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U2 Health & Beauty Center
Rating Details »
Neighborhood: Inner Richmond
3940 Geary Blvd
(between 3rd Ave & 4th Ave)
San Francisco, CA 94118
(415) 386-6628
3940 Geary Blvd
(between 3rd Ave & 4th Ave)
San Francisco, CA 94118
(415) 386-6628
- Hours:
Mon-Sun. 10:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m.
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- No
- Price Range:
-
$
- Parking:
- Street
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- No
- Accepts Insurance:
- No
- By Appointment Only:
- No
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93 reviews for U2 Health & Beauty Center
This place reminds me of Shanghai. I went with 2 of girlfriends to get a foot massage. They put us in a private room and there was a tv. I was like wow...this is just like Shanghai. However, in Shanghai...
They offer you food ( noodle, pastries, rice plates, etc.) Also drinks like watermelon juice, milk tea, coffee, etc. In the front there is a variety of dvd's you bring into your room. AHHHHH, how I miss Shanghai for this very reason. hahahaha
BUT U2 is close enough! Massage was reasonably cheap...$38 for 70 min. NOT BAD for SF.
Apparently, my experience here was different from the other 89 reviewers who visited this business, but take it for what it's worth.
My feet have been hurting me for several months now and I have heard about this business for several years. I was leaving Kaiser across the street and had time to kill, so I thought I would give it a try. I called for an appointment and told I would have to wait a half hour. I went anyway and they ushered me into a room within minutes after taking my cash for a 70 minute massage.
After 25 minutes of foot soaking, I had a feeling I was getting ripped off. My massage lady came in and got me comfortable and started with the massage. Within minutes, she tells me "she likes my body". Now I am a 69 year old fat, gay man and I am thinking something here is lost in translation. Her English was difficult to understand. She repeats it once or twice more, but I am enjoying the massage so I ignore it.
When she gets to my hands, she tells me I have "lucky hands". I have no idea what that means, so I ignore it.
When she starts on the body massage, she starts in again with "I like your body" and "you are lucky". Now I am starting to get weirded out. She did give a decent body massage and there was no inappropriate touching, but I was very uncomfortable.
The experience was soon over with. I left a $5 tip and got out of there. I think my massage bucks would be better spent at Zubio or somewhere else.
Opted for the $38 for 70 minutes package: feet soaking (~10 minutes), foot/leg massage (~40 minutes) and fully-clothed full-body massage (~20 minutes), tea and rice crackers included. It was painful, especially the neck/back massage, but it felt good. I felt like I had the grip of death when the masseuse, a Chinese lady, was massaging my neck! Had to concentrate on breathing through the pain! The foot massage was a bit weaker for me but I was okay with it. The place was clean and actually nicer than I had expected. My fiance and I had a dimly-lit room of 3 chairs all to ourselves. Nice, since I was looking for a good, cheap place for a couples massage, although it would have been weird to have a third stranger there... The place was quiet and although there was a TV, we opted to close our eyes and relax instead.
- Remember to wear shorts/capri pants when you go or else it may be harder to get access to your legs as they massage up to your knees.
- Cash only. Remember to tip! We gave $10 each, which seems to be the norm on Yelp.
- Parking sucks. We left our parking meter expired for 20 minutes since we could only feed it up to an hour on Geary Blvd and we didn't want to get up in the middle of our massage to feed it. If we had more time to look for parking, we would have looked on the side street instead.
Will be back again!
Such a fun way to spend a Saturday night with the girls. Came here with 2 friends and they were gushing how this place looked exactly like the ones in Shanghai! Now it makes me want to go to Shanghai just to see if they're right! We had a nicely decorated private room with equipped with a TV, comfy chairs and abundant pillows. The $38 for 70 min. foot massage was relaxing with just the right pressure. I definitely recommend this place but call for reservations!
If its a good, strong (sometimes painful) body massage you are looking for - this place is it!
I get a 1 1/2 hour body massage once a month. It is absolutely the best massage I have ever had. I have been going to massages for over 20 years and have had my share of lousy experiences. But for $65 for 1 1/2 total body - how can you afford not to go? It is really a luxury without the high prices.
