Hawt on Yelp
Category: Local Flavor [Edit]
Half Off Services Nov 2-8Participating LA Spas & Salons
Los Angeles, CA
- Good for Kids:
- No
21 reviews for Hawt on Yelp
I really wish I could write a review for the place I actually went to, but I'll play by Yelp's rules this time....
I don't make a habit of pampering myself, mostly because I'd rather spend that money shopping. However, I decided to splurge a little and treat myself to a service during the Hawt of Yelp week.
I went to Studio DNA for my haircut, and let me tell you, it was quite a relaxing and enjoyable experience. I don't usually pay more than $20 to get my hair done, but this was truly a treat.
I was offered beverages and munchies before I began my consultation with Dale. He listened to what I wanted and was honest with his opinions without being overbearing. I was then shampoo'd, conditioned, hot toweled, and sent back to his chair. Snip, snip, and a Kerastase conditioning treatment...and I'm happy as a clam as I sip my mimosa. Usually, this is the part where I'm incredibly anxious as I inspect each and every cut the stylist is making, hoping and praying that they don't cut a millimeter more than we discussed, but in Dale's hands, I was relaxed and let him work his magic.
After he styled me and turned me around, I was so happy with my look! It's a look I'd been trying to get but no stylist was ever able to make it work, but he did. He even gave me a complimentary "make-up fluff" and really made me look amazing! I love my haircut so much, I'm going to save up so I can go back again.
I've never had a happy hour beauty treatment, but I definitely see why it's so popular after holding a 'meeting' (very loosely used) at Mani-Kir Royale in North Hollywood during Hawt on Yelp.
I loved the concept of the bar-style mani pedi areas, and was VERY pleased to find that they offered their namesake cocktail to enjoy while being pampered! I'm also so happy to find one of my new favorite nail colors (Footloose by Essie ....must buy in bulk!)
I had a super friendly specialist, Kendra, who was gentle yet thorough...my nails looked awesome after she was done with them. It would have been great if she provided a little hand or foot massage like some places do but hey, if it's a 30 second massage or champagne, it's an easy choice for me!
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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11/8/2009
I've only had a few massages in my life, but I've developed a theory about massage therapists. There… Read more »
If it hadn't been for Hawt on Yelp I would've never come here. As i drove down Westwood looking for Kalaya i was like "this is it?" when i first saw it. It looked small and if i hadn't been looking for it I could've passed by it hundreds of times and never bothered to go in.
When i did go in I noticed it was nice inside. Lots of white. When i came in i had to sign a paper and was given some tea and slippers to put on. I really liked the tea and the slippers were comfy as well.
Honey did my facial and she knows whats up. She gave some good tips on how to take care of my skin. One thing i noticed about the acne facial is that she used several masks on me (more than ive ever had in a facial) so i guess that a plus. She didn't spend too much time on extractions so thats a minus but other than that it was great. She also passed this high frequency machine thing on my face and also gave a great shoulder massage!
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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11/11/2009
I took advantage of Hawt on Yelp and got myself a facial for half off!
I felt it was such a great… Read more »
I stopped by Mani-Kir Royale during Hawt on Yelp week for the half off happy hour mani/pedi service and I absolutely love the idea of this place. It has a U-shaped bar that you sit at with your hands on the counter and your feet on a kind of bar below. It's an amazingly perfect scenario if you're going with a group of friends because it's literally like sitting at a regular bar, but a bar where someone polishes and pampers your feet and fingers. And they even provide a glass of champagne as part of your service (you can have it plain, mimosa-style, or Kir Royale-d.)
While you're at Mani-Kir Royale you can also buy what they call a "day pass." For $15 you basically can drink as many champagne cocktails as you'd like during your services. Remember to bring a DD with you if you're trying this out. ;-)
The ladies here were really nice and while the space itself wasn't all fancy-shmancy I thoroughly enjoyed the experience. And seriously? Happy hour mani/pedis are pure genius in my book.
Happy Friday!
Awakened by the thought of needing a massage
Westwood spa... Kalaya Day Spa
Thai-swedish couples massage $75 for 60 mins
Oh, what a deal it wasl! 50% off selected spa services!
