Dorit Baxter New York Day Spa

This was the worst spa ever. My date called on a Saturday morning and reserved a double (couples) massage for 2 hours that evening. When we arrived the atmosphere was noisy and busy, not conducive to the relaxation usually sought at a spa and the general surroundings were unimpressive. When they were ready to log us in at the front desk, we were told there were no couples massages available and that they could only offer us a one our massage done separately (despite the fact that we had booked it earlier over the phone) Mix-​ups happen, so we continued even though we were extremely disappointed. I have had probably close to 100 massages in my life and this was the ABSOLUTE worst. This supposed deep tissue massage was essentially an oil rub. I asked the woman to please use more pressure, she happily said yes, but the only difference was her long nails digging into my skin. This is the only massage I have EVER had where I left feeling that I had not been massaged at all. The only evidence was the oil she got in my hair. a week later I went to a small places on 9^th Ave and for ¹⁄₃ of the price got 10 times the massage. There was little difference in the actual physical facility between the 2 either. Once again, THE WORST !!!

The five stars go to Nicki! she will give you the MOST amazing facial ever! Make sure that you ask for the Basic European coupled with FULL Oxygen and the collagen mask!
You will not regret it!
Nicki is such a connoisseur of skin and she will enhance yours to be as good as it can be!
Her hands are wonderful and she will massage your face right back to looking glowing and full of life.
I highly recommend it! As far as price is concerned, this full treatment is $ 170 but you can customize it to your liking. I find it very reasonable given that it’s NYC and all that you’re getting.
Go and enjoy!

I get many facials from different places, this has to be the worst place ever! They give you a hair net like a lunch lady and stuffed with tissues to keep my hair from coming out. There was no sink in the room, she was washing my face and tissues, and the facial itself was horrible. She hardly did anything (classic facial) washed my face little, used the steamer, did extractions, wiped my face with a wipe and slapped on some moisturizer. I could’ve done that at home. Very disappointed!

I just left the spa after getting a salt body scrub. Now, this is my first time getting one done and I didn’t even look at the reviews before I booked my appointment. But suppose I lucked out. I mean, I left feeling amazing!
The sweet little lady at the front desk have me such a warm, comforting feeling, so I felt welcome as soon as I came in. It’s an unpretentious, basic salon with a decorative, clean appearance.
My masseuse was Jean and she worked wonders. The table was heated and so was the oil I believe she had mixed with the salt. The pressure was good, and even felt confortable when she was scrubbing sensitive areas like my feet or stomach. It was great, like getting a massage, exfoliation, pedicure, etc all in one.
This place is simple, affordable, and very accessible to me. I’ll be back for my next treatyoself day!

Lovely experience.
Went for a salt scrub. $ 50 (special) 30 minutes.
The staff were great and Brenda did an awesome job with the salt scrub.
I had an embarrasing gift card experience and the staff were patient and over the top helpful. Calling SpaFinder corporate, faxing the gift card to them, It all worked out nicely. At no time was there any uncomforteable tip scenarios.
2 days later and My skin still glows!!!

So my first hand experience with this salon comes from commenting on my friend’s great skin after she had a facial with Irini S. Sadly no longer living on the east coast, this spot is on my list for my frequent trips back and hope to check it out soon. If you do head here for a facial, ask for Irini and thank Michelle H. (her review is below:)
«I rarely review on Unilocal but came here for a facial for the first time a few weeks ago with Irini S. and had such a positive experience. For someone who struggles with cystic hormonal acne, Irini really listened to my concerns and was incredibly knowledgable and responsive to all of my questions. She did such a thorough (and gentle) job, I saw improvements in my skin pretty immediately and walked out with glowing skin.
For someone who gets facials pretty regularly, this was definitely one the better ones. Highly highly recommend to anyone looking for a quality treatment.»

this place was nothing short of amazing, i was gifted a birthday package for this place a year ago. The place was tranquil and clean. Every single representative took their time, it was one of the most relaxing days ever.
I was gifted the body beautifier spa package
The body massage was delightful, the lady was so sweet and gentle when i needed her to be and applied lots of pressure when I needed her to. She spoke in a soft and gentle voice .
The facial was amazing too. The sweet lady had such pampering and gentle hands hands were so tender against my skin.
And there was a caribbean lady that did the scrub (I believe it was some sort of sea salt and sugar combination) she was my favorite it felt like I was on a relaxing island.
I also was allowed to have a manicure and pedicure with this package but I arrived to my appointment with my usual acrylic overlays on my hand and pedicure in tact. So I asked for a replacement and the rep offered a paraffin treatment to the hands and feet it was good.
The package was a gift to me, and was presented to as a «Full Spa Day» so lunch was part of my package they gave me a menu to a normal little bistro style place (probably mangia’s or something) soup salad and sandwhich on the menu they gave me flatware and glassware and i ate it in the peaceful common area.
All in all i would definitely go back to this spa it is a little out of the way, because who really wants to take the train to the spa so i would suggest setting up a black car service to do the pick up and drop off portion so the day will be relaxing,
I was extremely pleased with it and and all of the workers.