Some of the people that work the front desk can barely speak English, but they try their best to understand what it is you want. Parking is horrendous! If you have someone willing to drop you off and pick you up, it will make the experince even that more relaxing!
I usually tip $20...the ladies that do the massage give 100% of their strength and concentration for a full 90 minutes! They are amazing!
I'm a regular now, and enjoy both the foot massage and full body. Best value in town @ 38 + 10.00 tip.
This place is no-frills but clean. Went for the first time last weekend based on the reviews I saw here. My foot was killing me after running at the gym then shopping in Union Square. I got the reflexology and it was the most intense foot massage I have ever had. It was a bit hard to relax because at some points, I had to grit my teeth. And I am someone who loves deep massages. I didn't say anything, because I was afraid he'd swing in the other direction and be too soft. So I took it....ooouch - but it was good overall. The neck and shoulder massage at the end was really good too. The guy had no problems finding my knots (and I have a lot of them) and really ripped into them. It was intense, not relaxing. But I like deep work on my upper back. I have to say he was a bit rough, so some may not like it. I will definitely go back.
The price is great. I got 60 minute foot massage for $38 plus $10 tip. At the end, they do an intense back rub.
Very enjoyable.
First time: Man was firm and painfully good
Second time: Woman was soft and relaxing
Pros
- price
- cleanliness
- massage (though painful - the full body one was great for $45!!)
- foot massage for $38
Cons
- out in the open though it was just me and my boyfriend there then
- kinda random
- far from downtown San Francisco
Recommended? HELL YES.
A good rubdown - and we're not just talking about the feet!
With my recent addiction to foot massages and what comes with it, I'm always looking for a quick fix that doesn't require taking my clothes off.
The Husband and I were initially at Stonestown and we passed by Quick Fix and The Art of Reflexology. Although we were tempted, I was reminded about this place on Geary that yelpers raved about.
Heading to the other side of the park, we gave them a ring and made an appointment.
Parking was a breeze and we entered the glass doors and climbed up the stairs. After taking our payment of $38/each for a 70 minute treatment, we settled into a room that had three chairs. I was excited and hopeful of what was to come. We laid back and fiddled with the TV as our feet soaked in an herbal bath. (They had music playing as well, but I could still hear the woman at the reception gossiping away loudly on the phone.) The girls started working on our feet, poking that stick in those specific pressure points that had me reacting. The girls laughed at my response as I winced, although it felt good in the end.
All too quickly were the girls gone to get hot towels and wipe down our feet and legs. (Was our feet massage over already? Has our time passed?) They both then came around behind us and told us to flip over as they adjusted our seat. Our reclining seats allowed us to lay completely down and there was a hole for our face to go! Alright, back work!
Now, they were aggressive here and really work your back...in a good way. They had me rocking that chair and they pushed and maneuvered my body this way and that. When they were done, I looked like I had been worked on and it felt that way too. I turned to the Husband and asked what he thought. He had fallen asleep. And yes, he thought they were pretty good.
Yes, we will be back.
Cash only.
I have some wicked thing called plantar fascitis - it hurts like hell. Today I had acupuncture and my acupuncturist recommended U2. A friend had said it was good before, so after this 2nd recommendation, I thought I should definitely try it.
I buzzed over to 4th and Geary, parked the jalopy and walked up the stairs. A young Chinese guy was playing video games on the computer and the woman behind the counter greeted me with a smile.
I told her I wanted a foot massage. She suggested a 70 minute treatment which was only $13 more and included arms and back and shoulders. For $13 more, I thought, why not?
She said she would give me a man, which is fine, since I'm a guy and I know I need a strong touch. The guy playing computer games got up.
Everything was fine and dandy. I soaked my feet, he brought me some tea and then picked up the cup and went to leave the room. I pointed to the cup and said, "tea?" and he apologized and returned it, picking up the tray he brought it in on instead. Woops!
There were no snacks and the TV was not on. I sat there feeling a little bored as I soaked my feet, but thought maybe I should get one of those big wooden buckets that my big ole feet fit inside of rather nicely and do my own foot soaking at home.
My guy came back and I showed him where my feet hurt. The massage was excruciatingly painful, but my experience with eastern massage has taught me that pain means something is working and it always feels better if you breathe through the pain, rather than having them use such a light touch that you don't feel anything. For me there is nothing more annoying than wanting a masseuse to go deep and they don't.