No excuse to not go and try out Hawt on Yelp this week in LA!
Your body will thank you later
Enjoy the day and get yourself pampered!
Love a good massage!
Peaceful, relaxed, and well tenderized!
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
I was excited that LA's Hawt on Yelp was this week!! I tried the one in SF earlier this year!! There were so many different places I wanted to try, but driving in LA can be a pain, so my Mom and I picked one closer to our house. We gave Kalaya Day Spa a try today!
KALAYA DAY SPA: I really liked the modern interior with their white painted walls, water fountain, and light music in the background. It was a very zen-like atmosphere! Even though my Mom and I got the 1-hour Thai-Swedish couples massage, we were placed in semi-closed off massage areas. I liked the seclusion and privacy.
Thai-massage: It started out with a nice warm foot wash/scrub with rose petals. Then, you change into their pants outfit... haha My massage consisted of a regular thai massage and deep tissue massage with some yoga stretches. As soon as I laid on the floor pad, I quickly fell asleep! haha With oil and deep massages, I felt like my WHOLE body was well marinated and tenderized! Head to toe! $75 for two people?!? Amazing!
The only down side was that my feet and hands always felt cold during the massage and people talking resonated throughout the rooms. But overall, my experience at Kalaya was very relaxing! What a fun week to try out different spas! :)
Thanks Yelp for the awesome deal! Happy Pampering!
Unfortunate series of events on Friday, 11/06/09
1. A moron had hit my car a day before, b/c he/she got by mistake a driver license! (saw it today morning, b/c it must have happened when my car was parked on the street).
2. I got a parking ticket for no reason, b/c obviously the officer hates her life for having that job, she thought," why don't I just give a ticket, let's see, hmmm to this car." (even the time wasn't accurate on her ticket!!!!!)
3. Busy day, running around, and overall dealing with people.
It almost slipped from my mind that I would totally forget about the s***** problems of this morning b/c this week is HAWT on YELP week, and rA Spa in Burbank is waiting for meeeeee. Deep Tissue HERE I COME!
*************
rA deep tissue! mmmmmmmmmmmmm
I am reborn from a 1 1/2 hour of deep tissue massage. My masseuse was pretty tough and gentle at the same time. She did a great job, by pressuring the tense points of my upper back, she rubbed with warm volcano stones and oil all over my back, body, arms, legs, etc etc. After the massage, I felt amazingly great. My whole body was rejuvenated and after a stressful Friday, this was exactly what I needed to have.
I think Dawson had something to do with the HAWT on Yelp thing, so I'm just gonna go ahead and thank her for getting me a massage of $155 for $70.00.
In future, I'm definitely going to rA for other stuff. The place was clean, big, calming, relaxing, peaceful, exactly how a perfect spa should be! The service was excellent. My appointment was at 7pm, I arrived 6:59pm, @ 7 I was laid down and feeling the first touch of the massage on my back...the rest is history....
Loved it! The bf and I came here for Hawt on Yelp last week after a gruesome first week of work and it was heavenly. They were so accommodating, especially being open so late on an everyday basis. The staff is super friendly and very well trained in their art.
We were surprised by the delightful foot wash before our massage. They served us herbal tea as they soaked and scrubbed our feet in hot water with rose petals.
The only thing that kind of threw me off was that the Hawt package advertised the couples massage as a Swedish massage but instead it was a Thai massage. It was no biggie though because my therapist did a WONDERFUL job of relaxing my shoulders. I have really bad knots and just a lot of tension in my shoulders and neck and where most therapists give up on me, the therapist at Kalaya was gentle, persistent, and patient. She very gently worked out all of my knots (which is CRAZY!) and just left me feeling so refreshed.
While it's a little far from downtown, we will definitely be back in the future. Oh yes, and compared to Pho Siam in Downtown, this Thai massage is way better (equal pricing) because they make the entire experience feel like a retreat and have nicer "beds" and head rests for added comfort.
Please be quiet out of respect of your fellow customers. When we were there, a girl kept talking throughout her massage which was a little distracting.
