Hot Hands Studio & Spa

I had seen this spa advertised for years, but was hesitant to try it 1) because of the location (Broad Street at Oregon Avenue is not a neighborhood where you’d expect to find high-​quality massages or skincare) and 2) because they always seem to be running specials on Groupon (for me, that is frequently a red flag that a company might be having a hard time keeping customers). The lure of the Groupon special finally got the best of me, and I booked a massage. I had such a great experience that I decided to try their waxing services, which are also top notch. I immediately became a member, which gets you access to free and half-​price services.
I absolutely love the spa. The staff are wonderful — always super friendly and helpful. I have no idea why other reviewers have had negative things to say about the décor; it’s comfortable and inviting, and completely clean. It might not be totally modern, but it’s an old building in South Philly — you can’t expect anything too shiny.
I don’t know why others have had such a hard time booking appointments, either. The spa is open late in the evening, and on Sundays. You might have to book a week or two out, but that’s not unreasonable.
I also love the location. It’s a block away from the Broad Street subway, and near several major bus lines.
I would not hesitate to recommend this spa for a massage, wax or facial. Go ahead and grab one of their specials on Unilocal or Groupon!

Let me start by saying that the actual services are not bad if you can get an appointment. They cancelled on me twice. Once after they told me to come in for an earlier time and I was on my way. I found them on Groupon and was excited to give them a chance. Now they have lost a potential customer. Their prices are the same as more reputable spas. So without quality customer service, I have no reason to return.

Had a great experience here! Purchased a Groupon for a couples massage. We live in NJ but it was worth the drive over the bridge to south Philly. Small place (though you have to expect that in a city rowhouse) but clean, the people were friendly and it was one of the best massage experiences we have ever had. They use warm water foot pillows on the massage tables and warm towels on your body as well as warm lotion. Such a relaxing experience! The owner, Damian, worked on my husband. Both our masseurs were super friendly and very good at what they do. Would definitely go back here!

Got a living social gift for Christmas so I booked after new years day. My appt was with Ally she was super cool we chatted a bit i told her what ws bothering me and then she got down to business. Incredible massage from start to finish. She really worked out all the knots in my back I honestly didn’t want it to end. Haha I will return soon for her to work her magic on me again!!!

Before the appointment, I was skeptical about the staff based on Unilocal reviews and a phone conversation about rescheduling. To my surprise, everyone was cordial and genuinely sweet! Had a great facial with Diane and hot stone massage with Rose through a Groupon deal. Massage had hot water wedge under your leg that keeps your feet and legs warm. Pressure was light but increased once requested.
Facial was great! Diane cleaned, steamed, extracted, masked and moisturized!
1 star lost for overall ambiance/​location and difficulty keeping appointment.
Great place to go if you live in the area.

I have been a member here for a while, and I love it! Therapists are great, staff is helpful. One of the best things I’ve done for myself and would highly recommend. Membership gives you great discounts and they are very flexible with busy schedules.

Bought my bf a groupon for 90 min massage and he said he really enjoyed it. Loved the hot oils. Said Emily was great!

Everyone deserves some relaxation from time to time and it does not have to be extremely expensive. Massage is great and the place is clean.

Not sure where to begin. The overall feeling is the place is run down so is the staff. They ask you in the beginning if you need to use the restroom, very polite. It has to be the smallest bathroom ever. I got a massage, in a very dirty small room, that had pour central air. I asked to have medium pressure. In return I was basically covered in oil, and just had someone rub oil on me, with no skill, or training. When she was done, she didn’t ask me how it was or say good bye, she just left with her purse.
I then waited in what looks like a break room for the staff, for my facial. I was brought into another room, and the facialist turned the light up so I could see walking in. When she turned the light up, all I could see was another dirty room. The work station looks like a old wooden dresser, what some animal has chewed the left top corner of.
When she began the facial it felt nice. When she brought out the steamer, it seemed it was time for her to take a break, she actually got up and left for about 4 minutes. She then came back applied a mint mask and then left for about 5 minutes and took another break. She came back washed my face and applied lotion. Atleast she said have a nice day. When I went into the bathroom to fix my hair, I noticed I still had part of the mint mask under my eye.
I actually left stressed and not relaxed. Word to the wise, save your money

