Bella Piaz Spa & Salon

A guy's take on mani/pedi's

I have never understood why women are so mani/pedi obsessed. The details involved with managing of the hands, the nails, the feet. . . I mean, I take care of my hands, and feet. And, my nails (both hands and feet) aren't bad either, as I do prefer to be in sandals during the summer months (nix the socks and Birkenstocks thank you). But, I have never put too much thought into the "spa-like" atmosphere of maintaining these bodily extremities. Until given a foot spa day as a gift.

Enter Bella Piaz . . .
You are greeted at the front desk and immediately led to the relaxation area where you receive a warm neck wrap, glass of wine or champagne, and fresh fruit, cheese, and chocolates. Very nice way to begin this adventure. My only criticism on this area is that you have to listen to the front desk conversations which disrupt the aura of relaxation they are trying to immerse you in.

My technician, Janet, was friendly and very helpful with this 'newbie'. She explained everything she was doing, and what it would do for me. I had the warm soak (important: sterile trays, with fresh water and salts!), then a nice salt scrub. Then she painted what looked like mud onto my feet and legs. . . let it set a bit, and washed it off. Next, my toes were clipped, and cuticles cleaned, heals buffed. And, finally, a paraffin wax treatment, followed by finishing lotion on my feet, nails, and legs. . .

OK, at this point, (it's been almost two hours) I am slouching in my chair, half because of the relaxation, and half because I have now poured a glass of wine, and two glasses of champagne down my gullet . . . My psychiatrist, Janet, has heard every detail of my life. . . Time to get up and go home.

Conclusion from a guy's point of view:
Janet was a wonderful kick to spend time with. And, I think my feet look nice, and the leg massage etc, was certainly relaxing, and probably beneficial. But, I personally can't see paying to have this done. If you read my other reviews on YELP, you will know that I am a massage and facial junkie. . . Not sure I can apply the same to my feet. But, then again, I'm a guy, and this is a guy's perspective. Women clearly love the experience. And, I would definitely recommend visiting Bella Piaz for the experience.

I finally made my way to Bella Piaz Spa & Salon. After my last review I received a message from Deanna W the owner, apologizing and offered to help me get a refund through Livingsocial. After some thought I just decided to give this place a try, since Deanna W took the time to contact me and try to make things right.

I went for my mani & pedi on a Friday, there was only one girl working that day so the place was pretty quiet. I opted to pay extra for a "Shellac" manicure. I am extremely happy with the results, it has been more than 2 weeks and the "Shellac" polish still looks great. Minimal chipping around the edges and color still vibrant and shinny. I just need to make my way back for another one since this one is growing out.

Pedicure was pretty good, didn't like that the water gets cold way too fast and that my polish didn't last very long. Normally my pedicures last at least 3 weeks, this one barely 1 week. But its ok the "shellac" mani definitely made up for that ;)

I LOVE THIS PLACE! I have been looking all over for a place that does REAL UV gel nails. I was so relieved to have found this place. I will be going here from now on! I've only had my nails done from Deanna and I plan on checking out their hair salon too :)

I recommend this place to everyone that is looking for the real UV Gel Nails. It's much less damaging to your nails and they look thin and natural.

Just FYI, I've only had the pedicure so I can't speak to the quality of their other services.

They may not have the vibrating chairs and boiling water, but believe me you won't miss 'em! Hand-drawn water with bath salts and real flowers, individual attention put into the massages and foot care (definitely not in a rush like so many places I've been), warm neck wrap, cool cucumber water and strawberries to begin. Fabulous!

Don't go here if you're in a big hurry to be elsewhere. In fact, don't go here at all, more room for me to go back and live there!

I was given a gift certificate through Amazon Local for a 1 Hour Aromatherapy Massage.
I made an initial appointment and specified that I wanted to be massaged by a female. Upon arrival to my appointment I was told that I was scheduled with a male. I rescheduled my appointment for 2 weeks later.
I arrived at my rescheduled appointment time only to have to wait 20 minutes because someone dropped in for an eyebrow wax. The massuse also does waxing.
The massuse, although a much older woman than I would have expected, was adequate in her technique. However, my 1 Hour Massage was only 40 minutes.
It was not professional in the least. I was hoping for a soothing, relaxing hour long massage. What I got was 40 minutes of a massage with a lot of chit chat.
I was very disappointed and would NOT recommend this salon to anyone for anything!

Bought a groupon in November for a couples massage. Booked the appointment over a month ago for Sunday afternoon. On Friday they called to change the time. This was already annoying because we had booked our sitter based on our appt time. So we were able to move our sitter thankfully. Then 2 hours before our appt they left a voicemail canceling our appt. I couldn't be more displeased and have already requested a refund from groupon. I don't plan on using Bella Piaz at all. They could have had a loyal repeat customer but their lack of respect for my time means I won't be patronizing them.

So I never wrote an update and here it is...

When I first arrived, a woman greeted me, addressed me by name, showed me to the waiting room/ Lounge and offered me something to drink / eat. I loved how clean the place looked. I sat down after grabbing some food and started to look over the services they offer. Among the long list, I noticed they offer massage, waxing, and even perm. makeup! Now the whole getting a tattoo on my face just 'aint my thang, but I still think it's cool it's available. After relaxing for a few minutes on their comfy couch, Betty came in and offered me a FREE warm neck wrap. How could I refuse a little more pampering?... Boy am I glad I tried it because it was so relaxing.