Yes!! Hawt on Yelp week was wonderful!!!
I visited 3 different salons/spas for the week. 2 were WONDERFUL, and 1 was so HORRIBLE that I wish I could have that day back.
Spa # 1 -
rA Organic in Burbank- I went on Tuesday night for a 90 minute deep tissue massage. My massage therapist was named Omi. I find myself at a loss for words, in trying to explain the experience, other than simply say it was incredible!!
The inside of this place is absolutely gorgeous, serene, peaceful and inviting. Everyone there was beyond friendly and calm. This was my first deep tissue massage, and I was prepared for a lot of pressure, but I was NOT prepared for how much I needed it. I swear, my back was all knots, and she worked on all of them. Today, I sit here at work feeling both relaxed, and sore from the intensity of it.
This place is DEFINITELY a must-try. I plan on visiting again. In fact, I'm trying to talk my boyfriend into going with me again before "Hawt on Yelp" week ends =)
Spa # 2 -
Mani-Kir Royale - NO NO NO!!!! THIS WAS HORRIBLE!!! I went here on Weds for a cherrytini facial and a happy hour mani/pedi. This was the WORST FACIAL I have ever had in my life. I wanted to get up 5 minutes into it, because it was so horrible. I found myself more stressed during the facial than I have ever felt in my life. I just wanted her to stop torturing me.
The inside of this place is disgusting and run down, also. And the people are all rude, with the exception of Silvia who did my mani/pedi.
Spa #3 -
Spa Pura - Glendale
I went to Spa Pura on Thursday for a Deluxe Korean Body Scrub. This was a 90 minute treatment, and about 70 minutes of that is NOT relaxing at all, but when you're done, you feel like a new person. You should be comfortable completely naked, and standing naked with this woman while she rinses you, and turning all over the place on this table while she scrubs EVERY INCH of your body. Everything! You literally see the dead skin falling off of you.
There is a bit of a language barrier with Kim, the woman that does the Korean Body Scrub, but she works her ass off!
The facilities are gorgeous. They have a jacuzzi, a dry sauna, showers, and this eucalyptus wet sauna that is unreal.
Overall - Hawt on Yelp week has been amazing!!! I look forward to next year!!
My husband and I went in for the couples Swedish-Thai massage combo through Hawt on Yelp, and OMG! This was just what we needed. Neena, my masseuse was awesome. I was in a car accident that has left me in constant neck pain, and she got me so relaxed and worked out all the kinks. I was able to finally have that well rested sleep that I've missed for such a long time. I'm also a bit of a bigger person, and she was able to effortlessly get me in yoga poses that I didn't know I could ever do. :) As for my husband, being his first experience, he is ready to go back for more. A cool thing about our couple's experience that we found out when we compared notes after was that each of our masseuses did the exact same techniques and massages at the same point during the hour.
It is a little expensive for us college folks, but well worth every penny if you save up for special occasions. We are already planning to go back for our anniversary. However, they do offer several specials for individual treatments/massages.
We did get the same foot wash, tea and slipper treatment like everyone else ~~ which made us feel extra special from the get-go. Another bonus was how clean it was, and the massage areas were spacious and inviting. Oh, and don't get me started on the tea...so good, calming and relaxing. YUM! We also liked that they are open late and fortunately for us, in walking distance. I could see how parking could be a problem. We live 2 blocks away, and probably would have never gone if it weren't for Hawt on Yelp. Thanks for getting the promotion together!
I first heard of The Raven Spa on Yelp and booked an appointment during the Hawt on Yelp promotion which offered some awesome 50% off deals for spas in the LA area. I'd never had Thai massage before so I wasn't quite sure what to expect. I knew that it was a lot different than your typical swedish or deep tissue, but man, I had NO idea how great different feels!
The salt scrub and reflexology massage was just what I needed to relax and quit worrying about being in an unfamiliar place or what was coming next.
The traditional Thai massage was excellent. It was definitely a little painful at times (I have some really tense areas in my shoulders and back) but for once I didn't feel like I had to ask my masseuse to massage harder, which is usually the case. I would describe the method as a mixture between swedish massage-like kneading, yoga stretching, walking on your back (in fact they walk all over your body) and shiatsu. I also felt like she really paid attention to areas which needed a little extra work without my even asking. I loved that.
