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Adolf Biecker Spa/Salon
Categories: Beauty and Spas Day Spas Beauty and Spas Hair Salons Day Spas, Hair Salons [Edit]
210 W Rittenhouse SqSte 3
Philadelphia, PA 19103
Neighborhood: Rittenhouse Square
(215) 735-6404
- Hours:
Mon-Tue, Sat 8 am - 6 pm
Wed-Fri 8 am - 7 pm
Sun 8 am - 5 pm
- Price Range:
-
$$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Valet
- Good for Kids:
- No
- By Appointment Only:
- Yes
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
31 reviews for Adolf Biecker Spa/Salon
31 reviews in English
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Review from Steph L.
Philadelphia, PA
4/2/2012
I have been going to Adolf Biecker for years & since I've just recently started writing reviews on Yelp, it seems overdue for me to write one about my hair care.
I get highlights, low lights, single processing (so all color) and Keratin done by Jonathan, who is amazing! He takes the time to get to know your desires but exams your hair to give realistic recommendations. He even asks about your lifestyle & work schedule to gage expectations. He has made my hair healthier and prettier than anyone else.
I know and have seen him also do Japanese straightening and other types of relaxers. And, I have known other people to come to him after colorists from other salons have ruined their color if not the condition of their hair. He's worked miracles!!
He even gets tough with me when I'm being stubborn and not listening to his best advice. More often than not, he gets the opportunity to say, "I TOLD YOU SO"!!!!
Love Love LOVE HIM!!! Go to him and no one else! -
Review from Natalie D.
Philadelphia, PA
3/9/2012
I have to say up front I have never set foot in this salon. Just calling the front desk was enough to make me stay away.
On their website they'd advertised they sold Beauty Blenders at their facilities. Since I work quite close, I figured I would stop by to pick one up instead of ordering from Sephora and waiting for it to ship. When I called, I was treated like I asked them for a million dollars. At first they had no idea what the item was. Ok, I can understand that, but it's on your website, you should probably have at least an idea. After that, it took about 15 minutes for them to figure out if they stocked the item. When they finally figured it out, they bluntly told me no - and hung up on me.
I can only imagine the kind of treatment one receives when they actually book services here, if that phone call was any indication. This is precisely why I take my spa business over to Rescue Rittenhouse! -
Review from Rocky V.
King of Prussia, PA
1/3/2012
I'm writing this review for my wife after speaking with her after spending half the day there. I paid over $400 (including tip) to spend half day here which included a 90-min swedish massage, facial, manicure and pedicure...also a 30 min lunch.
The swedish massage was very good - the lady who took care of her knew exactly where all tension was. She would say she gets a 5 star!
The facial was not so good, the person who gave the facial was a few months pregnant so that might have something to do with the lack of effort. The facial service was good, but barely a massage. She also reached to give a hand massage and unevenly massaged the other hand. She gets a 3.5 star.
Lunch menu was about average, the chicken finger, salad type...for $30 (a bit steep).
The manicure and pedicure service was good. However, the nail paint and chairs were very cheap and uncomfortable! Service, she gets a 4/5, the facility and nail paint gets a 2/5.
Overall facility....was sorta dull. After paying all this money, I was expecting it to be nice. At least it was clean....the city view was blocked by plants and the manicure/pedicure area was not so pleasant. Wife had back pains hunching over while getting her nail treatment.
Would I go back? Maybe for the massage...but I'd look elsewhere for a full package deal. Hence overall a 3 out of 5. -
Review from Ivy W.
Irvine, CA
5/19/2012
I came here during a short stay in Philly. This was the only spa in the area that could schedule me in for a massage on less then 24 hours notice, for which I was very appreciative. The spa is located inside a beautiful hotel in Rittenhouse Square. Both the massage and wax services were done very well and very professionally. The only thing that surprised me was the coed steam room and sauna area. It is kind of jarring to come across a guy reading the paper in this boxers when you're wearing nothing but a towel. Other than that it was a nice spa, and I even received some free Aveda products at the end of the visit.
