Tru

I left Tru feeling as though I needed a massage. The room was freezing cold and the only cover provided is a scratchy thin sheet. I'm used to spas with more sumptuous blankets and a warmer room. Despite telling the masseuse several times that I was freezing (and visibly shivering), she never offered to adjust the heat until I told her to go tell the receptionist. She blamed it on a previous male client who was probably too hot! By the time I got home, my back was tighter than when she started. I have bruises on my neck. I would not recommend Tru for a massage. It's unfortunate because the facialist I saw was wonderful. The location is terrible - the Hilton charges an outrageous amount for valet parking. Despite arriving 15 minutes early as instructed, my appointment began over 15 minutes late.

Pros: Facials

Cons: Location, Bad Massages

Posted 03/04/06

We called Tru on a Sat morning, asking if they had any appointments for the weekend, completely expecting to be scoffed at for "waiting till the last minute for a spa appt. in San Francisco(??)" (what were we THINKING?!). But, to our surprise, they did have 2 appointments for the evening - 1 for a facial and 1 for a deep tissue massage...just what we wanted.
The front desk staff was very friendly and accommodating (how is it that most salons just don't seem to get this? Listen, owners: if the first point of contact is a snobby, hipper-than-thou, couldn't-be-bothered-with-your-petty-concerns individual, that sets the tone for the entire visit! Hire polite front desk staff!!). Those performing the services were top notch, too.
We're not into the whole spa scene too much, but Tru will very likely be getting more visits from us.

Pros: services, staff, validated parking

Cons: Chinatown traffic

Posted 02/09/06

Illuminated walls; a long serpentine hallway lined with silver doors; a "rainforest room" with steam, rain, waterfall and edible body treatments (pairs polish)!; trippy color-changing rooms for a sumptious shea butter massage that transports you to another world; random decadent scents of sweet peppermint and citrus; oh, and brownies and champagne in the waiting lounge!

Pros: hip but comfortable, good value

Posted 01/28/06

My boyfriend was visiting for the weekend, and had had a really bad flight-- his neck and shoulders were killing him and he was having trouble sleeping (which means so was I!!). I made an appointment for us both. After a couple hours at Tru, everything was so much better! He said his therapist seemed to know how to adress all his problems while still making it really relaxing, and he was so much happier after- My facial was awesome! I love the oxegyn they use and my technician was really sweet (thanks jill!). All in all, Tru spa saved my weekend!

Pros: atmosphere, knowledgable staff

Cons: construction

Posted 01/27/06

Tru is the absolute most fabulous spa in the entire Bay Area. Champagne, the brownies, cheese & crackers...how better to start off a visit? I first went to Tru a couple of months after moving to SF from LA...I had been to who knows how many places in SF before I finally found Tru. The facials are always perfect - my skin has never looked better in my entire life. I would tell you who has the most magic facial touch but I'm afraid it will make it more difficult to get an appointment when I want one. Try any of the facials, you will not be disappointed. Oh and feel free to show up extra early and take a nice long hot shower and have two glasses of champagne!

Pros: attention to detail, value, atmosphere

Posted 01/25/06

This is a must! Everyone should try this at least once. It is that relaxing!

Posted 01/16/06

Amber is the best.
i just wish they changed their strict 24-hour cancellation policy

Pros: atmosphere

Cons: parking, cancellation policy

Posted 01/15/06

I have gone to TRU several times for brazilian waxes and a massage. Be sure to get there on time, I was late once and the woman went too fast on my bikini wax, almost scalding me and not using strips after I told her that is what I usually need for my hair type . The second time I had a great wax, the woman took her time and used tweezers at the end to get every last hair. The oils and wax make healing easy. Very soothing, comfortable, clean, and smells wonderfully like lavender. The massage was great too, get there 15 min early for a nice shower. The masseuse showed me a stretch to do so my neck and shoulders dont get soo tight.

Pros: welcoming, professional/genuine, luxurious

Posted 01/14/06

I love the crystal blast facial treatments! My experience at Tru Spa has always been great and I always feel that I've been pampered from beginning to end!

Pros: friendly staff

Posted 01/11/06

I paid for my girfriend to get a massage there, and she said it was one of the best she has ever recieved. Especially considering that she has gone to virtually every spa in San Francisco at least once since we moved down here, that should mean a lot.
I believe she said her massage therapist's name was Tasha (sp)? Somewhere along those lines. She was very professional and experienced according to my girlfriend.
Overall Tru Spa was very accomodating, and the ambience was soothing and relaxing. The place looks very well kept, despite the construction going on at the time right outside the spa.
In any case, thanks Tasha (sp?) for the great service you gave my girlfriend. Tru Spa was a great experience!

