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Watercourse Way

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165 Channing Ave
Palo Alto, CA 94301

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(650) 462-2000
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Watercourse Way - Palo Alto, CA
Watercourse Way - Palo Alto, CA
Watercourse Way - Palo Alto, CA
Watercourse Way - Palo Alto, CA
Watercourse Way - Palo Alto, CA
Watercourse Way - Palo Alto, CA
Watercourse Way - Palo Alto, CA
Watercourse Way - Palo Alto, CA
Watercourse Way - Palo Alto, CA
Watercourse Way - Palo Alto, CA
Watercourse Way - Palo Alto, CA
Watercourse Way - Palo Alto, CA
Watercourse Way - Palo Alto, CA
Watercourse Way - Palo Alto, CA
Watercourse Way - Palo Alto, CA
Watercourse Way - Palo Alto, CA
Watercourse Way - Palo Alto, CA
Watercourse Way - Palo Alto, CA
Reviews
( 15 )
( 16 )
( 5 )
( 3 )
( 4 )

Best

Ive been here multiple times for a room with a sauna and hot tub....very nice and relaxing. Ive never once had rude customer service. They have always been very pleasant and wil...

Worst

I had the last appt at 8:45 and the staff were obviously ready to call it a night. The facial was promoted as 75 minutes - they must start the clock as you enter the zipcode an...

expensive and inattentive 5/19/2009

I had the last appt at 8:45 and the staff were obviously ready to call it a night. The facial was promoted as 75 minutes - they must start the clock as you enter the zipcode and factor in the time it takes you to walk back to the car? Not to mention a 15 minute assessment of my skin. The facial itself is more like 45 mins (tops!) Also, I am used to a facial where you receive massage throughout. Instead I was treated to endless cleaning up noises... while I lay there. When Vanessa did briefly massage me, she was good, and the products/results were pretty good - which is the only reason I'm giving this two stars. For $120, I expect a LOT more. Save your money and get a better experience at Aveda. more
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Inattentive and Overpriced 5/13/2009

I was the last appointment of the day what was billed as a 75 minute service. It is a stretch to say that this was even a 45 minute service in reality... the first 20 minutes with Vanessa were spent discussing my skin and which treatment to do. The rest of the facial was pretty much me laying there while Vanessa cleaned up the room (I'm assuming that she didn't want to hang around after my appointment) When I spend $120 on a facial, I expect that the facialist's hands rarely leave my body. Aside from applying the product, 2 minute on my feet and 3-4 minutes on my shoulders, there was almost zero massage. I kept lying there, thinking... what is she doing?? running water, lids opening and closing, cupboard doors, etc. The only way I can see to even give this place 1 star is because the products were high quality and when Vanessa did apply product or massage, she had a good touch and was competent.... it's a shame she didn't spend much time doing that. I was literally dressed, paid up and out on the street precisely 75 minutes after the appointment start time. This is the only time I have neglected to leave a tip for a facialist, ever. And I still feel ripped off! Pros: good product choice for my skin Cons: parking, rushed, inattentive more
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Will not revisit 5/6/2009

My aunt, sister-in-law, and I all had the Oasis package. This was our first time at Watercourse Way. Upon arrival there were no changing rooms, so we undressed/changed in the sauna/hot tub room. All of us couldn't bare the smell of the chlorine in the hot tub, so was didn't utilize the entire hour. More like 20 minutes, but no big deal. Oh, and the quality of the towels and robes were extremely cheap. While we were sitting in the hallway (what they consider their waiting area) for our massage, facial and foot treatment we could hear another couple having sex. Lots of moaning and groaning. Definitely a disappointing experience. We didn't complain to staff, just paid and left, but will not revisit. more
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Relaxing 10/18/2008

Ive been here multiple times for a room with a sauna and hot tub....very nice and relaxing. Ive never once had rude customer service. They have always been very pleasant and willing to answer any questions. more
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WWI chlorine gas chamber 1/8/2008

