The Ritz-Carlton Spa, New Orleans

The spa ‘experience’ was great, but the massage itself was just okay. I was given a massage for my birthday since I was staying at the Ritz for a work meeting. I called down and was able to get a same-​day appointment for a café au lait massage. I was greeted, and then Maria (I think?) took me up to the ladies lounge area and showed me around. She was very friendly and helpful. I had a few minutes to sit in the relaxation room before I was called for my massage appointment.
The massage was okay. My massage therapist was nice, but I felt like she was always rushing during my massage. She moved very quickly and was sort of slamming things, which took away from the whole experience. When she recovered my feet she didn’t pull the cover back over both feet so one foot was sticking out. I also think she missed missed doing one of my hands/​wrist and just went on to the next thing. Also, in the pre-​massage consultation I had told her that my upper neck was having issues, and she said she’d focus on that area a bit (she even repeated «upper neck» back to me). However, during the massage, she didn’t touch my upper neck once. She spent a lot of time on my lower neck and shoulders, which was nice, but a bit disappointing when she had said she’d focus on that other area. Overall, the massage was nice, but not the best massage experience I’ve had, and I expected a bit more from a high-​end place like this.
The ladies lounge area was quite nice; as other reviews mention they’ve got tea, cucumber water, etc. After my massage, I had a glass of wine (my massage therapist even ran down to the hotel bar to get a bottle of what I requested, as they were out upstairs), and I sat in the relaxation room and enjoyed it. I didn’t realize that they were closing until Maria came by and said that she was going to start cleaning up a bit. I apologized, not realizing how late it was, and she insisted that I stay until I was ready to leave. That was very nice.
As it was a gift, all the arrangements were done via phone, and I didn’t have to do anyting with payment so that part was easy. And the, spa even gave me a little gift (candle) and a card since it was my birthday. So, overall, the spa experience was wonderful, but the massage itself left some things to be desired, so I can’t give a higher review.

Fabulous. Had a 80 minute massage with Eric J. Absolutely amazing! Invigorating. Staff was kind and courteous.

I want to give this place a 3.5. I used to come here all the time… After my first visit there in a year, I’m a little disappointed. The spa at the ritz has long been my favorite and I would still consider it the best full service spa in New Orleans. With that said, the bar is relatively low. This place is small but there is a fitness area, pools, steam rooms, sauna, showers & relaxation room. However, all of these mentioned areas could be improved. A few of the towels I used in the ladies shower area even had holes in them. I wish the steam room had eucalyptus. The relaxation room didn’t even have hot tea yesterday. Just iced tea. Also, no proper spa water. There were no iced cucumbers near shower area etc.
I enjoyed my facial for the most part. It was an 80 min facial which includes back exfoliation etc for the first 20 min. However the facial room I was in did. It have a proper massage bed with the piece to rest your face on. It’s very uncomfortable laying facedown for 20 – 30 min in this situation. It was not relaxing. The aesthetician was also overly interested in «extractions» which caused my face to really break out today. Lastly; the shop at the ritz has really got to step it up. They use skin ceuticals products in facials, yet do not even have it on the shelves in the shop. Additionally, they got rid of several skin care lines and lingerie. I loved their eberjey pieces. Now it’s just lululemon. They also added some dismal café… I’m not sure what or who this is for but it doesn’t add value to the spa whatsoever.
Facials at the ritz are pricier than other places in New Orleans. I will probably go some place more affordable for maintenance.

Hands down… One of the best spa experiences in my life. They are friendly, attentive, and accommodating. From the initial tour of everything I had access to in the facility to the fantastic massage to chillin in the relaxation room afterwards… I loved it. They offer champagne, mimosas, snacks, cucumber water, fresh fruit, etc. Highlight of my NOLA visit

Just got done with our couples $ 350 1 hour massage. I’m ok with the price because I’m accustom to the Ritz Carlton. But I felt like I rushed through the process and rushed showing me the facilities. My masseuse asked me what type of massage I would like. I asked for deep tissue and I told her she can go as hard as she liked. So after about 10 min into it I explained she can go harder and she did for about 30 seconds and then she went back to the normal soft rubbing. Once again I asked for her to go deeper after another 10 minutes. Same thing again. At that point I just figured it was an expensive nap and I should of hit the lil massage places on the side of the street. The best part of the experience was when my wife and I were walking out and I asked her how her massage was and she said she liked the shower and we both laughed and I agreed as well. The showers there do rock!

This is my favorite spa in New Orleans. I get massages and spa services frequently but they are the best! From the moment you check in, you are treated like royalty. You can also take advantage of their sauna and fitness center once your services are finished. Truly an amazing experience every time!

