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A Perfect Day Spa
Category: Beauty and Spas Day Spas Day Spas [Edit]
39039 Paseo Padre Pkwy(between Capitol Ave & Walnut Ave)
Fremont, CA 94538
(510) 793-9933
- Price Range:
-
$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Private Lot
- By Appointment Only:
- Yes
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
About This Business:
Free Eyebrow Threading with Hair Cut & Style | $10 Eyebrow Threading | $44 Hair Cut & Style | $45 Brazilian Waxing | $59 Facial | Easy Access | Clean |… read more »
110 reviews for A Perfect Day Spa
110 reviews in English
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Review from Karen L.
Fremont, CA
Updated - 2/8/2012
I can't stop coming here. I've had massages elsewhere, and Peter is just so good for so much cheaper, it seems silly to go anywhere else. It's not really a day spa - but a cheap, quality place to get a massage. Peter doesn't work on Wed and Sat. I hesitate to recommend him so much because now all you peeps are gonna take away all his free appointments, but I like to reward such good service. Last time he even used hot stones as well as hot towels! Maybe it's cuz he recognizes me.
If you're not picky about your masseuse, you can always drop in.
P.S. When I say cheap, it's because we buy gift packs. You can split it with as many people as you want. My mom, brother and I share one. You just need to know the cardowner's phone number.Listed in: Places to Take Visitors
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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2/19/2010
My mom always gets me 5-pack gift cards here, which ends up being around $40 a massage. They're… Read more »
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Review from Pamela B.
Fremont, CA
2/5/2012
This Place is Terrible when it comes to service.
The Therapist hardly understand english and they are rude and greedy.
They would expect you to tip them at least 20% even if you don't like the service.
If you don't tip them 20% then they will actually Argue with you, yes you read it right they will stop you and argue with you and ask for the 20% tip, if you say you don't want to tip them, they would say it is mandatory.
Awful service, I am stuck for next 6 hour Msg here as I bought a package, But I would personally never ever visit this place.
My advice avoid this place.
And yes forgot to mention, this place is also not tidy enough, they reuse bed sheet, UGH! -
Review from Joanne L.
San Francisco, CA
1/1/2012
This place is just terrible! It deserves negative stars for their customer service. I received a Groupon here as a gift, so I tried to use it today.
The Receptionist at the desk (Michelle) told me my number isn't working, so I need to call Groupon immediately to ask for a new number. I called them and told her they're closed on the weekend. She said its not her problem, so I had two options:
1) Come back another time - once I get a new number.
or
2) Pay the full price for a massage, but I wouldn't be able to ever use the Groupon because its for NEW CLIENTS ONLY. (I can't believe she even had the nerve to offer this option)
I called their main line to complain, and all they said was "sorry, get a refund from Groupon!"
Their customer service Rep said the girl at the Front Desk's name is Michelle and she always gets complaints that she's rude. Thanks for the heads up! Beware of the rude girl at the front named, Michelle! Ultimately, I think she just doesn't want to honor Groupon customers, because a lot of shady businesses like this place don't want to help customers who pre-paid, because they feel like they're working for free.
DON'T EVER COME HERE, THERE'S A REASON WHY THEY HAVE SUCH TERRIBLE REVIEWS!!
Btw, Making an appointment here is really easy, but its super strange! Around 8pm the night before my appointment, I received a call from Palmdale??? to tell me my appointment has been delayed 15 minutes. I appreciate the heads up, but 8pm???
I doubt this place even cares about their negative reviews. They said a manager will be calling me back..I doubt it. This place just wants to cheat you out of your money. -
Review from Vegan B.
San Jose, CA
12/31/2011
Really want to give 0 starts for poor customer service.. they cheated people thru groupon ad. I bought a groupon coupon and went there and it was not my second. a very rude chinese lady at the service desk, started arguing with me and said it can't be use under my name as I'm not the first timer here and I can give this groupon coupon to someone who haven't used this facility before. I bought it for $34 on group on where as the regular price is $68.00/hour. Why would I give it to someone?? I even insisted that I'm ready to pay the rest of the price (after the coupon on price), but that lady didn't agree. After a prolonged argument, I ended of buying another one hour session by paying the full price $68 + tip.
the massage was average, but I don't like the crowd there. People who were waiting there (mostly asian) looked cheesy and cheap. Horrible ambiance. I won't recommend this place to any one. I have had paid much cheaper price (less than $50) and had great massage at different places. So, use your judgement before paying .. -
Review from Jenn D.
Hayward, CA
11/14/2011
This was my first time to come here. My husband has been here a few times. I had bought a Groupon for my parents as a birthday gift and they recently used it. They liked their experienced there that they became members. So since my husband is a member and was a referral, they gave an extra hour to his account.
So that's how we decided to get a massage. In his account, he had a hour left over and now with the extra hour for me, we decided to get a couples massage yesterday. There's a lot of parking and you can't miss the place on Mowry.
The receptionist was a bit friendly. She had a thick Chinese accent so when she asked me what type of massage I wanted, I couldn't understand the options she gave me. In the end, I went for the medium pressure massage while my husband got the deep tissue massage.
