time is wonderful. She even got new stamp card designs. So much better than the other one — it’s brighter and reads clearer. For sure, my favorite Asian spa :)
Caroline J.
Place rating: 4 Los Angeles, CA
It’s not easy to find this place. Services are really good. Price is good if you go before 1pm Monday to Friday. Ask for Hannah, she’s really good for the message.
Jacqueline G.
Place rating: 4 San Diego, CA
My friend loves to massages it’s like her thing and she is always on the hunt for a good deal. Upon my first visit I was thankful it wasn’t just one massive room with tons of ppl getting massages. They have single rooms and rooms for pairts to get massages. It’s set up like a small boutique spa. I use this term lightly given the area and don’t be concern by the outside appearance before entering. All the employees wear like scrubs so you sense there’s a little more professionalism? Really its just aesthetically better that some young kid massaging your feet in a t-shirt and jean. My friend has a punch card so it allowed us the $ 27 one hour massage? That’s not what’s advertised on the pricing list but this is what my friend told me since I just used her punch card. She told me she gives a $ 10 tip. I guess that’s fine cause the original price of massages is like $ 49? This is just based off memory. The place is clean so that’s also a plus. Sure why now if you like the Asian spots for the cheap massages. This definitely seems one of the better ones as long they maintain this status.
Isobel L.
Place rating: 5 Los Angeles, CA
Great value. Very effective massages. Clean environment and friendly staff. What’s not to love? Using Groupon, I’ve had two massages here, first time during a spa day with a friend and second time solo. They have stamp cards and will record the price of your massage at the top of the card so there will be no surprises in the future which is a great deal. Not to mention the free massage after 10! Parking on the street or in the lot behind the building. Call for an appointment.
Sylvia C.
Place rating: 4 Los Angeles, CA
Saw a deal on groupon and then saw the descent reviews on Unilocal so I decided to give this place a try. Initial thoughts. The outside is not too appealing where it will attract people to go inside. So thanks to Unilocalers for posting pictures of the inside that convinced me to also give this place a try. As I walked in, yoyo the owner and a masseuse standing with her greeted me. I asked her about specials and how things work there and she explained everything to me. Yoyo was really nice and professional. Joanne, gets down to business. No small talk or conversations at all so you can relax and enjoy your massage. She massages not a min less or more. So she is on time. She was nice but then again she never really talked. She probably had 4 total sentences with me from start to finish. Ok, maybe just 1. English wasn’t her best but enough to get by and understand my needs which is good enough for me. I explained to her of my lower back issue and she remembers throughout the massage where she would put lots of pressure all over my body and works around my spine. Love that! Downfall: Haven’t got a massage in awhile so I’m not sure if this is the outcome of one. I remembered feeling like play dough after a really good massage but this time, the massage was good in my opinion but then I was so sore the following 2 days? Hmm… guess I will have to try other masseuse and compare the next time. Addendum: So I have tried another masseuse(Lucy) and I like her better. In comparison to Joanne: Lucy asked ever so often throughout massage if the pressure is ok etc. which I like. She has strong hands too but hurts less somehow. She really knows her pressure points and hits the right spots more. Downfall is she is a bit off in consistency such as what she does on your right arm may not be exact(synchronized) to left arm etc. Although its not too off and with the other good qualities she has, I prefer her over Joanne for now. Amy is another favorite. A little softer pressure on the hands if you don’t like too much pressure but if you tell her more pressure, she sure will give it to ya. She also now her pressure point very well. She watches your expression if she sees you uncomfortable, she will ask if it hurts snd need less pressure. VERY sweet, always smiles and says a few more words than others. So she is definitely my go to masseuse at the moment. Maybe not Joanne anymore. Sorry, girl. And the search for more good masseuse keeps going and I will continue to update. So keep checking back on my review if you wanna know about other masseuse I come across. Always happy to share a good masseuse! Ambiance: Descent. Going for the price you pay, comparing dollar for a dollar, then this place is great. From observation, its clean. Price: Very reasonable comparing the many others around. Go before 1pm M-F and they have really good discounts. See fellow Unilocalers photos.
Christine H.
Place rating: 5 Pasadena, CA
I never thought I would enjoy having a little Asian woman straddle me this much! I had the BEST experience here at Emperor Leisure. I was very apprehensive since I never had a massage before, and didn’t know what to expect. I was very nervous to say the least, but the staff and masseurs were very nice and accommodating. There is also parking conveniently located in the back, and in the front. We were taken into our rooms immediately, even though we came in 30 minutes early. I purchased a Groupon for a 60 minute hot stone massage for about $ 25. You do have to disrobe, but you’ll get over the embarrassment quickly since you have a sheet covering you. Once the massage starts, you forget that you’re almost completely naked underneath(they let you keep your underwear on). It was so relaxing! I had been sleeping on the couch at my Mom’s house for a month(recovering from surgery), so I had terrible pains and knots in my back and neck. The massage worked out all those kinks and my back feels soooooo much better. Regular massages are about $ 30, which is an amazing deal since the place across the street charges $ 45. Don’t be fooled by the façade, it is a REALLY nice place on the inside. Very clean and tidy.