Overall it was a good massage. I was relieved it was over. My guy kept wiping his forehead and telling me how strong I was (I think he meant hard). He was geting his point across that he had to work hard on me, which kind of surprised me because I do massage and I have gotten many, but I have never had anyone tell me that they worked really hard on me.
I pulled out my credit card receipt to see how much I had paid (by the way, they accepted mine - I didn't even see the "cash only" sign until afterwards). The woman at the counter insisted I pay first. The conversation was like this.
Me: I want a foot massage.
Her: How long?
Me: 30 minutes
Her: Why don't you get 70 minutes, it is only $13 more and it includes back, shoulders and arms.
Me: hmmmm...
Her: Trust me, it's good.
Me: Ok.
Her: Pay now.
So I gave her my credit card, not even thinking it was cash only, and she swiped it and I signed the receipt.
Afterwards, I pulled out my receipt to see how much I had paid, because I knew it was cheap, so I didn't even bother to ask. $38. Ok, not bad.
I'm just back from Argentina, where a standard tip is 10%. I thought I would give him $10 because the massage was really good, but then I thought he'd expect it every time I went (and I was planning on returning often), so I went instead for a $5 in my wallet. I walked out and handed him the five. He looked at it and looked confused. I said "for you". He looked at the woman behind the desk who was on the phone. He looked back at me looking confused.
The woman behind the desk looked up at me and said "10 dollars". I gave him another $5 and said, "sorry". He looked at me like he was going to kill me and said, "you didn't like it?" I said, "yes, I did." I left.
Now, like I said, I just got back from 5 months in a place where any tip is appreciated, and here I left a pretty hefty tip (about 22%) and didn't get a thank you, but instead got some daggers thrown at my back as I walked out. I felt confused and like I had been slapped in the face.
So I went back.
My massage guy was looking pretty meanly at me. The woman who spoke English was on the phone with Kaiser, speaking mostly Chinese, but at one point she said, "please shut the up, just shut up". I was afraid I was going to end up being the recipient of her frustration with Kaiser.
Instead, she acknowledged that $5 was a good tip, but that this guy expected more because he worked really hard on me. I told her then they need to explain this policy to customers, because most people will expect that a 15% tip for a massage is decent. We went round and round and I realized that she could not do anything about my masseuses unprofessional response to my adequate tip. I'd like to go back, but I don't want to suffer the same humiliation if my tip is not considered good enough. I'm 49 years old, and I have never ever had someone respond in the way this guy did when I gave them money!
So, my review of U2 is mostly negative because in spite of the decent massage, the experience was shit for me. I probably will not be going back, but instead will try one of the many foot massage places that are springing up around the city. Attitude plays a lot in my assessment of a business, and the attitude of the folks at U2 really kinda suc
Great massage, great price!
What's not to love? About 50-55 minutes of foot massage, then about 15-20 minutes of neck, shoulder, back, and arms massage - all for $38! Can't beat that price! My boyfriend and I have come here about 4 times in the past 5 months. If we had more time, we'd probably do this once a week! Parking's a nightmare, but somehow, we've been getting lucky and we've been finding parking either less than a block away, or right in front.
This is so relaxing... from the moment you soak your feet in a bucket of HOT water, you can start feeling your tired feet relax. You can actually look at a "reflexology" guide they have there to figure out which "part" of your body they're working on with the pressures you feel on the foot during the massage. Of course it's not just the feet, they work on the calves and shins too, which is AWESOME! My leg just tingled when I thought of that... I think I miss it already....
Afterwards, they flip you over to massage your neck, shoulder, upper and lower back, and arms. I was falling asleep! And you don't even have to take off your clothes...
Of course, it's not a fancy spa. Don't expect this to look like an expensive place because it's not. Easy to miss too, because they only have a little sign in the front with U2 and Reflexology (personally, I thought it looked like one of those Tarot Reading places from the outside... it's probably the neon sign...) Plus, it's situated between 2 bars! So, don't come here if you want a full spa experience (you know, robe, slippers, hot tub, etc.) You won't find it here! What you will find are friendly people (well... it's a hit or miss), who may not speak English, but you're not there to chit chat with them about their lives. You're there to get a good massage! So sit back, relax, and let those fine people work their magic...