We were brought into a dimly lit room in the back of the place (after going through halls of rooms). The room didn't have any decor or anything inviting except for a place for your personals and two massage beds with soft music playing in the background. The therapists barely spoke to us throughout the whole experience, except mine was a nice lady that spoke to me a few times.
She massage my neck, shoulders and back. There were times that when she applied pressure that it hurt but it felt good afterwards. My husband told me later that the lady therapist that he had put her knees on his thighs while she massaged his back.
At the end of the massage, they applied warm towels on your body to wipe the oils then you turn around to get a head massage. Then they wait for you to come out of the room with a drink of water. My therapist asked me how I was, which was very nice of her.
Overall, it was a nice experience, which made me feel better. As soon as we got home, my husband wanted to take a nap. -
Review from Mai V.
San Jose, CA
10/3/2011
I think I maybe spoiled when it comes to spas. When I think of a day spa, I think of a warm, cozy and tranquil environment. This place is NOTHING like what I expected. I swear I felt like I was stepping into a Hong Kong spa with a happy ending. I purchased a Groupon for this place so that's the only reason why I came here.
I went with my boyfriend's sister and we got couples massage. After checking in we were taken back within 5 minutes. The place is HUGE with lots of rooms but the place needs to be updated and be more welcoming. The room we were in was not cozy at ALL. It just had 2 tables, a bench and a tiny space for you to put your stuff.
The only reason why I'm giving this place a 2 is because my massage was good. So if you don't mind the run down environment and just looking for a fix then this is the place for you. -
Review from Jane N.
Tracy, CA
12/21/2011
As I female and a first timer, I was skeptically about the massage. When I saw the groupon, I thought to myself, "Why not?" and bought it. As I made the appointment, I didn't mention to have a female maussaue so if you would like that then you would have to tell them at the call center. When I got a male maussaue, I asked for a female one but couldn't get one. I was a little self concieous about myself with a male (plus i had not gotten myself wax before this appointment so I was a bit embarrassed). But Peter was VERY professional. He never once said a word about it and maintain the utmost respect with me. I felt so comfortable and transitioned myself into bliss. If I need any more massages, I will definitely request Peter.
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Review from Candace F.
San Francisco, CA
9/7/2011
I think I'm spoiled. I was expecting a "spa" with amenities but it's not. I came in on a weekend to get a couples massage. I requested medium pressure while my hubby wanted deep tissue. We were brought into a dimly lit room where there were 2 massage beds. The woman who massaged me put some strong pressure where there were knots, my neck and shoulder area. I admit, it really hurt at the time but I felt a whole lot looser after wards. She massaged all the important areas of the body: back, neck, shoulder, and head. She did a good job and I instantly felt my muscles loosen up. My hubby said he felt looser too but he enjoys a spa with amenities.
We paid a really good price for our massage $38 for 1 hour for each of us. The therapist doesn't speak English so it was harder to communicate with them. I would come back again if I was in the neighborhood and in the mood for a foot massage. -
Review from braden k.
6/19/2011
I never, EVER thought i'd be comfortable with another man rubbing me down especially with mineral-oil soaked hands, HOWEVER it wasn't half as uncomfortable as I thought... all hetero.. thanks to mommy hooking it up, a perfect day spa gets 4 stars.
never paid for a massage before and similar to losing my virginity, it was slightly awkward as it was my first time.. plenty of parking and two very cute receptionists working the front desk, I was praying that one of them would give me some deep tissue therapy! talking to my mom about choosing a female masseuse instead of a male one, she had informed me that she had chose a male because I'm larger and he needed to "use stronger hands and get under the muscles" .______.
sheesh mother, isn't it obvious that i'd prefer an attractive masseuse of the opposite sex to rub me down when i'm half naked? being booked solid, they weren't able to fulfill my request for a female and she found it hilarious. I was greeted by an asian cat, who was half my size. I kept thinking that my mom had wasted her hard earned cashola and he wouldn't be able to work any knots out whatsoever! surprisingly, this asian cat had HANDS OF STONE and knew exactly how to work the knots out... i had to tell him several times that it was all good to go 110% because i am full of knots and i'll admit, I underestimated the miyagi lookalike
halfway through the music playlist stopped and i'll admit that hearing myself getting slathered in oil and massaged killed my mood.
NO ME LOVE YOU LONG TIME?! -1. just kidding! +4 for being sanitary and adequately priced. -
Review from Kim N.
Santa Clara, CA
10/3/2011
I had two Groupons here to use for a mother-daughter massage date that I gifted my mom for Mother's Day. I've been here one other time due to one of my personal training clients giving me a massage certificate, so I knew to not have extremely high service expectations for this place but they gave me a decent massage last time I was here.
I went over with my mom and was excited to share this experience her. I told her to look past the plain and cafeteria-like exterior because their massages were decent. We went up to front desk to check in but since I was technically a repeat customer, they refused to take my Groupon. (Okay, I admit fault for not reading the fine print in this one)
BUT, the GREAT thing about Groupon is that the amount that you pay for the service NEVER expires and can be used as a voucher - you just won't be able to redeem the promotional price. Since I didn't want to ruin the experience with my mom, I was willing to pay the difference for a full price massage to the amount I already paid for my Groupon. The rude receptionist refused and stated that I would need to get a refund. I pulled up my Groupon app from my iPhone and showed the Groupon policy to her but she continued to give me a lot of attitude and refused. I was so fed up with her disrespectfulness and nonsense that I walked out.
