Serenity Day Spa

I have been going to Serenity Day Spa in Old Town for a few years now… I have heard others complain about the changing room. It is small and would be awkward if there were more than 2 – 3 people in there at a given time, but most times I am the only one in there. It is always very clean. The front desk staff has always been very friendly and professional and my services always start on time. All things that are important to me. My go-​to guy for massage is Reggie. LOVE him. He is very soft spoken, asks if there is a particular area to work on and then works on it, uses great pressure (which I like), but checks in for feedback. Overall, just a great massage therapist. I have had the micro dermabrasion twice and have been very satisfied with the results. My skin is truly glowing afterwards. I have also had regular facials and the only complaint there is the attempted up-​sell with products at the end. I do recall getting a pedicure there years ago. I forget the details but was basically charged for a regular pedi but only received an express (the difference being the leg massage.) I didn’t realize it until I went to pay and when I brought it up, they did offer to give me a credit, which was fine since I’m a regular customer.

Waited too long to post my review. From the minute you arrive the customer service spoilness (made up word) begins. Friendly staff! Clean venue! You immediately feel the sense of relaxation. They knew who we were right away. While you wait in your robe and slippers for your masseuse we sat in the guest lounge and drank our own brought Remi Martin vsop and enjoyed the «serenity «of the environment. The massage was phenomenal! We took advantage of their partnership with the health club and relaxed in their jacuzzi and sauna after the massage. Total experience was true serene and romantic.

First of all, the place was very tranquil. Being a brand new client I felt very at home. I walked in and was greeted by a young lady who immediately escorted me to the locker room where there were robes, slippers, and a locker with a key to choose from. From there I was escorted to the waiting room which was beautiful and open. I didn’t have to sign any forms or pay prior to the session.
I was seen by Reggie this evening and WOW he was great. I booked the appointment via email yesterday and they emailed back within the hour and scheduled me the next day! It was a 25 min (which ended up being 30 minutes) symptom relief for lumbar support (for my sciatica). His knowledge on my condition was refreshing because I knew I was going to be in good hands (pun intended?). Reggie called me by my name throughout the session which I thought was comforting and professional. He didn’t talk too much which was nice– when he did it was only to see how the pressure was.
After the session he met me at the door and told me a good old fashion home remedy for my sciatica and a contemporary remedy. All in all I will DEFINITELY go back and I HIGHLY recommend serenity!

My boyfriend booked us a couple’s massage and included a facial for me. Reggie and Natasha gave us the best massages and Poy gave me an amazing facial. Felt so relaxed and refreshed when we left!

I went to Serenity Day Spa on 4÷1÷15.
I had my nails and eye brows done in preparation for my wedding ceremony. I took a bit of risk having never been to Serenity Day Spa. I heard they offered a discount to Sport and Health members so I decided I take the risk.
The manicure was fine but not spectacular. It is nice that that you receive your service (s) in a private rooms. However, I don’t think it is worth the upcharge. My spa manicure was over $ 30.00. The majority of nail places will charge you that for both your nails and feet. My manicurist was very professional and I understand the pricing structurer had nothing to do with her. If I was just rating my nail experience I would be giving Serenity Day Spa 2 stars because like I said the little additions like the separate rooms is not worth the upcharge.
I am bumping up my rating to 4 stars because of my eye brow waxing experience. My esthetician may have been the best if not one of the best I have ever been to. I felt almost no pain and my eye brows looked great when I was done. I also think the products she used to sooth the itching were a lot better than what I had experience in the past. If the services were not so expensive at Serenity I would definitely be back.
I also have to mention I think the private rooms and professional staff would make this a nice place to have a spa party with some girlfriends. I looked at their menu and although would consider it think the price point is too expensive for me. If it is not for you I suggest you consider it.
In a nutshell great place for waxing services and possibly spa parties but not budget friendly.

My wife and I have both had massages here, and the service has been very good. That, though, has been undone by the unimaginative, backward thinking around online booking. Two stars may seem severe; hopefully it draws management attention to an easily-​fixed glitch in their marketing.
I sought to open an online booking account (with personal info and CC information on file) so that I could surprise my wife by booking a weekend massage for her now and then. Oops – her contact information has be on file, with her email/​phone. The whole point is the surprise factor for her, which is why I don’t want her contact info in the online account. No can do, they tell me. There may be some reason for this, but when I asked, I wasn’t given any practical explanation, and I’d have expected to pay for a no-​show (had their concern been that A might erroneously make an appointment for B, and B becomes a no-​show – wasn’t told this was a concern). I was told that «It’s our policy.» Yes. Of course it is.
I was trying to find a way to conveniently give this business money, and they’re getting in their own way. Nothing is more off-​putting than a business that refuses to be smart enough to build itself. Hopefully I’ll find a place with the same high level of service – and a more entrepreneurial, customer-​focused approach.