Just got home from our couples massage, which was overall a 3.5−4 star experience.
PROS:
Location. Hot Hands is a half a dozen blocks from our house and we (mostly) enjoyed the walk to and from (lots of people watching along the way!)
Price. We were able to snag a deal on Groupon for a 60 Minute Couples’ Massage for $ 95.20 (Regularly $ 119 with a Groupon Sale we took advantage of). Definitely the deal of the century!
Staff (booking). Everyone was very friendly and personable. I had a bit of trouble initially making an appointment (mostly due to our hectic schedules) but Damien was accommodating and polite during our official scheduling. I also got a call the day before confirming my appointment which was great (based on reviews I wasn’t sure what to expect).
Masseurs. Steven was great and my husband enjoyed Adriana, too. Both were friendly, professional, and gave us a relaxing experience :)
CONS:
Lotion vs. Oil. I’ve had a lot of massages in my day (several per year) and I’ve grown accustom to liking the way my skin feels after a soothing scented, warm oil is ground into it for an hour. Unfortunately, this seemed to be more of a lotion and (for me at least) disappointingly scentless. I understand that most people are into that, but the scent helps to get me into my happy place so having the option would be nice.
Towels. Unfortunately the towels used left a lot to be desired – especially the one for your face. It was very stiff and rough and felt sort of «cheap» to the touch. The hot ones applied during the massage were not any better. I think I just associate massages with moist heat so perhaps I’m being picky.
Music. This wasn’t exactly a con but the music in the room wasn’t quite «zen» enough. A song or two were popular Italian ballads with a little too much climax. The nature sounds were a nice addition but I would have personally preferred that the actual music be more «meditative» (as in wooden flute type stuff).
OVERALL:
The visit as a whole was very enjoyable. I think my husband and I both prefer to have more of a «bodywork» type visit (where knots are forced out of our bodies by any means necessary) than this type of massage (which was a lot of circular rubbing) but ultimately it was a good value. We will likely return!

Had a discount voucher for a Swedish massage.
My initial appointment was cancelled by the spa a mere 20 minutes before my appointment (I was already on my way!), which really ticked me off. However, they did upgrade me to hot stone massage to make up for the gaff after I complained.
My second appointment went better, though the girl at the desk said they failed to add time for the hot stones to my service, and had to tell the therapist just before my appointment.
My service was nice, though the «spa» atmosphere itself is way less than zen! The lobby was noisy with TV and a customer talking on her cell phone — on speaker. The room was comfortable but I could hear people talking outside the door for parts of my service, which made it difficult to fully relax.
Overall a good deal at a discount, but I won’t be back at full price, or even member prices.

I got a Groupon for a signature facial and massage (each 60 minutes). I really enjoyed both, especially the facial. The practitioner doing the facial was talking to me a lot, so maybe I could have done with a little less chit chat… but she was friendly enough and I felt my facial was thorough. My massage was great, although next time I’ll ask for lighter pressure. I asked for firm pressure, and boy, did she give it to me!
After 2.5 hours there, I felt like I was in a haze and maybe a little stoned. The owner introduced himself to me and was trying to talk to me about the business, but I had a really hard time focusing on what he was saying. I guess that is the sign of a good spa treatment! hahaha
I will surely be back, but perhaps for only one treatment at a time. I really want to absorb all I can from my facial or massage and I feel like getting the massage after the facial made me neglect my facial experience.

I drove here in a snowstorm so was hoping for a place to relax and chill out. I came a bit early so I could find a parking space and got to hear the receptionist being very rude to a customer on the phone who finally hung up on her. Damien, the owner, came out to introduce himself, but sadly I didn’t get him for a massage because he was going out to shovel.
I am a dancer and veteran of many massages and a lot of physical therapy and shiatsu, so I know how to ask for what I want. The woman who worked on me asked a few perfunctory questions and set to work. She asked if her pressure was ok and I said yes but it was too fast – could she slow down? She did, briefly, and then went back to her quick pace, scrubbing rather than massaging me. When she was finished, (on a timer?) she abruptly said, «ok you’re done, you can get dressed – see you outside.»
Whew. And after that I had to drive home in the slush! Can’t say any of it was relaxing.

I just had the BEST massage ever by Cresus. He got the pressure just right! I will defintely be back! Also My friend had only great things to say about his massage with Emily.

Okay i just want to say i had the best massage ever with emily and dennise! Bought many times voucher from living social or groupon… damien was good… very professional… steven was good too but when i ask for more firm he’s kinda scared to hurt me…
Richie was terrible not only he was late and male me waiting 1 hour there… but when i asked for firm he’s kinda choked me in the back until i was coughing… and his hands is kinda tremor
Very unrelaxing and dislike
Dennise was great. i love her. so do emily. she was asking me «do you want medium or firm… i said firm please… and yess she is good… both this women… their technique ooohhh so relaxing… they do my feet and my shoulder my head… very good!
Still don’t like the front desk girl… but because this two i will go back

Bought a groupon by recommendation of a friend. Got the 1 hour facial and 1 hour massage.
The facial: Was overall amazing. I got pretty chilly at one point but the aesthetician noticed I was fidgety and asked if I was doing ok. She then got me another blanket and went back to work. I was so relaxed that I fell asleep on the table. It was wonderful and I felt amazing afterward! Only complaint was that the music system wasn’t working properly and so it was hard to relax initially. Sounded funny with too much bass and was warped. Also a few times I could hear people talking outside of the room and that distracted me a bit. Once she got to work, though, I forgot all about it.
After the facial I was shown to a waiting room and offered water and hot tea while I waited for my massage. Glad to get the tea offer because I was in a robe and slippers and chilly. After about 5 minutes I was escorted into another room for my massage. I was asked pressure preference and if I had any areas to be focused on or avoided. The massage was amazing. I prefer a firm/​deep pressure and that’s exactly what I got. Same issue with the music in here but overall I was very happy with my experience and would return in a heartbeat! I recommend it to anyone!

