- Restaurants |
- Nightlife |
- Shopping |
- Movies |
- All
La Choza Day Spa
Categories: Beauty and Spas Day Spas Beauty and Spas Massage Day Spas, Massage [Edit]
1451 Foxworthy AveSan Jose, CA 95118
(408) 448-0573
- Hours:
Mon-Sat 10 am - 7 pm
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Parking:
- Private Lot
- Accepts Insurance:
- No
- By Appointment Only:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
34 reviews for La Choza Day Spa
34 reviews in English
-
Review from Mariel F.
Alameda, CA
7/18/2011
My Recommendations
* White Chocolate Rasberry Pedicure
* Mocha Lava Pedicure
* Citrus Splash Pedicure
* White Chocolate Lava Stone Massage
- Bamboo Massage
- Chocolate Delight Body Treatment
Great Pedicures & Massages! -
Review from Sheena D.
San Jose, CA
9/22/2011
I had a groupon for this spa. It seemed like a good deal. I thought "hey maybe this salon is just starting up but it's really good."
It took me forever to get there. The salon isn't exactly in the best location. But I thought, some of the best places are in strange locations.
They were really nice to me inside. They give you a locker to remove your clothes. A nice plushy robe. And water or tea. They then take you in and ask you about your focus areas.
I was expecting super deluxe spa things. In the end, I just got a regular facial. My trouble spots didn't even seem touched. The lady gave an uneven massage. One side of my body was more relaxed than the other. I'm all about balance so equal sided massage is always nice.
I love the treatment I got there but everything else makes me quote the star rating.. "Meh. I've experienced better." -
Review from Suzi H.
San Jose, CA
5/3/2011
I had a Groupon for La Choza and decided to get a facial, since my skin's been feeling quite dry these days.
My appointment was at 10, but La Choza's website said to come fifteen minutes early so I arrived at 9:45. Oops! The spa wasn't open yet, and nobody was there. I walked around the shopping center for fifteen minutes, until the receptionist opened the door to bring out a sign for the spa's services.
The spa is very cute. It's all one large room, divided up into smaller rooms, and it has a lot of character. When you enter, one of the first thing you see is the Mission-style facade with fake windows painted to show Mexican landscapes. I was led to the changing rooms at the back - very unusual, every other spa I've gone to for a facial has had me change in the room where I received the service - and the lockers, where I was instructed to put my things. After putting on a robe, I went to the waiting area, which seemed a little silly since I was the only person there. Why not put me directly in the room? But sure, whatever works. That said, I am glad I came early in the day; I would have felt awkward changing and waiting around in a robe with other customers milling around.
The facial rooms are very colorful, which I liked. Usually when you go to the spa everything is all chrome and neutral colors; I liked the almost party atmosphere of the decor. Granted, it's not 'calming' but it makes me think of a vacation, which still has the desired effect of relieving stress, right?
Rosa was my aesthetician, and she was very quiet. I wasn't particularly in the mood for conversation so skipping the banal chatter was fine with me. She worked efficiently but carefully; when she wasn't pampering my skin she was massaging my scalp, neck, and arms. I have some dry patches of skin on my décolletage, and Rosa treated that area with the same attention as my face. By the end of the treatment I was relaxed and my tension had drained away. (I should have done this yesterday, before I gave a presentation in my art history class!)
I also just realized that at no point did Rosa tell me what she was doing, what ingredients she was using, or even what kind of facial I was getting. On the one hand, it was nice to avoid the obnoxious upselling that I often experience at spas; but on the other, what the heck was put on my face?
When I was ready to leave, the receptionist didn't ask me if I wanted to book my next appointment. I guess I'm just used to that, since most of the other spas I've been to do their best to get me to commit to coming back before I'm out the door. Was it because I used a Groupon? Or was I an unpleasant customer? I'm probably over-thinking it, but I wondered about it on the drive home.
Overall impression: While nothing about La Choza completely blew me away, I enjoyed my time there and would go back.