I’ve always gone to this spa and I love it. As soon as you walk in, you feel super relaxed. It’s just the perfect size and not crazy, busy or loud like the others. Serenity lives up to its name.

I’m actually posting this for my girlfriend who doesn’t have FB & flies below the radar.
Here goes: «Gift card buyers or receivers to Serenity Day Spa, beware! My friend gave me a gift card for a classic pedicure and then, life happened. Got so busy I had no «me» time. When I finally went in for the pedicure, I was told when I tried to redeem the card that it had expired. Silly me, I hadn’t looked on the BACK of the card, which was tucked into a slot inside a paper gift card, to see an expiration date. Ahem, can you say «deceptive business practice?» I offered to pay the difference, if anything, between the current and past price — the fair thing to do. Nope, I was told that I would have to pay the full amount of the pedicure, $ 45. So, at this point, Serenity Day Spa has been paid twice for the service (plus the tip, which I paid in cash in a separate envelop). I asked that the manager to review the situation, and a couple of days later they called me to let me know that they were pleased to refund me $ 10. That still means they got paid $ 80 instead of $ 45, which explains the reason for this review. I’ve been given gift cards to other spas, and none of them ever had expiration dates. The people running this place are more interested in profits than in fairness or customer service. Who cares about their services and atmosphere when the management has no business ethics? I’ll certainly never go back again.
My girl friend is from N.C., so she is very nice. I will add «shame on you Serenity Day Spa». I guess you don’t understand that the way a business stays in business, is to keep their customers happy. Good luck staying in business. Bad ownership and bad management. Bad Bad Bad… specially in today’s business climate…
Amy O., try the Sugar Shack… It blows the No Serenity Day Spa out of the water…

Love it here! Everyone is super friendly and professional. Getting your nails done? See Yesley — she is simply amazing! This mani pedi may cost more than other places but WELL worth the experience and TLC given. The massage is fabulous and look forward to our chats! I haven’t done other spa treatments yet but stay tuned!

Two not great experiences here. Started going because they have a deal with my gym, but I haven’t been impressed.
First experience was an okay massage with a very chatty massage therapist.
The second, the WORST bikini wax of my life (hence the 1 star). The wax was way too hot, I mentioned it, it was slightly adjusted. The technician commented that my skin was getting extremely irritated, I looked to her for what to do: she said «it’s probably fine, we’ll just keep going.» It was not fine, it took me a week and a half to recover, I was so sore and had terrible bumps and irritation.
I’ll go back to getting bikini waxes at my regular place, even if it is further away.

I’ve been coming to Serenity for several years now and love it. I’ve had several different kinds of treatments here from scrubs, pedicures, facials, and hot stone massages. They have all been wonderful. Lida and Samantha are excellent for facials and the facials are amazing (microdermabrasion, oxygen, vital-​C). I also hosted a spa party here for a 40^th bday and the staff was very easy to work with. They have a special room in their spa waiting room that can be reserved for parties and provide food and champagne. The prices are very competitive and the spa and employees offer a refreshing change from the typical stuffiness of most DC spas. Definitely keep this hidden jewel in mind the next time you are looking to pamper yourself.