I ALWAYS make an appointment of some sort when in town. For nails and toes must ask for Susan Sandra Yen or Lisa. Great job and you get what you pay for!

Not only one of the best massages, but the best experience ever. I get massages somewhat frequently, but this was blew me away!
5 stars all around — from service, to cleanliness, to the massage — it’s a MUST!

Cozy spa with friendly staff. The robes were comfy. They have beds to lay on up there too. My massage was excellent. If I ever go back to the New Orleans ritz Carlton I’ll be back in the spa frequently.

I spent a weekend in New Orleans with family and we decided to stop by the Spa to get a massage and relax. The customer service there is amazing. We arrived slightly late yet they were all extremely accommodating. I got the hot stone massage. I typically like a very deep tissue massage. The hot stone massage is definitely not deep but it was very relaxing having the hot stones help with my circulation.
One of the staffers, Djorn, was extremely kind and provided the type of amazing service you imagine a Ritz-​Carlton would provide. He even provided me an extra day pass for the next day because I didn’t realize the spa was closing earlier than it was. He really went out of his way to not only make me feel comfortable but also ensured I left a satisfied customer.

I got a gift card for Christmas for a massage and it was well worth it! The staff escorts you to the lounge where there are warm towels, a sauna, a steam room, showers and water. They treat you like royalty and the place makes you feel like a king.

This is a review of both a massage service and the facilities.
Arrived to the front desk with a very unprofessional check in. They try to be discrete and radio with their sleeve and in ear pieces that I arrived, but all their radios are so loud it’s just tacky.
Male spa attendant came down to get me and pants sagging and talking loudly. Gives me a tour of their grungy facilities. Steam room just kind of gross with no hose or shower inside the steam room which is gross. Sauna is a bit run down. The locker room is also dated. Pieces of fruit and water and tea available. Nothing special.
Male spa attendant stood and watched the Saints game the whole time I was in the relaxation lounge and was obnoxious. Then one of his colleagues spoke to him and later I found him hanging out in the downstairs gym watching the game. Ridiculous. He was no where to be found while I was up there.
Massage was fine but not worth the price.
Resistance pool is worthless. The jets don’t do a thing. It’s supposed to be a pool you can swim laps against the current but that wasn’t the case at all. I got out. Hot tub was burning hot and only half filled with water which was odd.
The whole area of the spa and pools are terribly dated. The fitness facility is only mediocre but has plenty of equipment. No view. Courtyard Marriott guests next door can use the facilities which is odd. Don’t love that.
All in all, I’m being kind with 2 stars. Won’t return. Nothing luxurious here.

The best of the best when it comes to service! Extensive selection of spa services. LOVE LOVE LOVE

I like to think I’m no novice when it comes to spa treatments. Aimee, massage therapist, was excellent. The set up is a bit of a maze n their is no coed lounge. The people waiting there are bit louder than I would like but hey its new orleans n im sure everybody has a story to tell.

Where oh where oh where do I begin.
1.this place is amazing
2.the people are amazing
3.the look and feel and vibe was amazing
People in New Orleans are so laid back and chill ilove it they respect you and treat you w kindness
I got a massage facial and voodoo bath all very good jobs
I ate the salmon salad YOu have to try this
By far best salmon EVER it was sooo delicate and melted in my mouth everyone was so kind to me I’m here alone for business and it’s my birthday so I came and the staff was so friendly really made me feel welcome. It’s a bit pricey so if you come be prepared to spend some money I mean it is the Ritz
Alison was also so sweet she gave me a gift bag as a birthday gift with nice little things inside
Thank you ritz for doing. A good job and having a great spa!
Will come again.

This spa has earned it’s 2011 Travel And Leisure award with good reason! From the moment you phone and leave a voicemail to the moment you leave after its all done, service was exceptional throughout. I had a Spa Finder gift certificate to use and this spa recently began accepting these certificates! Thankfully, I had a day off to use it! So, here are my thoughts:
First Torrance is one of the special people who answers the phone and makes appts. Charming, thorough and courteous, I thanked him at the end of my visit and he thanked me with a nice large bottle of fancy shower gel & a sweet note. My masseuse, Eric, was fabulous and his technique worked my knots pretty well! Debbie, the lounge attendant was exemplary with her cheer and kindness. She sets you up with the locker, towels and all, but she also gets your lunch and drinks in a jiffy! My banana-​pineapple protein shake was delicious and expressly made for before my massage. Afterwards, I ordered the seared tuna Cobb salad and I have to say the ahi (tuna) was exceptional quality! The salad was an amazing presentation in itself and it tasted great, too!!! Debbie served it all with a smile and threw in a glass of bubbly for free upon my request! In between everything and at the end, I went down to the hot tub. The hot tub area is just past the workout area, but it’s roomy and quiet! Nice big tub, smooth tiles and decent jets. I didn’t use the resistance pool, but all of the facilities are available for use for 24 hours when you have a service done at the spa. The showers have everything you could need, including a do-​it-​yourself sugar scrub that was divine! Really, I loved my experience at this spa! It’s on the top of the list of premier spas in the area, but really it may be the only one of its kind in a 60 mile radius of New Orleans! Definitely, I would like to return at least on a quarterly basis, it’s worth the pretty penny!