I came for some winter special massage and facial for about $ 130. For the facial– she tried to upsell a bunch of add ons which I turned down. She steamed me and left the room for 20 mins. Came back did some great extraction. Rubbed some creams on which she also tried to sell me and left again. Came back rubbed my shoulders and that was it. I went back to the waiting room and waited for 30 minutes before my massage. The massage– was very gentle. She worked a lot on my limbs and didn’t really focus on my knots. When I went to pay they pushed the products again. It was fine you get what you pay for. Not the cleanest. No luxury, not the most relaxing. I might go back.

I have been here a few times over several years and while the décor has changed the service is still as wonderful as I remembered it to be. It holds good memories for me and while I have been around the city to different places, I always end up coming back.

Horrible facial, came home the women didnt not clean properly still had tons of black heads wish I could get my money back. Customer service sucks.

I have been going to DB for about 3 yrs now and its always been a great experience. The staff is pleasant and the Techs are great. Nicki is one of the facials she’s great!

I was here in May of 2014 as a preparation as mother-​of-​the bride to exfoliate with a salt scub and de-​stress with a massage to reward to myself. First of all I have terribly dry skin ichthyosis, an extreme form of excema. The staff did their best to make me feel comfortable and although the place is small and relatively low-​frills they did a very good job. The masseuse was a bit too talkative, but overall it was worth the money. What was absolutely priceless was their suggestion to buy their herbal massage cream made with beeswax. Since using it with dips in the ocean or dead sea salt baths, my skin is the best (smooth, supple, flakes nearly disappeared entirely) it has ever been! Beeswax! Who knew? Keep your expectations reasonable and express your preferences politely and you’ll do well here as the prices are reasonable for NYC. Otherwise head to Red Door.

I always have great service when I come here. Everyone is so friendly and kind. I leave here feeling very relaxed and stress free! The overall ambience is very peaceful and calm. I’ve been coming here for 15 years!

There are many plusses to booking a spa experience at Dorit Baxter. The prices are reasonable and they are very efficient at scheduling. If you have a scrub and a massage for example there is little downtime between treatments. The massage therapists ask about problem areas and try to tailor the massage to your needs. The body scrub (salt scrub) is just fantastic and although you leave quite oily even after the shower, your skin feels like velvet after.
My one quibble is with the facialist. I had a facial with the manager/​owner (?) an older gal. Her hands just simply reeked of garlicky food. So sickening I couldn’t even enjoy the facial. So as she was wiping my face with cotton pads I wanted to hurl each time I smelled the awful stench of garlicky smelly food. The facial was really poor– a few swipes of product, a bit of steaming, some painful punching (during which she unearthed all pimples), and I was sent on my way. It lasted 20 minutes. It was so not worth it. Facialists should wash their hands and not eat smelly food before servicing a client! Ew. I’ve had better facials at Madison Spa.
In any event, the massages are great and the nail salon is good too. Just avoid facials here.

Came here with my husband for a Father’s Day spa gift. We each had a facial salt scrub and massage. Of all services we both agreed the salt scrub was fantastic. 5 stars for that portion. Just the right pressure and quite effective. The facial was good but they could really take it up a level if they massaged your hands/​feet or scalp while the mask was on. On the massage my therapist (Mita?) did a very good job –she asked me where to focus and was very responsive. My husbands person –not as good. The take away– go for body/​skin care.

Received a gift certificate for a hot stone massage for my birthday from my husband and finally redeemed it. When I booked my appointment I was instructed to arrive 15 minutes early. I arrived about 20 minutes early. I signed in and was told to undress and then sit in the waiting area. Sitting in a robe in the front window was a little awkward, and it was very chilly. The staff didn’t offer me anything to drink but I noticed there was a pitcher with lemon water so I got some for myself.
I sat in the waiting area and read an entire magazine for about 30 minutes (well past my appointment time of 10AM) and was finally taken back to my room. Although it was my first time at the spa I was never asked to fill out any paperwork about medical conditions or preferences for my massage. Every spa I’ve ever been to has required some sort of paperwork but not Dorit Baxter apparently, and I can’t help but think that seems a little suspect.
There wasn’t enough soundproofing in the rooms and I could hear people walking around in the hallway and talking. Also my masseuse Gayle was rather chatty during the massage and I do not enjoy that. I tried to keep my replies to one word answers and murmers in order to stop her but it didn’t seem to work. There was little to no sound of music in the room so it was annoying to hear her tennis shoes squeaking around the floor when she maneuvered around the table.
The massage was honestly awful. I’ve had hot stone massages several times before– it can be one of the ultimate indulgences. But this was anything but relaxing. In fact I believe I became MORE tense during the «massage.» First of all — I don’t feel like there was any massage actually happening. She rubbed the hot stones continuously over my body but there was no massage or kneading happening. When she would switch out the stones she clacked them around loudly with no consideration to the noise level. She even put scalding hot stones ON MY NECK that burned so hot that I literally almost jumped up. She seemed surprised and asked «oh was that too hot?» Um, yeah lady– that’s why I almost fell off your table.
At the end I just felt so uncomfortable and stressed that I couldn’t even be honest about how bad it was when she asked me if I enjoyed it.
It was honestly the worst massage experience I’ve ever had and I will never go back there again. I hate the fact that my husband paid $ 120 for it, even though he bought me the certificate months ago. It certainly wasn’t worth even a fraction of that price.
Overall I was unimpressed with the staff, the atmosphere, and the services so needless to say I would not recommend this spa.

