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Acqua Beauty Bar
Category: Beauty and Spas Day Spas Day Spas [Edit]
7 E 14th St(between 5th Ave & W Union Sq)
New York, NY 10003
Neighborhoods: Greenwich Village, Union Square, Flatiron
(212) 620-4329
- Nearest Transit:
-
14 St - Union Sq (N, Q, R)
Union Sq - 14 St (L)
14 St - Union Sq (4, 5, 6, 6X)
- Hours:
Mon, Thu 10 am - 9 pm
Tue-Wed, Fri-Sat 10 am - 8 pm
Sun 10 am - 7 pm
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- By Appointment Only:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
About This Business:
At Deluxe Spa at Hilton Parsippany, we provide customized journeys where you can swim, workout, dine and stay. Access to the pools, whirlpool and… read more »
82 reviews for Acqua Beauty Bar
82 reviews in English
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Review from Andrea S.
Brooklyn, NY
3/28/2012
The good:
-Amazing swedish massage with Tommy (I was originally surprised to see my masseuse was male but I got over it fast)
-Great pedicure from Nancy. My feet feel amazing!
-Everyone's very nice
The not so good:
-The bathrooms are under maintenance. You can use one, but they don't want you to throw toilet paper down the toilet...
-I was never given a robe or changing area before my massage. I think they forgot, but that's part of the experience.
Overall, though, I'd rate this place well b/c I had top-notch treatments. I didn't pay full price (got a Travelzoo deal) so I can't speak to that. -
Review from Scott F.
Manhattan, NY
2/15/2012
Quick Breakdown:
Massage: 3.5 Stars
Ambiance: 3.5 Stars
Cleanliness: 4 Stars
Price: 1 Star
We went here for a Valentine's Day couple's massage and we didn't walk away impressed or disgusted. Overall, this place deserves 3.5 stars because it is a notch above distinctly average.
Upon entering, we were immediately greeted by someone asking us for our coats and offering us champagne & white chocolate covered pretzels. That was definitely nice and certainly expected, considering the occasion. As we were brought into the room, the place looked clean & well kept which certainly makes a person happy when they're trying to spoil a loved one. The massage itself was a bit bumpy and erratic, though overall it was fine. There were parts that were very good; The back of my neck hasn't felt this good in a long time and my legs feel a lot better than they did going into it. Unfortunately, there were also some strange parts, like the masseuse rubbing both side of the front of my neck (for those who aren't medically trained, this will cause a person to pass out of done long enough) or him rubbing the actual bone and not a muscle. The only real negative was the price, because at $209 for a 1 hour couple's massage, I was expecting greatness and not mediocrity. -
Review from Lindsay R.
Brooklyn, NY
10/21/2011
Nice place - not super posh but clean, comfortable, and deceptively big. Had a great waxing experience with Ilse - quick, not hugely painful, and pretty meticulous. Not cheap (I'm usually a $20 nail salon waxer), but reasonable for the quality of the place.
The only weird part was at the beginning when a man (the masseuse, it turns out) seemed to be the one who would be waxing my netherlands. Huge misunderstanding, it turns out. Everyone was highly embarrassed. It was amusing. I would (and will!) definitely go again.
Apparently they're also good at mani-pedis and massages. (Says a friend, not me.) -
Review from Foodie G.
New York, NY
10/17/2011
My friend and I had made an appointment so that we can sit side by side to get pedi and mani and catch up. My friend was half way done with the pedi when my nail technician finally showed up. She then disappeared for a while without telling me anything, leaving my feet covered in some mask.
My feet were getting cold and I asked my friend's technician when my person was coming back. She just said she's coming back, but didn't bother to go check. After about 8 minutes, she came back and didn't even apologize or explain why she was gone.
My friend, who was finished before me, asked if she can stay in her pedi seat until I finished, since the entire point was to get the mani/pedi together. They said no, and my friend was whisked away to the mani station, leaving her and I all by ourselves. And there wasn't even anyone waiting!