If you're going to be a business working with a company like Groupon, it would be helpful to understand the rules set in place and keep customer satisfaction up.
I rarely write Yelp reviews, but this establishment gave me such a bad experience that I wouldn't recommend this place to anyone. You definitely get what you pay for here.. and I'm not spending another penny. -
Review from Anh H.
Oakland, CA
7/5/2011
*for tina
-this place is a hit or miss but my latest massage with tina was a def HOME RUN!
-she focused on all the areas that i stressed and softer on areas that were tender (very diligent masseuse)
-i never felt uncomfortable or that "ouch factor" anytime during my 60 minutes (i've never had that happened).
-she concluded with a head/scalp massage.
-a spontaneous appointment was easily booked that morning.
-reasonable prices.
-easy parking.
some room for improvement:
-don't put people so close to one another. the sporadic voices weren't distracting but would have made the experience more "spa like".
poor running water or soothing music, there was music but it was faint.
overall, tina did an exceptional job!! and now, i can't stop ruminating about my next vist. -
Review from Tony T.
San Jose, CA
3/4/2011 1 Check-in Here
My wife has been coughing for more than a week and wanted to do something to relax her muscle. I have the membership with APDS so I called them in the afternoon to make the appointment for the late massage. Their phone number goes to the call center and I spoke to a lady there. She speaks and understands English very well. She advises us to check in early before the appointment.
So we got there around 15 minutes earlier and got check-in right away. I asked about the hot stones as I want to try it out. The cashier told me that she can give me one free. I'm glad that I asked as I really enjoyed the oil rub with the hot stones. Our lady masseuse's come out on time to take us into different private room (I don't want the double room). This is very impressive that they has changed to partitions to private rooms now.
After the service, my wife was very happy with it and we gave them a very generous tips. We definitely will come back here again. -
Review from Diana L.
San Jose, CA
1/14/2011
I've been to this location a few times to get the medium/deep tissue massage and always been happy until today. I know when coming here not to expect anything "spa" like but I do expect a great massage.
I've had great massages with Julie (4 stars) and Esther (5 stars!!) and since they were so well price after buying a package always tip $20.
Today neither women were available so they gave me an appointment with Angela (1star) I've never left a massage in a BAD mood until today. She was very aggressive and jerky in her movements and the WORST part was she heavily favored my right side of my body and now I feel uneven and tense. The facial and head massage were awful! She slathered cream all over my face and got a lot of it in my hair. Then the facial massage was a mix of pushing my nose close and then rubbing her fingers on my scalp until my hair was completely knotted. :( I still left her a $7 tip because the whole thing wasn't awful but I will make sure to never have her again! I also left with a lot of massage cream left all over my body which had never happened before.
Overall this is a good place to go for a quick no fuss massage but only if you get the right person. -
Review from Cheryl W.
Fremont, CA
5/30/2011
-HUGE language barrier (except for the front desk receptionist)
-door wasnt closed til I asked
-fair massage but I got scratched
- couples massage here = laughing and talking among the masseuses = no relaxation -
Review from Valerie B.
Union City, CA
2/18/2011 2 Check-ins Here
I have been coming here for a few years now and I love it. I have had two different masseuse's and my favorite one is Linda. She is great. She is always able to get rid of the knots in my back. I always ask for a room in the back where it's quieter. There was one time where the room I was in was next to their break room....sooo noisy!
They usually have music playing but I usually bring my iphone and I have
my pandora station playing relaxing music.
It has gotten pricer over the years, but then again, that's how business goes. The packages are great and I like that you can let other people use your hours. -
Review from Adain A.
Los Angeles, CA
8/7/2011
I signed up for Yelp just to post this. I went in today, after about 6 years out of the area. I signed up for a 9.5 hour package, and was promptly met my "Leah".
I doubt her credentials are legit. First I said I'd like to focus on the legs since I had been hiking in Yosemite all weekend, and she then started massaging my back and arms and hands. FOR 40 MINUTES, it turns out.
The "massage" was basically just her rubbing her rough hands over my skin with oil. OVER AND OVER. BACK AND FORTH. RUB RUB RUB.
My skin was on fire from the sandpaper of her palms.
I had to stop her and make her move on 5 times. Each time she said "Oh, ok". And started doing the same thing on the next part. WTF.
After she started doing the exact same thing to my legs, I simply got up and put my clothes on and went to talk to the manager. She got there first and started talking loudly in a language I don't know, which is fine, since I'm pretty sure when I was talking she didn't understand my language either.
The manager was gone, should be calling me tomorrow. But c'mon -- this place is crap. I paid $398 for 9.5 hours and then find out that their workers are the lowest of the low. ROUGH HANDS. SANDPAPER. RUBBING BACK AND FORTH, BACK AND FORTH...
The girl @ the front said that Leah is one of hteir most popular workers. Yeah right. -
Review from Sheryl G.
Dublin, CA
5/5/2011
I like to get massages periodically. I have been using APDS for over a year. I purchased a package of massages. I like that they don't expire (obviously) but also that I only need a pin number to utilize them or can have my husband or sister use one by using the pin number.
