Bliss

Like the first reviewer I had gone to Bliss many times, always for facials- an ex gave me a large gift certificate, which kept me going back through the ups and downs of service. The last time I was there I sprang for their Microdermabrasion, which I've since learned is MUCH more expensive than at many other salons ($225!!). I spoke at great length with the person who took my reservation about the procedure, (i wasn't sure my skin could take the full hour's worth of treatment) and he told me I could have a mini treatment, or the full hour, depending on what the facialist thought, and how it felt. I was slightly late for my appointment (thank you, MTA), and was kept waiting even longer. I was ushered in for my facial a half of an hour late. The facialist was rude, terse, and NOT relaxing or helpful. And then, without consulting me at all, the microdermabrasion lasted a scant 20 minutes, with only 2 passes over my face. I told her that i had signed up for the full hour, and was told that there wasn't enough time. The final step in the treatment was presented to me as a glob of lotion on a piece of paper- I was told to apply it myself in the changing room, because facial-lady didn't have time to put it on herself. THEN i went to pay the bill, and Bliss billed me for the full hour of treatment. I protested, and a "manager" came out to talk to me. He was rude, told me it was my fault, that I was late, and that I had committed to the full hour treatment and had to pay for it. I disagreed, and he said he would refer it to the "real" manager, who would get back to me the next day. He then ried to bribe me to pay the bill in full and accept a "goody bag" of their crappy products. I declined, and decided to wait to talk to the main manager. Said manager called me and left a message 3 days later. I called back and he/she was gone. And then I heard nothing more, until they WENT AHEAD AND CHARGED MY CREDIT CARD WITHOUT MY PERMISSION FOR SERVICES I NEVER RECEIVED. I never managed to contact any one there who was willing to help me, and I never got my money back. I couldn't make it up if I tried. May I suggest Ling Spa? more

I've patronized Bliss on 57th Street a number of times, but the quality of services and overall experience have been inconsistent. My last visit was absolutely dreadful, which is why, ever since, I've chosen to take my business to several of Bliss's many, many competitors. On that last visit, I received a facial treatment I'd experienced a number of times before, so I knew what to expect. However, this particular time, the facialist was obviously rushed, clumsy and sloppy, with impatient sighs, rough handling and a generally grumpy manner. She made no effort whatsoever to promote a relaxing atmosphere. (You can always tell when a facialist or massage technician loves their job -- they relish putting you into a state of total -- well, "bliss".) That wasn't the case here. When my treatment was finished, she left a too-thick layer of shiny skin balm on my face that I had to remove myself in the ladies' room. It was true that with this particular treatment, a light protective layer of balm is usually left on the face, but this was overkill. I could actually feel the weight of the glop on my face. When it was time to check out, a woman who identified herself as the manager asked how I enjoyed my visit. I was honest with her, about my disappointment and how this visit compared to past visits. Rather than making a heartfelt apology (or even offering something to compensate for the poor service I received for my money), the manager chose to argue with me. She defended her employee and insisted I had to be wrong. What school of management did this woman go to, anyway? The school of "tick off as many customers as possible, as soon as possible"? Whatever happened to "the customer is always right"? She actually challenged my experience, the one she wasn't in the room to witness. When I made a complaint about the heavy balm, she tried to tell me it was "supposed to be that way", and seemed disconcerted when I informed her that I'd had the treatment a number of times before and I knew how it was "supposed to be". Bad, bad manager! In fact, let's call it "bottom of the barrell" manager! This is the kind of defensive reaction I might expect from an inexperienced manager of a storefront nail salon, but certainly not in the context of the high-rise, high-rent, high-priced elegance of Bliss. My advise? Skip Bliss. Try any one of the MANY other innovative, new and/or eager-to-please day spas popping up every day. Perhaps Bliss grew too quickly to keep up with its original idealistic vision. One last "con" of the entire Bliss chain: at the time of my last visit, Bliss still had not committed itself to investing in spa robes to fit clients of all sizes. Not very progressive of you, Bliss! more