My technician was rough on nails and the entire experience was not relaxing or pleasant at all. Thank goodness my friend had a coupon for mani/pedi for $37--that was not even worth it. My neighborhood place is so much friendlier, courteous, and offers a mani/pedi for less than that. I can't imagine paying the regular price for mani/pedi at Acqua Beauty Salon.
With so many nail salons with better pricing and service in the city, I will never be going back to Acqua Beauty Salon. -
Review from Sascha M.
1/31/2012
This place has Chanel and Deborah Lippmann nail polishes. Yayyy!!! The mani/pedi is a little more expensive but the nail polish selection is unreal. Supposedly the waxing is amazing here too, but I got laser so I don't know first hand.
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Review from melissa b.
New York, NY
2/25/2012
Had a certificate (think gilt) for Mani/pedi $37.
The end result was a nice job and an excellent selection of colors.
Now comes the not so good. Got there and they seemed surprised. I waited 15 minutes without a word. Was just about to say something but we got started. It took two hours, not because it was extra luxurious , they were so understaffed they kept getting up to answer the phone, take appointments, check people out. It was ridiculous. I was not offered anything to drink and there were tea cups all over the salon.
Also , I use to go to this salon often years ago and while clean not nearly as clean as before. For example in the old days a new file for each client (those changeable strips), no more. The used drinking cups sat next to me for the entire pedicure, this was from a prior client.
Ssssoooo..... For $37 it was good (but long) for $66 NO WAY !!!! -
Review from Mary C.
Manhattan, NY
7/30/2011
I had a 4:30 appointment for a manicure and pedicure. When I arrived I was told I would have to wait because they were short one person. As I waited I watch them take walk ins first. THey appeared disorganized but in truth I don't think they cared very much because I was told the manager was not there. I was taken 45 minutes after my appointment. As I was leaving I spoke to the manager. She told me that she was told I had arrived late for my appointment. I told her I had not but she was insistent. I asked to see the person who said that. She answered that it wasn't important and she would "make me happy" and give me a free mini manicure in the future. I said that did not make me happy because I did not like being lied about and I felt it was important that someone said I was late. She said, "never mind, never mind."
So first they say they are short staff. Then they said I was late and I was lying.
Worse they had 2 different people do my manicure because one was working overtime and needed to go home. The staff was horribly disorganized. And it is pricey for that kind of treatment.
I have been there before and it was good. So I think it is either the good experience when it is properly staffed and organized or the most recent experience I had which was terribly. For the price and time invested I am not willing to take a chance.
It is inconsistent. And when it is bad it is very, very bad. -
Review from D S.
Manhattan, NY
4/4/2012
I walked in this afternoon for a quick lower leg massage and they took me right away. Diego was amazing and professional and I left feeling great. Would definitely go back again!
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Review from Stephanie B.
New York, NY
9/23/2011
I got a brazilian here with a voucher from Gilt Groupe. When i walked in, they didn't have my appointment in the books although i distinctly remember scheduling it and making sure it was input correctly in my calendar. Nonetheless, the receptionist was very polite and they fit me in on time.
I must admit, I was expecting a traditional spa because of the pictures I had seen on their website... was QUITE surprised to find that this was an "in-n-out" type of beauty bar, although I should have inferred since the name suggests this.
The 3 star rating begins: I walked into the waxing room, which was basically a TINY little shed behind the manicuring stations with a rickety bed about 1/4 the size that the pictures suggest, and a blurred sliding glass door. I actually thought to myself "What have I gotten myself into...." The service itself was fast and relatively painless. Their practices seemed sterile and the woman was professional.
Here's the straw that broke the camel's back. Halfway through the service, someone OPENED. THE. DOOR. I was horrified. Obviously they shut it as fast as possible but really?? Really????
I wouldn't go back. I did like my esthetician and if she worked elsewhere I would go to her for a service again. However, I will not be returning to this business. -
Review from Jaclyn R.
Manhattan, NY
12/20/2011
First time reviewing on yelp but my experience warranted it.
I have lived down the street from Acqua Beauty Bar for years but only got manis and pedis. This time I opted for a facial. While the facial was very good, and deserving of more stars, the price was a shock. I was not told ahead of time that the baseline price for the facial my esthetician recommended was $195 (I had requested a standard facial). I added on a treatment for $35, which I agreed to assuming I was getting a less expensive facial. When my esthetician discussed my treatment plan, I thought it was their normal facial routine--especially as their prices match high end spas.
