Paris Alexander Day Spa

As a native Washingtonian, I have been to a lot of estheticians in the area. Your skin feels smooth as silk after a facial with Paris.

Look, I am from Atlanta where everybody & their mama is a damn masseuse. So that means you can find black owned massage parlors all over the city. That being said, I’ve been looking for a black owned spa ever since I came back to DC area.
I found Paris Alexander online & decided to give them a whirl. I initially scheduled a 30 minute deep tissue massage just to see if I liked the masseuse/​atmosphere. The spa is GORGEOUS. CLEAN, with a nice atmosphere & soft music playing in the waiting area. The receptionist, Ms. Jackie, asked if I wanted something to drink. Told I her no, considering I had just eaten at Steam Café across the street. Even though I was early, I didn’t have to wait long for my masseuse, Ms. Gladys. When Ms. Gladys came to get me to take me to the room, I told her that she could be as heavy handed as she liked with me.
MMMMAAAANNNNN, about 5 minutes into my massage, I told Ms. Gladys that I wanted to utilize her for an HOUR instead of 30 minutes! LOL! She WORKED all these kinks/​knots out of my problem areas (back, arms, calves & feet). In between moments of bliss/​me becoming a drooling idiot, Ms. Gladys & I chatted. She told me she has been a masseuse for over 20 years…& it shows! :-) She noticed immediately how tight my muscles were too & told me to stretch more often. She had me FLOATING! So much so that I had planned to do a little shopping/​running around after my spa appointment. Girl bye! Ms. Gladys stretched me out so good that all I wanted to do was go home & go to sleep! Alls I know is that I will definitely be trekking over to the spa whenever I can to see her. My body is so appreciative of being pampered again! :-)

Paris was great! One of the best facials I have ever gotten. She catered well to my skins needs and even went longer than my scheduled time to make sure I completed all treatments needed for no extra cost! I highly recommend.

I saw Angelina and she did an amazing job. Felt like a very personalized experience and I’m looking forward to the next one the next time I’m in town.

I had the nicest experience here with Angelina. She is a talented aesthetician, and so kind and sweet. I came out the most relaxed I’ve been in ages and my skin is glowing. I can’t wait to go back!

My husband and I had a massage here on Saturday. The massage was good, but I had difficulty relaxing due to the constant noise from the halls and other rooms. My husband really enjoyed his massage but felt the pressure was a little light. My only real complaint is that I received a gift card for 1 – 60 minute massage including gratuity. And once I paid, less than the value of my massage was on my receipt so I had to pay more for the massage and gratuity and the receptionist just said «our prices must have gone up»…so just don’t expect to go for a relaxing massage you received as a gift and walk out stress free. I would recommend this place for a gentle massage, but not for total relaxation

Went here last week for my birthday massage. It was a great experience. The staff was very professional. Everything started on time. My masseuse Benny was very professional and took his time. The building was very clean, warm and cozy. I felt very relaxed after my Lomi lomi massage and will definitely be going back. I searched for a black owned spa in the area and will be trying to work a spa visit to this salon in regularly. I cant wait to go back! My friend also had a massage and enjoyed her experience also, she was serviced by Minique.

This is a great hidden gem in the DC spa scene. The overall atmosphere is comfortable and a bit homey, but completely professional. Benny was an awesome massage therapist. He is extremely knowledgeable, takes the time to talk to you ahead of your massage to explain his technique and understand your concerns, and also clearly enjoys what he does. It was a great experience and I would love to return for another massage with Benny!

I loved every part it. The male masseuse, Benny, was excellent and was very personable. The atmosphere was calming and I definitely left satisfied. I will be back!

I visited this spa on ¹²⁄₂₉. I was so happy they were able to fit me in the same day, as the woman I usually see at another spa wouldn’t be able to see me until Friday. I went in for a Brazilian wax and boy oh boy. This was definitely, hands down, the worst waxing experience of my life. Even worse than when I tried to give myself one. It was terrible.
First, the room we were in was so hot. I was sweating shortly after getting in there.
Second, the woman who did my wax, I felt, was really unsure of what she was doing.
Multiple times, when she tried to pull the strip, it did not come off clean. Instead it pulled the wax and my skin without coming off, which for anyone who knows, is extremely painful. She would then go over the same area 7 – 8 times, back to back. Each time hurt even more than the last. I had to tell her to put oil on my skin because the wax was pulling it.
Lastly, when I got up to get dressed, there was still a lot of hair left along my bikini line. So yes, after all of the pain I experienced, she did not even get all of the hair off. Not even close. I now have to go home and finish what I paid someone else to do.
Never have I wanted to just walk out of a wax before. I expect it to hurt a little bit, I get them done regularly, but this was beyond anything I have ever felt before. EVER.
I will never be returning to this spa for a wax. I should have saved my $ 60.00 and done it myself. The only reason I gave them two stars was because they were able to see me the same day I requested my appointment.
Ladies beware… do not get any waxing done here.