This review is based on my experiences with one therapist only, Ted, massage therapist. He is a true find in the Big Easy. Don’t let the fact that he works in a hotel spa turn you away from giving him a place on your «must haves» list. He’s a miracle worker and it was proven today during Yoga when I was able to stretch deeper into those challenging poses. His ability to connect with the body, sense where the muscles need a bit more coaxing is very strong. You get a feeling of being grounded to his movements and will your body to succumb to the good and leave the bad
I see him 1−2x each week that I’m in town. No doubt he makes a difference.
The only thing I would adjust to the entire experience is the ability to allow the customer to select their own choice of music. Like a few other spas, I’ve been to where you plug in your own ipod, iphone, etc.

This spa is NO WHERE near as nice as other locations I have visited in the past and cost significantly more for a day pass than the other much nicer locations in other cities. The day pass was 75 dollars for non guests. That’s 25 more dollars than the Ritz Carlton in Orlando and Miami which happen to have much nicer facilities. Its just not worth it. Not at this place. Never again! 75 dollars to just use the hot tub, pool, and locker room is just excessive, even for the Ritz Carlton. I have been to many in various cities and this one was the most expensive for a day pass.

I’m baaaaaaack!!!
Not my 1^st time at this rodeo. Won’t say I’m a frequent flyer, buuuuut I’ve been here a couple times before. And I’m sorry to say, this experience was no better… Lol. I said I wouldn’t be returning, but I keep getting «treated» to this particular facility. And honestly, deeeeeeeep really deep down inside, I think that maybe, just maybe, it’ll get better but yeah; that’s my thought, soooo until then, I’ll finish my review.
Sooooooo yeah where was I??? Oh yeah, so my masseuse, Gabby, was sub par. At the culmination of my services, I asked the folks at the front desk how long has she been here… 5 years they said… Ummmmm I was like «wait, what»? My companion’s masseuse was Mary, whom I hear was excellent. So I guess it’s hit or miss.
There was lots of noise made (inclusive of her stomach growling) during my session & as a result, I could NOT relax. And after she left the room, I had to wipe my own hands, as she left the oil on my hands. Ummmmmmm this was a no-​no. How am I to redress with oil on my hands??? Ughhhhh.
I did however love the complimentary mimosa & champagne that I was presented with post massage. «Can I get a refill??? «(In my Elle Varner voice)
Due to renovations, the ladies lounge area was not available. So we were housed in the male’s side, which was nice; but not nearly as nice as the ladies.
Often times I almost get lost in this facility, I suggest you drop some breadcrumbs to find your way back to the front desk.
I didn’t use the hot tub, sauna, resistance pool or exercise equipment this time. But those are also available if you so desire.
The ladies restroom is finished with sanitary needs, bobby pins, rubbers (scuncis) for your hair, q-​tips, mouthwash, puffballs etc. Nice. Nice. Nice.
All in all:
The décor & the facility itself is wonderful; just some of the masseuses are hit or miss… Fyi!!!

We came here while on our honeymoon, I treated my wife to a massage and myself to the facilities.
With a day pass you can use the gym, showers, indoor pool, changing area, sauna, & steam room. While taking it easy, they offer you various juices, nuts, and complimentary champagne. The steam room is definitely the best steam room I have ever been in, very clean and they infuse the steam with a refreshing cucumber/​mint something. The pool is sort of whimsical, it’s got a very old design (50’s glitz), it’s also an endless pool where you could pretend to do laps against the strong wave.
Great place to relax, the staff is extremely helpful. I saw my ‘valet’ every 25 minutes or so, he asked if I needed anything and was very outgoing. The facility is extremely clean, and the staff is unpretentious.
The Mrs. said it was the best deep tissue massage she has ever gotten. Would totally recommend this spa to anyone, it was voted in Travel & Leisure as the #1 hotel spa in the US & #2 in the world. Totally worth it.