While I understand why facials cost differing amounts, it was wrong for them to perform the more expensive facial without providing me with the price point. Especially when I had requested a standard facial when making the reservation.
Overall, for $230, I should have gone to Bliss or Silk instead. -
Review from Anya T.
New York, NY
2/25/2012
This place, for me, falls into the category of desperate measure: in short, it's a completely reliable place for waxing -- better than your standard walk-in nail salon (there are a zillion right nearby), and perhaps no worse than an expensive-ish place like Bliss or Completely Bare -- but it's way too expensive for what it is, which is basically a tarted-up version of a cheap walk-in nail salon, and every time I break down and stop in for a waxing or manicure, I leave feeling like a chump, thinking, "why did I just spend $100 on that!" The reason why is partly location: it's just off Union Square, so for me (and many), it's super-easy to stop in on my way to and from work. And it's reliable. I just feel somehow that if I'm going to pay this much for basic services, I want to go to a spa at which I'll truly be pampered. The experience at Acqua is more like popping into a Bloomie Nails, you know? (And yet next time I'm desperate for leg wax and only have a few minutes, I'll likely stop in!)
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Review from Ahja B.
Manhattan, NY
5/14/2011
This place is pretty great compared to places I have gone thus far. My first "quickie" manicure there was amazing, only costs $12.50ish, and lasted for a pretty long time! The second time, not so much. She filed my nails to short and it chipped within a few days... but if I could always request the first girl that I had, it would def be 4, close to 5 stars!
The facility is nice inside, clean, and I LOVE that they have the quick dry for you to apply at the dryers instead of feeling awkward asking for some (why do I feel awkward, don't know. But this is like a TREAT for me to guarantee that it won't get ruined!).
I will have to try a pedicure next, but it's perfect for lunch break manicures, you're in and out within a half hour, TOPS. -
Review from Alison C.
1/20/2011
My colleague wanted to schedule a manicure/pedicure evening for a client and ourselves, and she recommended Acqua Beauty Bar as an appropriate venue. While I had never been there, she had many positive things to say about the casual spa. When we entered the space, I was rather impressed with its stylish, yet refined decor.
Our guest was waiting for us in the small lounge at the entrance, where Baked by Melissa mini-cupcakes and a pitcher of ice water had kept her busy. We were immediately ushered to the massive nail polish tree, displaying one of the largest color selections I have ever seen. We then proceeded to the comfortable pedicure chairs, where we were conveniently able to reserve 3 seats next to one another. All of our pedicurists were friendly and accommodating. We were later escorted to the manicure desks to enjoy the rest of our treatments. I was extremely happy with the precision and artistry of my nail stylist, especially since my polish lingered in its perfect application for weeks. I would definitely return to the Acqua Beauty Bar for its efficiency, convenience, and affordability. -
Review from Lesie H.
It started with really tired feet from a Euro trip and a discount at Lifebooker, so I made an appointment for a Smoothie Pedicure. It ended with happy feet in plastic wrap! (I was in a hurry)
My technician, Nicole, was very nice and skilled. Great conversationalist and very attentive and detail to my feet. I also learned a lot about foot care.
Tipping was discreet. There's little envelopes at the counter so you can put your technician's name and tip in.
There was a scary factor. There was two bathrooms. The first one I went into didn't had toilet paper, wasn't flushed and it was one of those Japanese-button-crazy toilets, so I had no idea how to flush it. The lights were dim too. (I stared at it for a while, and then walked out looking for another toilet). -
Review from Norah K.
Portland, OR
2/16/2007 ROTD 3/11/2007
I have been going to Lee at the Acqua Beauty Bar for a few years, faithfully, for the brazilian bikini wax. The Acqua Beauty Bar is a nice little day spa: lots of good treatments, upscale yet not so fancy that you feel like you're paying their rent in the cost of your visit.