I was actually here awhile ago on Mother’s day. I think about two years ago. I was just looking for another spa day and the thought crossed my mind that I should write a review of my less than stellar experience.
My spa day was a surprise, I had no idea that I was going to Dorit Baxter. I was just brought here. I got a package that included a scrub, a facial, a manicure and a massage.
It was a gift so I was humble but the only decent service that I got was facial. It was actually very nice. The massage was basically a rub down. It was nothing special. I also had to come back for it since they actually ran behind and couldn’t complete my services in one day.
The manicure was a joke. It wasn’t done well and the woman doing my fiancé’s nail made inappropriate comments.
The WORST by far was the scrub. Okay, so the masseuse was too gentle. This woman was scrubbing me down like I was a cast iron pot. I was actually bleeding from the scrub. I had cuts all over my legs. It was pretty awful.
And then, it gets better… when I’m leaving the same woman who scrubbed me down demanded a tip. She had an envelope out at the counter and I mentioned getting my belongings and she said something to the effect of yes, as soon as you leave your tip. WTH? Where do they do that? A tip is for good service, not for me leaving bleeding with my services incomplete.
Edited to add in response to Dorit Baxter: I don’t think that denial is going to improve the level of service offered. I was bleeding. Your staff demanded a tip and the nail technician was inappropriate. This might not be a typical experience but it was certainly my experience.

I decided to treat myself to a facial and a massage after an extremely exhausting week. I had heard good things about Dorit Baxter being affordable and pleasant, and decided to try it.
I was greeted immediately upon arrival and treated very kindly. My facial was first, and an older woman was my therapist. She analyzed my skin and began to almost yell/​scold at me for my skin being burned. (I had used an acne product a few days prior, which was too harsh for my sensitive skin). I found myself apologizing and re-​assuring the woman I wouldn’t use the product again. However, she continued to lecture me on how horrible the product was, and how awful and traumatized my skin was. She then said she’d help me heal, but it would cost me an extra $ 25.00.
I declined the extra services. She clucked, «Well, I’ll do my best.»
My hour-​long facial consisted of the therapist wiping my skin off with cotton balls, rubbing some cream into my skin (for about two minutes) and leaving me to «soak» for 20. She did very thorough extractions, which I appreciated, but every time she entered the room she continued to lecture me. It was not relaxing, at all.
My massage was next. It was very relaxing and helpful. Monica was my therapist and she was very lovely. She took into consideration an ankle injury, and treated me with care and concern.
When I went to pay, the woman who had done my facial was behind the counter. She insisted I buy three products to help my skin, which would have cost me an extra $ 70.00. I just didn’t have that kind of money, especially after paying almost $ 200.00 for the facial and massage. She told me I should at least buy the $ 45.00 face cream, because «it’s like stopping antibiotics after one treatment». Whereas I understand the need to upsell, and I actually realize my skin needs some tender care, I left feeling like I had just gone to the principal’s office.
I think the spa is a lovely little spot, but I will not be returning for a facial. I did not feel comfortable. I usually don’t complain or even write reviews. I came to relax and give myself some tender, loving care, not be lectured and guilted into spending more money.

One of the worst massages I’ve had in a very long time. Thanks for reminding me why I have a regular go to spot.
The spa itself was okay. Nothing spectacular. The service was decent; everyone was polite. But since I came here for a massage, let me focus on the actual massage.
My «massage technician» was pretty hefty and I prefer my massages deep and firm so I was excited. After asking how I prefer my massage, she proceeded to give me the weakest massage ever. Her technique was horrible and nothing was symmetrical. Something done to the left leg did not guarantee the same thing will be done to the right leg. She completely missed the meaning of «Swedish deep tissue massage» by barely pressing past the skin layer. I know there’s a name for a person who gives massages for a living but I refuse to use that here.
The absolute worst part? After covering you in grease, she merely uses the towel you are lying on to half assed wipe you once. I am currently covered in grease and I feel disgusting. Save your time and money. Go to graceful services a few blocks more eastwards.

The most affordable and down to earth spa I’ve yet to come across in all of Manhattan. The staff are the furthest thing from snooty/​bitchy women who act like they’re better than God, so it’s no surprise that they attract a similar clientele. In fact, they’ve had the same workers for years. It’s nice to come to a place and recognize familiar faces. I have never felt uncomfortable, judged, or out of place for wearing (or not wearing) certain articles of clothing/​accessories, and that’s just one of the many reasons I love it here.
I’ve gotten manis, pedis and massages here and all have been great, but I come here religiously for my brazilians. I only use Mariana– she is hands down the best I’ve ever had (her schedule is WRFS). They’re normally $ 50, but if you can make it during the week before 5pm, they’re 20%!