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Solarus Salon & Spa
Rating Details »
- Hours:
Mon-Fri. 10:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Sat. 9:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Sun. 11:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
- Price Range:
-
$$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street, Garage
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
- By Appointment Only:
- No
18 reviews for Solarus Salon & Spa
I really wanted to love Solarus when I moved into the Courthouse area two years ago. It's walking distance from my house, it's designed nicely and is moderately priced. I just haven't had any above-average experiences here.
I've had my eyebrows waxed here twice, by different people, and both jobs were unexceptional. I like really sculpted brows and the girl who did them for me last time seemed like she knew what she was doing until I left with one eyebrow shorter than the other.
I am all for giving places several chances. Recently, I walked in on a Friday thinking I could try a third time with a different person and the woman at the desk informed me that they didn't have a waxer in that day. It's such a shame that a salon in a prime location doesn't have enough business to have a waxer in on a Friday.
Lastly, I wandered there after work one day hoping for an eyebrow appointment during their business hours only to find the door locked and no one in the place. Why advertise business hours and then not stick to them?
So, this place is pretty average. Don't expect to be a walk-in customer because they are more set up for appointments.
I thought--or rather, hoped and prayed--that, with Solarus, I had finally found my "forever salon" in the DC area. I thought I had found some place conveniently located, relatively reasonably priced (though by no means cheap), with good service and a stylist that could deal with my unruly curls. My first experience there a few months ago was above average--good cut, good service, slightly eery atmosphere, but certainly worth a second trip. Today, I spent the entire day looking forward to going back for a hair cut. Sadly, it was not to be.
I made my appointment five days in advance for 6:30. It's raining and nasty, and I rush to get there and manage to do so with one minute to spare, only to be told that my appointment was at 6 p.m. I calmly explain that there's no way I would schedule an appointment at the same time I'm supposed to be walking out of my office (I have a 10 to 6 schedule, though leaving the office at 6 is a minor miracle, which made the appointment an even bigger deal for me). I even pull out my calendar with the appointment on it. But by then my stylist was with another client. Haircut FAIL.
The receptionist could only be characterized as apathetic....no apology really, just a couple of shrugs, and the offer of another stylist. She seemed set on it being my fault, when I know darn well it that it was their mistake. When I asked if the other stylist specialized in curly hair, the response was that she'd been with them for five years (didn't they just open 2 years ago?). Sorry, I'm sure she's good and nice, but I have big, bushy, curly hair, and it takes someone with expertise. I said no thank you. Awkward silence. No offer of re-booking (not that I would have anyway). I leave.
As you can see from other posts here, this is not the first time the salon has had appointment problems. Like so many people, I'm extremely busy and finding time to get my hair cut is a big deal. A real shame, because it has some nice things going for it, but if they can't schedule an appointment, it's a non-starter for me.
1000, 1001, 1002...oh sorry, I didn't notice you there. Did you hear me counting? My back is sore from doing so many.
After experiencing some back pain from doing my usual sets of over 1000 (fill in the exercise of choice here), I needed a massage to work out the kinks. This place is super close to me, so I gave it a shot. Their prices seemed really high to me ($105 for 60 minute Swedish massage), but I'm one of those suckers who values convenience over money, so off I went.
I've only gotten a few massages before, but this one was definitely the best. Kudos to Bobbi the massage therapist. There were times of intense pain and when I wanted to call uncle, but I hung in there and I'm pretty sure the pain was supposed to be there. I did feel way better after the massage, and she gave me some tips on back maintenance. I'll be back.
Solarus Salon & Spa in Arlington is a great boutique, full service salon. As someone who travels extensively and who has visited numerous exclusive resorts, I can say that my experiences at Solarus have all been exceptional. As an Arlington resident, I have become a frequent visitor to Solarus since it opened . . . haircuts, pedicures, massages, etc. have all been awesome. It's so convenient to those here in Clarendon, Ballston, Rosslyn, Courthouse and the ambience, service and atmosphere are fantastic. I'd strongly recommend Solarus.
I came here because I couldn't find a spa/salon in the area when I moved here. It seemed nice. The ambience was nice. The staff seemed somewhat pleasant (minus the owner-I'll get to that.)
Then came the results. The first time I got a bang trim and a color. They did a good job so I came back. The second time I came back, the lady that did it was not in so the owner offered to cut them. Not only did she cut them about an inch shorter than they should have been, they were uneven so she kept cutting, and, when I told her about a piece of hair that would never stay in a ponytail, she took out a razor and told me I should just shave it off! Hello! No! I was also charged FULL PRICE after being told I was not satisfied.