Anyway, onto the waxing. When one goes for a brazilian every 4 to 6 weeks it's all, hey no problem, the hair grows in thinner and it's not really painful and it's over like that. Well recent circumstances are such that I have not paid Lee a visit in about four months. I was essentially a brazilian bikini waxing virgin all over again. Here goes. Wax on...press...wax off. HOLYSWEETJESUSMOTHERFUCK!!!!!!! It hurts! It really hurts! I was seeing little pink and orange spots floating about my head. I suddenly don't understand why people engage in this barbaric ritual. Lucky for me, Lee is a pro. She's careful yet fast as lightning, and if there's ever a profession where this is a serious asset, it is this one. And like that, it was over.
For those who have never experienced this type of pain, when you get a brazilian bikini wax it releases the same endorphins in your brain as when you say, jump out of an airplane, kind of like fear and exhilaration combined. So when the wax is over, you leave with a big old head rush and therefore it is the kind of pain you forget.
Lesson of the Day: Ladies, don't miss your waxing appointments. And if you're a first timer, I promise it gets better.Listed in: For Your Entertainment, Where I Go To Get Groomed
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Review from Becca S.
Brooklyn, NY
5/29/2008
Do you boys have any idea what we go through for you so that you don't think we're hairy jungle women? Seriously, ANY idea of the pain involved? Trust me, it's bad.
But at least we have Lee at ABB, who makes the pain pass as quickly as possible. It's almost superhuman, really-- I walked into Acqua today at 5:30 and left at 5:38, bare as the day I was born. No clue how she does it, but I'm eternally grateful to the Brazilian gods who chose Lee as their messenger, and placed her here in New York so that I may spend only a minimal chunk of my lifetime with my legs in the air enduring mind-melting pain.
I know you want to make a joke here. Shut up.
The spa itself is inviting and clean without being sterile-feeling (though is of course ACTUALLY sterile), and everyone is super friendly. I'm taking off a star because I've also had a pedicure here, which I didn't really think was worth the money. But for waxing, one thousand stars--one for every evil little hair that's no longer attached to my body.Listed in: Don't Ever Leave Me, Don't Hate Me Because I'm…
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Review from Lydia L.
2/16/2010
Acqua Beauty Bar was my favorite day spa when I needed mani/pedi/waxing and had more access to NYC. As other reviewers have mentioned, Lee is The Person to go to. She was always super nice and meticulous with both nails and with waxing. And when you are made vulnerable as you are for a Brazilian, it is a good thing to feel comfy with a person. I have yet to find anyone else as good so I guess I should make another appointment. Assuming she has any available! And her polish seemed to last a long while, too.The facilities are top notch and that bathroom. I might have to try to recreate it here in my home. :)
http://www.youtube.com...Listed in: Getting Pretty
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Review from Lady O.
New York, NY
11/5/2008
10+ stars for Lee and her 'half-brazilian' wax. The room is clean and private (read: floor to ceiling walls, so scream all you like), and Lee herself is knowledgeable, comfortable, and QUICK!!! Even for those of us who;
1- haven't waxed in forever do to a horrific experience at Shobha Midtown
2- are self-conscious because we're on the chubbier side (and yes, I'm both)
... you'll prolly be out in less than 10 minutes.
Yes, having hair ripped from your cooter with molten wax is going to hurt , and that first pee after the process might sting...but Lee is about as painless as it gets, the results are oh-so-silky smooth and (dare I say it) I'm almost *excited* to return to her in 5 weeks.
It's official; I'm now a masochist.Listed in: Pretty-boy primping
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Review from Sara W.
New York, NY
1/19/2009
Lee.
Accept no substitutes.
No, I will not write about my kiki. -
Review from Ro N.
New York, NY
3/16/2009
I decided to take advantage of the YELP SPA WEEK and come here for the
Brown Sugar Ginger Glow or Peppermint Blast -
A delicious brown sugar based exfoliating polish with ginger essence, or a stimulating peppermint & eucalyptus based sugar scrub thoroughly rids the skin of dead layers leaving it velvety soft and silky smooth in texture.
45 minutes / $80
I am not sure if Kelly gave me the Brown Sugar or the Peppermint Blast, since she never asked me for my preference nor did I smell any Brown Sugar or Peppermint Blast.