I read great reviews and heard great things. I have never heard/been to a Spa that uses chlorinated water. Small room with steaming chlorine = WWI gas chamber. I smell of chlorine. my eyes are still watery a day later. A quick google search will show you many papers on the carcinegenic (ie cancer) effects of chlorinated water. 6-100 times more is absorbed through the skin and lungs with steam baths than by drinking. I paid over $100 to feel like crap for 24 hours? \r I told them at the front desk that it was overly chlorinated, this didnt seem to concern them.\r If you care about your health you will not go here until they change their water treatment - copper, ultraviolet light, anything will disinfect water without killing my health. more
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Awesome place...not to be missed! 7/9/2007

I went here for the first time last week, and the only thing I regret is not going sooner. This place is amazing, the facility is clean and well kept, and the tub rooms are very quiet and very relaxing. The staff go out of their way to make you feel welcome. I can't wait to go back and try some of their treatments and a different tub room. A great place that is not to be missed if you are looking for some much needed relaxation! Pros: Relaxing, clean, great staff, good value. Cons: That I can't go everyday. more
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Never got past the rude receptionist 3/2/2007

The receptionist was so rude I decide not to make an appointment. Her name was Jennifer. \r \r Someone referred me. I called to make a massage\r appointment. A woman named Jen answered the phone\r laughing and I could not understand what business I\r had called because of the laughter. Therefore, I had\r to ask her if it was Watercourse Way. She replied very\r rudily. I wanted to book a $280 dollar couples\r message. She was not very helpful and rude. I was very\r pleasant to Jen so it was very hard to understand why\r she was so rude. This completely changed my mind to\r book an appointment. I told Jen she\r was not very nice and I did not want to book a $300 appointment. She did NOT hestiate to say, "ok"\r and hung up the phone. more
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Relaxing paradise 10/4/2006

I really love this place. The have private rooms with hot tubs, saunas, steam rooms, cold plunge tubs, showers, etc. Each room is different and beautiful. If you get a treatment, like a massage, you can relax in the room for an hour beforehand to really take advantage of a total relaxation experience. I've gone with a group of girlfriends before and it was a really fun way to spend the day. PROS: private rooms, relaxing atmosphere CONS: more
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Heaven for the mind and body 9/18/2006

The first time I went here I was hooked. Then I went five more times that year. There are so many treatments, you will feel like a million bucks, and not quite spend that much. The tub rooms are fabulous. Have utilized them with both a girl's night out and with my husband. Gorgeous place that makes you forget the outside world. Highly recommend the sugar scrub and 3-d treatment. Best couple of hours you'll ever spend. Almost a shame to have to drive home in that dream-like state. Pros: Service, ambiance, variety of treatments Cons: Pricy, no lounge to relax in more
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Wonderful Oasis!!! 9/11/2006

I took my girlfriend for a day of pampering, and she considers this the closest to heaven she has come since meeting me!!! It was a few weeks ago and she is still glowing!!! I can't wait for the opportunity to rejuvinate her here again!!! Hats off for an amazing experience!!! Pros: Service, Service, Affordable more
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Love The Tubs! 8/3/2006

I love this place; it's probably a good thing it's so expensive (upwards of $26 an hour, per person), because otherwise I'd be here all the time.\r \r The place has a great oriental theme in the waiting area/gift shop (with some amazingly cool gifts for amazingly high prices), but each of the private tub rooms has a different theme; one is very Moroccan, one is very modern/Japanese/minimalist, and so on. They have fairly good pictures of each of the rooms on their website.\r \r You will most likely need to make reservations, and you'll likely want to make them at least 48 hours in advance. This place is posh, it's not just a gym with a hot tub.\r \r I've never had a massage, but I've heard from friends that they're good. I'll need to try one sometime. But for now, I'm always happy with a good soak in the tub, and maybe a few minutes in the sauna. PROS: Luxurious private tub rooms CONS: Luxury isn't cheap more
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Zen spa in convenient location 7/25/2006