This place is lovely. Great customer service as soon as you walk in.
Tammy provided my facial and, even though she has to perform some extractions, it was one of the best experiences I’ve had at a spa. She talked to me throughout the process, but never interrupted my ability to relax. She answered any questions and even gave me some skin care homework.
I will definitely return.

I received a deep cleansing facial from Tammy, she comes in on Wednesdays to take extra appointments. It has now been a few days since my facial and I am very happy with it. Tammy was really able to clear up my face and give it a new glow. The only improvement suggestion I have is to provide more detail during the facial about what she is doing, sometimes she was putting stuff on my face that I didnt really know what it was or what for and it would have been nice to know.
She was also knowledgeable about breakouts and ingredients in products to look out for that can cause issues with your skin.
I definitely plan to go back and visit Tammy when my face is in need of some clearing up. Also, I was able to use a Unilocal deal ($ 50 for $ 75, basically you pay $ 50 and get $ 75 worth of service) as a first time user. This was a nice way to try the place out and make sure I like it without spending a whole lot of money.
I disagree with some of the comments about finding the salon and the inside of the salon. It does not matter if they don’t have a huge sign, just make sure you go up to the house with the correct address, when you get closer to the door you will see a sign for Paris Alexanders and then when you walk in its the door to the left. Then as for the inside of the salon, the waiting area was very nice as well as my room, the sheets/​towels on the table did not seem old or dirty, it all looked fine to me. I like the music and my room had the sound of waves crashing on a beach which was very relaxing.

I first went to Paris about a year ago when I tried a Unilocal deal for the basic facial. I was experimenting with different spas to find one that I could go to on a regular basis. I bought deals for 5 different places and set out on my search. Paris was the one I selected as the ‘winner’ of my little contest based on a number of things.
Firstly, the location is pretty central and convenient for me whether I’m coming from home or work. Plus, it’s around the corner from my hairdresser.
Secondly, Paris is a one-​woman operation (apart from her receptionist), and I like supporting small businesses.
Now onto the stuff you care about;
Ambiance: very relaxing, well-​designed, feels luxurious and I always leave feeling refreshed and calm.
Paris: appears to genuinely enjoy her work and takes it very seriously.
Value for money: Facials aren’t cheap, but always feel like they are worth the money here.
Things I’m less than enthused about (but they redeemed themselves);
Surprise add ons: She did once include something extra in my facial that I didn’t ask for without telling me first, but when I expressed my displeasure about paying for extra things, she removed it from the bill. I mean, I’m right there… and although I do sometimes fall asleep during my facials, I’m not in a coma. Wake me up if you recommend something that costs extra, don’t just add it in and assume I’m okay with it.
Scheduling: Hasn’t always been the easiest. They have this system where you pick options online and then they confirm. How about you just tell me what’s available and I’ll choose one? Best just to call and schedule that way. And if memory serves me right, they couldn’t do email reminders. (I travel alot for work and if I’m out of the country, they can’t reach me on my US phone number.)
Scar: I once got a scar on my face (smack dab in the middle of my forehead the day before a big date!) from some overzealous extraction. Truth me told, it was probably enflamed before she touched it, but it got much worse and I left with a huge red mark, which then scabbed and left a scar. I called after reaching home and she suggested I come in for her to treat it. I couldn’t, due to my schedule, and treated with bio oil which helped eliminate it. The next time I visited, she did some magic on the spot and my whole treatment that day was free.
Update (¹¹⁄₁₅): I now only go to Paris in DC. My sister is an aesthetician so she’s my top choice of course, but she doesn’t live in DC. Paris is a very close second. The scheduling has also gotten much better. Very quick response via email and flexible, which is much appreciated.
So, all in all, very positive experiences overall and I would recommend Paris.

First of all, this is one of the best massages I’ve ever had. The pressure was perfect she checked in with me, and she was very thorough. They also fit me in at the last minute.
My only complaints would be that it took a long time to get through the registration process, and I was really oily at the end I would have liked a washcloth or something to wipe down with before putting my clothes back on, particularly because I came after work and was in professional attire.

