Massage Envy – Federal Hill

BUYER BEWARE! I scheduled an hour long massage here a few months ago off a referral from a friend. The setting is relaxing and the massage was good, but afterwards when you’re completely relaxed and off guard they trap you into signing up for a monthly service. The two ladies at the desk repeated to me multiple times that I could cancel at any time, no matter what. WRONG!!! You’re locked into a $ 69/​month charge for an entire year. I’ve called them 3 times now asking to get my membership cancelled. The first two times my name and number was taken down, but never called back. The third time I spoke with the General Manager, Jalea. Jalea was rude to me and stated that I signed a contract and couldn’t get out of it. She wasn’t there the day I was tricked into signing up for something but told differently. Total BAIT AND SWITCH. Now I have 3 months of unused massage credits with no end in site. I’m going to put a report into the Better Business Bureau. The girls at the desk probably have a pay incentive to sign people up, so I don’t entirely fault them. I fault the management for ducking my calls then not giving me any credits back nor willing to cancel my policy.
This review would have been a 3 or a 4 if they weren’t crooks.

Having been introduced to the benefits of massage about 40 years ago, I have been rubbed both the right and the wrong way. I joined Massage Envy about 3 years ago and have almost never had a bad massage, some better than others. But I have to raise up the profile of the young woman at ME/​Federal Hill, Jessica Lemon, who just delivered literally, THE BEST MASSAGE I HAVE EVER HAD! Many of the therapists at ME have been exceptional over the years and a few have been fantastic. Jessica Lemon is top-​notch. I was in pain from a repetitive stress injury which has been bothering me for some time. I have been walking with a limp for a week. No longer… Jessica Lemon is a real healer and I will be booking with her again and again.

I have had great massages here but their business ethics are very poor. I signed paperwork to cancel my membership and was still charged, called 3 times and it has still not been resolved. Management seems horrible and unorganized, need some ownership. They can’t manage simple paperwork? did everything on my end, and pressing a button to process seems extremely difficult.

DO NOT GO TO THIS MASSAGE PARLOR!!!
For starters, I got such a bad massage the first time I went I couldn’t move my neck for four days. The manager never called me back. I decided to try them again with a different masseuse because they’re so convenient. However, the customer service at this location is some of the worst I’ve ever seen!
I bought the moneyless package, but scheduling is so difficult I only got to use it twice in eight months.
When I called to let them know I was running five mins late due to traffic (just a courtesy call) they told me a wouldn’t get a full massage than. They also told me I would still be charged for the full massage. And this was my first prenatal massage I was treating myself too.
Rude, unhelpful, uncooperative and horrible. I can not express enough how bad this place is.

My partner and I had an appointment for an hour long, couples, aroma therapy massage. Appointment was at 5PM, we arrived at 4:30PM. Front desk greeted us and handed us a clip board with papers to fill out. I was excited because it asked how light or deep I wanted my massage. It asked if I had any injuries, which I do. It also asked what places on my body needed the most attention.
We were then directed to the waiting room which had a really trippy ocean video on a loop. We waited … and waited … and waited … half hour goes by. It’s now 5PM and people have sat next to us, and been waited on. The ocean video plus the music on a loop went from trippy, to boring. 5:10PM rolls around and we were just about to get up, when Wanda the Spa manager explained that there was a mess up on a couple running over their time and cutting into ours. She apologized profusely and said we would be fully reimbursed for the entire massage. Score! She than said we would only have a half an hour. Oh.
Another gentleman wearing a light blue shirt walked over to us and apologized for any inconvenience. Then he apologized again. Then again. We said okay, and thanked him. He literally just stood there and stared at us for a few seconds in complete silence with a smile on his face. It was VERY awkward. I get that the employees and atmosphere has to be calm, but the staff almost looked and acted like they had their bodies abducted. It was strange.
Finally we are greeted, and taken to our room. Apologized to again. My massage was okay. She did a great job getting deep into my tissue with her elbows. I commend her profusely for that. However, she did not really seem to focus on what I asked her. She just seemed rushed to try and cover my entire body. Let me just say 30 minutes is a tease. As soon as I started to loosen up, it was over.
I’m half asleep and she leans over into my ear and whispers «Id like to thank you Natascha …»
There was a really awkward pause and as soon as I opened my mouth to say «Thank you?» she finished her sentence with
” … for coming in today and letting us help you relax”. They let us keep the lotion bottles.
On our way out Wanda apologized to us again. The whole thing was … very awkward.