Edit to add: At other spas I've been to, the aesthetician's credentials were placed prominently on the walls of the front desk, or in the service room itself. After reading some other reviews for La Choza, which vocalize suspicion that not all the employees here are properly trained, I felt compelled to add that while I enjoyed my experience, it is also true that nowhere did I see anyone's certification displayed. -
Review from Anya R.
Mountain View, CA
6/18/2011
Massage was very weak
And too much oil. Disgusting. But very friendly service, that's the only
Goodthing about this place -
Review from Jesse J.
Mountain View, CA
2/24/2011
You know when your biggest concern is that Yelp may not have enough stars to properly portray how you're feeling, that you're in good hands.
Angelica's hands!
"Take a deep breath in"
My senses were immediately infused with lavender; putting me in a serious trance like, leave the 9 hour 4 meeting work day at the door. Within the first 5 minutes, I'd decided 2 things. 1, this is borderline the best massage I've ever had, and 2. Angelica has magical hands!
Don't get me wrong; I've had my fair share of shee-shee-la-la super expensive massages. I have a personal physical therapist that has a killer hot rock massage too. La Choza Hot Rock Massage performed by Angelica, was immediately top 3, and quickly climbing.
She's super sweet and very caring. She made me feel very comfortable and was attentive to the pressure, which was perfectly distributed throughout the massage. She didn't try and chat with me the entire massage which was nice and very much appreciated.
It's in a strip mall next to a Starbucks, an Italian Restaurant, and a Karate place. When I first drove up, I kind of chuckled thinking, seriously? My concerns were quickly hushed when I walked in and the girl at the front greeted me with a smile and was super sweet. She walked me to the locker/bathroom area and showed me the ropes. She had me fill out a form and before I could even give it back, they were ready for me.
I've read a lot of people had "Groupons" and since I'm a frequenter of that (read Pinkies Yelp Review), I've realized you usually get the service you pay for. Sucks because the point is to get you to come back and pay full price. My massage was a Valentines Day Gift from my boyfriend, and he paid full price. I feel like I definitely got a full priced hot rock massage.
The only bad thing I have to say about this experience is that... it had to end. -
Review from Christina J.
San Jose, CA
3/16/2011
I purchased a deal off Groupon and had a "Mom's Day Out" which started here, I had a hot stone massage and my friend had a Vit C facial.
I never had a stone massage before and after my pregnancy it was a major stress reliever. Rosa did my massage, I told her what areas were sensitive and she listened and stayed away from them, which I appreciated
the only down part to my experience was the noise coming from the builders next door....but ehh I didn't pay full price and was totally relaxed so I didn't care -
Review from Cody O.
San Jose, CA
Updated - 8/5/2011
Badgering people both on the phone and on the internet is not a good way to attact customers that may review yelp before deciding on a buisness to visit. I am sure Rosa can be an excellent massage therapist as you have stated, however, that was not my experience on that day and time.
Angelica called me this week and was incredibly rude as a few people with me overheard for themselves.. She was confrontational, inconsiderate- perhaps check to see if someone has time to discuss something to allow them to do it in a more private setting rather than putting yourself and your business on blast for acting unprofessional.
No one said it was impossible for a massage therapist to also be licensed in cosmetology, it is rare in the area to see. An individual should not have to ask to see a person's license as it is supposed to be up clearly visible near their station.
Angelica please do not contact me again as there was no useful discussion that could possibly come out of your confrontational attitude and just deal with the fact that your business will at time receive negative reviews. As something was said by both my boyfriend and myself about the massages both during to our massage therapists and to the receptionist there is no hiding. Instead of badgering people in a non productive way, business time may be better spent reading the negative reviews and figuring out how to improve for your future costumers.1 Previous Review: Show all »
-
8/1/2011
Got a groupon for this spa, I had driven by and it looked cute, and all my experiences with groupon… Read more »
-
-
Review from Ada Y.
Santa Clara, CA
1/24/2011
This place is very disorganized........ I can't believe I paid $50 Groupon for this kinda service! I will not recommend it if u need to pay AT ALL....
They cancelled my appointment the day of and told me they left me a message to reschedule since my esthetician has an emergency..... No message on my phone. Okay....may be it was ATT's fault.....