I would never have thought to come here for a day of relaxation, only because I feel the decor of this place lacks in a lot of areas.
It's not inviting and nor do you feel relaxed in this cold, cream tile environment.
The cold silvery signage throws me off too.
I think this place would be better and get more business if they just changed the interior and the exterior design.
Moving on to my scrub...I wanted to be silky smooth and this is why I opted for a scrub rather than a massage.
Kelly is great but I wanted her to scrub my body down like I shot her mother. Unfortunately, I didn't get that and instead I just got a light-handed scrub.
*sigh*
My skin did feel smoother and softer but not up to my standards! -
Review from carol t.
Brooklyn, NY
2/20/2007
Lee is great for the waxes, I've been going to her for yrs. She's the only person that can seem to get the right shape in my brows (they are not sparse, but i don't have a lot of brow to really work with). I've even strayed from her services (once) thinking my facialist (from another place) is perfectly capable of making a nice shape with my brow. big mistake!! so i ran back to Lee and though it took time for the mistake to grow back to normal, she works wonders with that wax. seriously, i think the right eyebrow shape for your face can change the way you look considerably!!! not something to mess around with. Also for eyebrow, as long as I call and make sure Lee is working I can do a walk-in and they always take me between sessions.
Now onto the not so great...
the orchid pedi there is a nice treat, with pleasant smelling foot mask and great quality products, etc. but it all depends on who you've got working on you. The last 2 times i went in I got a lazy half-assed mani by whoever was there at the time, and it chipped within the day. it was just unimpressive for the price. I'd rather go to bloomies.
the facials...I used to go to a woman named Christine that no longer works there. So I have no idea what everyone else is like. She was great to gab with, the facial rooms always smell nice and have good dim lighting (except of course when they're squeezing the living hell out of your skin they use the weird lamp with the magnifying glass on it. eeek, what they must see!) Only thing is- after the initial improvement fromteh 1st and 2nd session-I would go back more or less once a month for a while, but my skin never quite seemed to improve any more. I got frustrated because of my problem skin and I felt guilty going in, like I was making her work too hard. I don't like being made to feel bad about myself when I'm paying a large chunk of money and I always tip well.
I've tried other facialists there, and got the same guilt complex by the time I left.
synopsis: good superb wonderful waxing, mediocre mani's, guilt-inducing facials.
for a good facial go to sally herschberger's face place. they rock!! -
Review from Razz S.
Manhattan, NY
3/11/2011
Best pedicure in New York City and one of the best kept nail salon secrets!
If you're looking for a great pedicure within a reasonable price; one that really improves the quality and look of your feet than look no further than this place! Having gone to this place for over two years and having spent countless pedicures testing my luck on something that matches this salon, I can say with full confidence nothing comes close. The quality, the time they spend on you, cleanliness and price cannot be beat.
The facilities are VERY, VERY clean, the staff is very friendly/accommodating, appointments are always easy to get (walk-ins or scheduled) which makes it an enjoyable experiences which I always look forward to come the summer months. -
Review from Rose H.
Pembroke Pines, FL
8/12/2008
So after reading all the great reviews about Lee and her amazing brazilian waxing skills, I decided to go here. It was my FIRST brazilian EVER...never even had a bikini wax b4. I was a nervous wreck but Lee def. made me feel sooo comfortable. She had a great attitude and was super patient with me . It was fast..very fast. I will def. be keeping this up with her.
The experience was painful, but Lee was quick and very efficient! -
Review from Jessica M.
Seattle, WA
4/10/2006
My friend N (the one who groans over good meals) took me here for an extravagant birthday present for which I'm going to be grateful for, um, forever.
We had a salt scrub and seaweed body wrap; mine applied by a lovely, calm, petite woman named Mie. I've never done this before; the best part was after I had soaked in the seaweed masque, I just lay there while giant carwash-like jets of water rinsed me clean. Then an unobtrusive massage therapist named Jerry spent a long time working the crazy knots out of my shoulders, and finally I received a very thorough pedicure.
I was ready to leave by the time it was over -- but only because the space was taken over by a mass of post-sorority-girls celebrating somethingorother loudly with tiaras and champagne.