You simply cannot beat the $38 price for a 70 minute foot and body massage!!!! This place is intense on the feet too, so if you're suffering from a night out in high heels, this will do the trick.
Only downside, though, is that when I got my massage, the woman walked in and out of the room about 7 times for various things-- I don't know what. Some random dude also kept walking in to talk to her which really threw things off for me. I would give this place 4 stars if I could have had some peace and quite during the whole experience.
Pls also remember that they only take cash. And as of now, they don't have gift certificates-- though when they do, this is a very cool gift idea, I think.
U2 Foot massage is amazing. I have had reflexology other places and they all seem to lack ambiance and rush you out of the door. Not here, the therapists are great, you get to relax completely and it is just as good as getting a full body massage. U2 sets you right at ease, natural light (non fluorescent) good decor and clean.
Okay- so $38 for over an hour of relaxation?! Definitely worth it!
My expectations for the reflexology foot massage were definitely exceeded. After soaking my feet in the aromatherapy bath while quietly listening to the soothing music- the games began. The treatment began with one foot at a time being pounded, molded, mashed, massaged. It felt good and hurt at the same time- but you know its good.
Then after the feet, the legs. After the legs you think you're finished, but no- their is more! You roll over and receive a full body rub down (clothes on- they just put a blanket over you). How awesome is that?
I will surely be coming back and props to Herry who was able to completely relax me today and almost putting me to sleep!
I came here on a Saturday morning, right after they opened. This place is actually really nice, though you would never know it from the outside. When you enter from the street, you are greeted with a flight of nondescript stairs. Once you've climbed to the top of the landing, there's a reception desk with a really nice guy behind it and a comfy couch with lots of magazines. It's warm and cozy. They have tea and a pretty fish tank as well.
I requested the $38/70 minute foot reflexology massage. They said they didn't have any private rooms available and asked if I minded sharing a room with someone else. Sure, no problem - and I'm really glad that they ask that sort of thing first instead of just sticking you in there unprepared. It was a little weird at first, having some random dude next to me also getting his feet massaged by a random masseuse, but I had some tabloids to read, so no worries. I will probably bring my iPod next time.
That massage was great in a "hurts-so-good" kind of way. My feet are pretty much defective, so I need all the help I can get. I had "toe"-tally (sorry, I couldn't resist!) forgotten that I hadn't had a pedi or shaved my legs in about a month. Damn, I hate it when that happens! The guy massaging my feet (Joe) didn't seem to mind though. I'm sure he's dealt with much worse :)
There were several people in the waiting room after I was done. Get here early or make an appointment. And remember: Cash only and tip well!
My friend and I came in for a last minute massage, and I was very happy that they were able to accommodate us for 2 one hour full body massages.
Overall the atmosphere is exactly what you pay for, there aren't any fancy relaxing elements. In fact while I was getting my massage, the window was open and I could hear the street traffic as well as people talking . I didn't really mind, because the intensity of the massage wasn't going to put me to sleep anyways.
My massage was reasonable, but a little too intense. He just stuck his elbow right in. It made my muscles tense up, which made it difficult to relax. I really liked that he concentrated on "troubled areas", but in past experiences with massages, ive been told that with deep tissue type massages, it's always better to go slow and deep to get the best results.
Summary: so i'm giving three stars because (+) they were able to schedule us in last minute, (+) the price is very reasonable, (-) massage was a little too intense, (-) a bit noisy,
I would've never walked into this place on my own, but my friend took me saturday afternoon and we got in right away without an appointment which the receptioninst said was rare. The place from the outside really creeped me out but the inside was nice. It was clean and minimal,just enough for a massage. The price was insanely cheap as I'm use to paying over 100 at La Belle. The ladies were very nice, although my broken chinese didn't impress them one bit. The massage was super long but I have to admit it hurt a little - maybe cause I'm a weak btch. Id definitely come here again with some gfs and chat it up chinese style. I like how you can sit next to your friends fully clothed and still get a massage.
One day..I'm on the phone with my girl Jo and I tell her I'm in need of a massage...she goes..BITCH LETS GO! $40 for 70mins! Hell yes.