Pros: Massage, Ambience, Warm Beds

Cons: Construction, Parking

Posted 01/02/06

I have gone to Tru a couple of times for massages, but I'm really unhappy with them right now because I had to reschedule, and they are totally inflexible. I had booked 2 services-- a wax at 6:45pm and a massage at 7:30pm. Well, I know I'm going to run late, but they won't let me reschedule or switch appointments within their 24 hour policy. They're planning to just charge my credit card and I get absolutely no compensation. Other businesses will charge your credit card and let you use it as a credit for services at a later date, but Tru will not.

Pros: warm massage beds

Cons: cancellation policy, non-refundable, no steam room/sauna

Posted 11/01/05

Your staff's professionalism and courtesy is more than I expected. I was there with 5 of my friends on a very busy Saturday and felt like a VIP! Everyone from the massage (Amy) to the front desk staff that greeted me - this place has a personal touch. I am hooked. I had the best massage ever! I will definitely return. I hope you all enjoy!

Posted 10/27/05

I went to Tru Spa after an extremely stressful and tense week of business and travel. There is a therapist named Christine who gave me a delightful massage. She was personable and professional. I walked away from the session feeling like a new person. I highly recommend a massage with Christine. She's very experienced and knows exactly how to work on sore muscles. The spa is a clean and modern environment and provides a relaxing ambiance to take away stressful daily worries.

Posted 10/27/05

I bought a gift certificate for my boyfriend so he could experience a mind-melting massage. He said the masseuse seemed young and inexperienced. In fact, he left feeling sore and feeling that he needed a massage. He had the TruTherapy 75 minute massage. On the website they say they will cater it to your needs, asking if you prefere a relaxing, energizing, or detoxifying, yet he said he wasn't asked. As he didn't know better he let her do her thing which was just okay. He's had better massages elsewhere and wouldn't want to go to TruSpa again and I certainly wouldn't get a gift certificate for someone else to go there. He did like the interior setting and the free glass of champagne.

Posted 10/25/05

Melisa is the absolute BEST skin care specialist I've ever been to. I recently had a facial with her - and unlike other facials - I did not break out at all or experience any skin irritation. Plus, I'm getting married in less than two months and I had some sun damage (brown spots, tan lines) to take care of. I went to three dermatologists, tried bleaching cream, etc. and NOTHING worked until Melisa. After a some of glycolic treatments, and mircoderm abrasion (a total of six) all of my sun damage is completely gone!! I could not be happier with Melisa - she is truly the most amazing skin care professional I've ever seen. I would HIGHLY recommend her!

Pros: experienced, evening hours, professional

Cons: under construction, no parking

Posted 09/27/05

I was very disappointed. To keep it short...average massage, rude front desk staff, my appointment started 15 minutes late, and they overcharged me when I checked out. I was also disappointed by the locker room, too small and cramped. It seems like the staff is so unhappy too. There are better options in the city.

Pros: location

Cons: corny menu, locker room

Posted 09/26/05

There is no way you need to pay this much for services. I have had amazing facials for half the price. The environment is nice, but there are plenty of nice places of similar quality that charge half of what tru charges. Why not spend the money you would have saved goinh elsewhere on dinner out or even skin-care products.

Posted 08/29/05

Having moved here recently from the East Coast, I was in search of a good facialist. I was prepared to try out many to find `the one`, but I was pleasantly suprised when I blindly picked Tru from the long list of Spas on CitySearch, and was appointed to Angela. I`m hooked! She completely knows different skin types, and is awesome at analyzing your skin and making sure that the treatments have a benefitial effect on your skin. I`ve been going to her for about 5 months now, and love the glow I have whenever I walk out! I`ve been to many estheticians, and by far, Angela is the best! The spa itself is awesome, with friendly staff, and little nibblies while you wait for your services...

Pros: Staff, Services

Posted 08/09/05

One of the best deep cleansing facials in the City. The TRU02 is awesome -- if you want someone to clean your skin well without feeling like your at the dermotologist, come to tru. They do a great job balancing the relaxation of a spa while paying equal attention to the extractions and cleansing. The oxygen is so rejuvenating -- my skin always glows after facials here.

Pros: Clean, Flexible scheduling, Convenient

Cons: Pricey

Posted 07/29/05

Everytime I've been to this spa, it's been tranquil despite the number of clients. The atmosphere is great and relaxing. I usually opt for a peach mani/pedi combo, which I think is standard price at $100, but there are plenty of other services. The nail technicians are friendly, pleasant, and skillful, and the soaks and creams smell delicious.

Pros: good paint job, pleasant staff, fancy

Posted 06/20/05

My friends and I went to Tru as part of a birthday party recently. The service was great. They were able to book all 5 of us at the same time and gave great recommendations on types of services we might like. The staff were very friendly and attentive. The atmosphere is comfortable. Very clean and relaxing. I would recommend this spa to anyone looking to have a great day. Plus, everyone every cutomer I talked to while there raved about their experience too.