The facial was also really great, although I can't say that I really remember much of it after practically falling asleep towards the end of the traditional massage. My only complaint was that the hot towels they used were very hot and the cold towel they use at the end is very cold and there's no warning. Maybe I just haven't had enough facials, but that part was a little shocking.
The icing on the cake was the hot tea and fruit they bring you at the end of your session. I really enjoyed my experience at The Raven and will definitely be back!
I would first like to congratulate Dawson S. for putting together a city-wide event as awesome as Hawt on Yelp. I can't speak for other places, but If my experience at Spa Pura in Montrose was any indication, the event as a whole was a great success!
When I told my mom that Yelp was doing a spa week with half-off treatments, she immediately enlisted her friend and booked facials at the first place she could find that could accommodate three of us at once, which happened to be Spa Pura. Judging from prior reviews of the spa, we were in for a relaxing experience, and it proved to be that and more.
The staff was extremely friendly and helpful, the atmosphere was very soothing, the premises were clean. Prior to our appointments, we were invited to enjoy the amenities in the women's spa, which included a jacuzzi, dry sauna, and a eucalyptus steam room. I was promptly ushered into my treatment room and proceeded to enjoy a 60-minute facial. I couldn't tell you half of what JoAnn did to my face, but it was all very soothing and left me looking glowy and feeling great. She definitely didn't skimp on the massaging part, which I was pleasantly surprised included my feet. I especially appreciated that she didn't start pushing products on me to purchase, like they do after facials at some places ("These are the masks and lotions I used on you, it comes out to $200, should I ring you up?" "Er... no thanks.")
Upon leaving my treatment room, I discovered that our friend's appointment had started 20 minutes late, and to make up for it, a little spread of cheese, crackers, cold cuts and fruit was laid out for us to enjoy with mineral water on request. While the short wait was by no means an imposition, it was nice that they strove to make up for anything that might detract from the overall experience, no matter how slight.
When we checked out, the staff was well-versed in the Yelp discount protocol, which adds a point both to the organization of the spa and the Yelp event in general. It seems like a no-brainer, but it's always a pain when you go somewhere with a coupon or a discount and there's some sort of hassle getting it honored.
All in all, it was a positive, relaxing experience, and I would definitely keep Spa Pura in mind for any of my future spa needs.
So, the reason I love yelp: awesome deals like their Hawt on Yelp Spa and Salon deals. They hooked yelpers up with a great selection of hoity-toity places offering selected services for half off. I'm not a big massage person, but I was completely game for a facial, and after some deliberation my friend and I decided to book the balanced beauty facial at Le Spa (regularly 150, discounted to 75).
One day before the facial, disaster struck: my friend had to cancel! Fortunately canceling her appointment was no problem. Each of my phone contacts with the staff was positive though I am typically awkward on the phone. On the appointed day, I arrived a few minutes late (bad me!) but was quickly swept into the spa's chill atmosphere. The women's locker rooms are smallish but suitable for the modest (private dressing areas) and nudist alike, the showers are luxurious, and all the toiletries you can imagine are provided. The steam room is nice as is the small lounge area, where they brought me tea after my facial. I wanted to wander the facilities more but didn't get the chance due to aforementioned lateness.
My esthetician was Tej, a wonderful Frenchwoman who pretty much treated me like a queen for 80 minutes. The facial uses Decléor products, which are fantastic if you've never had the pleasure of experiencing them. For someone who hasn't had a facial in years it was very nice. I emerged from my facial feeling soft and hydrated and only mildly chastised for my bad habits.
But the real question here is, would I pay full price for it? I think I would. That 80 minutes feels positively decadent, and Tej was incredible. The Decléor products alone make it worth your while. If I do return I will probably try their 50 minute facial and then spoil myself in their facilities for the rest of the day.