The day spa was nicely decorated and clean, but during my facial, my esthetician's (Rosa) phone was buzzing NON STOPPED for the first 30 mins...... I told her she should pick up since it was getting kinda annoying..... she felt really bad and had to make a few phone calls for people to pick up her son. After her calls, she will have one hand massaging my head and one hand texting whoever that needs to pick up her son......
I felt really bad for her, but the day spa should of have someone sub her if she needs to take care of things for her family.....
It was just a bad experience for me overall...... -
Review from katie q.
San Jose, CA
11/18/2010
I bought a groupon to La Choza day spa and made an appointment to get a massage. Worst experince ever.
#1. there was no one at the counter when I walked in until the massage therapist came out and told me where I could leave my things and get ready
#2. she was not very good andshe barley spoke english. not relaxing at all, too rough
#3 the 'locker room' is co ed! not okay when i walked into the tiny room that is supposed to have indiviudal changing rooms and I see a naked man in front of the mirror. Seriously?
NEVER AGAIN -
Review from Anu S.
San Jose, CA
3/10/2011
Hi I have been to this Spa twice for facials. One time I had paid full price and the 2nd time I bought Groupon for $50 bucks (listed on website $100). But the day I went in, some specials were going on and the facial was given for $60, so I felt little bit cheated because they keep running these specials for $60 facials quite often.
The above reasoning takes away 2 stars from the review, otherwise the facials are really good here. I think first time Angelica did my facial and 2nd time it was Kristin. I liked both of them. -
Review from Maria B.
Santa Clara, CA
11/5/2010
They called ahead of time to let me know that they were running a little late. They kept apologizing for that and for these little things, which makes me think that they've had to deal difficult clients that gave them crap - which shouldn't be the case!
Anyway, Rosa was my masseuse and she was very attentive and asked if the pressure was okay. I admit there was a lot of oil, but it overall felt pretty relaxing (I nabbed the Relaxation massage as part of the Hot of Yelp event). I wish she had spent a little more time focusing on particular areas instead of doing an overall massage, but I still enjoyed it.
The facility is nice. At times it got slightly noisy from their neighbors, but it wasn't noisy enough that I couldn't block it out. It's a small and quaint office and it provides a really good peaceful environment. -
Review from The Z.
Newport Beach, CA
12/19/2009
I have been a spa patron for over 20 years. Throughout my travels I have enjoyed everything from Canyon Ranch to great little hole-in-wall spas tucked away in some hidden corner.
Earlier this month I was taking a walk in my Aunt's neighborhood looking for a Starbucks and happened to find La Choza Day Spa. My nails were in need of repair so I thought La Choza looked like a safe choice. La Choza is decorated "cute" spa-ish motif and looked OK; however I noticed there were no customers. I selected one of the most expensive manicure treatments at $45. My manicurist was ill-skilled and gave me the worst manicure I have ever had and had no idea how to do a French manicure (I had to coach her); and took a very long time. She was uncertain, hesitant and obviously did not know what she was doing.
My cuticles were ragged, the ridges were prominent and unbuffed, the white polish portion of my French manicure was clumpy & uneven and there was messy residual polish on the skin and finger tips around each nail.
Upon checking out, I explained my dissatisfaction and the problem but the clueless girls sitting at the front counter lacked any customer service skills and said "Oh, I'm so sorry," but offered nothing. When I asked weren't they concerned about this problem, they said, that I could come back and have the manicurist re-paint my nails. Wrong answer, if she couldn't do it correct the first time, how in the world could she possibly do it right a second time?
This spa gets a -10. -
Review from Yums S.
