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Elite Massage Center
Category: Beauty and Spas Massage Massage [Edit]
3405 Pacific BlvdSan Mateo, CA 94403
(650) 638-2508
- Hours:
Mon-Sun 10 am - 9:30 pm
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Price Range:
-
$
- Parking:
- Private Lot
- Accepts Insurance:
- No
- By Appointment Only:
- Yes
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
About This Business:
Osetra Wellness offers customized Body Therapy especially matched to the needs of each client. Sophia Barnes has fully trained her staff of… read more »
15 reviews for Elite Massage Center
15 reviews in English
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Review from amy s.
Belmont, CA
3/13/2011
WOW! Just got back from an 1 hour massage with Anna at Elilte Massage Center and I can honestly say it was one of the best massages I have ever gotten. I have been to a million massage places, upscale, mid-class, and down right dirty places, but as for the quality of massage, Anna rocks.
I paid for the 90 minute massage for $65 and it was well worth that great price. She was able to find and work out every sore and tense muscle on my neck, back and all over my body.
I will give the disclaimer that if you're looking for a beautiful spa type of environment, this is not the place for you, however if you're just looking for a reasonably priced, excellent massage, then check it out. Parking is not great (I was lucky and got a spot right in front) and the atmosphere isn't fancy; just very basic, but very clean (unlike a previous yelpers experience, I found the waiting room at the front to be very clean and presentable). The room where I had my massage had nice, relaxing music playing and everything was clean.
I can't wait to schedule my next massage here! :) -
Review from Krystal C.
Oakland, CA
8/24/2011 1 Check-in Here
I really wanted to like this place. I did all my homework and was prepared when I came but in the end, it still just didn't do it for me. Most of what the reviewers say are true, all the goods and the bads. So here is my take on it:
What to expect:
-it is a no frills, let's just get the knots out of your shoulders and back, massage place
-most of the masseuse are Chinese ladies and barely speak English
-it looks like a run down building on the outside that is attached/shared with a bar
-I still don't know where this mysterious rear parking lot is
-if you are in the CalTrain parking lot, you already passed it. When you exit, stay straight and it's on your left
The Pros:
-the masseuse are really nice
-they really work on getting your knots out from shoulder and back, tho there isn't any technique at all. Just pressure and pushing on your muscles
-price is ridiculously cheap- I did 120 min massage (full body and foot) for $65
The Cons:
-the massage rooms are very tight, which is fine, but it is SUPER stuffy. My masseuse was sweating up a storm and was stopping to wipe her sweat....and she had major pit stains at the end. My husband said he had the same thing
-the rooms smell like an old dingey house, because it is
-you really can hear everything in the bar next door. I am definitely not picky about noise, I usually go to these non fancy Chinese massage places so I completely knew what to expect. However, I went on a Fri night from 5-7 and it was a lil noisy but tolerable but by 6 when it is HH time, the bar completely drowned out the Chinese flute calming music in the massage rooms. What doesn't help is each room has a little hole in the ceiling so you can hear it even more
-the foot massage is extremely poor. They don't want to touch your feet so they wear latex gloves (wtf???) so you have plastic rubbery stick feeling while they massage your feet. Also, foot massage is an over statement, it's more like a foot rub with very little oil -
Review from Kat J.
Lavallette, NJ
1/18/2011
I've only been here once but I definitely plan to go back so I'll be sure to post any updates. But, it is a great place to get a good massage from people who really care.
If you are looking for the spa experience (quiet, pampering, soothing sounds, etc), this is NOT the place for you! But, if you want a good massage from an experienced therapist who truly heals you through the art of 'touch', look no further! Everyone here is happy to be here and they are happy to have you as a customer. They are friendly and courteous. Yes, their English isn't perfect but if you're patient, you can get all your needs across to them. It is very clean and nice smelling but it isn't a 5 star resort spa so as long as you're ok with that, you'll have a wonderful experience.
The main reason I'm knocking off the one star is that the walls truly are PAPER THIN and it's kind of uncomfortable to hear other customers talking to their therapists. You basically have no privacy in that sense. You can also hear the trains and cars go by but that gets drowned out by the music (which they didn't start playing until 20 minutes into my massage so I can definitely say the music drowns out a lot!). However, considering how much you're paying, It's a great service and they truly are very nice people. -
Review from Alex Z.
Redmond, WA
2/13/2011
Have been here twice, for swedish massages (did not do reflexology), and enjoyed both trips. No longer in the area but would return if came back to the area.