Betty did my nails and it was my first ALL GEL set ever!
I was so excited because the gel was completely see through. That was an issue that I had with acrylics... They were always cloudy and I just didn't like not being able to see my real nail. Also I didn't have to breath all the fumes from the acrylic because there wasn't any!! After she finished I felt how lite and thin she was able to make them because they were all gel.
Since Betty is no longer with Bella Piaz and I needed a fill sooo sooo bad, I tired another place in Livermore, but they didn't know how to do the all gel nails. :-( So I took the plunge and went back to stinky, cloudy, acrylic. Oh well...

Next week I'm going back for a pedi at Bela Piaz! woo hoo

Rating ONLY my experience booking an appointment & NOT the actually spa services!

I got the $19 living social deal & another one for my girlfriend. I thought it was a great opportunity to check out a spa place & services before I book a private party for my Bridal party!

I called a month in advance to book an appointment for 2 mani & pedi. I had to make sure I planned everything in advance because wedding stuff takes a lot of my time!

Finally, after a whole month of waiting, we finally get to use it and were so excited. Friday at 3:00PM I got a voice message from the owner saying that they had to cancel my appointments for Saturday 11AM. I was confused why so last minute after 1 whole month? And couldn't she suggest another date & time for me? Instead of calling and telling me that they HAVE to cancel my appointments!

I called back and for the first time, someone actually picked up the phone & not just another voice mail. I talked to the owner, she said when I called to book my appointment at the time... the person who booked me only had 1 person doing the mani & pedi that day and not for 2 so therefore they had to cancel my appointments. (She still did NOT offer another date & time so I asked is there another time you can add us in the same day because I canceled a lot of stuff and made sure my morning was available!) She said they were booked the whole day and to look at my schedule when it's the best time to make another appointment. She said things like this happen and she will try her best to compensate for the trouble. She didn't sound sincere at all but I was fine with that... whatever just let me get an appointment!

I called back 10 minutes later but got the voice message. I called again an hour later, voice message again. I got it! They must be busy working on their clients. I left a voice message Friday afternoon if they can book us in for Sunday morning. (On their website, it stated Sunday by appointment only). Never heard back from them, I called back Monday but got a voice message and today is Wednesday... still haven't heard back. Forget it... I don't have time to waste because I can find a better spa!

I read the fine print policy... for any cancellation/re-scheduling we the client have to give the spa/salon 24 hours notice - "voucher subject to forfeiture" but you the spa/salon didn't even give me, your client 24 hours notice for cancellation!

I called Living Social and asked for a refund. They gave me credit back for both vouchers so I had no problem with them ... I just hate how I wasted my time & energy trying to reach the spa and never heard back!

You just lost yourself a new client and I would have brought a bunch of new clients to you. Oh, did I mention I was a generous tipper? But it doesn't matter because I won't waste anymore of my time or any money there. I will not recommend their business to any body I know.

I had mixed feelings about writing this review. I had received a LivingSocial massage deal as a birthday gift, and my appointment was already made for me. So I was fortunate in that I didn't pay for it and I didn't deal with the appointment desk. The massage service I received, however, was really bad and warranted a review.

I didn't get the warm reception that it seems everyone else got. When I entered, I was greeted by anyone. When I got to the reception desk I told the guy that I had an appointment at 12. No hello, no anything, just "Do you have your voucher with you?" Then I was ushered to this room by the front of the house. The room itself isn't much to speak about. Was pretty chilly, dark, no decor.

Now, the massage itself. I couldn't even tell you the masseuse's name because he never gave it to me. I had asked him to focus on my neck & shoulders, then upper back and arms, then lower body. The massage started off okay, but I felt like he was doing the same motions and not really changing it up. So after awhile it just felt like someone was putting lotion on my back. There were a couple of times where he hit a sweet spot, but those were fleeting moments. He didn't ask me how the pressure was until about midway through. He commented he couldn't feel any knots in my shoulders, which I found odd since I can feel them all the time.

I realize that every masseuse has their own style. I can appreciate that and normally it's not a big deal as long as it feels good in the end. This massage felt.. Awkward. A lot of times I felt like he was just pinching me. No real strokes, or pressure, or style, if you will. I won't go into details because then this review would be paragraphs longer. I felt like he rushed me through my 90-min. massage, plus he shorted me 15 min. People were opening the door to the room, also knocking on the door during my session. It was just a hot mess.

I love getting massages and was truly excited to have received this massage as a gift. But the experience was really underwhelming and wholly disappointing.

I am such a fan of the services I get at Bella Piaz that I often arrive early to my scheduled appointments to sit in peace with a yummy warm neck wrap and an even yummier tidbit to nibble on.

Bella offers a breath of fresh air in sometimes boring always stale CV. My very favorite waxer ever Ms. Renda is now at Bella making it an even hotter spot to beautify and pamper .

I get tremendous service when I am at Bella. I am always greeted kindly. I love service with a smile. You will love Bella Piaz too!