I have had a massage in the Fremont location as well as Santa Clara. Ken or Logan in Santa Clara are awesome. A bit frightened to provide their names for fear that they may end up booked all the time. But, they really do provide excellent massage.
I have also just had the foot massage and it was a relaxing experience. They massage toes to knees and a small shoulder/head massage to end it.
All in all, a place I definitely like to frequent when my schedule allows.
Enjoy! -
Review from Aileen D.
Vallejo, CA
10/22/2010 2 Check-ins Here
After celebrating a win by the Giants at Chevy's, my boyfriend and I were throwing out ideas of what to do next. We walked by a Massage Envy and I suggested we get a couple's massage since we both had a rough week at work, the Giants won, and we needed to kill time for traffic to die down before heading home. Massage Envy did not have a room for couples so we called A Perfect Day Spa and luckily we were able to make a quick appointment..30 minutes later we were both relaxing and getting our 1 hour massages.
I requested deep tissue and my masseuse really worked out all the kinks. I can't say that my boyfriend was completely satisfied with his massage (he thinks I got the better one).
The receptionist was very nice and welcoming. They had Halloween decorations up and a pretty inappropriate scary statue in the waiting area (I kept thinking it was real..) On our way to our room there was a "great" room with various couches and panels separating them for focused massages (for feet, legs, neck, shoulders). That seemed awkward since there wasn't much privacy. Once we got to our room, they changed the sheets in front of us, which I thought was weird but ok since I knew they were new sheets..The room itself had soft, calming music playing in the background and it was dimly lit, but I thought it could've used more decor to enhance the ambiance..
Well, we both must have enjoyed our experience since we purchased a 6 massage package membership at the end (Promotional price $248 for 6 -1hour massages; $116 for 2 -1hour massages Regular price) Not bad at all... -
Review from Derya A.
Oakland, CA
3/13/2011 1 Check-in Here
I got a gift card for this place for an hour massage. I've previously been to sort of 'up-scale' massage parlors so that may have skewed my expectations. It is evident it is supposed to be relaxing, but it's not the most peaceful I've experienced. The massage itself was good for what I wanted, which was to have knots in my back worked out. If I had intended to come for a relaxing massage, I don't think I would have been happy. Also, randomly, it may be just me, but I found the head/face rest very uncomfortable. Also, when my masseuse returned from getting hot towels, I didn't hear the door close, and she proceeded to lift the sheet and place towels on me while the door was open.. I heard it close a minute or two later.
For the massage itself, I'd give 3 1/2 stars, but the rest of the service is why I opted for giving only 2 stars. I'm glad I got a gift card. -
Review from Mary jane P.
Hayward, CA
2/4/2011 2 Check-ins Here
I ve been here a couple times over the past couple years. So on Friday the 28th I came here to relax for my birthday. One of my friends who has came here before with me also joined. We both got an hour massage and depending on what you can take they give you a choice of soft-med or hard massage. I always ask for med-hard. Wow I didn't even realize I had that many knots in my neck and back.. It hurt a little but OMG!!!! I so needed that I was sooo relaxed.
This review is for Leah. I really really suggest her.
Also Mariel the receptionist was soooo nice and very informative -
Review from eata c.
Oakland, CA
8/24/2011
Ask for GRACE for a good, deep massage!
Well, you know what I say, even a bad massage is still good.
This place is clean, well organized, has complimentary herbal tea, and it's easy to make an appointment. Plus, if you buy packages, it's even cheaper.
(~$60/hr without a package, about $35/hr with the package deal. They have different prices for foot massages)
The receptionists all speak English- the massage therapists sometimes don't speak so well, so it sometimes gets hard to communicate.
The quality of the massage really depends on the massage therapist, so if you find one you like, get his/her name & request him/her next time!
I REALLY liked GRACE. I like DEEP massages, to the point where they're painful. I'm pregnant, and a lot of therapists were too afraid to dig in deep. Grace went for it, dug out my knots, and left me feeling MUCH better. I highly recommend her! -
Review from James T.
Fremont, CA
2/17/2011 3 Check-ins Here
I've been a regular at Perfect Day Spa for several years. The price is good, the quality of the massage has been outstanding, and the ambience is adequate. This is where the good points stop.
The front desk people are constantly trying to push me into buying one of their 'plans'. This is the only way you get the good pricing. The price and the close location are the reasons I keep coming back.
I recommend this place if you want a good massage for a reasonable price. They have several locations throughout the Bay Area, which helps as well. -
Review from Tara A.
Updated - 3/14/2011
I sent an email to customer service regarding my bad experience and it's been a few days, and I haven't received any response - just as expected.
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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3/9/2011
DO NOT COME HERE, especially if you're pregnant and after a full day at work.
We were told that we… Read more »
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Review from Rebecca T.
Fremont, CA
6/1/2010
I felt this was the Walmart of day spas. Too many people in the building at once- no personal service. I thought it would be a great price, but it turns out they expect to get tipped a LOT!
The actual spa was decent, but cold feeling.
I noticed MOST of the people had licenses on the walls that were EXPIRED!!! Not a good sign at all!
I wouldn't return- too impersonal and too many people that don't speak ENGLISH. -
Review from Susan D.