I drive across town to pick her up, then drive back to Geary...
Haul ass up the stairs and wait to be brought to one of the rooms. WEAR SHORTS...cus I wore jeans so I didn't get my full leg massage :( start off with tea & snacks..and you can watch tv (they have Direct TV!) while you soak your feet and get them rubbed. Honestly, I was a bit squirmish with the reflexology since I'm VERY ticklish...it took me a long time to get used to getting pedicures. We had a man and a woman come in to do our massages, Jo didn't feel comfortable with man hands so I switched with her...hell I didn't care.
The reflexology was amazing...then the full body just put me to sleep. I realized Jo didn't want the man hands cus part of the full body includes getting your ass massaged.
My 2nd trip here with my favorite guy in the world wasn't as good...I had a woman massage me and I can honestly say I didn't feel shit. I felt her putting her entire body weight into my full body massage.
Bring cash and it helps if you speak Mandarin :) I feel like I'm due for another massage any day now..its been about a month.
Take 2: Early Valentine Gift
Success all around! I was happy my partner was happy the two who massaged us were happy! It really is worth the $36 for the 70 min (don't forget to tip)
Not a fancy Spa but clean and fit the budget.
Just another way I have been stimulated and stimulating!
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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12/31/2007
Please don't come here expecting a spa you would find in a resort. At the same time it isn't a… Read more »
Please don't drive after the foot massage.
After I had a lunch w/ my 2 sons at Judahlicous.
We decided to get a foot massage.
We are all 1st timer to get a foot massage at a massage parlor.
3 guys Go to a Massage parlor sounds like.... just go to get laid or 10 bucks Bj.
My younger son said, "I think it's waste money because you always give me a good foot massage for free."
When my boys were small, I always gave them a foot massage before go to bed. I picked them up right next to the bathroom sink, I filled up with warm water, put their foot in for 5 minutes, they were reading a book, washed their feet, and massage their foot for 10 minutes in their bed.
I have never got any problem put them to go to bed.
So, we walked up stairs, the receptionist asked me how long.
35 minutes for 25 bucks
70 minutes for 40.
there is one more but i forgot.
we did 25 bucks for 30 minutes.
They took us to a room, dark funky room with 4 benches.
When we walked in, we all laugh lightly in a nervous and sat on the bench.
I am sure that some of us wishing something dirty.
.........anyway.
There were 3 buckets with hot water right front of the benchs.
So, we took socks off and put our feet in it.
OMG, I already feel good.
Soon after 2 guys and 1 girl came.
They sat right front of us and start giving foot massage.
OMFG!
We were in heaven.
It was great.
We loved it.
My younger son said, " Dad, you were falling a sleep."
Me, " No, I wasn't."
My younger son said, " well, I hear you were snoring."
So,
Please don't drive after the foot massage.
Thurs night at 8pm: I need a damn massage. I'm down for whatever's still open.
8:10pm: Found U2 Health & Beauty Center on Yelp and make a 9pm appt.
9:00pm: enter a shady joint which makes me wonder if a brothel exists in the back. Hmm... Yelp said it was good and my back hurts....WHATEVs!
9:20pm: Annoyed at the loud, obnoxious, pushy, and impolite owner dragon lady but hey, I'm Chinese. I know how it is. I'm down wit it.
9:30pm: Happy feet
10pm: What seems to be the most tired but hardest working masseur (spelling?) is practically abusing me in all the right places on my back. Hit it, smack it, yack it, I don't care because it feels good.
10:10pm: Almost asleep in my massage chair.
For a $38 and 40ish minute massage, you get your feet, arms, and back rubbed out!
I'm def going back!
The first time I went to U2 Health & Beauty Center, I went with a married couple.... They're my friends.... It was good.... i felt sooo relaxed after...
They have Direct TV to watch and we started off with tea....
The second time was with my friend Steph D.... at first, it was awkward because a man was about to do the massage for me.... but I didnt want man hands all up on my ass.... so i settled with a woman who couldnt do it as hard as I wanted her to, or maybe she was just doing it HELLA soft.... I dont speak mandarin so when she was tryin to ask me she was doing okay, I told her to do it harder... she would it hard for a minute or two then it slowly got softer and softer as she kept going....