Santa Clara, CA
Updated - 1/9/2011
After my uncomfortable/horrible visit on Sunday: So I called La Choza this morning to speak with a manager, and the receptionist who answered asked what my name was and I let her know I came in for a service on Sunday and gave her my name. She then said "O yes, the manager saw your yelp review and knows what happened". So I let her know I still needed the manager to call me. By 2:15pm, I got a call from their "Assistant Manager" ANGELICA. She asked me what happened, and I went through the whole ordeal again, this time being a lot more calmed down, I focused mainly on the pedicure portion of my services received. I stressed that another worker stated to another customer that everyone is licensed except Lupe. There were no licenses posted and this "pedicurist" was doubling as a receptionist. IT IS AGAINST CALIFORNIA STATE BOARD LAW if you do not have licenses posted or if your workers are unlicensed. I also didn't get the pedicurist that I requested, Kristen. This so called Assistant Manager, has the nerve to say "Well that was your preference and other people like her". Look, I don't care whether other people liked her or not, and I was letting her know my experience, not preference. I do not PREFER a horrible pedicure or experience. This manager did NOTHING to remedy the situation. She said "Unfortunately, I cannot give you a refund because you already paid and received the service". Hello, that's what a refund is. I am a client who is unhappy with services received, and La Choza hasn't offered anything to fix this. Then after getting more upset with this, she said, "Well now since your being like this, there is no way for me to pull any strings to even get you a refund." OMG, you just told me you weren't going to do it, and then you said if I wasn't getting so upset you could have "pulled some strings". This woman is doesn't make sense. I can only say at this point, I have NEVER dealt with someone so unprofessional and so unaccommodating to a client at a SPA facility. I was planning on being relaxed and ended up with this. I am so upset that she did nothing to try to make the situation better and she was continuously cutting me off and wouldn't let me talk at all. I am a manager, and bottom line is the customer is always right. Granted I was so upset and angry, I just needed her to LISTEN TO MY CONCERNS.
Look forward to a letter from the Better Business Bureau.1 Previous Review: Show all »
-
12/2/2010
This is a review from a couple of months ago for the non-Pure Relaxation Massage and an… Read more »
Comment from Angelica C. of La Choza Day Spa 1/7/2011
Although this review contains inaccuracies, untruths and… More » -
-
Review from Carol W.
San Jose, CA
6/19/2010
i had a citrus pedicure with Kirstin at La Choza. She was careful and did a great job on my toenails, was friendly and fun to talk to during the pedicure. the price was excellent value.
I've had concerns about storefront pedicure places ever since that cleanliness issue a few years ago, but this place smelled great and it was quite clean.
It may not be as "chi chi' as some spas but the pedicure i got is half the price of the high end spas, and they didn't try to hit me up and the end of the appointment with all kinds of products. That is a relief if you want quality without being hard-sold at the end. They are very gracious there.
It was a thoroughly enjoyable and relaxing experience and my nails look great. I will be back! -
Review from Katherine C.
San Jose, CA
4/3/2010
I love La Choza! I used their March Deal: 60 minute massage and 60 minute facial for $120- great deal!
Made an appointment and the receptionist was very helpful and funny!
I loved their shower room/bathrooms/changing rooms!
Rosa did my massage and she was very friendly. The previous week, I had a massage @ Let's Face It and came to La Choza to fix the problems I had. I told Rosa where I needed work and it felt she was working my upper back for an hour. I think I was there for an hour an a half and I paid for a 60 min massage! She is very thorough and she will work you! Even down to your toes! Ahhhh it was so nice, this placed really impressed me! I loved how the room was warm and it was dark with lit candes. I just wished she warmed her lotions and oils she placed on me...but it was pretty damn good overall!
I was so sad (and sleepy) when my massage was done. I felt so relaxed and my muscles didn't hurt me!
Then I was left in the waiting room for my facial with Kirstin. Omg this girl can talk! Hahah and I loved it! She is super outgoing and she did such a great job on my facial. I originally wanted a Vitamin C facial but she went against that and did another type of facial. I didn't know what it was called but OMG she is soooo good! I felt so relax and she really cleaned my pores. I loved the masks she placed on me and it all smelt great! She gave me a sample of the cleanser and it has really helped my skin. I even bout a spot treatment and that works wonders!
Great price, great service, and great staff! I really hope they continue having these monthly deals because without it, I wouldn't be able to afford it! Thank you La Choza! -
Review from christina t.