10/4/2007
Wow, how suspicious... two 5-star ratings in less than 20 minutes at 3am by people who... Perfect Day Spa is their first and only review (John and Armando). This person obviously doesn''t get the point of Yelp. No thanks 'Perfect' Day Spa... I'll go with what the Yelpers with multiple reviews over periods of time say.
There are also 2 votes for wheelchair accessible... I wonder if that's true?
Do they have automatic doors and ramps?
I really hate bogus reviews... positive and negative ones. -
Review from Nick D.
5/7/2010 1 Check-in Here
The BFF introduced me to APD about 4-years ago when they first opened. We both came in for their introductory offer to check it out and became a "member." Well, dropping $350 for 11-massages, they better make me a member! Anyhow, after being on a 2-year hiatus, I called to make an appointment just to realize I had 5-massages left. Woot! Even if my membership card was expired...shh!
The building is kind of weird as is the inside of it, not to mention the big screen tv that's blaring, which kind of ruins the mood of things but thankfully you don't hear any of the lobby noise in the treatment area. The girls at the reception area through the years have been pretty nice.
The massages...well, I guess you get what you pay for. I think it's $49 or something for an hour massage? But since I pre-paid mine, it came out to about $30/hour. For $30/hour, it's definitely worth it and feel much better afterwards. If it was your normal $150/hour massage then I wouldn't be too happy. I say that mostly because the techniques they use aren't those of a regular spa. There's a lot of "scrubbing" motions going on. It still feels great and soothing but it's not targeting the key areas. Plus, the last 10-minutes of the massage, the massage therapist is practically giving you a sponge bath. haha!
The treatment areas, well, I guess they switched it up. The men's side used to be on the left, which is one big room with half walls separating the areas for each customer. But this time I was taken to the right and got taken into a private room.
APD isn't a bad place but don't expect to walk in, seeing a tranquil water fountain, hearing Enya and smelling lavendar throughout the hallways. But it's clean, you're in, you're out without all the fluff. So if you're a spa snob, this place isn't for you. -
Review from Catalina C.
Newark, CA
12/2/2008
I have been having the most horrible aching in my body lately. So this past Saturday, my friend and I had just finished with some shopping, when we got the idea of relaxing and what not. I had remember seeing A Perfect Day Spa advertising a 29.99/ 60 minute massage, so we head on over there.
As soon as we get there, parking wasn't a hassle there's plenty of room for everyone and their moms to park. We enter the run down looking building. When you first get in you see a bunch of vending machines, the lighting is horrid, the place looks kind of like a cafeteria. The Asian lady at the front desk was rude, and ushered us into the check in section. Then this man/women looking Asian, "helped" us.
What did the promotion consist of, he-she says "oh that foot massash"
I then say WOW 30 DOLLARS FOR A FOOT MASSAGE? I GUESS.
he-she says "ish refleshology, ish good for you"
I reply with "Well I want a regular massage"
he-she says "oh, we have package. package good, save money. you and friend can split package"
I get mad and say "I am not going to buy no package, so quit pushing it. you guys are doing false advertisement. MAYBE YOU GUYS SHOULD MAKE IT CLEAR THAT THE 29.99/60 MIN. MASSAGE IS FOR FEET."
Basically, they ARE hella pushy, rude, false advertising, trying to jip you to get a massage at a cafeteria looking place. I'd save my money and go some place else where they WONT push you to get a package
I ended up making an appointment with Massage Envy. -
Review from Pamela R.
Fremont, CA
2/4/2010
I was frightened of this place from the negative Yelp reviews, but went anyway because I got positive reviews from friends. I found some of the Yelp reviews accurate and some of them off the mark: Here are some things that others have written that I can confirm:
They try to push the package deals on you. However, the package deals are actually a pretty good deal, they don't expire, and they are transferable. They aren't nasty if you don't go for it, either. At first I didn't, and I was firm about wanting to try it first. They were perfectly okay with that.
There really is a weird waiting room with a big screen TV and patio furniture, sort of like a Hampton Inn breakfast room. I don't see why people were so bent out of shape by that, though.
There is a big language barrier. It would help to speak Mandarin, but pantomime works just fine. If you live in Fremont, you just have to get used to that. It's probably more difficult to communicate at work.
The building really is in an old bank. I know because I won a pumpkin carving contest there in the sixth grade. Well, they have to do something with all those failed banks, why not a massage studio? ("Day Spa" is kind of pushing it, though. It's a massage center, and that's it.)
It's kind of noisy. You can hear what's going on in other rooms. During my session, someone was vacuuming upstairs for a half an hour. Some might call that white noise. I call it obsessive vacuuming.
The place isn't dirty. Okay, it isn't a pristine surgical suite, but it's not a sty, either. I didn't have the nerve to try the bathrooms after reading the reviews. I do not need to know everything.
They do not have paper sheets, and there are private rooms with doors. I guess they must pay attention to their reviews, because I saw no sign of curtained partitions, they have only regular, clean, cloth sheets that the MT changed in front of me. I got the full hour, and was not shorted even one minute. I was not pressured for a tip by anyone (and that's a real issue with me--those Reflexology places in the mall pressure you really hard for up to a 90% tip. Not here.) Nor did I see any sign that they offer Chinese food for sale in the lobby.
