Massage Heights vs Massage Envy (Bulverde, Vega: area, therapist, road)

[djw]

Originally Posted by SATXUsername

I've never gotten a massage at a chain massage place. Does anyone have experience with Massage Heights or Massage Envy? They are certainly cheaper than a spa, but why?

They are cheaper than a spa because you get what you pay for. In a spa setting, you typically get the fruity drinks, maybe some time in the sauna or even at the pool "included" in the price of your services.
If what you need is a good therapeutic massage without all the fluff, then one of the Massage Envy/Heights places is probably good enough.
My experience with ME and MH is that no matter what "type" of massage I request (sports therapy, deep tissue, relaxing, whatever...) they always end up being the same.
My favorite quickie-massage place (not THAT quickie) was in Pensacola at a place in the mall called "The Backrub Store". It took a few times passing by the storefront before I finally went in!
And without any indroductory specials, it seems the industry standard is about $1/minute, which is about what I pay even at a spa. I don't mind paying a little extra because I know I will be treated well and be able to enjoy the plush luxuries.

[motown mary]

Originally Posted by Paka

I belong to Massage Heights at Potranco and 151...recommend them and enjoy it.

They are VERY above board and have nothing to do with "naughty" type of services....your in Texas now honey, not Detroit anymore! Time to update your thinking...

Oh that's right, I am in Texas, the naughty-free zone, where cheap massages couldn't possibly include a "happy ending."

[Paka]

Originally Posted by motown mary

Oh that's right, I am in Texas, the naughty-free zone, where cheap massages couldn't possibly include a "happy ending."

See, an old dog CAN be taught new tricks...you remembered that you are now living in the GREAT state of Texas vs that other old place!!!

[wCat]

Originally Posted by motown mary

They both seem prime for "naughty" massages. Sketchy.

Are we kidding here?

[SanAntoQT]

Originally Posted by motown mary

Oh that's right, I am in Texas, the naughty-free zone, where cheap massages couldn't possibly include a "happy ending."

That's right, baby! Deal!

[Valerie98]

Originally Posted by wCat

Are we kidding here?

No.

[dawgbert]

My wife and I go to Massage Envy on Blanco and get a couples massage every month. Once we found the masseuses we liked we stuck with them. We call ahead and make sure they are going to be there. I like that because they can get used to knowing what we prefer and we don't have to go through the questions of what kind of massage we want.

[CGSA]

Originally Posted by rentingindfw

massage envy is a cattle call
they pay there therapist less that 20 a hour to do massage
a sweat shop if you will
how could they keep a skilled therapist there when they can make 50+ and tips at a spa hotel hospital
its usually people who just got our of school or that suck
i dont waist the money there
a skilled therapist is worth the money

dont know about Spa D'Sante...but sounds like the same

i have been a therapist for 10 years in texas

I am not a fan of either Massage Heights or Massage Envy but to say they are a sweat shop is way over the top. I agree that the pay scale for the therapists is very low. They pay $15-18 per hour and depend heavily on tips to keep the therapists' pay at a decent level.

However, no one is forced to work there. There are plenty of spas, country clubs, medical clinics, etc. that hire massage therapists. They do have skilled massage therapists who choose to work there for flexibility of hours or just because they like it there. And just for the record, no I don't work at either.

[Eleanor Rigby]

I've been to Spa d' Sante, and I guess I would say the experience was adequate. I needed a massage, and the price was right. But, thinking back on it, I'd rather go less often and go someplace that's more of a spa environment. For my birthday, I got a spa package at the Windflower Spa at the Hyatt, which meant I got to spend the entire day at the spa using all of the amenities (hot tub in the locker room, sauna, steam, endless supply of fluffy white towels, bumble & Bumble hair products) as well as their adults-only swimming pool outside. Their prices are higher, but the amenities and the overall experience were more appealing to me.

[pobre]

OK,Spa D'Sante fans--which do you prefer--SDS Stone Oak/Huebner, or Bulverde Rd?