Practical notes: Parking with validation is 5 dollars for the whole day. I'm not sure if this is standard practice but they included gratuity in my total, and the gratuity was about 20% on the full price. I know that this annoys some people, but I was happy to have it included so my dazed self didn't have to do any math and because it was absolutely well deserved. If you're not into that, ask them beforehand.
Hawt has seriously made my week, and it started here at EL LEON. I too went for the Turkish soak, scrub, and oil massage. When Dee M. says the scrub is thorough, she means THOROUGH. This is not a treatment for the insecure because there's a whole lotta naked and a whole lotta scrubbing, but--if you're like me--you get over yourself and go with the flow after a few minutes. They douse you with water again and again, so don't let that shock you. The scrub feels great and the massage was a perfect way to start the week, my skin is still soft from the scrub-lotion-oil situation! Soooo relaxing.
They do give you tea and fruit afterward, which is a nice treat. I found parking on a side street that was neither metered nor plagued by "Permit Only" signs. (Damn district 13!) The guy at the front desk was TOTALLY strange, in a hippie granola way that isn't fun or welcoming but rather hyper awkward and uncomfortable. Always speaking like he's just waking up from a sedative-induced slumber. And there was a $2 charge for using a card...seriously? In Beverly Hills? Come on people, it's not like I charged $1.25 or something.
All in all, despite the minor complaints, it was a very positive experience that I would repeat...if ONLY I didn't have to pass that front desk guy.....
STUDIO DNA: First time at the Studio, despite finding out that apparently everyone and their mom are regulars here. I went to Tina, gave her some loose directions and let her run with the rest. As she was cutting it I thought, "Oh God, too short," and as she was drying it I figured this was going to turn my already-round face into a pumpkinhead situation. Man, it's good to be in the hands of a professional because it's the best haircut EVER! Seriously. I've gotten tons of compliments on it and best of all, it's not impossible for me to style.
Many thanks to Yelp for such a great week!
I had a great experience at the Spa Loft. I live in Glendale, so it was definitely a little further than I would ordinarily be willing to drive, but the Hawt on Yelp promotion of $50 for a "playboy" bikini wax/express facial was too good to pass up. The receptionist was very friendly and lead me up to a changing room to change into a comfy waffle knit robe for my treatment.
Debra was the nice lady who did both my wax and facial. I wax pretty regularly and have experienced quite a few different estheticians, and she definitely was the quickest I have ever come across (and I mean that in the best way possible, she didn't mess around). She used both soft wax and purple hard wax, and recommended a few products that would help with ingrowns and other pesky waxing issues.
The facial was also a pleasant experience. It involved exfoliation, massage, a bit of extraction, and a lot of steam. She was impressively well versed in the Epicuren line of products, and was able to provide an explanation for each product that she used on me during both the facial and wax. She recommended that I return for a facial in the next month for maintenance, and based on my experience, I think I will.
I learned about The Raven through the Hawt on Yelp promo. I opted for The Rock Star Package [(1) hand and foot soak, scrub and reflexology massage, (2) hour Thai massage, (3) head, face, shoulder massage with a mini facial and mask] for the amazing low price of $92.50!!! This deal is only available through the 8th so hurry! Ask for Chai, he's the best! I liked how I wasn't handed over to different people with every treatment as if I were part of the assembly line.
I love Thai massages! I get them about once every other month but this one was different. My muscles were really worked with the heel of the hand, elbows, knees, etc., but it wasn't accompanied by the searing pain of over-applied pressure that I get at most places. Chai knew how to thoroughly work out the knots and control his weight and pressure so that it was a very pleasurable experience. The other treatments were great too but the massage really stood out!
I will definitely come back even after the full price is reinstated! Everyone do yourself a favor and go to The Raven!!!
I got a great anti-aging facial at Kalaya in Westwood for $50! It's been a couple years since I had one and I hardly had any blackheads (TMI?) Honey was the gal working on me and was smooth and gentle. I even fell asleep. But now that I look 32 again I hope it takes a few days before I look 33.
First time visiting The Raven due to the Yelp special. The 50% price was great, but I am reviewing it as if I paid full price...since it would be if I returned. I had the "Rock Star"- reflexology, thai massage, and face mask. The staff was very friendly and the spa setting is soothing.