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Review from RJ B.
Philadelphia, PA
3/27/2012
This is, by far, my favorite spa in the city. My friends took me here for a bridal spa party many years ago and I've been hooked ever since. Never had a bad massage or a facial. The facillites are also great: They have a steam and sauna room (they both work!) and a nice-sized pool. The spa lunch now lacks selection, so it's not worth paying $$$ for, but it's a nice option for people wanting to spend several hours there.
It's a bit pricey, considering that there are a ton of discount offers from other spas in the city, but why waste money on so-so service?? -
Review from Phi N.
Warrington, PA
1/8/2012
I was going to Kin for 3 years when I lived in Philly for my brows. Very meticulous, she measured them to make sure they were even, the wax was the right temperature, no redness b/c she used a cool towel after waxing, and she trimmed my brow hair. I think it costs about $15-18 dollars or something but it is worth it! I love the relaxing waiting room!
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Review from Jacqueline B.
Philadelphia, PA
1/17/2012
I have been going to Stephanie since September 2011. I am not super impressed with the salon as a whole. The staff isn't very friendly or helpful. They definitely give off the "We're a snobby salon, what are you doing here?" Their saving grace and why I keep going back is because Stephanie is totally down to earth and sweet. She does a great job with my bangs, gives me a good haircut that grows out well and doesn't take forever. She also does early morning appointments, which I love.
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Review from Lauren K.
Philadelphia, PA
6/22/2011
Everyone should have their brows done by Melanie at least once in their lives.
About 9 months ago I realized that mine were two different shapes so I stopped tweezing/waxing altogether and just let them be. After growing them out I vowed to see Melanie to let her fix my crazy brows, and she did a great job! She is only at the Rittenhouse location on Wednesdays, so make sure to book well in advance, but trust me, the wait is worth it. If she could fix my crazy caterpillars, she can work miracles on anyone. The best part is that she's so friendly; it's like you're talking to your best friend for 15 minutes-- you barely notice that someone is yanking hair out of you. I have my next appointment in four weeks! -
Review from Azucena R.
Philadelphia, PA
11/27/2011
Was looking for a new salon and found it! I moved to Philly over a year ago but I had not found a hair dresser yet. I travel a lot for work so I usually get it cut in New York City. This weekend I made an appointment at Adolf Biecker for a cut and layering, which was desperately needed. The salon was clean, the staff professional, and the wait was minimal (possibly because it is a weekend). Ashley gave me a great haircut and style. The price was also much less ($30) than what I expected for the service and quality I received. I am very happy with my new haircut and I will definitely return again to this great salon! I highly recommend it.
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Review from Goa K.
Austin, TX
2/19/2011
OOkay Adolf Bieker is officially the shit. I already come here regularly to get a brazilian with Suzanne. Actually I can rave on about this too seeing that I will never shave again because of her. Suzy is the best, really. If you worry about the pain just take some ibuprofen beforehand. She is quick, makes you feel totally comfortable, and your steez is glowing and beautiful in the end. You can thank me later.
Buut I've been cleansing this month and wanted her to give me this detoxing seaweed body masque treatment. My brain is so full of zen from last night I can't even put into words how a-may-zing this experience was. I pictured her like wrapping me in seaweed chilling in a bed for 10 minutes and voila. It's this seaweed mud mask cocoon wrapping heavenly facial/head massage deal. The best part in the end these shower heads that hang from the ceiling pour down on you as you get a rub down but these things are like massaging you too. You kind of feel like you're lying in pouring rain but not like Philadelphia street rain or anything more like Hawaiian island LOST kind of rain. Then you can chill in this steam sauna room after and shower off. My skin is glowing and I feel awesome. 95 dollars well spent. -
Review from Elisabeth Y.