I made a 60 min appointment for a massage as a first time customer. After traveling to the mid-​west from NYC for over two weeks, this was my last trip in Baltimore before heading home the next day. Searching all over for a massage spot, this was one that could fit only me, not my friend, in. I was eagerly waiting for my appointment and could not wait! When making the appointment I was asked if I was ok with a man and I am.
I entered the space which is wheelchair accessible and was greeted by the staff quickly. I was told to be seated when I gave my name and a staff member brought me the information I would need to write down. When they asked what I was looking for on that visit I always make sure to write something such as «respect for all body shapes and sizes and a commitment to ensuring I am comfortable.» As a fat person and large-​bodied person (6ft tall for a woman is pretty big for the US) this is important to me as I’ve had way too may experiences with folks not thinking my body deserves respect and care. You know how this goes, folks make assumptions because of how we look.
I was escorted to the waiting area and used the restroom before my appointment. The bathroom is large and the door opens inwards and will easily fit a wheelchair or another person/​attendant as needed. I waiting a little over 5 min after using the restroom. I was greeted by my masseuse whose name I don’t remember and escorted into the massage room.
Rooms are small, my masseuse was taller than I and both of us fit better in certain corners of the room to allow our knees to not hit other items, like the massage table. I don’t mind small rooms as long as the person can move about comfortably and I realize that’s often the case. We discussed what I was looking for and the type of pressure. It was at this time that I was asked about any health conditions, I don’t have any to the surprise of a lot of fatphobic folks (see my review of Planet Fitness) and the masseuse responded to me sharing that by looking away from me and saying «well you need your health.» That was the cloud over the experience. I know when I’m being judged, I know when folks don’t value me or think I am lying. I know from a lifetime of experience. This was one of the only interactions of this nature.
And I’m paying for this so I expect to get quality experiences. He left, I disrobed and looked at the clock before lying down: 3:56pm. The table rises and lowers on its own but is incredibly quiet. This is a nice experience as I’ve been on some tables that are so rusty they are scary. Also helpful for folks who are short or need help getting onto the table if needed. This one I didn’t even realize was moving about much, even if just a few inches. The pressure was what I requested and I did enjoy the actual massage more than I think I expected. What I am still considering is all the sounds my masseuse was making while doing the massage. I get that I’m large, I get that I have a lot of body and I get that folks, when they work, make noises. I’m not critiquing that at all. I’m just left wondering if the sounds my masseuse made were a reflection of their thought about my body and the work they had to put in to do their job, or if this is a usual thing for this masseuse. I’m going to go with the latter as I have no proof except for my wonderment about the reality of their approach.
After the massage was over and I was left to get dressed, I looked at the clock: 4:46pm. Less than an hour for a massage. So I leave and my masseuse gives me a cup of water, shares I’m very tense on my legs and feet, walks me to the front desk, and I thanked him. I am paying for the massage $ 60 introductory rate for 1 hour and am asked if I want to join, I share that I’m not local and that I live in NYC where there are an abundance of options in the area for quality care. I didn’t sign anything and wasn’t pushed to.
I tipped $ 20, so a total of $ 80 for 50 min massage. Was told next time I come to any Massage Envy location I’ll be paying the non-​member rate of $ 120 for a «60 min massage.» That was ok because I don’t plan on returning. Overall it was ok and I left with getting some self-​care and attention. I can’t say if I would ever join such a space as I am not invested in getting massages that I have to pay for every week. But if that’s your jam, this could be a good option for you.

I had a massage with Danielle on March 2^nd at this ME location. She was awesome. And she actually did her best to make it a full hour massage. I understand that with the time blocks you’re only looking at 55minutes best case scenario. And I received that so great! However, ME has been notorious for the 45 minute massage.
Now onto Danielle — I would recommend her for sure. She did a great job working out the knots in my back. And I’m kinda weird in my request — I always ask for like 5 – 10 just on my scalp which was magical. Overall, she did a great job. However, her schedule doesn’t gel with mine very much so we’ll see how it goes in the future. I’m heading back tomorrow for another massage but I’m trying out another masseuse. So we’ll see how that goes.
If you can get Danielle… just do it. you won’t be sorry. lol

I have been a member of massage envy before and had a hard time finding the right therapist for me so I canceled after my 1 year term. Then three years later at a friends gathering I met someone that referred me to Christina at the Massage Envy Locust Point. I trusted her referral and I am so glad I gave Christina a chance. I received a deep tissue massage to follow she told me what I needed to work on where I was tight as well as how I should stretch more to work in harmony with the massage routine. I felt great after my massage. I am so happy and look forward to going to massage envy now. I no longer have that worry or anxiety about finding a therapist I like.

This is the worst customer service ever! Their «membership» is the biggest racket ever. All managers, Wanda and Bridget at front desk are unnecessarily confrontation and ruin the experience entirely. Don’t waste your time.

I was a little nervous trying this place but now I have their membership and love it!!! Super clean place, great customer service, I have had 3 different who were all good.

So, I went back… I could not turn my neck without pain for 11 days so I had to try something… and this worked this time. I had a therapist named Steve and he worked that neck — shoulder blade — arm, and whatever else out, and when I got up I could move my neck WITHOUT pain. I didnt need a full body I needed help and I got it. I ended up buying a membership and I saw Steve again he continued to work my problem area with neck tension this time I did not have headache relief I hoped for but I did feel better in the tension spot. So I will keep coming back.

Unhelpful not to mention high pressure to join a membership with a prohibitive contract. All the sass and therapeutic environment of your local Baltimore DMV.

I had a massage with Ursula for 60 minutes. I’m a Swedish type of gal, she used the perfect amount of pressure. She targeted my problem areas and said «I’m going to iron you out». The wise one suggested the next session with her a 90 minute session to get rid of those crunchies I have in my back especially rhomboids and trapezius muscles. The aromatherapy I had added on was Rosemary and Mint, a dynamic duo of energizing and clarifying.