That was the last time I decided to go back there. I go to the city now. But, i did accompany my friend there after my incident and waited out in the front room while she got a bikini wax. The owner, the same woman who butchered my hair, comes walking out and announces to the entire salon, that there was an 'extra ordinary problem case' in the waxing room and that it was so beyond 'ungroomed' that there would be a delay. Knowing this was my friend, I was humiliated for her.
Why the hell did this woman open a salon?! Your staff might be competent, but you should sell your salon to someone that knows a thing about hair, customer service, and the word 'tact.'
Champagne, fresh fruit, and cupcakes! Should be included, or at least available, with all spa treatments.
A spa day for my sister's bridal shower. Sounded lovely at first. Then I found out that even though you're bringing them business, at least one (which shall go nameless at the moment) charges a 15% service fee, adds a 20% tip (which I guess I don't mind so much), and doesn't permit food and drinks unless they handle the catering. Other spas, if they offer group services at all, also charge BS fees and/or provide minimal staff. Who wants to wait all day for just for a massage and then pay an extra 35% for the privilege?
In comes Solarus, just when I was starting to freak out. A 10% discount, no extraneous charges, and champagne and fresh fruit on the house (the cupcakes were by yours truly). Our facials, massages, and pedicures were delightful; no complaints from me or my discerning sister.
The only disappointment was that there wasn't a separate room, as I'd thought. But whatever. Soothe me, relax me, and keep the champagne flowing.
It was 65 bucks for a wash-cut-blowdry with Jana. Due to a promotion her prices have increased. She does an excellent job! However, I will miss you Solarus. You were the fantastic salon with decent pricing, now with these increases, we might as well go to the other salons. You already had the excellent skills, but you just threw away your edge - the good price. In this economy, the customers will go elsewhere or they'll just come in less frequently. My friend who told me about the price increase was very upset, and even though Solarus is close to her home, she told me she would rather go elsewhere to maintain her shorter style.
At first I thought my cut was a tad bit shorter than the 3 inch trim I asked for, but after a week, it was perfect! I would definitely go back, and I would recommend it, but not with higher prices.
PLUS - There was only one other customer in the salon, on a Tuesday night, so they weren't extremely crowded... yet, when another (3rd) customer came in, Yana spent 15 minutes working with another stylist and customer, while I sat in the chair, bored, with wet hair, waiting to have my cut finished so I could go home and eat dinner... I understand that Jana is REALLY great, but I would have been impressed if they respected her expertise and let her service me (the paying customer with the appointment) instead of raising prices.
My visit to Solarus can only be described as "complicated".
I called to make an appointment for Spa Week 4 weeks in advance. I booked two massages and two "mani/pedi" for my friend ( it was her bday present) and myself.
Let's start with the fun! - I called 4 days prior to my appointment and asked if my friend can have her tips refilled along with her manicure. I was told that this wasn't a problem. On the day of my appointments, 2 hours prior the spa calls and tells me that the technicians who are doing our manis don't know how to do refills, therefore they couldn't accommodate my request. I was like..."huh?" I thought maybe she shouldn't be doing my mani in the first place. After I hear this, I tell the lady that then my friend couldn't have the manicure and asked if another service could be provided instead. First she tells me that the manicure is complementary (??!!!) with the pedicure so it was "free" anyways. After a few more minutes she calls me and said that a paraffin treatment can be provided instead. She said that this is "an intense moisturizing treatment for hand & feet". I'm like "OK then".
We go to Solarus and my massage was OK, my friend says hers was "awesome". Again, I was treating her for her bday, so I'm not sure if she was being nice or if it was really good. We go to the pedicure area and I got a very good pedi.
When my friend was getting her pedi done her technician says that she'll give her a hand (paraffin) treatment. I tell her about the earlier phone call and that I was offered hand & feet treatment. She goes to talk to the "owner" and when she gets back tells me that the "owner" said that it was only hand treatment. During this misunderstanding, the "owner" comes out to argue with me! I couldn't believe it!! I tell her what I was told over the phone, and she says she was standing next to whoever talked to me and "that's not what she said"!! So she tried to call me a liar. I was amazed!! I have never seen such poor management. Eventually my friend got both treatments, but the little that I was able to relax with the massage went out the window.
On top of that I asked the technicians if they knew how to do refills and both said "Of course!" Then I was wondering who's the liar here? If it was for the fact that it was Spa Week and they didn't have time, they should have said so in the first place.
To make my evening much better they I overcharged me $45. I didn't notice until I got home. Good thing that I called the spa and left a message. I was reimbursed the next morning.
Other thing is that the girl at the front desk doesn't have a clue about what she's doing. She told me over the phone that she didn't understand why a manicure couldn't be done if the tips needed refill...(WTH??)
Needless to say I would NEVER be back to Solarus, not after the "owner" had the nerve to argue with me and call me a liar. The only reason I went to Solarus is because for "Spa Week" my favorite spa was booked.