The one really sour note: the receptionist at one point got really bitchy. We arrived on time, and N. started her treatments about 20 minutes ahead of me. When they finally cleared out room for me to get started, the receptionist asked me if I wanted to curtail my treatments so that I would end up in the pedicure chair at the same time as my friend. What??? When I told her, no, I preferred to go ahead with the planned agenda, and that I was sure she'd be able to make it all work out, she acted like I was asking for her to do an unreasonable amount of work, rather than, you know, just doing her job as planned and providing the services we had arranged in advance. She really stuck out among the otherwise pleasant (somewhat otherworldly so) staff. -
Review from sarah p.
Brooklyn, NY
3/12/2009
I would have given this place one star had it not been for the woman in charge of the front desk, very helpful and cheerful, and my nail tech, she gave a fine pedicure.
My massage however was awful. I get massages often, as I work on my feet and treat them as body maintenance; a necessity. I signed on for the hour and half relaxation message, and a swear they took a girl off of doing pedicures and told her to knock it out during the real masseuse's lunch break. She knew how to do 5 moves and repeated them over and over for and hour and a half. It was so amateur I couldn't believe it.
I was truly disappointed. -
Review from Amy C.
4/3/2009
I've been wanting to try Acqua Beauty Bar for a long time because I'm always in the Union Square area so I'm always passing by. I took the opportunity yesterday when I was in dire need of a pedicure, and with a fundraiser to attend after work, I needed to find a place that stayed open late. Acqua was the only place opened till 9 p.m. so I quickly called for an appointment for the Smoothie Pedicure.
At $45, I was hoping for a long pedicure with a ton of scrubs, creams, and oils. (I know some of my friends like quick pedicures because they don't like people touching their feet. I'm the complete opposite-- I pamper my feet like an Upper East Side socialite does with her designer dog.) The woman on the phone assured me the pedicure would take at least 45 minutes before drying. The nail technician was nice but I felt like she rushed through the whole thing. The pedicure was done in 30 minutes and the paint job wasn't good at all; I found spots of paint under my big toe, she didn't bother to fill in the sides of my big toes, and there was too much paint on my little toes.
I might come back to try their massage therapies, but for my pedicures, I'll stick with Rehoboth Spa Lounge which is a block and a half west of Acqua.Listed in: Day Spas in Manhattan
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Review from Ava R.
2/12/2010
Lee, and Lee only. I got a polish change here--chipped the next day.
BUT the Brazilian was great. Quick, clean, wham bam thank you ma'am. Lee gave me some advice for dealing with a couple in growns and had me clothed and out the door in under 15 minutes. Acqua itself is clean and quiet, and I like that they put out lemon water and yogurt-covered pretzels. I still love Maria Bonita, but Acqua will be my new spot as long as I can get an appointment with LEE; it's so easy to get to and she does a great job. -
Review from Katie B.
Brooklyn, NY
7/30/2009
One of the things that I dreaded most about moving to a new city was having to find a new aesthetician. I've had some really bad experiences while test-driving them -- ranging from one who was completely nonplussed about the fact that the wax she was using was so hot that it was literally burning my skin to one who was so beautiful that I couldn't continue seeing because she would ruin my self-esteem.
I found Acqua Beauty Bar here on Yelp and decided to give it a try -- the reviews were good, and the price was right. I was actually a little apprehensive because the price was so good -- I thought there must be surely something wrong about it.
My fears were dispelled when I walked in and saw that it was a clean place with a serene vibe and a pitcher of water with lemon for guests. As for the wax itself, it was done quickly with confidence, and Lee was a pleasure to visit with while it was happening. -
Review from The Krissy I.
New York, NY
2/20/2008
I love this place...I love their facials and I love their massages and waxing.
I always go for the signature sonya dakar facial and usually a pedi and mani along with that.
The BEST Facial Person here is Judy. She is amazing, i walked in with bumps and scars and came out with beautiful scar-free skin. Highly recommend her.
I only give this place 4 stars because the last time I ventured in Judy was not available and I received a facial from a girl named Irina she completely ruined my face...