Treated my sweetheart to a massage for his birthday, he loved this place! He has a neck injury from a car accident, and they really took the edge off of his pain and stiffness. They were so kind on the phone when I could not find the location.

I have been a Massage Envy member since 2009 when the introductory price of a 1-​hour massage was $ 39. Since then, prices have gone up by $ 20 but the quality of work is still the same. Back in my hometown of Southern California, I had a regular therapist who I absolutely adored. His name is Steven and he used to work at the Orangecrest location (he now works in Rancho Cucamonga). He gave wonderful hot stone massages and always applied the right amount of pressure during his massage which left me feeling relaxed for the rest of the day.
It took me awhile to find the right therapist at the Locust Point location but I did find one in Minh. I like my massages to be extra firm especially in my shoulder area because I carry so much tension there. Minh does an excellent job of massaging out my knots and any tension I may be having.
The reason this location was not given 5 stars was due to the quality of therapists. It took me a year to find the right one. I think I’ve tried almost everyone. Also, I had scheduled an appointment for a couples massage for Valentine’s Day and they never booked the appointment. I had to reschedule and ended up getting one of the worst massages I’ve ever had. I asked the male therapist for a firm massage and I ended up getting a massage that felt like he was stroking my back with a feather! My boyfriend had a similar experience where he asked for medium firmness and ended up with deep tissue. We should’ve switched therapists!
Despite these minor mishaps, I still thoroughly enjoy going to Massage Envy for my massages, it just depends on the location.

I have never had a bad experience at any Massage Envy. The only reason I didn’t give them 5 stars is just because I think they’re too expensive.
Ask for Glynn. He’s the best! He loves what he does and it really shows.

I was looking for a place to go get a massage with one of my girlfriends. We saw the amazing introduction prices Massage Envy offered so we went for it.
My massage was good. But not great… but I was open minded and decided to sign up for the monthly plan. (I work on my feet all day and need relief).
I continued to try new people every time. I went having a so-​so experience until i experienced MINH!!! Minh is amazing. I enjoy a deep tissue massage and he was not afraid to go for it and get in those knots in my back.
He always asks me where my problem areas are before each session. He is without a doubt the best massage therapist I have ever seen. He is very knowledgeable and isn’t afraid to tackle someone with an athletic build… or someone who has serious spine issues.
The front desk people are also really great! Whenever they call to confirm they are always super nice. They all know me by name now and greet me as soon as i walk in the door for my appointment. I have been a loyal costumer of Minh’s and Massage Envy’s now for over a year. And I plan to continue!

After presenting my concerns to management they fit me into their books. The issue I had was the massage I received was a deep tissue. They went a little to deep. As result I had a 4 inch by 2 inch bruise but a week following the massage that specific bruised region still hurt as if the injury just occurred. I had to seek medical care at John Hopkins who informed me the massage was conducted incorrectly and nerve was injured. Sometimes going cheaper is not the way to go. I cannot fault the business as a whole for we all know one person doesn’t make the company but I still won’t raise my review past 3 stars.

I started going here when a friend told me about there new location and affordable prices. Once I heard that I was in and my body has thanked me ever since. For your first massage you can receive the intro price which is a win win. As soon as you hit the door the staff are hospitable and professional. They offer great hours so it extremely convenient. The place is very clean and the atmosphere is therapeutic with a waiting area in the back for you to get ready for a massage that will take you to heaven.
I had received a full body massage from Danielle who is phenomenal! She was pleasant, makes you feel relaxed and comfortable. She really focuses on the areas you want worked on and recommends other areas that could use some work as well.
At the end I was very pleased when paying because the staff didn’t try to up sale for another visit or a package deal. They simply want you to enjoy the experience hassle free. Believe though once you go here once you’ll be back because the service doesn’t disappoint!

My girl treated me to a massage this weekend. The last time I had a massage, it was over 10 years ago while I was on a ski trip with some friends.
I don’t know why I didn’t go back then, and I don’t intend to make the same mistake twice now.
Massage Envy is located in Baltimore down off of Key Highway in one of those new developments. Its clean, modern, and the staff are extremely professional.
I received a full body massage, but my therapist asked if I had any areas that were more sore or tense than normal. I replied no and that a general session would do.
She indicated for me to undress to my comfort level and left the room to allow me the privacy to do so. The beds are sanitized after each session and fitted with new coverings so no worries about other germs or anything like that.
Once covered, my therapist returned and did my upper and lower back, upper and lower back of my legs including feet, then allowed me to turn over and did the front of my legs, my arms and upper chest and neck. The entire session took one hour, and the introductory session was only $ 48. Subsequent one hour sessions are $ 98, but there’s a membership you can buy that cuts the price in half. It’s $ 59 a month though, so make sure you get at least one massage a month (which is included).
Another important point to note about Massage Envy; they are part of a chain of about 700 – 800 nationally, and they take your Flexible Spending Account because they are listed as a wellness center. That’s a nice plus.
I can’t wait to find the Massage Envy here in New York and make my next appointment.