Anyway, over all, I am a fan because I liked my feet soked in warm water... It starts with a foot massage then the seat becomes a bed then they massage you back and head.... I loved it!
I guess it depends who is doing the massage to be completely satisfied....
Don't expect the same strong foot massages you get in Mainland China. Great back rub though
The place is spacious and I was loving the decor. Theres also a tv for you to watch. 2-3 people can stay in one room if together. This is definitely not one of those light, feel-good massage places, but more of a deep tissue kind of massage. I told my girl to go light, and I still had to remind her to go lighter. It was a decent massage though, and I did feel more relaxed through the pain afterwards. I wouldn't exactly want to go back though because its not my kind of place.
I prefer the Foot Reflexology center in Chinatown to this place. The furniture smells like moth balls here, which is a problem when they ask you to lean on your face so they can massage your back.
They will serve you fruit and snacks with your foot massage, but only if you are Chinese looking (or with someone who is).
I've been to this place several times before, and I would give it a 4-star. But this time I went, I was a bit disappointed. I made a revervation of 3 people on Friday for Sunday's appt. I was there to check-in 10 minutes before 3pm and the lady at the front desk looked at me weird after I told her my name. She flipped through her appt book and said we weren't on it. However, she still let us in because she said she vivdly remembered I did call (-_-") Then after we paid (FYI Cash or Debit only in this place), three middle-aged men walked out and they were going to be our therapist. We asked if we could have women instead for three of us. The front desk lady said no because we didn't request it when we make our appt but she said they are very good therapists, better than before. So we trusted her. But it did disappointed us. The pressure points weren't right most of the time, they just kept pressing our foot hard and we did not feel relax at all.
I would give them another chance and go back again, but I will for sure request someone else.
Cheap foot rubs! Can I get a hell yes?
This place is the heaven that your worn out puppies have been dreaming about all week.
So, this place is NOT a spa. Ok?
Also, they don't speak English. But you didn't come to make new friends, you came to get your feets rubbed, so deal wit it, aiight??
I had a similar experience to Rick K. I think because the foot+neck massage is so cheap at $38, they are expecting a $10 tip. My masseuse didn't seem thrilled to get $8 from me -- actually, come to think of it, he looked a little annoyed! The massage was fine -- maybe a little overly tough in spots -- but, one of the deeper ones I have gotten in sf.
Totally love this place, and have taken several friends here for their birthday. After ten visits, you get a freebie, and boy am I getting close...
It's true that the front desk people can be frazzled and rude-seeming, but the practitioners themselves have invariably been very sweet and customer service oriented. The tea and blankets are a nice touch. I don't think I've yet stayed awake through an entire session- once they start pressing on my feet, I zone out.
I should also mention that I haven't noticed a difference in pressure between male and female therapists, so maybe I just got lucky. Anyway, highly recommended.
When this place first opened about a year agao, it was fantastic. The staff were courteous and professional, the ambiance was nice (lovely Chinese elevator music), they served you tea, freshly sliced oranges and rice crackers with your massage. You could watch a movie on the flat screen tv's in each room. You even got an extra little back massage at the end of your foot massage.
I'm the first to say, you get what you pay for. And if I'm paying the bare minimum for a one hour foot massage, I understand that I'm really just paying for the service....and not the frills. Problem is, that's what made U2 extra special when they first opened: the extras.
Fast forward one year later and I swear there's some major seediness to this place now. Clearly there was a change in ownership or management. They no longer take credit cards. Cash only. The ATM machine they have installed is constantly broken. There is no music or television. The air conditioning does not function (think warm and stuffy). There was no tea, fruit or rice crackers offered. And back massage? Forget about it! The staff is still the same but now they wear number badges instead of name badges.
The worst thing however, was during my last visit, someone (the owner?) came in and after much loud conversation right next to our treatment room (hardly relaxing, btw) decided to go out back and have a cigarette with the door wide open....nothing like the oh-so-healthy smell of cigarette smoke while you are getting a massage at the U2 "Health and Beauty" center. Ha.
Is it possible to feel pain and actually like it?? Apparently so.
My goodness, David sure performed some hard core shit on my feet!! For $38 you get a foot massage and a back massage. Appox. 55 minutes for the feet and 15 minutes for the back. The back massage itself was pretty good too.