Now, to the massage itself. It was...okay. It's not what you might expect from a Day Spa, but it does the trick. Nobody climbed on me, and she understood when I said "too hard" or "too soft" but it did feel like I was being scrubbed rather than massaged. She worked at knots like they were bits of grime in grout. Sometimes it helped and sometimes it made it worse. I am a little sore today. I guess it depends on who you get. After you work with someone for awhile, the'll get to know what you need and it will be easier.
Yeah, I bought the package. It's not a bargain, but it is worth what you pay for, and that's all I really need. -
Review from Scott L.
Fremont, CA
6/10/2008
Huge language gap, no privacy (was asked to undress in front of three women in a open room that faces a hallway.
I was wearing board short (no underwear) so I just got the massage with the shorts on.
Who gets enough massages to justify saving 15 dollars to have a rushed, non private, extremely noisy and a massage therapist who doesn't have the ability to communicate?
My massage therapist did not know the word "calf"
I will never go back and I cannot understand why people have memberships. -
Review from Claire Y.
Oakland, CA
2/1/2010 1 Check-in Here
I've been going to this place for over a year now. I get their pre-paid packages which brings to about $35.00 for an hr of massage. The hours you pre-paid work in all three of their locations so it's quite convenient. I usually ask for David if I want a deep tissue massage and for just relaxation I ask for Juila. =) Very nice people and great service!
If you are going, make sure you have enough cash on you for tips because if you put tips on your credit card the massage therapist only gets 70%..the rest 30% goes to the company. =) Be generous and considerate! -
Review from Dorothy F.
Fremont, CA
2/23/2009
Hardly 'a perfect day' will be had here but you will get a good massage.
This isn't your typical spa. For starters, it's located in an old office building. When walking up, you'll be wondering if you came to the right place. The feeling remains once you step inside. The lobby looks more like a doctor's office w/ it's small waiting area, hospital white walls and sectioned off reception. Their massage rooms and spa area do have a bit more ambiance.
There's a slight language barrier with the receptionists. And, they aren't exactly warm and accomodating. As for the massage, I had no complaints. The 60 minutes flew by and I was completely relaxed afterwards.
Perfect Day Spa is a no frills place to go when you need a relaxing massage. As long as you don't expect too much, you will be satisfied. -
Review from ElleDee R.
Bay Area, CA
5/6/2007
Some things I found out:
- They make you take off your shoes when you leave the lobby and go into massage area
- While I had a blanket covering me, the bed was lined by tissue. Like a medical office.
- Hot stone massage to them meant they placed stones on my body and massaged around them.
- Curtains as walls just aren't the same
- I can hear EVERYTHING
There were some positives. My lady was pretty good. She made sure she got the right pressure so she wouldn't hurt me. And the place was clean.
But I can't get past the "cutting corners." Tissue-lined massage tables, curtain walls to maximize space and the on-the-side business of selling Chinese food. I know that this is a place that is best for a quick fix. I may go back for their foot and leg massage but not for any other treatments. When I go to a spa, I need the conventional relaxation and comfort, even though this is super cheap.Listed in: Spas!
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Review from Joanna R.
Pacifica, CA
6/9/2008
Opening Line: You get what you pay for...
One of my best friend had a b-day party with us girls a while back (back in January) and she offer up her remaining credits on her card as gifts to us!!! I didn' t know what to make of this massage session at the time, which is why I refrained for months from doing a review. But now that I've tried out a few massage therapist and know a little better what I'm looking for...
Okay, so it's VERY cheap for the price... but... well read my Opening Line above!!! :-) I don't know how well trained these massage therapists are or whether they are even certified at all. (Not that my massuese was bad and all but...I came in with no expectations of the massuese!) You have to ask yourself if you feel comfortable under these conditions... and if you guys out there are expecting a world class spa resort experience, sadly the most you're gonna get are pretty spa scenery.
I got a foot (well, foot and calf) massage. That was relaxing and okay. I guess the fact that the group and I speak Cantonese and gave them a decent tip helped too. After all, I always remember my mother was also in the service industry.
My MAIN peeve though is that they have stations for full body massage. I don' t know about you but I like my privacy for that! ("Yes, ma'am!!! I can still hear you from my foot massage chair over in the corner!!!" /:-)
The hot foods and the drinks they have out for the clients wasn't too bad but I would stay away from the fruit and salads. (My friend took a couple of pieces of fruit and promptly had to spit it out. She said it was SOUR!!!)
So, hopefully not too harsh, but definitely not favorable either. I'm not bashing the masseuses -- they're all good hard-working people there! I'm bashing how business is run here -- which is the primary reason behind the massuese' aggressiveness towards higher tips! Don't expect a world class massage for the price!
I finally found a GREAT massage guy (see my review on "Oxygen Massage Therapy" in San Francisco) and well, from my experience with different massueses I've learned to ask the question "What am I paying for?" I figured for the money that I'm paying into the massage I have to ask "Am I paying for a nice spa resort environment with pretty spa resort scenaries -- OR am I paying for a GREAT massage with someone that knows what they're doing and CAN help me deal with my physical aches and pains and come out of there physically feeling GREAT?" I've learned that asking those questions helped me to figure out what I really want. It's when I realistically know what I can actually get for my money and what I really want out of the deal that (along with reading up those Yelp reviews CAREFULLY) that I'll find what's worth my $. -
Review from ting b.
