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Alan Koa Salon & Spa
Categories: Beauty and Spas Massage Beauty and Spas Hair Salons Beauty and Spas Eyelash Service Massage, Hair Salons, Eyelash Service [Edit]
202 State St4th Fl
Madison, WI 53703
(608) 284-1956
- Hours:
Mon-Thu 9 am - 9 pm
Fri 8 am - 6 pm
Sat 8 am - 4 pm
Sun 10 am - 4 pm
- Price Range:
-
$$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Good for Kids:
- No
- Accepts Insurance:
- No
- By Appointment Only:
- Yes
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
17 reviews for Alan Koa Salon & Spa
17 reviews in English
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Review from Melissa J.
Madison, WI
6/29/2011
The new Alan Koa is fantastic, decorated beautifully and instantly makes me feel calmer and more relaxed when I walk in.
They offer you tea or cucumber water while you are waiting.
Thomas cuts and colors my hair, and its a treat each time I go. He does such a professional job, I trust him 100% with my hair.
Parking used to be difficult at Cameo, but now you can park on the 5th level of the Dayton St Parking Ramp, and the door leads straight into the salon! It's great! -
Review from Tanya V.
Madison, WI
5/18/2012
I was excited to book a pedicure here recently since I believe that I had read that they had won some of the "Best of Madison" awards for this service in the last few years. Sorry to say, I've had better pedicures. The lady I had was really friendly and nice and that was the best part. The problem was that I left with feet that were still very rough and the polish was applied very messily. I had polish spots all over my toes. In addition to that, the person doing my pedicure smudged some of the polish pretty badly on one of my toes. She was kind enough to redo it, but then smudged it again when she removed the towel from my feet. I won't get a pedicure here again. Hopefully I can find another place that does a good job.
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Review from sheila h.
Salem, OR
4/25/2012
I had a gift certificate from Cameo (now Alan Koa Salon and Spa). I was told they would honor the card, but when I called and spoke with Katie, she informed me that their records indicated I had utilized a gift card to pay for past service, but they didn't have any records showing I still had unused credit. I had been told at Cameo that they had my remaining credit on file and I didn't need to carry the gift card anymore.
I was disapointed that they were not willing to take my word and allow me to apply the remaining $ my husband had paid. So I can only assume Katie thinks I'm lying. How frustrating. We now live full time in Madison and I'd have loved to have a salon I could walk out my door and be at their State St. location in minutes. I would have been a long term customer who loves spa treatments and they lost my business because they weren't willing to honor the remaining $23 on the card. -
Review from Patty S.
1/29/2011
Booked a massage here because it was close to the hotel. I definitely wasn't disappointed by any means with the service in my massage room (that's why I gave it a 3 instead of a 2). Although, the front desk and "quiet room" service was a little awkward.
It seemed that the people helping out up front had difficulties "taking care" of their clients. I was placed in the "quiet room" to wait for my spa service. As I waited, two different front desk girls continually came through the door to fill up water pitchers, make tea, and replenish glasses. This room was definitely not a quiet room.
Typically, when at the spa, you put your robe on immediately before entering the quiet room. When asked if I could change into my robe (after I was in the quiet room for 20 + minutes), I was told that I could but that I could also do it when I get into the massage room. It seemed like my question was off-the-wall and I might have confused the person I was asking the question to.
The overall massage was very good and made up for the sophomoric front desk workers. After the hour was up, I felt so good that I didn't even pay attention to the help during the check-out process. I went back to the hotel happy. -
Review from Leslie S.
Madison, WI
5/18/2009
I am modifying my previous post for one very simple reason - Cameo charges you whatever they wish and Melissa Simon, the Guest Manager, reserves the right to refuse to tell you how much things cost beforehand so they can rip you off to their heart's content later on. No kidding, a much nicer-sounding iteration of this is actually their stated policy.
I booked my wedding party there for hair and makeup on my wedding day. The price was quoted at around $600 for four women including the bride. When I went in for my trial hairdo I was told it could be literally hundreds more. But nobody would tell me how much more. In fact, by the time I was done emailing with Melissa, as it turns out the BARE MINIMUM of the cost was $600. What I was told, in essence, was that Cameo's prices are based on the whim of the designers. How do they themselves determine the prices of their services? This is a black box, if you're a customer. Frankly, it's probably a black box if you're Melissa Simon, as well. Melissa's most amazing statement: "If you can get past the issue of cost, I think you could have a good experience with us." Are you kidding? One does need to plan out a wedding budget in advance.
Come on, Cameo you doofs. Why not change your policy to be like EVERY OTHER SALON IN THE WORLD and just charge by the time something takes, the service in question, and the experience level of the stylist? It causes people NOT TO HATE YOU.