I've had my fair share of massages and this is the first place that has been able to give me a hard and firm massage that I like. I'm a happy camper. =)
FYI..don't expect much from the ambiance.
OK yelpers, you let me down on this one......
Let's just say, I never even got as far as the lobby!
I get in there, with a couple following behind me. I let them check in first for their time slot which happened to be the same time as mine. I'm thinking "oh shit, i should have gone first".
The lady lets the woman know to stop pointing out the prices because she was already aware of the prices from on line and that the gentlemen w/ her was the birthday boy! The lady behind the counter kept calculating what she wanted and naming out the prices of every treatment she wanted. I had never heard of any talk of prices when getting a massage, you know how much it is before you go. that's that!
Then, I'm still sitting there, when the manager comes over and begins talking to the woman about the bookings and how she got it wrong. only it wasn't in English. They were arguing non stop about how she messed up and they continued to point at me and talk about me and my time slot and the other couples time slot. finally the receptionist walked off.
I couldn't help but notice the ATM machine peering right next to my head and I'm thinking "what am i doing here in bizarro world"?? I finally got up and said, "you know what, I will just leave". she yelled out at me "but we are waiting for YOU" I said "I am here to get a massage, you are arguing and I am just not relaxed". The lady sitting there with her massage date said "exactly". Poor thing already paid she was stuck.
Then, about 15 minutes later, I received a voice mail 1 minute and 30 secs long just the woman from the spa repeating that she wanted to service me and she hoped I were to give her a chance to service me. I felt bad for the woman for having to work there almost. But, I can say that I will not be going back to the dodgy ATM pointing and shouting match of a "spa".
so I got a beer a called it a day!
been here once with 2 girlfriends, I opted for a full body while they did back and foot. I enjoyed my 1 hour massage with LiLi and for $40 something bucks, how can you go wrong? This is a not a feel good massage but more of a deep tissue since the little chinese ladies have like, fingers of death! perfect for me, but not sure about others. The place is clean, and sanitary and no frills. Dont expect anything fancy. I wouldnt mind going back but since I've been to Jin's center for women on Geary and its only $36 for an hour if you get a package of 6! see my review for that.
For 25 dollars, on a whim, I opted for the foot reflexology treatment at U2. I thought it was going to be a massage, but what I got wasn't quite in that category. It did, however, feel good.
Allow me to expand on that:
When I got there, the guy at the front desk (which looks like a soap opera set) seemed a little confused about what I was asking for. I think this is why I ended up with the reflexology, and not the rubdown, but what happened next was very perplexing. He told me to hang on a second while he proceeded to make 4 phone calls on his cell phone. Mind you, I have absolutely no idea what he was talking about, but I didn't think it had much to do with my feet.
He then finished up, and asked me if I could pay now. It was weird, like he was expecting someone to come by and get the chees while he was soaking my tootsies. Am I supporting someone's habit? I paid up and was escorted to room number two. It was set up like three people could all be in there at once, which I don't think I would have liked. The music was great, but busting into my Zen was a flat screen TV on loud Chinese evening news. He asks, "Do you want to watch this?"
Hmmm, that would be a hell no, but I was polite about it. I like silence or something close to it when I'm relaxing.
After the delivery of some warmish but tasty Jasmine tea, my feet were soaked in a big wooden plastic-lined bucket. Half a star deduction for not closing the door while I pruned up; another employee kept walking by and looking in conspiratorially at me while I waited. It made me feel like I was sitting in her favorite chair and she was waiting for me to scootch over.
Then, the same man who had been at the front desk came in and started the rub. I got a little scared when he produced from his arsenal a short, stout rod. I could see that he was somehow going to be using that on my feet and before I could object, he did.
The best way to describe the sensation was like he was tenderizing my foot meat from the outside-in. The rod was used to prod up into the gristly curves on my arches and heels. Whoah, pardner! It didn't feel good at first and made weird areas of my bod tremble a little. Then magically, it felt better and better. What was he up to?
All was well until the end of the reflexology when he started to bend my toes back farther than they were willing to go. I said "Ow" but it only seemed to encourage his violent toe-flexing. This resulted in a painful crack where my pinky toe meets my foot, which I am currently lamenting. Half a star off for leaving me with a deep flesh wound, though I know his intentions were good.