Another Update!
I finally scheduled my massage and complimentary haircut. As usual, Souad is a master with scissors and gave me an amazing haircut (that I can actually style myself to look just as good!!). The massage was pretty good, but not amazing (thus 4 stars). In all fairness though, I have only had one other massage before so I do not have much to compare it too. I just felt that the masseuse did not use enough lotion and did not massage deep or hard enough compared to the other massage I got.
2 Previous Reviews: Show all »
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1/12/2009
Update!
Solarus certainly has CUSTOMER SERVICE in mind! What a pleasant surprise I received over the… Read more »
I heard of Solarus from a friend of mine, seeing her fresh new cut as fashion forward as it gets with both color and style. That's when she referred me to Jana, so I thought I'd give her a shot.
First impression thoughts were that the salon was friendly, great customer service, and not overbooked, so I could have full attention from my stylist. Even if she was overlapped with other customers while I waited for my color, the timing worked out perfectly. Of course I would expect my hairstylist Jana to be super busy, as talented as she is.
Upon walking in, I immediately noticed the loft like feel with the exposed ducts. I noticed how clean everything was and how current and modern all their appliances were. When I checked in, they were friendly and hospitable. I was greeted by Jana within 3 minutes of seating, both times I've been there. One of the things that makes her so good, is the time she takes before sitting down to do the cut/color to find out what is important to you with the look you are trying to accomplish. She listens carefully and executes perfectly. Her cut is precise and she's a perfectionist. I also loved that she gave suggestions for hair care at home and even showed me how to make waves and curls without using a curling iron.
I think the price is right in line with other salons in the area. To get that type of cut Jana gives in LA or New York, you'd be looking at paying twice as much.
This has to be the best bang for your buck in terms of hair cuts in the DC Metro area. I am happy to have found a new hair home. I'm excited to try the other services they have to offer, although the massages seem to be a little high priced ($150 for an hour of Deep Tissue according to the website), for not being an established "go to" for other spa services other than hair.
I'm still happy with Solarus. I'd always tried to find stylists with my texture hair but (self-admittedly) fine, straight-haired Jana is good with my wavy, plentiful hair that is always threatening to take over my small face.
I like the vibe of the salon and look forward to a full day there. I so deserve it!
;)
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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6/10/2008
I had my first appointment at Solarus a few days ago.
First, I think the salon is very pretty,… Read more »
After seeing some of the reviews on this site, I decided to book a facial for myself and a massage for my mother when she came into town. A week later, my mom decided that she would rather get a pedicure with me so that we could talk to each other as opposed to services in separate rooms. I called back Solarus to see if it was possible. The woman on the phone didn't know that they would have two nail technicians at that time so she said that she would call me back when she knew.
Two weeks later, I'm still waiting for that call...... Needless to say, I have booked the pedicure appointment at another spa.
I started going here based on Yelp reviews and plan to keep going. So far I've had a facial and a massage, and have enjoyed both. Full disclosure: I booked an hour facial but they booked me for only a 30 min. facial. I was disappointed; however, to make up for it, the facialist kept me in there for 45 min. AND gave me a free product. Nice! My pre natal massage, yesterday, was pretty dreamy. Overall I'd say service is pretty great. PRICE, however, could be better.
I'm a fan!
Just had my first facial and hair cut
It was an EXPENSIVE DAY
but with my wedding coming up in less than two months, I figured it's time to look half decent =)
I had Carmen for my facial and Souad for my hair...
Carmen really is worth going to see =)
I had a very good experience here. The waiting area is small but I felt right at home and drank some herbal tea while waiting. I received a wonderful haircut. The stylist, Jana, really took her time to listen to what kind of style I was looking for. She did a wonderful job and had many useful suggestions throughout the appointment for care and at home styling. I love the cut!
Paige is great for massage! I hear Mary's pretty good, too. I have gone to Mary for waxing and appreciated her tenderness. The atmosphere is soothing and the vibe is good. I plan to use this salon regularly, but Solarus is a little pricey. That said, it's difficult to find people with whom you feel comfortable for intimate services such as massage and waxing.
Just had my first hair appointment with Souad at Solarus. While I agree with some of the other reviewers the salon is pricey, the service was very good and I was very happy with the results. I had my hair colored, highlighted, cut and blown dry. I will definitely go back!
NOT WORTH THE PRICE!!--I have had to switch hairstylists several times because of the high turnover rate. The technicians are great, however, the management is very poor. I don't appreciate the unresponsiveness of the owner. The "upscale" image they try to portray is laughable. The bathroom is in disarray, and the stations have stains and hair everywhere. It's disgusting! I try to make an appointment and no one calls me back...FOR DAYS. I don't to be back. Maybe when they hire better management!