I told her I had an event the next day, just to go light and if i had anything deep just to ignore until next time. I was scarring on my face for at least 6 days and even had to take company photos the next day as the blood dried right underneath my skin. I looked like I was wearing fake make up on purpose. Now I understand these things happen sometime but not when the client tells you not to go deep (which she did obviously) and especially since I've been getting facials for years I do know the bad outcomes (myself - girlfriends) and I know when someone really knows what they are doing.
I do NOT recommend this Irina girl if you have any type of sensitive skin but Judy really pulled through here and the manicurist and pedicure lasted for at least 2 weeks. I loved that aspect.
That is all =)
ps i just called Acqua and they fired Irina before the end of the year 2007 =) -
Review from Anna L.
Updated - 10/18/2009
I still love this place, but I just want to add that i recently went back for a wax, but had Stephanie instead of Lee (who I usually go to).
BAD EXPERIENCE. She waxed me in such tiny sections that I'm pretty sure my top layer of skin was removed because it hurt more and more during the wax, and it also took FOREVER. Afterwards it was so red and irritated that it burned and I could not even sleep with my underwear on.
It was just her technique of removing the hair in such small sections because it obviously kept ripping off skin with the hair.
My recommendation would be to go to Lee, she is the BEST, takes NO TIME at all (10 minutes max), is so nice, and does a great job.
I also think that $55 is pretty reasonable for a brazilian because most other places I have looked at they are in the $60-$70 range.1 Previous Review: Show all »
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5/19/2009
I read the reviews here about waxing. I have to say my experience was pleasant, super fast, and… Read more »
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Review from alisa r.
New York, NY
12/1/2009
There are but a handful of places I am fiercely loyal to in NYC, and Acqua is one of them. I've probably been going here consistently for 4 years now.
Lee is the arguably one of their best assets, she does a pretty flawless brow wax with minimal discomfort and is just a wonderful person to be around. I used to go to Haven in Soho but stopped after one lady with a thick Russian accent left me with thin tadpole brows (not a good look). Also, the mani/pedis and swedish massages (when you can afford it!) are excellent.Listed in: My Neighborhood
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Review from C K.
New York, NY
6/21/2011
Terrible, overpriced manicure! The staff was rude and left me sitting around without an actual time estimate. My nails chipped within days. Definitely will not return.
Listed in: Being picky about manicures
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Review from Catherine C.
Elmhurst, NY
9/23/2010
Bought a wax mani and pedi package from buywithme. Wax was very impressive. The lady who took care of me was very detailed with what she was doing. She even tweezed for me and was at it for a while to make sure it was very clean. Quick and painless is always key.
They were very busy when I went. I had to wait over half an hr for my pedi. A different lady did my mani and pedi. She was very nice and tried to make conversation although her English wasn't very good. She commented on my nice skin. Scrubbed my feet and legs and massaged them. I thought she was very professional about it. My pedi came out perfect. I loved the color I picked. Purple The mani was very good as well. I asked for a French manicure. Her white lines weren't completely straight but I wasn't going to complain, especially with the deal I got.
Mani and pedi actually lasted me for weeks! I would definitely go back again (as soon as I'm able to splurge). Prices are quite high. But you get what you pay for. A professional spa treatment. -
Review from C C.
New York, NY
1/15/2012
best manicure/pedicure in the city. ask for maria! you won't be sorry! I always tip her $20 when i go. i've moved out of the area, so don't go anymore, but if you want a QUALITY PEDICURE for once, come here!
in texas, u can get this same quality pedicure for so cheap, but for nyc, you usually pay a lot for a shoddy pedicure.
finally a place i like in manhattan! you do have to pay a little more, but at least you get what u are paying for here!
ASK FOR MARIA!! -
Review from Maria F.
Brooklyn, NY
3/14/2009
Ok so I got theyelp deal and I figured why not.... They made me sit with my feet soaked for 27 mins... Bull kakaaa...another girl came in after me and the busy ladies worked on her first... Mmmm maybe cause I was the only brown girl? Hmmmm.... Don't get mad at me y'all but I have no other way to see it... Anyway.... For those who relate u feel my drift...As for the quality of mani pedi it was average.. Nothing fabulous...