Even with all the recent construction going on on High Street, Watercourse Way is still a zen retreat. I had a great facial there recently and find it to be a completely relaxing and soothing place. From the moment you walk into their lobby/store, you feel yourself start to relax. If only the tranquility could stay with you for days after...I guess that's why you have to go back. more
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Escape in town! 5/14/2006

Watercourse Way is a beautiful oasis right in downtown Palo Alto. When you step into the spa, you are transported to an exotic temple somewhere in a lost paradise. The sound of rippling water, the smells of delicate herbs surround you. The space has been lovingly created and cared for, and this energy surrounds you during your precious time there. I did not try the massages or other services yet, we only used our time for hot and cold baths with sauna. I can't wait to go back for more. The gift shop is amazing as well. Friendly and helpful staff. PROS: Beautiful environment, friendly staff, convenient hours CONS: The good stuff always costs more doesn't it more
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Watercourse way 5/12/2006

What a great treat if you need to relax. My husband and I have used this escape for years. They are a really great place to get a great massage and have a nice hot tub. It is a very peaceful environment.\r \r shana more
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recharge your batteries 5/9/2006

Convenient location, deep tissue massage and\r hot tub soak can not be beat for the price,\r attentive staff, clean rooms, lots of lotions etc...\r for purchase more
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Watercourse Way - Palo Alto 5/5/2006

I have visited Watercourse Way in Palo Alto on several occasions in the past few years. They offer a wide range of ways to pamper yourself. I have received gift certificates for a combination hot tub/sauna and massage. The rooms are private and the service is excellent. I highly recommend this place to anyone whose back is aching after a long work week. more
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It's a hot-tub place for nice people 5/5/2006

I have to say that I was really reluctant to go to a hot-tub place. I know what people do in hot-tubs, and I don't want to be in water where people do that, but I tried it one time, and I have to say it wasn't that bad. The place was clean and pleasant. I highly recommend getting one of the rooms with the cold water plunge! PROS: Clean and pleasant CONS: Try not to think about what others do there more
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Want a way to relax and pamper yourself? 5/5/2006

From hot tub to facials and saunas to massages they have it all. Recently has gone through an extensive remodel and offers the most serene, calm and relaxing environment in the Bay Area. Hot tub rental are surprisingly inexpensive. Some specialty spa treatments can be a bit pricy. Alway friendly staff willing to help. HIghly recommended! more
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Go for the massage, stay for the ambiance 5/3/2006

Watercourse Way is an indulgent treat when you want to retreat from the everyday world. While the spa has a high volume of clientele, I never feel rushed or that my privacy is compromised. more
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relaxing and classy 5/2/2006

Watercourse Way is a warm and relaxing spa. It is not a snooty joint where you feel initmidated by some dazzling looking specimens. I was given a certificate for a massage by my wife. After some long weeks of hectic work, this was the perfect gift. Bless her heart! I was given a wonderful massage. I slept through half of it and felt so good when I woke up. The masseuse was friendly but not overly so, considerate without being chatty. The massage was worth 10x the price. PROS: warm, relaxing, classy CONS: seemed to be under construction more
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Owner Message

  • *Please Visit Our Web Site For More Information*. * Hot Stone Massage
    * European & Aromatherapy Facials
    * Massage & Body Wraps
    * Private Hot Tub Rooms
    * Sauna & Steam
    * Unique Home & Bath Collection

Editorial

  • Standard spa services such as massage, body treatment and skin care are available at this retreat in Palo Alto.

  • 11/20/2006 Provided by Citysearch
Additional information
  • Hours: Mon-Thu 8am-11:30pm ; Fri 8am-12:30am ; Sat 8am-12:30am ; Sun 8am-11:30pm ; Open 7 Days
  • Payments: Visa, Master Card, American Express
  • Neighborhoods: University South
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