New York, NY
6/23/2009
My parents are members here and added me and my sister as members a few months after they tried it. Overall, it's not bad, but here are some bones I have to pick with them:
1) Reception. The receptionists are not very informative or helpful, and they try to push you to buy more hours/ expensive packages. I think they might get a commission from it because everytime I go they try to sell me something that I really don't want. Also they're not very nice and often speak broken English. I get it, my parents speak broken English too, and I don't give the receptionists grief over it - they give ME grief for not understanding them and asking them to repeat themselves! Also, whoever is answering the phone (it's usually the same female voice) basically doesn't speak any English at all. It's impossible to make a reservation with her in English (thankfully I speak Mandarin).
2) Massage therapists. They also don't speak a single word of English. It doesn't affect me that much because I speak Mandarin but I would imagine it would affect anyone else that doesn't. Also, the therapists chat with me sometimes after the session and I've heard on more than one occasion that they would like to be tipped directly rather than have the tip go through the front desk, because sometimes their tip goes missing or some of it is swiped!
3) Appointments. They are never on time. I always wait at least 10 minutes, sometimes more. And again, the unfriendly/ ill-looking receptionists do not give the ass of a rat that you are waiting.
The more I am writing this the more I am getting irritated. I better stop before that 2 stars drops to 1 star.
Oh but one more thing, and this is a good thing: this place is pretty cheap for massages. I don't know exactly how much I am paying (or my parents are paying) but I saw their prices for first-time guests, I think you can get an hour-long massage for around 50 bucks. This is cheap compared to nearly double that in SF. -
Review from Nico T.
Fremont, CA
11/27/2007
Note: This review is part of an ongoing comparative review of various massage places in the Bay Area. Read the whole list to get a sense of how they all compare to one another.
I came here because my sister swears by this place. I even became a member for 6 months because I liked the idea of regular massages. However, after getting 3 massages here in 2 months (we stopped after that and let the membership expire), this is just not what I wanted. Disclaimer: I haven't been here in a couple of years so they may have changed.
First off, like Massage Envy in Foster City, there's no real place to relax before your massage. They have a TV room where many people hang out, and they have buffet lunch that they leave out all day for people to pick at whenever they come. When you get called, you remove your shoes and leave it at the front cubby holes then you're wisked away to a semi-private multi-purpose room. There's the foot massage area with maybe 10-20 recliners to sit-in while you watch TV and you get a foot and leg massage. There's the shiatsu room where you lie on the floor while your masseuse rides you. And there's the "private" rooms separated by a sheet so you can hear everything happening in the 'room' next to you.
The masseuse may or may not speak english, which makes it difficult to ask them to put more or less pressure. The massage itself is very mediocre to the point where I'm worried they will injure my back. They have a wall of massage certificates in the lobby area, but if you look carefully, many of them are expired. Scary!
Again this was two years ago at least, and I hope they've improved, but my experience then puts them at almost no stars. One star for benefit of the doubt.Listed in: Massage in the Bay Area
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Review from Ella B.
Los Olivos, CA
3/16/2007
Actually, i want to give it ZERO stars b/c that's how awful i think this place is! One word: Horrible. Many words? Read my review:
First one all, i don't want a "membership" to a crappy massage place.
I went one day on the advice from my doctor that i should get a massage - he just said massage - not specifically at this place. (I was suffering from some sports related stress on my muscles).
When you first walk into this place there's this horrible "buffet" of asian food under heat lamps... is this a day spa or a buffet restaurant?....let's not even talk about the smell...
They had maybe 4 people behind the reception area - why, who, what place would need 4 receptionists running around not knowing what they are doing??
They made a copy of my drivers' license which i think is very strange... i just thought, "ok, fine, i'm here, let's get on with it..." My masseuse greeted me and took me into what looked like a large cubicle -- you can hear every other client despite the "relaxing" music. At least the place was somewhat clean despite the reception area and the exterior.
My masseuse started working on my back which started out fine, until she jumped on my back and started kneading me with her KNEES!!! NOT joking! i freaked out which scared her and she asked if i didn't like that, NO I DON'T i nearly screamed. I felt bad for raising my voice but i talk about unprofessionalism and PAIN! good holy cow.
I think i left maybe a $5 dollar tip and had such a pissed off look on my face that they didn't pressure me for more.
I hate this place and will never ever go back!
Lastly, i don't like the feeling i get that they import their masseuses from Asia - i prefer a licensed professional. -
Review from Anne W.
3/7/2008
I went here after my sister told me that the place was really affordable and decent. It seems like a lot of people frequent these places because they have ticket numbers and computers that call your number, etc. The building looks kind of like a renovated dentist office.
The place is not the cleanest unfortunately. They mask it well by the darkness of the place. But from the floor near the light.. I can tell they haven't vacumned in a while. The rooms aren't really rooms.. they are separated by a curtain. Some lady also walked in kind of confused looking for a book.. which wasn't in the room. That was random I am assuming.
I got a Perfect day massage.. the massage was good except when she started elbowing me. I guess that's supposed to be hard.. but it just hurt. I should have known to say something but I just tried to make it through it. They seemed to know what they were doing. And unlike other experiences, they didn't badger me for tips or give me bad service at the front desk.