Came here on a groupon, which apparently is how everyone finds out about this South Philly gem. I bought a couple’s massage groupon and hoo-​ly ca-​rap it was awesome. I’d never gotten a professional massage before so I had no idea what to expect, and my boyfriend was totally in for a massage. Hot Hands Studio and Spa was very gracious and accommodating about a scheduling error (on both sides) and was able to fit the appointment in no problem. I can’t remember who I talked to on the phone about rescheduling, but they were very helpful.
The groupon included a foot scrub, and despite being kind of squeamish about people touching my feet, it was totally pleasant. Our masseurs, Steve and Denise (?) were very nice and not pretentious, which made for a very relaxed atmosphere for the massage. We all chatted during the foot scrub and then when the massage started… oh boy. That was great. I’d never had a massage before but my body didn’t even feel like my body afterward. I felt taller and lighter and uninhibited, and had one of the deepest and most satisfying sleeps that night in recent memory. My boyfriend and I both work in non-​profits and just carry a lot of stress with us, so going to Hot Hands was like, basically one of the most wholly pleasant things I’ve done in my entire life.
The couple’s massage was mildly cheesy (as expected), there were rose petals on the floor and everyone assumed we were married but it was a very accommodating and low-​stress atmosphere. The massage room had classical music with sporadic bird sounds … and it just worked. I was totally relaxed. I mean, if I feel like I’m listening to my grandmother’s favorite hits while in the middle of the woods while someone is making my muscles feel like they’re made of glitter… I’m in heaven. Pricing is fairly reasonable there even without a groupon, so I imagine I will be back every couple months to remind my back what it feels like to be stress-​free. It was great.

I’ve been waiting for Damian to refund me money from the vouchers that I will not use at his studio, I sent him a text asking him where the refund was. He lost it on me and began to use personal attacks. I am posting the body of the text below. You decide if this angry man is someone you want to massage your almost naked body with this negative energy.
Just to give you context, he is referring to not being paid by my insurance company for working on me for my bicycle accident. How this is my fault, I’ll never know. Bottom line: do not trust this man.
«I thought you were that kinda person. Thats just bad karma for you! That’s another reason why I don’t want to treat you. I tried to help you. But You don’t wanna be helped. You jus wanna cause problems for everybody else! And still I haven’t been paid for treating you.»

So I come to the spa for one of two reasons, either I want a super indulgent day of pampering, or my skin looks terrible or my back is achy and I really need a massage and/​or facial. I would recommend Hot Hands for anyone looking for the latter.
If you are expecting a pool, sauna, or other fancy spa amenities, it’s not happening. While they try to do the most with the room they have the ambiance isn’t the most relaxing. But the services I received were very good. I got a massage and a facial, and my massage was wonderful. The masseuse did a great job with appropriate pressure, and didn’t try to talk which I appreciate! Nothing worse than a chatty masseuse.
My facial was… informative. Weird adjective for a spa treatment, but the lady who did my facial really took her time to explain every process, and made great recommendations for my skin. My only issue was that there was absolutely no element of relaxation. In the middle of the facial I was asked to answer a bunch of questions for their file; name, address, allergies, that kind of stuff. But that really should be done before. Like I said, the facial was good and my skin looked great afterwards, but it wasn’t relaxing.
I would go back because the services I received were very good, and the price is right. But for a spa getaway situation I would look elsewhere.

Using some vouchers I purchased, I was able to take two clients here for under $ 100 each. One had a facial and one had a massage. They were both so impressed that they asked me to bring them to HHS&S again next time they arrive from Florida and Delaware respectively.
Damien, the owner provided services for one of my friends. He told my clients a little bit about his philosophy in running the spa and made them feel so welcome. But all the staff made good representatives of this the-​customer-​comes-​first salon. My clients walked out with brochures, email newsletters and small gifts they bought for presents, knowing and understanding that they are welcome back and will be treated like family the next time they arrive at HHS&S. Best yet, they were excited to spend money in a local spa (rather than the giant Center city hotels we usually use), stating as they got in the car, we «finally are supporting the local economy.»
i don’t want to overlook my great service too. Emily gave me a massage that addressed some sore spots I didn’t realize I had. Thanks for the deep tissue massage. I really needed it.
So, in summary, small enough to feel like home, but large enough to get three of us in for services at the same time making it a nice girls day out. Prices that can’t be beat especially because it is generous with voucher services. Services that were in line with large hotel and large spa services in quality and duration. Nearby on street parking as well as accessible by subway.