Collingswood, NJ
10/31/2010
I was here with a group for a bachelorette day, and we arrived a few minutes before our appointments were scheduled to start- well, let me stop there. All of our treatments were supposed to start at the same time, but they somehow messed up and put one of the appointments in for a different day, and by the time we realized that had happened there was no way for all of us to have our treatments start at the same time. To apologize for the inconvenience, they said, they would be providing us with free gift bags of Aveda products. Except yeah, EVERYBODY who goes there gets a free gift bag so, thanks for the non-apology, Adolf Biecker front desk staff!
Anyway, they scolded us for being "late" and made it clear that unless we hurried into our robes our treatments would have to be shortened. Rudeness! Kind of antithetical to a place that specializes in relaxation and pampering.
That being said, my treatment- the seaweed body wrap- was pretty good. I didn't want a run-of-the-mill massage or facial and was happy with what I got. Kin, the woman who did the treatment, was really sweet and deserving of the large tip which I gave her.
The locker room was nice, and we got to use the steam room after our treatments which I enjoyed. I just wish the people at the front desk weren't so rude and unwelcoming. -
Review from Meg H.
Manhattan, NY
1/11/2012
Great brow shaping! New to Philly from NYC and needed a good place for brows. Kin is awesome and my brows look just as good as if I got them done at Fekkai in NY and half the price. The spa is also really beautiful.
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Review from Sara A.
Walkersville, MD
2/19/2012
perfect facial. thank you veronika
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Review from Abby W.
8/31/2011
My wonderful boyfriend bought me a Groupon for this place ages ago and I kind of kept forgetting to use it. Lo and behold it expires September 8, so I knew I needed to get a move-on. My biggest dilemma was how to use the $45 gift certificate. I have a place that does my hair and I never cheat on them (see also my review for East End Salon, amazing), I'm not much of a mani-pedi girl, and I feel guilty getting massages without my other half, so I decided to opt for waxing.
I never let anyone near my eyebrows, which I prefer to keep on the thicker side and I shape them myself, leg waxing at the end of summer seemed silly and shaving takes me all of 30 seconds in the shower, so that left me with the bikini wax option. I've never gotten a bikini wax and thought I'd like to try a brazilian. This all seemed like such a great idea when it was an appointment on my calendar, but when the day came I found I was actually terrified. How much is it going to hurt? Is it going to be super awkward? Why on earth did I ever think this was a good idea?
Thusly, full of apprehension, I tracked the salon down (3rd floor of the Rittenhouse Hotel, on the West side of the park. Google maps is somewhat misleading in its pin placement for the address) and entered a peaceful oasis of calming music and Aveda-tinged air. I didn't have long to wait before my waxing specialist turned up to put me out of my misery. Her name is Rachel and she is a goddess.
Rachel was very direct and matter-of-fact in explaining the process, positioning, etc which I really appreciate. I'm not exactly shy, but having your bits uncovered for some stranger to be maneuvering around is somewhat unsettling. She made me feel completely at ease throughout the procedure by keeping up a friendly chatter. We found a topic of common interest and chit-chatted while she ripped those strips away one by one. It took about 35 minutes and while there were a few particularly painful moments, it really wasn't nearly as bad as I had anticipated. I mean, having hair in the tenderest parts of your body ripped out by brute force and hot wax isn't exactly a peaceful relaxing afternoon, but it went by fast and at no point was I tempted to throw in the towel. She alternated sides with each rip so it helped the pain to ebb between pulls and also gave me the option of calling it off and still being symmetrical.
All in all it was a positive experience. I picked up some special exfoliating/calming stuff for the post-wax ouchies when I ponied up for the rest of the bill, and was quite surprised that the wax itself was $65! Dang! That's what I pay for a haircut and I'm so cheap I only do that twice a year at best. The Groupon defrayed the cost down so I only had to pay the $20 difference, but at that price I can't see myself doing this more than once a year. When I do, though, I'll be coming back here and asking for Rachel by name. -
Review from mary p.