San Jose, CA
4/13/2011
I also went here with a groupon and was impressed. I felt pampered and had a very wonderfule massage. The ladies are kind and sweet. The facility is clean and they provide nice areas to shower off after a massage too. However, I too had to listen to the construction next door... and I went over 10 months ago! The next time I go, I will wait until the neighbors are done banging and hammering... kinda hard to relax when you hear construction the whole time. If the construction wasn't there, it would be a solid 4 star
-
Review from Jackee B.
San Jose, CA
4/9/2011
Just got back from my facial with Kirstin, she did a great job. Not exactly sure exactly what she did, because I had my eyes shut the whole time. There were a variety of creams, lotions, masques, scrubs...but it was all very relaxing. Until the extractions, of course...those are always terrible. I used a Groupon, and definitely felt like I got my money's worth (and more), I just wish the shoulder/neck massage was a little longer. I'd definitely go back, if they're running a discount.
-
Review from Melie S.
San Jose, CA
5/2/2011
Purchased the Groupon deal and had a massage with Rosa. I'd definitely go back again at full price. Friendly staff and a solid, deep tissue massage. Five stars for the service and three for the atmosphere/location since I can see how the experience might be less pleasant when the spa is crowded.
-
Review from Lisa S.
San Jose, CA
10/24/2010
I've struggled the last few days on whether to review or not. I trust Yelpers to give honest feedback and that is what encouraged me to be honest and let loose here.
First of all, the location is convenient, the decor pleasant, the color scheme inviting. I arrived on time and was greated warmly by the receptionist and was walked back to change. I thought the rooms were fine but I was the only one in changing.
I never really caught the name of the woman giving my massage until I asked at the end. It was Rosa. She seems like a pleasant woman. I had identified target areas for a deep tissue massage in order to recover from a half marathon days before. I don't think she read the notes and she certainly made no effort to engage me in conversation.
The massage was pretty rough. Rosa used full upper arm to put pressure on areas that really need to be treated as smaller areas. You can do that with quads but not around shoulder blades. I've had a massage a week for the past two months and the entire time I had the feeling that she didn't really understand the muscle groups that you need to approach and HOW to do it in order to loosen up tight spots and knots. I can't recall the last time that I left a massage feeling worse than when I came in - Friday was one of those.
Much of the massage also had that feeling of rubbing on lots of oil. I can't emphasize how much oil was used. I had to use one of their rubber bands to tie up my hair afterwards. Its been 7 years since I have ended up with SO MUCH oil in my hair - more in my hair than on my back or legs. I am not sure where that focus of putting more oil in the hair comes from, as it certainly wasn't balanced with a good head massage.
Unfortunately, I can't recommend this business, and I take great pains in writing that. In a challenging economy, I can't recommend a place where the services feel very sub-par.
I can say the facilities are nice and the staff pleasant. I echo the review by RC on 10/3/10. I also purchased a Groupon and was told the deal was for a massage at 50%...and it wasn't even close. I believe I paid $50 and the sign on the door said $70.
I highly recommend trying out the massages by students at the National Holistic School for massage therapy or La Dolce Vita much more than La Choza. -
Review from Katherine L.
Santa Clara, CA
11/7/2010
Yes, it's pamper-me-day with Hot on Yelp, 50% off spa services.
I arrived at the same time with another lady, with nobody in sight inside the waiting room. The flustered receptionist came out, probably due to the Hot on Yelp week and the influx of people. She led both of us to a small "changing room" that had three smaller rooms with lockers, bathrobes and slippers. I slipped into their "restroom". It was a separate tiny room thats part of the larger room, with a foldable door, that left cracks all around the door. The downfall is that while you're changing or you're in the larger room, *even with the chimes of spa music playing* you can hear the toilet flushing, and people letting out stinky gas from their bellies. With no exhaust fan, you get nice big whiffs of the unholy smells that come along with using the toilet.
I waited in their "waiting room" that had a pitcher of iced cucumber water, chairs, and a variety of fashion and travel magazines. What is with these "rooms"? This whole spa is one large room with lots of converted rooms. They added walls and foldable doors to create a "bathroom", "changing room", etc. The receptionist came by several times to check up on myself and other ladies. I think they were really backed up because I ended up waiting for 20 mins.