It's a spa, and it's supposed to be relaxing, and there's nothing less relaxing than walking out all ticked off because you just got stuck paying a bill that was much more than you had been led to believe it would be. That goes double on your wedding day. We canceled our wedding block at Cameo and rebooked at a salon willing to give a price range for services, but I look forward to looking at Cameo's website and seeing some positive changes in the future. -
Review from Jenny D.
Madison, WI
8/5/2009
The first time I went to Cameo was when they were still on Pinkney. I always had great service and loved the vibe of the spa. Very relaxing.
After the moved to their current space, I've had 2 not-so-great massages. One was a regular massage. Not the best. Furthermore, I listened to banging of doors, etc. in the room next to me! So irritating!
The last massage I had there was a pregnancy massage. It sucked. The woman barely touched me, had me lay at an angle on my back and repeatedly asked if I wanted my feet rubbed. I said no and she did it anyway! She finished the massage before the time was up (I guess that wasn't totally horrible considering). I'd recommend other places, but don't go to Cameo! -
Review from Danielle C.
Chicago, IL
7/30/2007
I got into town early and needed a pedicure for my meeting and shoes for tomorrow. The hotel recommended that I try Cameo (which has moved and is at 10 w. Mifflin St phone 608-284-1956). They were able to get me in for their last appointment, beginning at 8:15 pm.
I am so thrilled that they could. I have a new home away from home spa!
I lucked out and had Marina as my technician. Despite it being the end of the day, Marina did not rush me. I had a chance to chill in the quiet room before- great chaise lounges, crackling simulated fire going in the fireplace and relaxing music. Once it was my turn, the good things kept coming! They offer new massage chairs, and Aveda products.
My feet are dancing with joy. I had an outstanding paraffin pedicure- my toes have not looked better in a long time. To top it off, I received coupons for my next visit- 10% off. It was well worth the price (45$, but I think I got a special deal) and much less than I would have paid at home. I am now working my schedule to make sure I have time to visit when I am back in town in a couple of weeks.
THANKS CAMEO and Marina especially! It was outstanding! -
Review from Ruby J.
Madison, WI
3/22/2011
I have been to Cameo in the past for haircuts and spa services. I no longer go there. I agree with some of the other reviews that the front desk seems disorganized and the "quiet room" is actually extremely awkward.
The main reason I no longer go there, however, is because they flat-out lied to me. I had been seeing a great hairstylist for about 2 years. One day, I called to book an appointment with her, and they told me she had moved back to Arizona where she was from. I was disappointed, but set up another appointment with a random stylist. About a week later, I was waiting tables and ran into her- turns out she had left, along with a large number of other employees, due to problems with the Cameo management. I cancelled my appointment at Cameo the next day.
While I understand a business not wanting to pass along employee information that might make them lose a client, I do not understand why a business would make up some arbitrary lie. Madison is a small city and I was bound to see her out and about at some point and thus realize they had lied. I feel as though there are other ways to handle situations like that. I was very irritated that they went out of their way to make up some story when all they needed to tell me was that she was no longer working there. Had they done that, I probably would have rescheduled anyway. Now, I have moved on. -
Review from Cabell G.
Madison, WI
6/19/2010
I think Kristen C. has nailed it with her comment about focusing too much on the spa atmosphere instead of spa RESULTS. Honestly, I'm rarely in the mood for their "relaxation room," and yeah, that fake fireplace is obnoxious.
I've been there twice, both times for pedicures--the first time was probably about two years ago, but they were surprised that I wasn't in their system when I stopped by on a whim this past Thursday (I suspect they had my name entered wrong--it happens a lot). Anyway, I was happy to find that they could fit me in on short notice, although they told me 10:15 and it was closer to 10:30 when we actually got started. (It probably helped that it was mid-morning on a Thursday and that entire side of the Square is now under heavy construction.)
Lorelli did my pedi this time and it was a serviceable job, but it was definitely overpriced at $45 for a VERY no frills procedure, although Lorelli was nice. Their pedi chairs are not as good as ones I've had elsewhere, and there's very little calf or foot massage included. They have, at least, significantly improved their polish color selection since I was there two years ago, when they seemed astonished that anyone might WANT orange toenails. They have a decent orange-red-pink-purple selection now, and a very few blues and greens. (The receptionist seemed pretty excited about their new OPI collection, which did have fun bright colors although I could do without the East Asian fetishizing polish color names--I'm not blaming Cameo for that.)
One thing that they mentioned when I was leaving is that they'll do "free" polish changes in between pedicures if you schedule another one in advance. I'm sure a tip is expected for this service, but it's still nice to know that I could switch the colors every week or two in between monthly pedis. I might go back again for that, and the convenient location.
Another note: they will give cash back on credit cards, so you don't need to make sure you have tipping cash before you go (unless you're getting a "free" polish change, I guess). -
Review from Robyn T.