Reflexology- It was nice, but was very close to what I would receive at a nail salon for $5-$10. I expected more of a targeting foot massage vs a hard foot rub with some scrubbing. There is no way I would pay $45 for this on its own.
Massage- Massage was good, it is traditional thai. So if you have never had one, don't expect your normal massage experience. It involves much more stretching and foot action. People have commented on being surround by curtains etc. The place was busy and I did not hear any noises, only the fountain.
Mask- The mask was great. My only issue was that it did not include the neck massage it referenced. The mask was put on and then we went into the Thai Massage stretching. It was as if it was just absorbed into my massage and did not feel like a separate treatment.
Okay... So a friend emailed me and said we had to celebrate our birthdays with a spa day and lunch. She found this deal on Yelp for 1/2 off massage... So we booked 1-1/2 hours of their "Signature" massage. After having sooooo many BAD massages and spending way more than I should have at other places, I went with no expectations. BUT, I have to say it was the most relaxing, therapeutic massage I've had in a really long time! From the minute Meg started massaging me I knew I'd be coming back!
I tried this salon for the first time yesterday as part of the Hawt for Yelp promotion and had my hair cut and colored by Meredith. She was great. She was super friendly and my hair looked so good. I am very pleased with both the color & cut. Even with the promotion it was a little pricey although about the same as probably every other salon in the area. Why must I be on such a crappy budget?
This place is amazing! The ambiance is incredibly relaxing, the employees friendly, and the whole experience rejuvenating. I found the salon through the Hawt on Yelp event going on this week and now I am definitely hooked. I spoiled myself with the "rockstar" and I highly recommend it to anyone looking to treat themselves.
So this is my first ever review that I've ever written of anything.....it's important to say that because this is the first time that something has been so amazing that I am forcing myself to sit down and share with others how great this place is!! I (formerly) always went to Burke Williams when I wanted spa treatments. I've gotten gift certificates from friends and clients and just always went there out of habit. Not anymore! I was looking for a new place to try last week and, luckily for me, rA was taking part in a Yelp promotion where certain treatments were half off. That was a tempting enough offer to branch out and try someplace new.
The spa is lovely. It's a surprising little retreat right on San Fernando Road in Burbank. They have nice amenities--plush robes, a nice quiet room where you wait before your treatments. There is a small changing area with lockers and the bathroom has towels and a shower. They have saunas, etc, but I never do any of that when I go to a spa, so I can't really comment on those facilities except to say the entire place is lovely, tranquil, quiet and has a great atmosphere.
I booked a 90 minute facial with Alina and a 90 minute massage with Nina. Both treatments-seriously-were the best I've had anywhere. I've gotten a lot of facials at spas, salons, and even a relatively famous Beverly Hills dermatologist's office, but nothing can compare to Alina's fabulous work and the incredible facial massage (it's a Japanese technique that she learned directly from a master of the practice) she did during my facial. I hadn't had a facial in awhile and my usually clear skin was a little congested. She used customized masks to help my poor skin and her extractions--more than I've ever needed in the past--were thorough and as pain free as an extraction can be. Alina also had the perfect amount of interaction with me during the treatment--she asked questions when needed so I could get the best treatment, but let me relax throughout most of the 90 minute session. My skin felt and looked incredible when she was done. I will absolutely go back to see her again--I've had to stop myself from calling this week to go back already!!
My massage with Nina was also amazing. She used a variety of techniques, including hot stones, to ease my really tight upper back and shoulder muscles. She checked in with me periodically to make sure the pressure was good. I asked her right at the beginning to use firm pressure everywhere but my lower back--she never forgot throughout the massage and modulated the pressure perfectly.
Complaints? None. Really. This place is amazing. My Amex will be gracing the Burke Williams credit card machine no more. rA will be my spa from now on, and I am literally fighting the urge each day since I've been there to go back right away. I think I'm losing the battle, though, and will probably go back next week to see Alina again.
Thanks to rA for taking part in the Yelp promotion---I never would have tried this place without it. They have other weekly specials, so check out their website and definitely go!