First, let me say that nail technicians I’ve had here are great and I was really hooked on the magic of Yesly in particular. However, after the outright rude and abysmal customer service I received today I won’t be going back.
A month ago I booked pedicures for my mom and I as part of her 65^th birthday celebration day. When we arrived the salon, the girl said that they had booked us for a different date and unfortunately they didn’t have any openings. She was only slightly apologetic, and didn’t offer to call other salons in the area for us, or offer any other assistance. So we had to go back out in the pouring rain and find another salon that could help get my mom’s birthday back on track.
Fast forward to today when I was willing to put that disappointment behind me and give them another chance. I called to book a pedicure, and asked that in light of my last experience, would they be willing to extend some sort of discount. (Honestly an apology and 15% would have made me happy) — But alas, I got a flat out «No.» Not even a «so sorry to hear that!». Just a big fat «NO». I asked to talk to the manager, and the girl replied that she was the manager. So I continued to explain how their screw up had almost ruined my mom’s birthday and the least that they could do was offer a small discount to a regular customer. She continued in the same indifferent tone «Please hold while I check your account». Now, as a fellow local business who also handles the occasional disgruntled customer — we practice the policy of our customer is always right and we actually enjoy turning someone’s bad experience into a positive one where they feel validated and we impress them by actually caring about their concerns. I guess this is becoming more rare in this day and age. But apparently, that is not the practice of Serenity. It shouldn’t have mattered what «my account» looks like or how much I spend there — the mere fact that they messed up and I was giving them the chance to keep me as a customer should have been a no brainer. After a 3 minute hold, the lovely manager got back on and flatly said «I’m not aware of the situation, but I can give you 10%». I just told you the situation!!! And still, you are not at all apologetic. After telling her that she’d be doing the right thing because I am local too and refer MANY people to Serenity, she gave a completely unaffected «Ok.» Which is when I finally gave up on her realizing the power of redemption and promptly cancelled my pedicure and any possible future visits.
Now I’m not a frequent Unilocal-​er because I do believe in giving businesses the chance to correct their mistakes. But being treated like I don’t matter is not my idea of good customer service, and people who just don’t care shouldn’t be in the service industry. Time to find a new salon who appreciates their clients!

Relaxing and wonderful. My nail technician really took her time and did a wonderful job. Would definitely come back!

I’m still a fan. I recently got a gift card and decided to use it towards a massage here. The relaxation lounge has been redesigned since the last time I was here. More seating, updated design. Still wished they updated the layout of the retail area in the front, but whatever… The service was well-​needed. Reggie was awesome, but I’m sure all the therapists are great. Weekday mornings are best when it’s not too busy. I wish they had more 50min-​massage specials though. Serenity had a groupon that didn’t include this location… I was kinda sad. *tear*

I give 5 stars for the service, cleanliness and Appointment scheduling running on time. Very easy to make an appointment. What I give one star for is the actual service I received. I had eye lash extensions put on. Which is a pricey and time consuming procedure. The women who did it gave off the vibe that she is very good at applying lashes. Needless to say five hours later– numerous lashes have fallen off (should stay on up to 2 – 4 weeks). My eyes are sore and ache from her tugging and pulling (should be a pain free procedure). Needless to say my money was returned. But this women SHOULD NOT be applying anyone’s lashes. She seemed rushed and i felt that her next appointment was her top priority since my appointment was running out of time.

The interior of Serenity Day Spa is quite lovely and they’re a full service spa, which means they offer hair, nail, massage, facials, and services like microdermabrasion and injectables.
I’ve had 2 microdermabrasions and a facial done here, and I won’t be returning. My skin is not acne prone at all, but every time I’ve had a service done, I’ve had at least one massive zit erupt immediately afterwards. Because I have an olive complexion, I tend to hyperpigment, which means at least a few weeks of peels and exfoliation to remove the resulting scar.
I had my last microdermabrasion (I had bought 2 because they had a special; otherwise I would probably not have returned after the first service), and now have a giant zit on my cheek, in a spot where I’ve never gotten acne before, as a result.
I don’t know if it’s the aesthetician’s methods, the products they use, poor sanitation, or what, but I’ve gotten microdermabrasions, chemical peels, and facials at several other area spas and have never, ever had this problem before.
This is so unusual for my skin, and it’s happened each time I’ve had something done there, so I’m certain that it’s something about their products or their employee’s methods that caused it.

Reviewing massage only:
I have been twice to see, highly rated, Ginger for a massage. Both times I was left underwhelmed by her technique and I didn’t feel relaxed or well cared for. She seemed standoffish in her techniques, especially since she starts off with massage the shoulders through a thick blanket. Haven’t had a desire to go back since.