It's cheap and decent.. so that's what keeps their business thriving.
I would recommend going if you're on a pinched budget. -
Review from Michelle C.
Fremont, CA
7/10/2009
OVERVIEW:
If you want a decent massage at a low price and aren't too picky about your surroundings, APD Spa is a good bet. If you've got a specific area of your body you're targeting that needs attention, don't go here because you probably won't be able to communicate your needs. APD provides a "bare bones" experience. Know that going in, and I think you'll be satisfied. If you want ambience and variety of treatments and pampering that comes with a REAL day spa, try Kamalaspa in San Francisco or someplace else.
DETAILS:
My husband and I are on our second 20-hour package at APD, and we have only used the Fremont location. We like that APD gives access to inexpensive massage at the drop of a hat. Most of the time, we decide in the morning on a Saturday or a Sunday that we want an appointment. We call APD, and they set us up same-day or next-day. The receptionists/schedulers have always been helpful, kind and professional.
The massage therapists can be hit or miss. That being said, I want to be clear: MOST are good; SOME are excellent; I have only had ONE that was downright crappy (didn't finish working out knots when she found them; seemed to follow a formula for a full-body massage, even though I clearly needed work on my upper back and shoulders; didn't respond to my directions to keep working on a particular area...very frustrating).
At APD, you should not count on being able to communicate with your MT. They're all Chinese ethnically and the vast majority are English-challenged. If you're not going for a targeted massage, or a give-and-take communication, then don't worry about it. The MTs are pretty much all good enough to get the job done. I wouldn't go back if they weren't.
I noted that other clients felt like they were pressured to give higher tips. I have never felt that way at Fremont APD. I always give tips directly to the MT when I am exiting the massage area; I have never given them to the receptionists. The MTs have been uniformly thankful and non-confrontational.
At the beginning of our first package, we were put off slightly by the miniature, half-walled-half-curtained treatment rooms. However, if you're really focused on the massage and can appreciate that you're getting a decent deal, maybe you can ignore the surroundings. Soothing music plays in the treatment rooms and the MTs DO NOT TALK (in my experience) during treatment. True, you may hear groans (never inappropriate) or snoring from occupants of other rooms. Occasionally you may hear distant talking. But if you focus on the massage you probably can tune this stuff out. If you can't or don't want to tune out, then don't go here. Or else ask for a private room; I know they have a few.
BIGGEST COMPLAINT:
I have found several MTs that I really, really like at APD Fremont. Without exception, they have disappeared after a couple of months. I have been told they are "on vacation" or "not at the Fremont facility today" or "taking a leave of absence"...but couldn't schedule an appointment with them anytime in the next week...and they have never returned. This is weird, and I don't like that I can't get back to the same MT, the one I KNOW will do a good job. Luckily, as I already said, most of the MTs are good enough so it's not a devastating loss. -
Review from anne m.
Fremont, CA
1/15/2011
i see peter here. he doesnt speak very much english but he is a GOD, a-mazing. TRY HIS FOOT MASSAGE, i try to go weekly, and its only 30 bucks!!!! i heard william is good too. ps. i like deep tissue
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Review from Christina Y.
Union City, CA
12/28/2008 1 Check-in Here
It's either hit or miss here. I always feel like I'm taking a risk every time I come in. I know I should take note of who I liked as a masseuse, but I can never remember names.. especially since massages are an occasional thing for me. They give you business cards, but I almost never keep track of business cards.
I've gotten close to/or more than a handful of massages here and I think you really have to be a fan of the style of massaging they have here because I can see/understand how some people might not like it.
Every time I come in, it feels like each masseuse I've had has a different kind of style.. or it could also be that their methods changed.
During prior visits, I could take a deep tissue massage.. but today, I got a deep tissue massage with an emphasis on the upper back and I felt like I was being softened up for a meal!
I hate to admit it, but I wasn't too in need of a massage; I just tagged along with my mom & aunts.. so maybe that's why it hurt so much? I don't know.. but it seriously was one of the most painful massages ever! My face was super discombobulated into that face-hole thingy and I felt bad for getting drool on it because I was clenching and tensing up in pain. Of course I told my masseuse to go a little softer, but I guess I had more knots than I really had thought! I came in the the vicinity nice and content and left beaten, defeated, sore, and surprisingly relaxed. Go fig.
The massage seemed like a mixture of things.. first it would be nice & relaxing, then painfully brutal.. then relaxing.. and then suddenly you have fists galloping on your back (clip-clopping noise included), then you experience torture, then finally pure relaxation.
Then when you're finally comfortable enough to pass out and sleep, it's over =(
I think one of the cons is that the only thing that separates you from other people getting massages is a curtain. Separate rooms would have been nicer. I say this because nearing the end of my massage, I started coughing.. the kind of cough that you can't really control or hold in because you have to let it out.. and I felt bad because I didn't want to ruin other customers' experiences.
Another thing is that they removed the food area! Maybe it's a temporary thing? ..but I saw new vending machines.. so maybe that replaced the food area?
Overall:
- The massages are okay
- The location is okay
- Masseuses are super nice
- Front desk is accommodating