Venice, CA
1/23/2010
The front desk/reception staff here is so nice, I feel guilty writing this, but hey, it's the truth. So my husband and I booked a very lovely night at the Rittenhouse, and I thought I might try to get a massage in before our dinner reservations (hey, we have a toddler and one on the way, so we don't get out much). I had to call about 5 times before I got anybody on the phone. MMMkay. They are able to fit me in at 6 as long as the restaurant can change our reservations to 7:30. Great. Done.
I show up, it's nice, I seem to be the only person there, which makes it even weirder that there is a wet bikini tossed in the corner of the shower...
anyway...
I go and wait in the waiting room at about 5:50, enjoying some trail mix and some aveda tea (which I come to find out I shouldn't be drinking pregnant). My appointment is at 6. 6 comes and goes, 6:05, 6:10, and finally at 6:18 I go to tell the receptionist that I won't make my dinner reservations anymore, and I have to leave. WTF?
On my way down the hall, a woman stops me. This woman looks like a Bon Jovi roadie circa 1980. I'm sorry, but it was true. So anyway, she points at my pregnant belly and says "I think I have you next." I say, "I was going to tell them I had to leave. It's almost 6:20." She, with a healthy dose of Philly attitude, says, "Well, I had somebody else."
Um, that's cool. But I had an appointment 20 minutes ago.
She then opens the door to a room and trying to radically shift gears and act all nice, says "Go ahead and get undressed and I'll be in."
I look at the table which is at a near 45 degree angle (clearly set up for a non-pregnant woman), remember this woman's strangely black teeth (I'm sorry - it's true!), and open the door. "I'm sorry, I have dinner reservations in an hour from now, so I need to cancel this."
So I walked out, and nobody said a word to me. It was kind of insane! I suspect the massage wasn't cheap either. Go figure. -
Review from Caitlin C.
PA
2/12/2007 1 photo
I know this sounds so high-maintenance, but I am picky when it comes to spas.
I just went for a facial at Aveda's Adolf Biecker salon in the RIttenhouse hotel, and I was all-around impressed. My favorite spa is 3000 B.C., but this is a close second.
Adolf Biecker is huge: there is a lap pool under a huge skylight, a gym, two locker rooms, showers and tons of spa rooms.
My facialist was Kin, and she was amazing. I asked her tons of questions and she told me almost everything she knew. The facial ($100) was amazing and I definitely got my money's worth. Not only do you get a million things done to your face (that all smell so good), but you get a neck, shoulder and scalp massage; a foot and hand massage and hand warmers that help the lotion sink in. Kin used two really cool tools that also made me feel less anxious about giving up $100. -
Review from Melissa R.
Philadelphia, PA
4/8/2010
I've tried many of the popular spas in Philly, and Adolf Biecker is my tried and true place, for both massage and waxing. I know it is a pricey, but it is totally worth it.
I have had two massages here, both after running half marathons. My body was beaten up, but the deep tissue massages were amazing and really helped.
For waxing, I have sensitive skin and could tell some horror stories. Here, I have yet to have a bad experience.
Overall, the staff is professional and knowledgeable and the atmosphere is relaxing and chic. -
Review from Andrea T.
3/11/2009
If you like to swim, go a little early for your appointment. Do a few slow laps in the pool. Take a nice shower using the aveda products.
Sit in the waiting room and sip the yummy aveda tea. Have some of that great trail mix. My fave girl from here, is no longer there, but most of the gals are great.
Stick to the spa portion however! I once had my hands dipped in parafin wax here, and the hair salon side is like a beauty parlor from the 50's! It's all Bubbe's having their hair washed and set and kvetching about how expensive their apartments are in the dorchester! -
Review from Robin C.
Philadelphia, PA
9/21/2010
Erica is my colorist at Adolf Beicker and she's friendly, spunky and knows how to work with her clients to get a color they want and provides a relaxing experience.
I went from having blonde chunky highlights to an all-over dark brunette. The color coverage is even and beautiful. She listens to her clients, giving them what they want, while making sure they make choices that are flattering for them.