I was here ages ago for a wax... And it was good cause I hade a couple glasses of wine... Mmmm I think this will be my last visit here... I'm better of supporting my vietnames peeps in brooklyn! -
Review from Rebecca C.
Manhattan, NY
5/15/2010
This place is great - I got the quickie manicure and the shape-up pedicure and they were both super fast and effective. My nail color lasted a while, looked nice, and the service was really friendly. To make the experience more enjoyable, they passed around these really yummy cupcakes while we waited...and since I was there with a big group of girls, we brought mimosas with us, which made the afternoon even better :) They have TONS of nail colors to choose from.
One caveat: Check your bill before you leave. I thought it looked really high and discovered later that I'd been overcharged for both my manicure and pedicure. I sent them an email from the Contact Us portion of the website and got no response. So then I called and Ashley helped me to get the credit put back on my card - very painless.
I'd recommend this spot. -
Review from judy m.
New York, NY
11/22/2010
fabulous! I am a spa hound and have tried many spas around the world and can say this was a very surprising little place.
I bought myself a Mani/pedi/massage package via buywithme and I was very pleasantly surprised with the great service and the place overall. the pedicure chairs were fantastic- the best pulsating massage chairs I've ever been in, my manicurist was friendly and helpful- she helped me pick a super cool color and the masseuse was fantastic. tommy had just the perfect touch. the place was clean and had pitchers of cucumber water and snacks out.
the only one negative was that the front desk was not as welcoming as they could have been. -
Review from Alicia C.
New York, NY
6/30/2009
Standard Pedicure.
They did a nice job. It wasn't anything over the top or above and beyond a standard pedicure. They did a good job with the scrubs and massages, just wish it lasted a little longer. I'm pleased with what they did and I would definitely go back in the future. It's at a very convenient location. The facility is really well maintained and clean. The pedicure chairs are nice, the massage feels good while you get your pedicure. Lots of great OPI nail colors to choose from.
All in all, a pretty good place to get a standard pedicure. I'm sure that some of the other options like the Smoothie Pedicure or the Happy Hour Pedicure are more involved, but I was happy with what I got.
**Deal Seeking Diva tip** Check out http://Lifebooker.com for great spa discounts. I ended up getting my pedicure for only $28.00 through Lifebooker (regularly priced at $40!) They are always having great discounts through the site! -
Review from Jennifer H.
New York, NY
5/2/2010
I've been to Acqua on a couple occasions for pedis and massage and would say it warrants a 3-4 star rating. 5-stars is for their masseuse superstar Shira.
Truth be told I just had a Spa Week massage elsewhere two weeks ago (45 minutes for $50) but needed a more technically proficient one. Moving, even though I didn't do any of the heavy lifting, and awkward sleeps had thrown my body for a loop. Here, an hour will set you back $100.
There was a bachy there, which was a bit loud and annoying, but I won't hate. I've been part of a big, giggly, gossiping group before.
Shira is excellent, her touch was not so much pressure as to cause me to whimper but enough to make me feel thoroughly loosey goosey. At one point my mind started wandering about work and almost as if on cue someone whispered "Don't be scared." What?! Was my masseuse psychic to boot? Had my body tensed up and silently communicated my worries? I listened more closely and realized it was the requisite spa, whale chant, music that had told me to calm down.
I will be back and requesting Shira when in need of R&R. -
Review from Cheryl C.
Fresh Meadows, NY
8/5/2011
I set-up a ladies day/night outing which included a spa. Anne who's the owner was SO gracious and attentive! I was having a crazy week and called after they closed on a weekday and she picked up and booked my party only few days before my event!! My mani/pedi specialist was Eloisa she was just as attentive as she was gentle. I was very pleased with the overall service. My only qualm was they took a while to get started on my pedicure which made my party late for dinner. There didn't see to be enough staff on hand to handle my party even though I scheduled ahead. However, I would definitely recommend Acqua Beauty Bar! It was clean, with a wide selection of nail polish, GREAT massage chair, nice bathrooms, good magazine selection and extremely convenient location.