Paris Alexander Day Spa is a quaint salon tucked inside a house. It’s easy to miss as there’s no ostentatious signage outside of the building.
I was a bit thrown off by how tiny the salon was. It consists of a couple of treatment rooms, a bathroom, and a nail salon in the back. I even glimpsed what looked like a disheveled laundry room on my way to the restroom.
The facial was standard. My esthetician (and owner of the spa) Paris wasn’t chatty, which I liked because I don’t like anything messing with my sense of zen when I’m at the spa. I was fine with all the products she applied to my skin except for the one that smelled like pine-​scented household cleaner. I fell asleep during the facial and was awoken by the sound of someone entering the room and rifling through the drawer. I was completely annoyed by this.
I give Paris Alexander Day Spa a 2.5. I got a decent facial, but my visit wasn’t as relaxing as I’d hoped it would be.

I bought a mini spa day package that came with a massage, facial, and mani/​pedi. The location is convenient and only about a 5 minute walk from the DuPont circle metro stop. When I arrived, I was greeted immediately by the receptionist and my massage therapist promptly took me into the treatment room. Unfortunately my massage was not relaxing at all, and I couldn’t wait until it was over. My therapist took a call on her cell phone about 5 minutes in, while still continuing to proceed with the massage. Unlike any massage I’ve ever received before, she massaged the cleavage area and stomach which sort of skeeved me out.
Next was the facial, I explained my skin type and what I was looking to get out of this service. The procedure was very relaxing, but my face was very red when it was done and the next day, I noticed that blood vessels were broken.
Finally I had the mani/​pedi which was the best part of the package. It was your typical mani/​pedi and the woman who did it was very friendly and my nails looked good!
Based on the positive reviews that Paris Alexander received, I was expecting to have a very relaxing experience. I’m not sure if they were having an off day but it left me very disappointed and I will not be returning or encouraging anyone to visit.

Pure professionalism, welcoming staff, excellent service.
As I was waiting in the reception, I was offered champagne, chocolates, tea, and other little edibles. Paris Alexander did my facial and after my facial she gave me advice on my acne and recommended a few services but did not pressure me, which is something that I like. The massage was great as well.
What I appreciate about this business is the intimacy and the ability to develop a personal relationship with the staff. I look forward to getting monthly facials from Paris Alexander because I believe it is worth it and it is definitely a business that I would love to support any day.

I would give this place a 3.5 but because of the high quality massage I’m rounding up.
Let me break it down:
— Reception = 5 Stars
It is a bit difficult to find this place — it is tucked into a building with other businesses and the signage isn’t visible from the street. I called and the receptionist gave me directions and actually looked out the window and saw me and help me find my way. The reception area is nicely decorated and I highly appreciated the blazing fire on a cold winter night. The receptionist was super nice. I was offered a chair and given paperwork to fill out and then immediately ushered into a treatment room. (+ for no wait!) Additionally, when I checked out and presented my Unilocal gift certificate (for $ 75 toward the $ 135 bill of the massage I got) she was very pleasant about it all.
— Treatment — a 90 minute deep tissue massage = 5 Stars
I can’t remember my masseuse’s name but she really got into my back which was super tight and riddled with knots. And the pressure was PERFECT!
— Subtractions:
— The rooms was a bit cold which takes aways from the relaxing experience. And when I mentioned that it was a bit cold, the masseuse just kind of tucked the covers more around my areas that weren’t currently being massaged — rather than turning the temp up in the room. :(
— The masseuse had he phone on vibrate and it went off multiple times during my massage which was distracting and again took away fromt he relaxing experience. I turn off my phone during spa treatments and I expect the providers to do the same. To me, this is the biggest offense.
— My masseuse was professional, but not super friendly or inviting. Hence, the subtraction.
— It is not an super expensive place but not cheap. With tip, the massage would have been $ 155 if I hadn’t been treated to a Unilocal certificate from my boyfriend.
This all said, I will definitely go again, mostly because the massage was just perfect and my back is still kind of a wreck!

I meant to write this review a year ago.
I went for a massage. The place had pink sheets that looked beyond dated. I just felt uncomfortable overall. Even the masseuse made me uncomfortable.
I went there because of the price being reasonable. This experience was a huge lesson to me that going for a good deal is not always worth it. I won’t be back.

After deciding I need to take the afternoon from work and give myself a well deserved treat, I wen to Paris’ for a manicure & pedicure. This was my first time at their new location and it’s still great service. Paris Alexander greeted me when I arrived and also said goodbye, which I think is a personal touch that many business owners have lost.
The nail esthetician was nice, professional and did an EXCELLENT job with my cuticles (very particular about that kind of thing). The atmosphere was JUST what I needed– quiet and relaxing. They use an amazing scrub on the feet that left my heels feeling like a new born baby! I was very pleased with my service. I hope to return for a facial this month with Paris.
Note– REALLY pay attention to the addresses on the buildings because I almost walked past it because there isn’t really a sign outside, at least not until you walk up the steps almost to their front door.