Sadly, I will have to wait until my little pinky toe rejoins the rest of my foot until I can go back for seconds.
Reflex-ow-logy, yo.
They use STRONG pressure, which is awesome if you're into that sort of thing. Usually places are too wussy, but not at U2. They have no qualms about poking directly to your spleen through the bottoms of your feet.
Next time, I'm gonna get the full body massage. The foot massage was nice (albeit somewhat painful) but my back is where I really want them to work me over.
Slightly grubby, but not filthy. Definitely not upscale, but I had no fear of the ickies.
I'm such a fan, I'm going to start coming here once a month. No joke.
The people are friendly, the massage chairs (which turn into massage tables with really cool holes for your face so you can breathe) are comfy and thoughtful, the PRICES ARE AMAZING ($38 for 70 min!!), and you get to watch TV (I was just excited to watch Cantonese TV) if you want, aaaaand they bring you little snacks.
So I paid for a foot massage, and in total you get an herbal soak, a foot massage, a leg massage, a back massage, a hand massage, a head massage, and even a butt massage. I'm going to come back and order a hand and head massage next time :) Yay for cheap and good massages!
ummm...amazing..$38 foot and leg reflexology for 70 minutes. First they soak your feet, then they start massaging..just when you think its over, they flip you on your back and give you a head, shoulder, neck, lower back massage..it was very relaxing and well worth the money. Tip your therapist!
Yesterday was my first massage here, and I have 2 more gift cards to use here, so I am not writing my full review just yet. I will start with 2 stars, and increase it if my next experience is better...
For those who gave this place 4-5 stars, it would be really helpful if you gave the name of the person who worked on you. I would like a recommendation next time I go.
I am looking for someone to rub slowly, and I want to relax. I do not want to get vigorously rubbed, revved up and then feel like I am on ready to run a marathon when I leave a massage. I want to close my eyes and relax
Help!
The best 70 minutes of pleasure to be had for $38. At least legally.
I'm talking massage here folks. More specifically, an amazing foot + back massage experience that you won't quickly forget.
This is no dank Chinatown massage joint (the idea of which initially turned me off of the suggestion of this fieldtrip). U2 is a whole new breed of chic spa-like spaces, and places like it are apparently quite the popular trend in Hong Kong and Taiwan. Definitely not meant to replace the regiment of your favorite massage therapist, this is more like a fun experience when all you want a quick no-hassle indulgence.
A flight of stairs from the nondescript entrance leads you to a modern and stylish lobby. Spacious treatment rooms are tastefully decorated with soft lighting, flat-screen TVs, mood music, and comfy modern looking sofa chairs. The best part is that each room has 3-4 of these gigantic chairs, which means that you can share the experience with friends if you choose. Although you can certainly go solo too, I love this social set-up far more than showing up with friends only to be isolated alone in a tiny dark room.
Tea, fresh fruit, and snacks (free of charge) appear at your side when you sit down on the comfy chairs. Minutes later, the staff bring in steaming wooden tubs full of hot water for an herbal footbath. An expert reflexology/acupressure foot massage follows - involving hot towels, oils, lotions, and a pair of very trained hands. And then the chair reclines fully until flat and you flip over. Warm dry towels are draped over your back for a back, shoulder and neck massage involving acupressure points and traditional Chinese techniques.
I know its different than the typical Western spa massage experience, but take a walk on the wild side. Bring an open mind and tired feet. Your feet (and wallet) will thank you.
Yep, this joint has all the fixin's of a dangerous dangerous addiction. 70 minutes of bliss, without having to deal with the awkward goodbyes. Sign me up.
Some tips:
- Knowing some Chinese will help you with the chit-chat, but the staff know enough English to guide you along without any additional language abilities on your part.
- Traditional Chinese thought says don't eat a big meal before hand.
- Wear comfy clothes, or at least pant legs that can be easily rolled up.
- Booking ahead might be good, but not necessary.
- For an additional $15, you can also get a pedicure. And if you don't want the full 70-minute experience (although I can't imagine why not), there's a 30-minute foot massage offered for $25.