Finally, I was led to another converted room that had several chairs, stools and tables. I sat in a regular chair. It wasn't a spa chair with a tub built in made especially for giving pedicures. It was uncomfortable because if you're not flexible, you' have to keep your legs straight out in the toweled lap of the pedicure lady. She did her thing with the clippers, and different tools, but I don't think she really knew how to use them, especially the cuticle remover. She applied a blue scrub, water, some lotion, a leg rub, water, then a blue colored mask and placed them in warm booties. Ahhh, a neck massage, then the removal of the booties & mask and application of nail polish. The problem is they shoo you out of the room to wait in the waiting room. Also, you have to be real careful changing out of the robe and putting on your clothes and shoes not to wreck the polish. This is actually the first pedicure I've gotten in a robe. It's just a lot easier to forego the robe and get the pedi in your clothes. They do give you disposable foam flip flops though!
Probably won't come back due to the weird layout of rooms and having to hear the toilet flush and smells, while "relaxing" in the waiting room, also the average service and distance of this place from my house. -
Review from Casey B.
San Jose, CA
4/15/2008
Excellent place...
I have only been here for waxing of various body parts but wow these chicks are good, and most importantly FAST. Plus, they have purple lavender wax that won't irritate your skin, nice! They also have the coolest and most relaxing rooms I have ever seen in a salon. Decorations galore even on the ceiling. In all actuality though, I had my first waxing ever in my life done here and needless to say I was nervous but it was over in minutes and the pain was minimal. Piece of cake !The first time we called ahead and they were able to fit us in within 15 minutes. Good customer service as well. -
Review from Susan W.
San Jose, CA
3/1/2009
I wanted to get my nails done for a holiday party, and decided to see if they could fit me in. There was a bit of a wait while everything was prepped, however I was pleasantly surprised by the soaking tub with flower petals in it. The ambiance is nice and not uptight or stuffy like some spas.
My pedicure lasted a long time, and didn't chip off like some do. (I've had expensive stuffy spas results last much less.) I ran out of time to do my nails, but will definitely go back again! The prices are reasonable, and the entire experience was wonderful. They even showed me how to use a straightener on my hair! -
Review from Raylene R.
San Jose, CA
9/23/2008
I had the worst kink/knot in my neck I was in so much pain. Based on the reviews from previous yelpers (Thanx Gals) I called and was able to get in that day!
I had a deep tissue massage w/ Rosa - at first she was a bit fast for the massage but one I communicated she slow down and did a real good job!
I've been to several massage spa salons in the bay area and this service I received was a first for me!! After the massage I inquired where I could go to wash up - she then tells me there is a shower. Shower? Wow, so I went and retrieved my items from the locker (w/locks) and was able to have warm shower. They provided shampoo, conditioner, shower gel, towel, rob, slippers and other misc items to get yourself together.
It was FANTASTIC - my kink/knot in my neck is gone and a bit sore but so so so glad I went to this place.
I am definitely going to check out their facials and waxing services.
Enjoy all -
Review from Rosey B.
San Jose, CA
8/13/2011
I had high hopes going into this establishment. I envisioned walking out of there pampered, primed and pedigreed. NOT! The shop is cute enough and I like how it is conveniently located in a neighborhood strip mall, but that's about as far as my accolades go. I would like to leave a productive review for this business. During a treatment, it is very important for anyone working at a successful spa to communicate to the client what they are doing (what product they are applying) and why (the benefits). Also, ask the client if they prefer silence during treatment or conversation. Most of the time, we just want to be silent and in the moment. In addition, the manicure set-up and process must be completely revamped. The hard, wooden chair should be replaced with a plush, RELAXING, comfortable chair. Make sure the towels being used under the hands are free of any stains and unfaded. And please, remove the alcohol laden hand sanitizer that the manicurist applies to client's hands. I am there to get my hands moisturized, not dried out. Where is the bowl of warm water so I can let my hands rest to soften and luxuriate in? The manicure was the worst and most crude I have ever received. I had to keep asking her to fix this and that. She did a very poor job detailing my nails. The filing was just so rough and uneven, and she left them ragged. What I found interesting was that after I pointed this out to her, she took out a pair of glasses to further examine and fix my nails. I really think she needs to wear them at all times to actually see what she is doing. With that manicure, I really felt like I was at a beauty college instead of a day spa. Needless to say, when I left, I was perplexed, mystified and ultimately, very disappointed.