Kimberly G.
Place rating: 4 Alhambra, CA
I came here this morning with my cousin for a massage. I had a groupon which included a 70 minutes full body massage with aromatherapy for $ 33($ 65 value). Groupon also had 20% off local deals, so I got it for $ 26.40. We were greeted by the receptionist who was friendly. The only thing I thought was strange was that we had to pay for our massage before getting our massage! I had the Groupon, so I showed it to her to redeem it. My cousin didn’t have a Groupon, so she was prepared to pay for the full price, but the lady was very friendly and offered my cousin the same deal! She wanted my cousin to pay in cash, but she only had a credit card to use, so she used credit. We were also given a stamp card, which offers the same Groupon deal and for every 10 massages you purchase, you get 1 free! The lady also suggested not to buy the Groupon online and just go straight to them for the deal. This is convenient because this Groupon is ALWAYS sold out. We were walked to our separate rooms(we were given the option of being the in the same room or separate rooms). The rooms were very simple, clean, and relaxing with instrumental classical music. There is a drape on the massage table so you can disrobe and drape yourself before your masseuse comes in. My masseuse asked if I wanted medium or hard and I opted for the hard level. It was a very thorough, relaxing massage. My masseuse tried rubbing out every knot without it being too painful. My favorite part of the massage was the hot towels at the end. They used this to rub off all the excess oils from your body so you’re not leaving all oily and greasy. After the massage was over, my masseuse asked if I wanted water or tea, so I got water, which they served me right when I walked out of my room. We tipped our masseuse at the front desk where you can either put it in their envelope with their name or give it to the receptionist to give to them. My only complaint is that my masseuse did not drape me as well as I would have liked, so I felt slightly uncomfortable during parts of the massage. My cousin experienced the same problem with her masseuse. I feel that this should be done properly during every massage. I also did not experience any«aromatherapy» as it stated on the Groupon. Maybe my sense of smell is just bad? Overall: This place is GREAT for an affordable, quality massage. I will definitely be coming back for more massages and to get my stamps on my stamp card for a free massage!
Lance H.
Place rating: 5 Alhambra, CA
I came here because I made a Groupon purchase for a massage here. I wasn’t really sure how good or bad it would be, but the groupon deal was so good I ended up buying three. LOL. I called to make an appointment for a 70 minute aromatherapy massage. I arrived right on time and was greeted by the owner, YoYo. She was extremely friendly and very welcoming. Denise was the lucky one who was fortunate enough to give me my massage. As soon as you go in, they ask you to undress(to your comfort) and lay down on the massage table. Denise then asked what kind of pressure I wanted.(soft, medium, or hard) so i decided on hard. The massage was really nice — hard but not too hard. I had asked her to focus on my back so she spent some extra time there. When it ended. I was miserable. I didn’t want it to end. Safe to say, I have been there several times since. Definitely recommend. Especially if you can get those groupon deals or happy hour from 10am to 1pm(but arrive before 12pm). Their happy hour did go up from $ 20 to $ 25 but that’s okay. Still very affordable. Highly recommend!
Jeanette Y.
Place rating: 4 San Gabriel, CA
YoYo is the person in front and she’s really nice. When she explains the services & prices & times available, she is WHISPERING(in person & on the phone) so she doesn’t disturb any of the other guests. PARKING: you can park right in the front entrance(street parking) or in the back. IF you enter through the back way, be very quiet because you’re passing through the private room massages. Turn your cell phone on silent! We went in expecting to do just a foot massage but when YoYo checked, she saw it was kind of full and wouldn’t have room for both me and my boyfriend. She gave us a little bit of a discount on the body massage so we went with it. ALLYOURCLOTHESNEEDTOBEREMOVED except your underwear. The massage consists mostly of your back. There was a lot of forearm action, some knuckles here and there & a lot of thumbs. She used lotion, oil and hot rocks. And she finishes you off by wiping you with a hot towel. She did 10 minutes of my legs(hardly any feet) and massaged my butt too. She also flips you over to massage your arms and head. The only AWKWARD part is that she folds part of your underwear in so she can get to the meat of your butt LMAO. but trust me, it felt good. Overall, the price was pretty worth it. I will come back again but probably not for the full body. My feet hurt more than my back. Great friendly service and nice massage!