I think some of the issues noted by previous reviewers have been addressed to some extent. I did not see the legendary tipping guidance chart (although I should note, other places like Massage Envy also provide tipping guidances charts so it is not totally out of the norm), and I felt the service was good. I did not run into parking problems, even on Thursday/Friday nights when I went there.
It is certainly not a luxury spa if that is what you are looking for. There are no showers, locker-rooms, etc from what I can tell. The rooms are not soundproof as other reviewers have mentioned. However, you do get a very inexpensive massage, the rooms are well lit and warm, and I believe the service is nice. Generally that is what I am in the market for. Others may have different preferences on the price-quality spectrum.
Would appreciate additional space to place clothing while in the rooms, maybe a shelf or a clothing rack, especially during the winter. I believe the reception area could be spruced up a bit with nicer chairs and they could add some soundproofing to the walls. I would imagine it would make more sense for them to play asian instrumental music (like many massage place) instead of jazz or whatever since they are an asian place but it's not something that really bothers me. -
Review from Rick L.
Redwood City, CA
Updated - 7/26/2011
'Are you comfortable'? Helen asked.
'Oh, yes! Very comfortable', I replied.
I have been a regular customer at Elite Massage in San Mateo for a couple of years now. It is centrally located, close to the Hillsdale Caltrain station. The place is clean, friendly, and professional. It is also of the best values around.
Recently I have been renovating a friend's house. The muscles and joints in my neck, back, and legs are often pushed to the extreme. At the end of the day, I feel tired, sore and a little cranky. That is why I take great pleasure in recommending Helen - who is my all time favorite masseuse - and all of the nice people at Elite Massage. They provide a very comfortable, therapeutic and relaxing experience at budget rates. I will go back again and again. Really, what more could you ask for?
Rick1 Previous Review: Show all »
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7/22/2010
Yesterday I called Elite Massage Center and made an appointment for a 2 hour Deep Tissue massage. I… Read more »
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Review from Brooke R.
Bay Area, CA
6/17/2010
I had a spa booked for Saturday, and then Wednesday I remembered that I wouldn't be in town on Saturday. It was Wednesday and I needed to book a massage for Wednesday.
Luckily there aren't enough people that like this place and therefore they had an opening for me. Actually, they had lots of openings for me. I booked the one hour foot + one hour full body.
I drove by this place twice looking for the parking lot. There isn't one, but Poinsettia Street dead ends right next to the front door. I parked on Poinsettia and walked to Elite and then saw the "parking in rear" sign. Apparently there's parking in rear, who knew. The front lobby is penetrated with sunlight. There are two dirty waiting chairs alongside a water cooler. The moment I walked in I wanted water and the moment I bent over to get my water there was a girl right on my back. She was the girl who showed me to the foot room, but jeez, she was right on my back.
The 1 hour foot massage takes place in a tiny room on a chair covered with towels. StrongAsianMan actually did the foot massage. AsianLadyWithGlasses kept coming in and talking in some Asian language to StrongAsianMan. It was distasteful. After about 50 minutes of this foot rubbing business StrongAsianMan leaned back my chair and I was now lying down. Instead of seamlessly transitioning into my full body massage, he proceeded to spank my back for about 10 minutes and then tell me to get up and walk to a different room for the body massage. At this point I noticed that the knot in my foot, which my boyfriend had spent hours working out, had returned to my foot.
I walked across the hall to the full body massage room and was left there with no direction. I put 2 and 2 together and figured that now was the time to get naked. I undressed and laid down on the table with a see-through sheet covering me. The masseuse used more arms than hands. She also had really unpleasant feet which are the only things you look at when getting a massage.
When it was over she said "thank you" and scurried out of the room. I was left again with no direction, so I dressed myself and walked to the cashier. I handed her my credit card and she asked if I would like to tip in cash or on the card. I saw the sign clearly displayed on the cash register table with tipping requirements. Not guidelines. Requirements. Five dollar minimum per hour for a bad massage.
The walls are paper thin, the place feels dirty, and you can hear every bit of noise originating both outside and inside. When the front desk lady talks you hear it. When the train goes by (every 10 minutes) you hear it. You also feel it. I was tempted to ask if they give happy endings here, because, well, it just seems like that kinda place, but then again I would never subject my friends to the horror of this parlor. -
Review from Jacky F.