-
Review from Michelle M.
San Jose, CA
4/27/2011
my boss paid for all his employee's to get a massage, we all got a hot stone massage. it was wonderful, the place was clean and the employee's are very professional and polite. they have shower's which you can use before and after, the whole atmospher is very relaxing. they offer different kinds of massage, i will go back soon for another.
-
Review from California R.
San Jose, CA
4/30/2010
I had my very first massage here with Kathy. It was very worth it because she was a sexy massage therapist that really took the kinks and knots out of my back when I came here. The place is always very quiet and all about serenity here. I recommned it to anyone because I will go back to La Choza.
-
Review from Pablo R.
Santa Clara, CA
2/18/2010
This is a customer-oriented, relaxing SPA experience.
I have been there for deep-tissue massages and I am very satisfied with the overall experience. In terms of price, they are pretty much at what most places of the same category charge.
If you have an appointment at 5:00 (for example), make sure you arrive early to prepare for your massage experience. I can't believe I see so many people to rush to a SPA and wish to arrive at 4:59 and be treated at 5:00. Don't do that to yourself. :-)
The things I don't like about this SPA are:
1- Next door is a very noisy Karate academy with extremely loud music, it doesn't filter in to the place, but if affects the "entrance" experience.
2- When I was there on a day the SPA was full, there was too much noise seeping in from the other "rooms" and the lobby. This affected the overall massage experience and it's the only reason why I don't give it 5 stars.
Next time, however, I might just come in with ear plugs. -
Review from R C.
Mountain View, CA
10/3/2010
Don't come here and waste your money.
I don't usually write reviews on Yelp unless I feel strongly about something.
I went to La Choza Day Spa because I got what I thought was a "deal" through Groupon.
If you are looking for a facial that will give you results (like a deep pore cleansing like I was expecting and which I requested), forget about it. Rosa worked on me, and assuming she is representative of the rest of the staff, these people are just masseuses, NOT trained aestheticians. Also, most of the staff is Hispanic, and unfortunately Rosa's English wasn't the best and I didn't feel like we had good communication. She didn't ask me any questions at the beginning of my facial, and she told me my skin was 'good" even though I have large pores and tons of blackheads. I'm starting to think paying a ton of money for quality service at places like Juut in Palo Alto might be worth it to actually get someone who knows what they're doing.
I had my facial in the afternoon and when I washed my face this evening, my pores looked more clogged than they were this morning. I don't think they are careful about cleaning their materials, tools, towels, and keeping their hands clean. During my facial I would hear Rosa splash her hands around in the same bowl of water if she had to put a different product on me. Also she massaged my scalp and then touch my face... basically transferring the oils from my hair to my face. Perfect! The worst part was that she didn't know how to use the hair wrap towel wrap to properly pull my hair back, so single strands of hair would get on my face as she was massaging gels and things on my skin. She literally had to stop 5-6 times to adjust my hair, and 3 times she unwrapped and re-wrapped the hair thing. When you're getting a facial, you're paying for the experience, and little things like this make a difference.
I still gave Rosa a generous 20% tip because she worked on me the full hour, and she seemed like a nice lady. And the scalp and shoulder massages she gave me were great.
Bottom line-- Don't waste your money at this place, it's not worth it. Also, this was part of a $49 Groupon deal that was supposed to get me a $99 value... on the website it says their Vitamin C Facial is $99. When it came time to pay though, they told me it was only $70. So I didn't actually save 51% like Groupon told me I did, and I felt really misled. Bad business practice for both Groupon and La Choza. Not planning to go back to La Choza, and I'm going to think twice before getting Groupons from now on. -
Review from Trish P.