I recommend Erica any day! -
Review from Da F.
Philadelphia, PA
12/1/2011
Hands down, Michael gives the best massage in the city, if not the country. I have only gone to ab for massages so cannot comment on anything else.
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Review from Coleen L.
Philadelphia, PA
3/7/2011
I've had two waxing appointments (leg and standard bikini) at Adolf Biecker (one with Suzanne and one with Amanda), and I've been more than satisifed each time. I've never been kept waiting longer than 5 minutes for an appointment, and each wax aesthetician that has performed my service has been very professional and good at what they do.
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Review from Annie B.
Philadelphia, PA
6/26/2008
Okay, so the only thing that keeps me from giving this place 5 stars is the manicure I got there. Worst ever! Once my nails were painted, I got no place to go dry them. I was forced to sit in the middle of a busy salon in chairs that are clearly meant for clients waiting to see their stylists, not for nail drying. Needless to say, I felt very uncomfortable, left, and promptly ruined my as yet still damp nails. This was a couple of years ago, but judging from the other reviews of the manicures, it's stil pretty bad.
However, my experience at the spa could not have been more different. I have only gotten facials, and they have been amazing experiences from start to finish. I went to Gallia in April, loved her and tried to book her again recently only to find she left. They booked me with Suzann, and she was even better! The facial itself was perfect, ending with acupressure and a facial massage. Suzann also worked a serious knot out of my shoulder. I left feeling totally relaxed, and my skin glowed.
I am no fancy Rittenhouse Sq. lady, so I spend every dime pretty carefully. Definitely skip the manicure, but the facial is a worthy indulgence. -
Review from Lori H.
Philadelphia, PA
10/1/2011
Have been seeing Jenn for my hair cuts for a few years now, she's the best. Always funny and talkative and does a great cut/blow out. I recently started coloring my hair (out of necessity, thanks grey hair) with Erika and she's been just as great as Jenn. I wasn't totally feelin' the first color we tried, so when I went back today to get it re-done, I told her my concerns, what I thought I wanted, she mixed it up and voila! I love it!! I don't like having to sit in the salon for a long time, but as we got to talking, she painted me up, I sat for 30 minutes and I was done. OH! Almost forgot (almost) the best part. Thanh shampooed me and honestly, I wanted to take her out for a drink after. She's a magician with the scalp massage. Only criticism for the salon is that (although I had to reschedule from last weekend) I called to make an appointment with Erika and Jenn on the same day and apparently they have a call center who makes their appointments. I was told my appointment was set for Saturday at 10:30 -- and it was, but not with Jenn. I had to get a haircut with another stylist (her name was Lorraine and she was sweet, but not Jenn)!! Overall, my transition into more regular hair maintenance has been an easy and painless process thanks to Adolf.
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Review from Danan R.
4/24/2010
My friend treated me to an eyelash extension full set lat year, and Kim did an absolutely amazing job. They looked so natural and the room was so comfortable that I fell asleep during the process. The salon is a bit pricey (minus 1 star) but they do use Aveda products and sell the full line (so grateful because I use the tourmaline cream almost exclusively and can get it here). If you want to treat yourself for a day, come here, and then get some shopping done, too. :-)
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Review from Romualda M.
Philadelphia, PA
8/31/2010
I hate to say it...I was expecting better...I loved my message no ofense to the massue..you rocked. However the spa itself needs an interior remodeling stat! Their ladies quarters looked like my old gym in the Sheraton Philadelphia City Center Hotel and I think for the life of me that should have shut down by now because of its crimes against interior design..but its possible still there because of the indoor pool. Anyhow yeah....get a student or an novice to do it...gees just change up the tile at least...that would help it a ton.
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Review from J B.
Philadelphia, PA
9/15/2009
I love the hairstylists. No complaints whatsoever. They are down to earth, listen to what you want, and offer suggestions when asked.