Bay Area
7/17/2011
EXCELLENT MASSAGE by LISA. She's a small Japanese woman with strong hands. I called mid-morning and got a time slot that fit my needs for the very same day. I got a 90-minute Deep Tissue Massage for $65! You can't beat that. Okay, the place is not a fancy spa oasis, but if you're there for a good old fashion massage where you get oiled up and rubbed down on a budget, then this is the place for you. Ask for LISA. She is AMAZING if you like a good deep and strong massage to really get the kinks and knots out. I walked out of there feel more relaxed and loosened up. And when you say you want 90 minutes, they are 90 minutes on the dot and not a minute less. $65 bucks was well spent. Thank you and I can't wait for my next appointment.
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Review from J C.
South San Francisco, CA
11/5/2010
Found this place while searching for a massage to buy for my wife for Mother's Day. Being the careful person that I am, I wanted to ensure they would give a high quality massage to the one I love. Snicker. I actually wanted one for myself, too. Made my appointment, came in, got my massage, was quite satisfied, and purchased a gift certificate for my wife on my way out. I got the 90 minute $65 special, full body massage. And $65 for my wife.
She was happy with her options, and chose the hour foot massage and hour body massage option. She claims the foot massage was a bit painful, but not bruising painful, and she was treated okay. She said she really enjoyed the next part too.
On to today. I went back again after a few months time, because my legs are really sore from Tri-training. Did the 90 minute full body massage option, giving instructions for "hard" and not medium. And off we went. My masseuse started with the massage through the towel, which is to tell her where I needed extra work and start my relaxation (I assume, that's what I do when I'm giving massages).
Then the towel drops to my waist and out came the oil. Not too much, just the right amount, and she digs into my back, neck, shoulders, waist, and upper glutes, using hands, thumbs, forearms, and elbows. Before the transition to my legs, she got onto the table and carefully put her knees into my glutes (piriform area), asking if it was okay before bearing down with her weight. Since I need a lot of glute work because of my workout routine, I was fine with it. While her knees did their job, she continued working on my back.
Leg time. She was careful with the draping of the towel, and once again used the right amount of oil on my legs. She worked my legs fairly well, but as is usually the case, she had already spent too much time on my back and therefore not enough time on my legs. After finishing, she got several steaming hot towels, which she cooled a bit and then used to wipe off the excess oil before the flip.
She also did my scalp, face (not a favorite, but she didn't waste too much time there), chest, stomach, and legs. After the hot towel wipe on the front, we were done! She graciously got me an extra hot wet towel so I could wipe off any oil remaining (I hate that oily feeling).
Tipped her $30 because she had done an excellent job.
Knocked 1 star off because they don't have a shower to take the extra oil off after the massage. I need to ensure I request more leg time, and less back time (due to my training, my legs are always sore, but rarely my back).Listed in: Massage
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Review from Miguel G.
Redwood City, CA
8/8/2010
Words can't express the amazing experiences we've had each and every time we've visited Elite Massage. The Management and staff make you feel at home and part of their family. Visit them and experience the magic for your selves. The tipping chart they provide is a guideline only, not mandatory.
No one can beat their prices, no one....
Enjoy and let others know....
M -
Review from KaryJeffrey A.
Palm Coast, FL
4/13/2011
As someone who has had quite a few massages, I wasn't expecting much when I walked to the no-frills lobby in on a last-minute appointment. The massage I received was seriously one of the best massages I have ever received! My fiance also had a massage that was fantastic. The price was great- $65 for 90 minutes, and if we lived in the area we'd be back probably every month. It was that good. Massage Envy has nothing on these ladies! This place rocked. We'll be back fo shizzle.
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Review from Mochi L.
San Mateo, CA
7/11/2009
I actually would give this place 3 1/2 stars because it was an interesting experience but I really did enjoy my massage.
I had to take advantage of the 2-hour massage for $65, their July 2009 special. That can't be beat! I had a little hard time finding the place but it's on Pacific Blvd in between the Hillsdale Cal Train station and Otay Ave. I didn't see any parking lot so I parked on the street where there was plenty of open spots.
I had to pay in advance and they took credit card. I didn't want to tip in advance since I wasn't sure how the service was going to be so I didn't ask to put a tip on my card (before I got the massage). She never introduced herself so I won't be able to say who actually massaged me, but she ushered me into a room. I wasn't sure what to do next but ended up disrobing and getting onto the massage table. She came in a few minutes later. You can't be prude because there really is only a thin sheet that separates you from the masseuse. And at times I felt I might had been revealing a little more than I wanted.