San Mateo, CA
7/29/2007
The owner, Angelica, is amazing! Extremely nice and always accommodating. Everyone goes out of their way to make you're happy. I get waxes there and have always been happy with the result. It's in a nice location with lots of parking. Two thumbs way up!
-
Review from Allison S.
Los Gatos, CA
11/7/2009
I had a relaxation massage with Rosa and that was great!
However, I am not giving them 5 stars for two reasons:
The bathrobe was sort of gross. It has been worn many times before, without a doubt!
There were some women getting pedicures down the hall and they were laughing very loud and I could hear every word of it. It really took away from the relaxation aspect. -
Review from Solmaz V.
Campbell, CA
3/23/2010 1 Check-in Here
I had a pedicure last week here... was in a hurry and needed one for the weekend... I didn't realize this place existed I thought it would be a strip mall pedicure joint but it's not... it's a day spa with great prices and great service... their staff is very friendly and nice... I had the Spa Pedicure which was great about an hour long and in comes with a neck and shoulder massage!!! I'll prob go back there again to try out their other services.... they seem to have monthly specials...This place is not uptight or stuffy like most spas... I love my regular places but for a quick close to home treatment I'll prob go here.... their prices are very reasonable.
-
Review from Colee S.
Oakland, CA
5/9/2009
Talk about a RIP OFF!!! This place is absolutely ridiculous! I will never go back or recommend it to anyone I know. I had 2 gift cards totaling $100! I went in about a year ago to spend them. Got a mani pedi and a massage. Went to give them my gift cards and they tell me I can only use 1 at a time. Ok fine whatever...your shop your rules! So I went in today to use the other $50. I got a pedicure costing $25. Went to pay with my remaining $50 and the owner of the shop told me they wouldn't give me cash back or let me use the remaining $25 at another time. The kept the money and sent me on my way. Did they forget that someone already paid them that money. To top it off she couldn't do a french tip or cut my cuticles. Not only are they scamming people but they don't even know what they are doing! DON'T GO THERE!!!
Comment from Angelica C. of La Choza Day Spa 8/4/2011
Maybe before you post a review you should mention that you… More » -
Review from Janelle C.
San Jose, CA
2/6/2010
I freely admit that I messed up the time for my massage appt but when I called very apologetically the front desk sneerleader informed me that they were going to charge me the full price $100. I again admit fault but she didn't try to do anything to help plus I recvd a snotty tone from her! I'm out 100 dollars plus no massage and I got attitude for it. Be aware they are not playing here! I have had the massage here it's good though the mani pedi subpar prices are Lincoln ave! Location isn't
-
Review from Tina S.
San Jose, CA
2/20/2010
I went to La Choza because they accepted the gift cards from http://spafinder.com. I went in for the "La Choza" package which included a salt rub, massage, mini facial and basic manicure and pedicure. I started off with the salt rub which was supposed to be 50 minutes. I am pretty sure mine lasted about 20 minutes. The girl brushed me with a dry brush, then put salt on me and then washed it off. No massage after as described on their website. So that was basically a waste. Then I had the massage, which was great! I wish I could say the name of the lady, but she never told me. The HUGE problem with the massage was that the noise travels in the place really badly and there was no way that I could relax. I went and had my mini facial next. It was supposed to last about 30 minutes and once again, it was about 20 minutes. It consisted of putting lotions and masques on my face and immediately wiping them off. Lame. I then had my mani and pedi and was super excited until I saw that I literally sat on a chair and the girl had her 4 utensils out and she did my mani. She couldn't even paint them properly and got polish all over my skin. I was disappointed with my pedicure as well since it was done in a basin and had rose petals in it. Nothing special at all. For a package, I expected a lot... but got very little in return. The whole thing was supposed to take 3 hours and 20 minutes and it did take me that long.. since most of my time was spent changing and waiting for my nails to dry. I have been to spas before and definitely recommend them over this one. My mother-in-law also went in the same day and she had a new customer coupon that wasn't allowed to be used with a package. She got a pedicure and massage and wouldn't accept her coupon. For a place that said they were struggling for business, I expected better.
