Richel D'Ambra Spa at Ritz Carlton

03/17/2007 Posted 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

07/25/2006 Posted 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

07/23/2006 Posted 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

07/22/2006 Posted 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.

07/22/2006 Posted 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

07/22/2006 Posted 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

07/05/2006 Posted by academymusic1

I just love the way Joeseph does my hair,he is the best. The Spa itself,although small is great.My massage with Brain was tremendous. I would urge everyone to go here.

06/16/2006 Posted by dreaming49

I started the week in major back pain. Reading the reviews from this website, I decided to go to the top, figuring I was going to pay a fortune at the "Ritz Carlton". I was flabbergasted actually. Prices in line with most other spas in the city and overall a wonderful place just to sit and relax? Was I dreaming? The hospitality of the Ritz is legendary, however the spa inside ISN'T a Ritz-Carlton Spa. I was more impressed with the service from the spa then I was with the hotel. I was elated when the first moment I made contact with the spa. I booked my appointment with a pleasant and courteous man, Brian. Originally, I just wanted a massage, but he convinced me I need to pamper myself a little more and I got a facial and a manicure too. Although never having a facial before, I was a little nervous. I got a confirmation call the day before to remind me of my appointments by a woman named Diana. When I entered the spa, a very nice woman behind the desk, I think she said her name was Elizabeth, greeted me like I was a friend. I already felt at home and I hadn't even got into the locker room yet. Although I had a little trouble with the digital locks, it was worth waiting to put that amazingly soft robe on. Yum! I was offered water or wine (even though it was the afternoon) and sat on a couch that was so hard to get out of. They really make sure you are comfy! Then Gabriel came to greet me and ask a series of questions to help find out which massage would be right for me. We agreed on the 50 minute Sport massage and that's where I went from cozy to mush! Gabriel has amazing hands. Even with deep tissue work, it seemed calmer and less painful then when I went to other spas. Also he did some strech work that really helped my lower and upper back. After the 60 minute massage (I decided to go longer- it was well worth it!), I was feeling like part of the table. It was so hard for me to get up knowing I had to go to the bathroom. It was the best massage I ever had and I will recommend him to all my friends! After the massage, I had my facial with Ray (SHE called herself that). Not knowing what the heck was going on with my face or what it was going to be about, Ray was completely professional. She described what was going to happen and gave me a few options to impove my face. I supposedly had a lot of blocked pores and didn't know, probably why my face always felt oily. Anyway, Ray was a godsend, a shining light from heaven. My head felt like it was filled with air. I have never experienced anything like it. her hands were like fast melting butter as she put products on and took them off with these warm scented towels. I think I fell asleep for a bit of it during the face massage. Another Yum! Getting off this bed was harder than the first, but I knew I still had a manicure to get. I have had these before, so I knew what to expect here, or at least I thought I did. Carol did my manicure with such detail I thought I was in an art studio, not a nail room. I was expecting a quick 15-20 minute thing, but she used this wonderful scrub and spent a good 30 minutes on my hands and offered me a choice of polish (even though I was a man)- she meant clear or matte finish. I never was offered that before, and was very pleased that I selected the matte finish because all my co-workers noticed my hands the next day. I really didn't want to leave. The ambience is so relaxing and the staff was all really wonderful and professional. I do secret shopping sometimes, but this place is never on it. I wish it was! Thank you and I'll definately be back, with friends!

Pros: Everything, but mostly the people

Cons: Parking for now

06/13/2006 Posted by cfy101

its quite evident whoever wrote that last review that they are completely oblivious to the quality and standards that joe butler exemplifies as a member of the spa and salon of the ritz carlton. its rare to find a gentleman more accomadating to your needs then joe. I have full confidence in the talent, professionalism, and ability to create one of the most memorable guest experience that joe is capable of when I go for my appointments and sit in his chair!

06/09/2006 Posted by jtphotos

I had my hair done by Joseph and he did a nice job, but not what I expected from the Ritz. Then I had the misfortune of being sold into their idea of a spa treatment. After going to many Ritz Spas this was a terrible mistake. The staff was most unprofessional and I would never do this again