Serenity Spa

I think and I want to believe I really got a bad therapist.
I came here twice and I had an amazing massage first time I came in.
But, second time was the WORST of WORST massage I ever got.
I came in here SOOOOO tired, I just wanted to relax and have a good massage.
But I ended up having bruises on my shoulder and some scratches on my back from a therapist’s nail. And I still have stiff shoulders and back somehow…
Even few days later, my shoulder hurts really bad.
I expected some bruises for deep tissue massage but not this much…
So, I decided not to tip him but he followed me after I got out of store and asked me a tip.
I was nice enough, tired to think and wanted to get away so I gave him all 1 $ that I had in my wallet. (It was $ 3). I know it wasn’t enough but I could not tip him more because of his quality.
He saw my $ 3, he took it and left with a super disappointed face.
Sorry, man. That’s what you deserve.
Seriously disappointed this time. I know I had an amazing massage here before but I will never going to come back because I don’t wanna deal with that therapist ever again.
Sorry for rating the store really bad. I just had to do this.

Came here about a week ago with my mom.
My massage therapist knew how to work the shoulders and thighs which is difficult for sure given my tense muscles.
The place is pretty busy with a lot of clients and therapists even late at night when we went around 9 pm.
My mom had a horrible massage she later told me. The massage therapist only worked her back and didn’t move onto other basic areas like her shoulders, neck, legs. I heard her request him to do so from the room next door. He replied, there was no time to do so. A one hour body massage doesn’t have time for anything but the back? Okay…
All in all, it’s a convenient location to get a massage. It’s a toss up if you manage to get a good massage or a bad one. Make sure to ask for the name of the massage therapist you like. That way, it’s not a gamble.

Normally, I prefer bone-​crunching, neck twisting, and «oh my gosh» type of massages. I’d suggest Serenity is not one of those places where you get these hardcore massages. I did a walk-​in late Wednesday afternoon and the place wasn’t busy. I was greeted by a masseuse named Coco. She guided me to a seat first. I sat down and first soaked both of my feet into a wooden barrel filled with hot water. I paid $ 45 for 60min body massage (bed) and 30mins of reflexology. Other than the lady kept on asking me every ten to twenty minutes if I was either ‘okay’ or ‘more hard (more pressure),’ I must say the overall treatment was on point.
The owner charges $ 2 for any credit card transaction and the business only accepts Visa/​MasterCard. There are many parking spots towards the rear of the building. Do follow the speed limit (library, park, city hall, police station, fire department) as there are multiple cop cars strolling around.

This spot is amazing. Great prices, and really nice staff.
As soon as you walk in, it’s quiet and everyone is whispering to keep the spot relaxing with the soothing sound of waterfalls. They offer you hot tea/​water and if your in jeans they give you shorts to change in to be comfortable.
I’ve gotten the 60 min body + 30 min foot and it was great. I have tight back and the girl was able to loosen me up and massage all my knots out.
The second time I’ve gotten 30 min body + 60 min foot. They start of with pressure points from the bridge of your nose to your forehead to your head, working to your shoulders then proceeded to my feet for an hour, I think I fell asleep at some point lol, whoops! The man who was working on me was gentle and I asked him for more pressure and he did with no problem.
I bring my mom here and we’re really weird about other people touching us but these masseuse are professional and make you feel comfortable which is rare to find at massage spots.
Don’t forget to tip them good, they work hard. On busy days as soon as the masseuse is done with you they head over to the next person.
Monday mornings are pretty empty, if you come late at night they get a little packed.
Free parking in the back.

This massage place exceeded my expectation. I went in for a foot massage and I liked that they give you a back and facial massage. I am pregnant so my feet hurt and swell and this is perfect for me to come and relax. I can’t complain with the prices.

Super clean and spacious. Exactly what you need, esp as a last minute booking. Price is shockingly good.