There are a lot of things I love about Serenity Day Spa. Sam gives amazing facials. Erin does great massages. Once I get in the door, I enjoy the services very much. But it’s simply become too frustrating to schedule an appointment!
There are more things that are frustrating and, let’s face it, frustrating is not what you are looking for in a day spa. Over the past year, I have had a ridiculously difficult time attempting to book appointments. The front desk is a certifiable disaster.
My husband gave me a gift certificate for a full spa day — 80mn massage, facial, lunch, extended manicure/​pedicure. I was thrilled. However, it took me a solid two months to schedule with the spa. Every single time I attempted to do so, they attempted to book me for the half day treatment. My husband had already pre-​paid for the full day treatment. Yet every single time, they contradicted me and gave me attitude when I asked them to double check the system.
Finally made the reservation. Excellent. Requested a day off work, as I never did get a Saturday appointment to fit in. Three days beforehand, they call and tell me they have to cancel my appointments because the girl who was doing my facial had to go to a training. I booked a solid month in advance. I was incredibly frustrated, particularly when they rebooked me without consulting me regarding my schedule. I had to leave multiple voicemails for the spa coordinator to get everything straightened out. I finally had my spa day and it was great, but I needed one after all the stress of booking it!
When my husband tried to book me the same package again using their online reservation system, no one ever got back to him. Two days later, we found out why: their own automatic contact form email address was wrong. When I called to try to let the spa coordinator know — and perhaps book some treatments with them — her voicemail was non functioning.
Serenity Day Spa does a great job of making it difficult for you to give them money.
As I said, the treatments are nice. The massage tables are heated and the actual spa services staff has always been great. There’s a nice relaxation room, although it’s for both genders. There’s no hot tub, sauna, steam room, shower area, etc. The mani/​pedi rooms are actually sort of gross and awkward.
I ended up scheduling my second day at Lansdowne. It was the same price and a much less stressful experience.
Re: comment from Serenity
Yes, I do love the spa techs at Serenity. And I had a great day. But it took months and months to make that happen — and it wasn’t an isolated incident. My time is valuable, too, so I’ll be going somewhere I can make an appointment at MY convenience — not theirs.

I came here for the essentials package. Massage, facial, mani and pedi.
The customer service was great. Everyone spoke to you in a confident, yet relaxed manner appropriate for someone who’s about to spend an hour touching you in ways you don’t let most people touch you.
Everything was impeccably clean, so it was nice getting changed into a comfy robe and slippers in the locker room before I got to pamper myself with all the services.
The quality of the services were great. Each technician was very good at what they do.
While this may be on the pricey side of things, I can see why you pay extra for it. It really is a spa feeling, and you walk out feeling rejuvenated and beautiful.

I’ve been going here for more than 10 years, mostly for massage. As a guy going to a spa it’s easy to get a creepy icky vibe. Guys know what I mean. There’s a lot of spas that have this gaggle feeling where everyone is sort of jammed into the waiting area together and it’s … ewwww. Don’t Look At Me. I Don’t Know You. Hey, we’re all a little vulnerable in a towel and robe.
Booking is a little tougher for guys as there’s a narrower range of male massage therapists. Personally, I really did prefer when Marc was working downstairs and did massage in the room adjacent to the men’s locker room in the gym. I could skip all the fru fru upstairs entirely. Seriously, ladies. Not interested.
Once you check in at the front desk, you get waved back to the men’s locker room to change. Lockers with keys, of course. Towels, robes and flip flops are provided. Personally, I keep shorts on. It’s Virginia, hey. Then you head down the hall to the waiting area and there’s usually no more than one or two people also waiting.
Usually, I’m getting a 90 minute deep tissue massage. I have never had a facial, manicure or pedicure. I’ve bought quite a few gift certificates over the years. One wish list item I’ve had from the ladies is they wish this location did hair, but they don’t.
They are very accommodating of circumstances beyond your control, but only if you communicate promptly. I had the experience of having my fuel pump explode on my way over once. I was fairly close by, but that’s not the kind of thing where you just ditch the car on King Street and wave down a taxi. So, I called and explained. They were very understanding and didn’t give me sturm and drang about the cancellation policy. Perhaps it’s also because I’ve been going there for many years, too.
As a guy, one of my favorite things is after the massage I like to go downstairs afterwards and use the gym. If you’ve spent the minimum amount of $ 200 or so, the gym will give you the equivalent of a day pass. I already have my own gym membership, but its a muscle head gym and doesn’t have fripperies like steam. So, after a hell of a great massage I like to sit in some steam. Double damn awesome.
My only complaint is I wish my massage therapist had control over the music that’s played in the therapy room. I don’t like the crystal charging new agey crap at all. A little blues would be way better for me.
Still, I continue to go and have no complaints and consider this a great place to give as a gift. Oh — and check out the nice luxury skin care and shaving products for men. They don’t suck and beat the heck out the gak sold by Ulta.