08/11/09

If you are looking for relaxation Go Elsewhere!

by mjd0527

This spa is the antithesis of what a spa should be. You would expect relaxation, forgetting about your worries and everything else a spa should be. Especially a spa at the Ritz-Carlton in Philadelphia. This spa was everything a spa should not be. When you wait for your appointment most spa's will have a calm and tranquil waiting area where you can relax and unwind while you wait. Not this place. Here you sit in a small area next to the area where people are getting their hair done and you have to listen to loud hair dryers and echoing conversations. Next you are also seated right next to the front desk. Where on the day we were there the staff felt the need to yell and loudly discuss their issues that day. The rest of the staff was running around and making for a more tense and stressful expereince than relaxing. The spa was also understaffed and they let everyone know it with their horribly loud conversations.

We actually had to cancel our appointment because we could not stand to wait there in that environment anymore.

Please save your money and go elsewhere. This is not what you would think the Ritz-Carlton should be.

• Pros: In a beautiful hotel in a great part of the city.
• Cons: Awful staff, no relaxing places in facility, small, loud

04/16/09

RAELEAH

by jennygirl39

Used to go to Ritz for facials and waxing with Rae but now shes gone and I couldnt be happier for her cause that place is crazy. Overpriced. I get the same services from her at Pierre and Carlo and the prices are reasonable. Good in this economy

• Pros: nothing
• Cons: Raeleah gone

10/16/08

Wonderful Haircut!

by mwh07

New to the city - I surveyed several salons before selecting Richel D'Ambra for my haircut. What truly motivated me to give them a shot was the wonderful service I received well in advance of my haircut. Due to my crazy schedule, I called the salon multiple times to change my appointment and each time I was greeted warmly and accomodated without any hassle (thank you Najada!).

Initially I was a bit cautious of the treatment I would receive given the salon was located at the Ritz Carlton and I'm not exactly their 'target audience' but I was pampered from the minute I walked in till the end of my package. I got my haircut and accent highlights from Joe Butler. All I can say about Joe is that he is a wonderful person and an excellent stylist. He was patient on hearing what I wanted to get done and even better at explaining what would be a better choice for me (thanks joe).

• Pros: Joe Butler
• Cons: Parking!

07/31/08

Worst Spa, Rude Owner, Dirty Bathrooms, EXPIRED Products for Sale - Save your money and go somewhere else in Philly!

by nrp02

This is worst spa ever in Philadelphia! The owner, Richeal is very unprofessional, rude and stuck up.

This spa should not be at the Ritz hotel, they no idea what is considered good customer service, go spend your money else where. They also sell products that are EXPIRED - BUYER BE AWARE! The skill set of the staff is very mediocre, nothing one would expect at the Ritz. The front desk staff is not any better. Philly has a ton of better spas, so save your money and go somewhere worthwhile.

• Pros: Nothing! A waste of money, a lot of money for horrible service
• Cons: expired products, dirty bathrooms, rude staff, owner is a total witch

03/17/07

Truly extraordinary

by ncovrljan

Truly extraordinary. Richele and hear team have created an ambiance which takes the spa experience into an entirely new dimension of well being, far beyond pure estethics. The level of service and professionalism is unparallel to any other spa that I have visited over the past 10 years in various places in US and Europe. For facial treatments, I highly recommend Raeleah. I was extremely impressed by her depth of knowledge, education, professionalism as well as intuitive sense regarding the client's needs. In my personal opinion, Raeleah is the top skin care/facial treatment specialist in the greater Philadelphia region. I highly recommend this spa.

• Pros: Please see review
• Cons: n/a

07/25/06

I love this place

by skremp_shannaya

This is what a Spa should be. Not some small dirty little hole in the wall.

I have had many treatments here and especially the massage with Brian is great and the hair styling with Joe is always super.

• Pros: Joe and Brian are great

07/23/06

relaxing

by dlroth

Dark, candlelit rooms, baby soft robes, complimentary champagne- every amenity you could imagine is available to you. Tasty brown sugar body scrub followed by a 4 handed massage and decadent pedicure. Ritz Carlton in room dining also a plus. Extremely romantic, very cozy. Exceptional boutique items on display as well. Fantastic evening!

• Pros: friendly staff. workout facility, steam and sauna.open on sundays

07/22/06

A Real Treat!

by houellebecq

I used to work in a spa at an exclusive resort, and have received many treatments in spas all around the country. I want to share my experience at Richel D'Ambra's spa at the Ritz-Cartlon, where I enjoyed a most wonderful afternoon. Raeleah gave me the best facial I have ever had! She was friendly, knowledgeable, informative, extremely professional- and my skin felt great! Raeleah really has a passion for her work, and it shows. I'm usually a little wary of having my hair cut while on vacation, but I'm glad I took a chance and had it done. Kim gave me a beautiful haircut! This spa is great, I had a relaxing time; a highlight of my visit to Philadelphia.

• Pros: Service

07/22/06

The best spa experience ever

by snewman26

My day started with a facial from Raleah who was the most knowledgeable and wonderful person I have ever had work on me. The total facial lasted about two hours and she made me feel extremely comfortable. She told me what each product was for, what would work best on my skin. She was not pushy when telling me about the products and even told me which product I should definitely buy if I were going to buy any.

Next I had a manicure and pedicure with Carol. She made me feel like completely relaxed. She did not try to sell me anything which was a nice change, being how every salon I ever go to is always trying to make you buy something.

Next I was on to having my first massage with Gabriel. I told him that I am very ticklish and that I never had a massage before. He told me if a massage is done correctly I would not be tickled, he was correct. There was some discomfort which I mentioned to hom and he immediately let up on the pressure and explained why I fel some pain. It was difficult to get up off the bed and I never knew how tense I was until I had the massage and my entire body felt different.

Finally it was time for hair colored with Rocco. The color was amazing but the he was a little distant and not very talkative. The color I chose was a red color, which picked up the natural red in my hair and had many dimensions of color. I would definitely go back for hair coloring here. It looked amazing.

Overall this experience has made me a guy that needs to be pampered. I am tryinig to find a Satruday that I can go back and relive my five hours of beauty at the Ritz Carlton. I highly recommend this spa to anyone who wants to forget their worries and be completely submerged in a world of luxury, relaxation and service. I also recommend buying their massage oil and a product called Vita Leg, both are must have for stress relief.

• Pros: Great hours, friendly attentive staff and great product line
• Cons: Located in Center City and I live in Manayunk.

07/22/06

Walking taller

by davidpmoore

Lately I have had some major back problems from working so much. Decided to get a massage. Was told by my best friend that I should go see Lora over at the Ritz. I took his advice and I have never felt better. I told her about the lifting I had been doing and she worked me a few ways of deep pressure massage and pulling. Walking out of the room I felt 10 times better than when I went in. I was walking straight up. Relaxed in the steam room for awhile, took a shower and slept so well that night. Enjoyed it so much, went back the next day for another massage. She was worth every penny. Now I won't mind going to work on Monday because I am already booked with Lora next weekend.

• Cons: She knew her stuff