What I can't stand is the snobby receptionists who can't wait for you to walk out of there so they can chat about you (yes, I witnessed this). They have such a pretentious attitude that I don't thik I can bear to go back, even though I love how my hair is done.
I also love the aestheticians and the people on the spa side front desk are so much nicer and welcoming. Maybe personality school or change of staff is necessary on the other side? -
Review from Angi C.
Jersey City, NJ
7/13/2007
I usually sound pretty high-maintenance too, but my boyfriend does not - he's a total guy's guy. But you know how they say that you give the kind of gifts you want to receive? Yeah, well, I got him a gift card for the Men's Club spa package at AB a while back.
Ok, so it took him a couple of months to actually set up the appointment and go in, but now I think if I got him another he would use it right away! His job's pretty stressful, but he was relaxed and refreshed from the massage and pool-side lunch. He loved the haircut and I would like to think he would go back for that - but to be honest the last time he got his hair cut was at the track, so I doubt that's going to happen. He hated the manicure, though, and took off the clear coat ASAP. It was his first one, so I don't think he knew what to expect, which makes sense.
I wasn't sure when I got it for him whether I was just wasting my money or not, but when he came back smiling and so serene and said that he had been treated like a king all day, I knew it was worth it. Now, all I have to do is figure out how to make him get me a spa day there too! -
Review from Raaar r.
Philadelphia, PA
4/26/2009
My boyfriend gave me a massage gift certificate and my experience couldn't have been better. I had the lava rock massage. It was fantastic. The employees are professional, show discretion and are enjoyable.
The spa's waiting room alone was a relaxing experience. Mood music, Aveda tea, swiss mix nuts and m&ms, magazines... I could hang out in the waiting room all day.
The locker room is fully equipped with salon items, shampoo, conditioner, hair dryers, straightener, so you feel relaxed and pampered even in the locker room.
I would recommend this to anyone in need of a spa day.
I am giving it a 4 because I have no experience of the salon side, and it's super expensive, but a worthwhile treat. -
Review from margaux n.
Philadelphia, PA
10/10/2009
I had color and a cut here and it was wonderful. The salon is very nice, clean, uses all Aveda products, has a great view of Rittenhouse Square Park from the color chairs, and very talented colorists and stylists. Staff is friendly and accommodating but not cutesy or annoying.
I also had a massage at the day spa, and the massage was wonderful- definitely worth the price, which isn't unreasonable in the massage market. However, the facilities could be updated a bit and are pretty small. It was definitely a positive experience overall though, and the cost of a massage included use of the sauna, steam room, showers, and indoor pool. -
Review from Whitney P.
Philadelphia, PA
Updated - 8/13/2008
UPDATE: I cannot seem to escape the deleterious consequences of my visit to Adolf Biecker Salon in June before my sister's wedding. The official photo album was just published, and in each and every picture I look like a dead goth clown. The powder recommended by Rachel is loaded with SPF (8% titanium dioxide), such that in flash photography, its light-reflecting properties have a nightmarishly whitening "ghost" effect. Having researched makeup for photographs on the Internet and in stores, I am now aware that any decent makeup artist should have known not to recommend this type of cosmetic for participation in a wedding. I deeply regret not having done my research beforehand. But then, I'm not paid to be the makeup expert.
Rachel and Gwen couldn't care less about my makeup and nails, respectively. Rachel was late and rushed for my makeup application appointment, so she just slapped on the makeup that she uses on herself, without listening to what I wanted and without caring about what would look good on me. The results were disastrous-- just ugly, as confirmed by friends as well as employees at the Aveda store at Liberty Place. Her choices were just completely wrong for me. Total waste of time and money. And Gwen's manicure? Peeled off within 24 hours.
Overall a careless, talentless, and rushed staff. Go some place else.1 Previous Review: Show all »
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6/14/2008
Worst manicure and makeup advice ever. Ruined my enjoyment of my sister's wedding.
Two days before… Read more »
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Review from Cindi J.
Philadelphia, PA
4/26/2009
Just moved here and found a fabulous salon.