I had an absolutely terrible experience. It began as I specified what type of massage I wanted, and the hostess telling me no, she thinks I should get 30min body+30min foot. I told her no thank you, I’d like just upper body massage. She agreed, but pushed the 1hour; I gave in.
I’m sill hopeful as the massage began, but that went south quick! The massage was far too intense even after I asked for less pressure, in about 5 different ways! (I wish I spoke their language). I had you stop him and ask to cut it to 30min because it was too painful. He said okay, but kept going. My pleading grunts, and ‘ouches’ weren’t enough! This man just didn’t get it until I got up and said «massage over!» He proceeded to try and pat my back to lay down and I said, «No more. No touch!» I can’t help but laugh now, however I was sincerely in pain, and upset. Then when I told the hostess what happened, she apologized for his poor English, and asked if id leave a tip. Wow. Serenity spa took my serenity away! Find any other place to go to people!

I’ve been coming here pretty frequently, prices are decent. I usually get the deep tissue massage and JACK is probably the best one. I’ve had my massages from others (one lady was incredibly rude and lingered around me waiting for her tip) as well and they weren’t nearly as good as he was. I have backaches and he usually gets the exact spots that feel tense.
I would highly recommend Jack!

**UPDATE**
My friends and I feel bruised the next day, please steer clear of this place and don’t be fooled by the reviews on here.
— — –
I don’t know how this place has 4 stars. I came with a few friends and we all walked out disappointed with our massages.
We decided to try this place because it was close by our houses and it had decent reviews… we soon found out it was a mistake.
2 of us got foot massages and the others got body massages, neither of them was worth what we paid. I decided to get a one hour foot massage. It was more like a rub down and then excruciating pressure on the head massage portion. I asked the masseuse to apply more pressure on my legs and feet but I couldn’t feel anything through the gloves she was wearing, it was just really uncomfortable. She also massaging my shins constantly, there is nothing to massage on my shin, it was my calves she should’ve worked on.
They also don’t remove the towel they dry your feet off with, so your legs are laying on a soaking wet towel throughout the feet/​legs portion which gets the cushion wet as well. I’m pretty sure that’s not sanitary.
I’ve been to other Asian massage establishments and this is by far the worst massage I’ve received. I’m not even going to come back to try out another masseuse because my other friends told me their massages weren’t good either. I really wanted this place to work out because it was close to home):

Very good foot massage (also includes back and shoulder) in a relaxing environment. One of the best I’ve had in LA.

Called in and asked if they do prenatal massage and the guy in front said yes. I was so happy and hoped they would do a good job so that I can come back regularly. My body is aching because of the pregnancy… I got the 60 mins body and 30 mins foot. The lady who worked on me obviously didn’t know how to perform prenatal massage. She rubbed up and down my back for 30 mins and then touched my arms, and forehead for 15 mins or so. YES, I said TOUCH, she didn’t even apply any pressure. The rest of the time she worked on my foot, and she used rubber glove which was very irritated. HEY, I paid for 60 mins body!!! And I don’t need you to touch my foot for 45 mins. I told her I need more pressure and she just kept doing her thing. Well, never come back!

My girlfriend asked me to try this place out if its worth going. I just finished. Above average. Good environment. The lady who worked on me had good thorough techique for foot massage. Its $ 20 plus tip. They have othe combos packages that add time and such but i am pretty traditional in having a stand foot massage.

From 4 stars first visit to not even deserving 1 star on the second. I will not be back!!!
As soon as my therapist touched me I knew I should have gotten up and left. He started the massage without lotion. A dry back rub. Does he not realize how irritating to the skin that would be? So I asked for oil which he proceeded to drown me in. 3 application of oil until I was soaked. He then rubbed up and down up and down up and down with his elbow for a half hour only stopping to press hard on my kidneys or slam the elbow on my spine. I think somehow these places are skipping or lying to the state about passing the mandatory 500 hours of massage training. This guy is seriously going to hurt someone. I wouldn’t be surprised if my spine isn’t bruised and my kidneys bleeding.
Massage did come with complimentary coughing on my back. I do mean ON my back. Gross.