9/10/2010
Cameo Spa was my go to choice when I was in school at UW. It was a huge treat after final exams to book a decadent nail service or even a massage...I loved the Aveda spa and use it to this day as how I compare all other spa experiences.
The services are what set Cameo apart. With luxurious pedicures, massages and more you are coming here for the experience. I came to Madison to celebrate a bridal shower with a group of friends and we were able to bring our own snacks and champagne and setup in their cozy waiting area. Comfortable seating, soothing music and a faux fireplace set the scene. It was a bit awkward sharing the area with other clients coming in but I'm not sure what an alternative would be.
I LOVED my reflexology service. Lying on a massage table and having someone concentrate solely on your feet is heaven. I would certainly go back for this service alone.
Why not 5 stars? The front desk staff seemed disorganized. When people checked in and checked out they had long lines and one of the girls in the group was kept waiting at the front for a good 15 minutes when she could have been in the waiting area with our group of friends. I don't think this would keep me from going back here but it is definitely something to be aware of when you're visiting...just plan a little extra time on both ends. -
Review from Lindsay V.
Madison, WI
12/17/2010
I've had a hard time finding a salon and stylist that I like enough to return to regularly. Either the good stylists are out of my price range or I am unhappy with the cheaper cuts. With Ian at Cameo however, I've finally found someone worth going back to! I've had two cuts by him and both times I couldn't have been happier. I have thick, long hair and he always gets the layering just right so it lays nicely without a lot of work my part. I never have that experience where it looks great coming out of the salon but falls apart when I'm left to my own devices. He is very thorough with the cut and spends much more time than I'm used to on the styling so I always leave feeling special. I highly recommend Ian for a great cut at a reasonable price!
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Review from Cassie b.
Madison, WI
Updated - 12/13/2011
they are awful...go to VELVET!! the new hip place to be .... Alan Koa has the snotiest, stuck up , think they are all that people I have ever met in my life. You work in Madison people come on..move to Cali or New York and make it big then you will have something to be proud of....the spa is beautiful don't get me wrong...well except the waiting room...all those doors with people going in and out....what a nightmere. And they have a huge turnover, your never guranteed to get the same service provider at all which is a huge letdown. And the owners doing services!!!!???? Thats why you're an owner is to sit and take care of the business not take away from your employees....bummer this spa sucks
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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11/15/2011
The spa and salon are nice and wonderful but the service is awful. When I walked in there was no one… Read more »
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Review from E. L.
New Haven, CT
2/5/2010
I haven't been overly impressed with Cameo. Overall, I would describe the place as fine, hence the 3 stars.
The pros:
-they offer a variety of price ranges for haircuts
-the facility is nice, especially if you are getting a spa service
-free bang trims if you are a regular customer
-no hard sell on products
-massages were usually average or above
The cons:
-haircuts are more like average or below, whether I pay $35 or $65
-service is a little pretentious
-closed on Sunday -
Review from Kelly B.
San Francisco, CA
9/10/2011
I was able to get a last minute appointment (on a Saturday!) for a Brazilian wax with Amanda. She used a combination of soft and hard wax, which I found hurt a lot less than just all soft wax. I appreciated her expertise and easy conversation - which is always nice when you're in the awkward position of getting a bikini wax. If I lived in Madison, I'd definitely come back here again.
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Review from Kristen C.
College Park, MD
3/29/2010
The main reasons I've gone to Cameo are their location, that they carry Aveda products, and that I was able to get last-minute appointments. My experiences there have been mixed. Their pedicures are decent, but way overpriced, a pedicure at the mall will get you better results. I got a facial there once, which was relaxing but I've had better. I didn't know an arm massage was included though, so that was a nice surprise. I've also gotten my eye brows waxed there a few times, by Colleen, and she does a great job. Getting my brows waxed by her was actually relaxing! I got my hair cut at Cameo for awhile, until my stylist moved away. I liked her, but I didn't like Cameo enough to keep going there with another stylist.
Overall, I think Cameo is overpriced and relies to too much on their spa-like atmosphere rather than delivering spa-like results. -
Review from Rachael S.
San Francisco, CA
8/10/2010
Okay, I have to admit, I haven't been to cameo in a while. However, I feel the need to write this because I used to go all the time when I was at UW, and always had great experiences with them. I had my first brazilian there with Tracy, and many more after that. She's great, especially for a first-timer. I've only gotten waxing here, but always left with great results. If Tracy's still there, book an appointment with her for waxing!
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Review from Kelly O.
San Francisco, CA
4/3/2010
I was visiting from California and I was in the mood for a cut, willing to take a chance I walked into Cameo and they got me an appointment right away with a FANTASTIC stylist (Morgan). My hair is very poofy and difficult. It didn't bother Morgan at all, she talked with me about my needs and successfully gave me a layered look, one no stylist has been able to do before. She also went to great lengths to make sure to show me how to maintain my style. I wish I lived closer because I would go here regularly.