She concentrated on my back and shoulders for MOST of the hour. It was suppose to be a full-body massage. I was hoping that she would spend the same amount of time in all areas. So I was disappointed, however she was a really good masseuse and I felt really relaxed as she went over my sore points. (There was a point that she actually got on the table to massage my back, that was a little weird). After a while on my back, it came to a point where my muscles were probably getting a little too raw. That's when she went to massage my legs and arms. But again, not as much time as she had concentrated on my back. I figured it was because I was getting a foot massage for my second hour.
For the foot massage I had my feet soak in a hot bath with what looked like a tea bag. I was sitting in a nice reclined chair so it was relaxing. After that a man came into the room and washed my feet a little, dried them and then wrapped them with a towel. He didn't introduce himself either. Anyway, he then took away the bath water. He came back and started with my left foot. He used petroleum jelly (I think). The massage was more accupressure and it felt really good. There was one time where it started hurting so I just told him it hurt and he adjusted the pressure. The foot massage was definitely done to on the feet, unlike other places that massage the calf and thighs too. The last 5 minutes he asked me to turn over and the recliner turned into a massage chair where there's a hole to put your face through. He applied some pressure along my back and then did some "chopping" and before too long the massage was over.
They mentioned once that tip was not included, so have some extra cash on hand to provide the masseuses.
While I was getting my full-body massage, I could hear my neighbor next door. He was really loud. At one point it sounded like he yelled in pain. That kind of scared me... The music was not as "ambient" as I'd like it. You could hear their phone ring too. You could also hear the Cal Train go by as well. So the place doesn't have good insulation. When I was getting my feet massaged they left the door open and I could see the other masseuses walking back and forth. They also didn't keep their voices down either. I could hear them speaking in Shanghainese.
So in conclusion this place offers a great massage and with the special it is a great deal. They also have a frequent visitor program where if you get 10 massages your 11th is free. If you're open to all the nuances that I mentioned above then you should definitely try it out.Listed in: In my neighborhood
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Review from Christina S.
San Mateo, CA
2/21/2010
I saw this place advertise in the paper for a 2 hour massage for $65. This I had to check out. I came here on Yelp to look at the reviews and figured it had to be pretty cheesy, but still, $65 for 2 hours? Can't be all that bad!
So my friend and I go down there. If you do not know the area (Which we do) when you get there it says there is parking in the rear of the building. To get to rear of the building (or just on Poinsettia St.) You have to drive down Hillsdale Blvd., take a right on Curtiss and another right on Poinsettia and park at the end of the cul de sac. Walk past Steamies bar, take a left and you're there.
So we go in and it looks better than I was picturing according to these reviews. Kind of like a nice nail salon. Not luxurious, but it's ok.
So what you're really getting is 1 hour foot reflexology and a 1 hour massage. I did foot reflexology once in Millbrae and the experience matched that experience and was very good. I like foot reflexology because it can help a lot of health issues and is spiritually good for you.
For the foot reflexology you go in and sit/lay on a lazy boy chair and soak your feet in a wicker bucket for ten minutes. Then the guy comes in and goes to it. You may have to communicate if it is painful because he presses pretty hard in certain places. But I enjoyed this experience thoroughly. After he does your feet you flip over and he does the body reflexology on your back side. Yep, your glutes too.
The hour massage was great. She used her arms a lot though and I prefer the use of hands, not so into the use of arms. Using hands feels so much better than arms. I don't like the digging in my shoulders either but I let her do it anyway because I know I have knots to work out. I have been in pain for the last couple of weeks and I think she actually got out whatever was bothering me. Which is awesome. All in all it felt great, it was thorough and I was very relaxed.
The point that will knock a star off of this review is when I turned over on my back she did not do my neck and that's basically what I need done the most. Next time I will specify this point.
They're not shy here, and you shouldn't be either. I feel that is a huge plus. They move the sheet on half your body and half your body gets massaged. I want my glutes and inner thighs massaged and they do it. Huge plus. I feel lop-sided when everything doesn't get done and everything gets done here - except my neck - weird. :)
I have only had 1 other place massage me completely (glutes and inner thighs included) and that was La Belle at Stanford. I paid $135 bucks for 1.5 hours with a $30 tip there for a total of $165. That was the best massage I have ever had, but this place is cheaper and not bad at all. I will go back to Chuck at Stanford, but this will be my more regular, affordable massage.