There was a few of us who went to get a reflexology. It was very quiet and dim and relaxing. However one of the masseuse for my sis was working the front desk and kept cutting into the massage time. Overall I had Gene and she was great but the pressure on your back is rather too much and a lot of pressure, almost to the point that your neck goes into the chair. I wish they worked more into our knots. But for the price it was not too bad. Only thing they need to work on that was mentioned in other reviews is that they need to make sure someone else works the front instead of the masseuse. Overall I’ll be back to visit only if Gene was working.

I got a massage from the guy who was working the counter. He was massaging me WHILE he was checking people in and out, which was terribly annoying and stressful. I got the 30min body 60 min foot massage. The body massage was just full of force pressing down on my body and back, but not working on my knots or problem areas. Their massage sofa has this raised bit in the neck area that chokes you when you’re faced down and he is pressing so hard down on you.
They wear rubber gloves when giving you a foot massage, which feels really uncomfortable and weird.

I’ve been to a lot of foot massage in 626, but this one is by far the best. They pay attention to the details which is why they deserve 5 stars. The quality of the massage was amazing. It was really quiet, unlike other foot massage place where they talk over you. It’s not crowded. Lastly, they focus on you being relaxed instead of finishing up the hour. I highly recommend this spot if you’re looking for a massage in the SGV.
Quality of the massage ⁵⁄₅
Tranquility ⁵⁄₅
Price 4.5÷5

For $ 20, you can order the «one hour foot massage» which also includes a massage of your head, shoulders, back, and legs. If you actually order body work, they really dig in there, but with the $ 20 massage, you get an overall rub down that is just as good. Just make sure you tell your therapist if you want a hard, medium, or soft touch.
This is a Chinese business, but they speak English here and take reservations over the phone. The staff is incredibly nice and helpful.
The main setting is a large room with different massage chairs in rows. It’s a cool place to go with your friends because you can all get treated at once in the same space. Serenity is not a fancy spa like a Burke Williams, but it’s elevated above most foot massage parlors in the area.
There are also private massage rooms available.
Plenty of free street parking.

Yes it’s clean but massage was OK
I felt rushed. And I never got thank you for tipping him.

Great quiet place to get a quick or long massage to suit your needs. My mom and I each got the $ 25 30 minute hot stone body massage and it really did the trick.
Minimal English from our massage therapists, but as long as you can say «soft», «medium» or «hard» and speak up if anything is a problem, then you are set!
A great price and very courteous staff. Thanks!

Their current price is $ 20/​hr, an increase from 15 $ from last year. It was probably one of the best foot massages I’ve had, and I’ve been to several of them. It was not painful in any way, and I normally like med-​hard pressure. They start with you lying down on your back and work on your face, head, and neck. The pressure was perfectly on point. The guy I had didn’t put a lot of pressure too far forward on my neck, that some places tend to do. Also, some places have you start sitting up, and I don’t like those as much. The pressure was perfect, and I think they pay attention to your reactions, because I was wincing a little bit, and the pressure quickly became slightly softer. Similarly, as soon as my foot retracted away (from it hurting), the guy I had stopped abruptly slowed down and applied less pressure. Huge plus!
The foot massage part is the part I look forward to most. I felt like they spent a lot of time on your feet, or maybe I was just sleepy and it felt like a long time. Either way, it was pure bliss. Some places do a sloppy job by slabbing on some oil, just rub your feet really fast and there isn’t much technique to it, but this place is not that at all. I know the tender spots on the foot, and man did he get a lot of good spots, spots I didn’t even know were tender/​sore. I also really liked the part when the forearm was worked on, where they hold your wrist, and they glide down your forewarm towards your elbow with constant pressure. The only thing I would comment on is to spend slightly more time on the hands.
This will be my go to massage spot when I am in the area.