Also, you can hear everything going on in Steamies bar next door through the walls. I'm not picky about that so the bar noise doesn't bother me.
I think I heard an instrumental Christmas song ( Hark the Herold Angels Sing) in the middle of the instrumentals playing right before it went on to some Kenny G. Kind of funny. He,he.
I would say the only unexpected thing is their tipping expectations. They may not be privy to the American standard tipping process that 30% above your total would be a very great tip.
Basically they have a tipping guideline on the front desk that expects something like below and they expect it per person. So if you do foot reflexology and a massage they want you to give this tip to each person:
If your experience was:
Excellent - $20 per person that worked on you
Good - $15 per person that worked on you
Average - $10 per person that worked on you
Poor - $5 per person that worked on you
I may not be remembering their little framed sign exactly right, but that's basically the drill. So though it is only $65 they basically expect around a 70% tip is how I see it.
If my experience was poor I am not tipping at all. Well, most people wouldn't I probably still would. LOL
Whatever, I still think for $105 for 1 hour of foot reflexology and a 1 hour massage, $105 is worth it.
I will go back for sure. All of their rates look below market and I am a good tipper anyway, so I am still saving and leaving happy.
There is also a foot reflexology place in Millbrae that also charges like $28 for 1 hour foot reflexology and I don't think they expect the 70% tip. I think this place was a little nicer looking inside than the one in Millbrae. I had a great experience there too though.
My friend felt the experience was great up until we were leaving and the lady started showing us the tip expectations, she said it ruined the experience for her. I thought it was tacky, but I will still go back. I felt very relaxed and it was affordable.
3.5 stars.
Nah, 4.
5 if my neck were done! :) -
Review from Abigail C.
San Mateo, CA
4/21/2011
I am not a stranger getting massage I frequently get massage in different places but Elite massage was one of the best experience I had. I just moved here in San Francisco I wanted to get a massage found this place online. Searched different sites but I saw their price was unbeatable 1hr full body massage and 1 hr foot massage for $65.00. I got there at 630pm I was greeted right away with one of the staff. She advised me that there's a 10minutes wait which I didn't mind, even their waiting area was small I felt comfortable with their friendly welcoming. Their room was not like those expensive places spa that we see, room was clean, their linens, towels was clean it was very simple relaxing room. I felt so relax that I fall asleep right away ( imagine that was just foot massage). I was knocked out the entire body massage, it was a great experience and for sure I will recommend them.
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Review from Andrea B.
9/27/2009
Wow....everything in the previous review is true!!! Your right next to a train station. The walls are paper thin so you can hear the person next to you and the front desk.
I decided to try this place out, 1 hour massage for $45. Not to expensive at all.... EXCEPT ..... you get what you pay for.....or in my case ..... $45 was way over priced for the experience.
My appointment was at 10:00 am. I walked in the front desk person who was on the phone with someone and trying to help the person in front of me was going back and forth between both people. She told me to sit down. I waited just a couple of minutes before she helped me. You have to pay for your massage first, so I did. She took me back to the room at about 10:10 a.m. and left me laying on the table for over 10 minutes. So now it is about 10:20 a.m. Turns out the front desk person is the person that will be giving me my massage. 5 minutes into the massage someone is at the front desk, so she stops my massage to greet the customer at the front desk. She comes back about 5 minutes later says sorry and continues. 10 minutes later another person comes to the front desk, she stops my massage and greets the customer. I am thinking to myself this is not relaxing or professional at all. She comes back in to start where she left off. 15 minutes later...not again...someone comes to the front desk and again she stops my massage to greet the customer. At 11:00 am she says I give you an extra 10 minutes since she had to leave, and I am thinking to myself, you started 20 minutes late and left 3 times in the middle of the massage and you are giving me 10 minutes. Whatever....at this point I was irritated and just wanted to leave.
As far a technique goes I wanted deep tissue, it was not, it was more like a push and rub technique, not every effective when needing muscle release and relaxation.
Prices would be reasonable if it was at all a decent massage, but it was NOT. Parking is street parking.
I will NEVER return!!!!! -
Review from Miki L.
Palo Alto, CA
10/9/2010
Parking sucks!!! It right near a bar and you can hear everything going on... The Massage was pretty good for me, but the therapist dont speak any english, or very little English. Its was a $45 massage so I cant really say much. I mean you pay for the Service. You get what you pay for. If you just want a a decent cheap massage go to this place!