Posted 06/03/05

I receive facials once a month and my regular esthetician who moved from the city. I thought I was stuck until a friend referred me to Tru(e). I had a facial with Melissa and my skin looks and feels amazing. Plus it was in a relaxing, clean and professional environment. Definitely one of the best facials in the city. Try the Oxygen facial with Melissa.

Posted 06/02/05

you might want to go for nail care with a friend since there are only three stations in a room and if you're not into sex in the city or the conversations the other two are having it's not too relaxing. the chairs might be relaxing for a pedicure but not for manicures-- you end up leaning forward uncomfortably without back support. it was my first manicure ever and i didn't think it was thorough enough-- maybe i'm too obsessive but what about under the nail care? it was fine though and gave me ideas of what to do on my own. also i got a brow clean up and that was fine. i probably wouldn't go back for the manicure since i'm overly obsessive about every inch of my cuticles and would rather sit in an ergonomic chair but if those things don't bother you, i'd recommend trying it.

Pros: have cocktails, friendly staff

Cons: but you have to ask, uncomfortably warm, manicure chair

Posted 05/15/05

I read all the reviews before I booked my appointment and was truly expecting an unbelievable experience...and I was definitely a bit disappointed. Althought I can't say anything negative about the experience, it certainly wasn't great either. I definitely have had better massages and the atmosphere wasn't warm or comforting.

Posted 04/27/05

The staff is really good. The services are a cut above - the longer duration really makes the difference

Pros: Long sessions, Friendly staff

Posted 03/16/05

Fabulous massage, atmosphere is the best I have found so far. I was so relaxed.... I felt like "Butter", I had to sit in the Lobby for awhile before I could even force myself to drive. By the time I got home, I was still relaxed but also energized....on a natural high!

Pros: no wait, good parking

Cons: a little pricey

Posted 03/14/05

I actually remember the name of the massagist at True, Steven, that's how absolutely great his massages are. In addition, the rom with the lights, the lounge area with the snacks and the champaign all greatly contributed to the best spa experience ever!.

Pros: great atmosphere, relaxing lounge area, great value

Posted 03/13/05

I had my first and last massage and facial at Tru about a week ago. It is a bunch of marketing hoopla if you ask me. I am a spa afficianado, and the service at Tru from top to bottom was poor.

Posted 03/10/05

Tru is the greatest gift for body and skin. The massages are mind altering and the skin treatments bring my youthful years back to life. This is a fantastic spa!! The staff is friendly and competent. I was originally referred by a friend who suggested I needed some deep cleansing. Well, my pores got thouroughly cleaned out and I left there, not red or blotchy, but glowing and smiling from ear to ear! In my experience, facials are usually classified into two categories, clinical or pampering. At Tru I get the best of both, without any sacrifice and without breaking the bank. I've told my sister and many friends. I like the people at the front desk, who are always trying to get me in, even if I call last minute. If you have any skin problems, or just want a relaxing massage session, Tru is a great place.

Pros: parking, great products, high energy

Posted 03/09/05

I went here with some girlfriends last year and had a great time. The facility is beautifully designed and all the staff were attentive. I had a facial and a massage and were very pleased with both. I would love to go back for a mani/pedi and they are very concerned with sanitation. The refreshments and easy parking are a plus. I initially was concerned with the location (being in Chinatown), but once stepping inside, those concerns instantly disappeared.

Pros: great design, easy parking

Posted 03/01/05

When I had my first Tru facial it was the first time that I really felt a difference in my skin not just on that day but for many days afterward. Every facial I have had has been wonderful.

Pros: Great specialists, Give good info, Cust Service is great

Cons: Waiting rm can be hot, New robes needed

Posted 03/01/05

This is the best spa on the west coast. I travel all the way from Orange County for my facials.

Posted 03/01/05

Everything was perfect. I did the "Pair's Polish" with my wife as a honeymoon gift - nobody can beat the rain in the rain forest room and the intimacy that this treatment will create between you and your loved one.

Pros: rain forest room, great decor, cool staff

Cons: need bot.openr 4 beer, wife's mssge too hard, clrk shld b more help

Posted 02/28/05

Well, I have gone to this place 3 times now and I must say it is NOT what it used to be. At first it was nice. Not perfect, but nice. I loved the Acquaye massage balm they used in my massage and I purchased one and bought another for my mother along with a gift certificate for a massage. She also loved her massage when she came in to redeem the card. This was in 2005.

Since then I went back and had a facial. It was OK, but they tried WAY too hard to offer me upgrades and retail products. I ended up getting guilted into spending about $230 more than I had budgeted for this facial because they were so pushy!

Then, a few months ago I went back for another massage.......THIS WAS MY LAST TIME TO SET FOOT IN THAT PLACE! They no longer use the Acquaye balm, but have a cheap imitation labeled under their own name! The smell was like candy, not natural like the other one, and it felt greasy and waxy on the skin! Not at all like it used to be. My massage therapist told me that the owner copied the original balm and now found a way to make it cheaper. Well, it obviously shows. For a massage that costs $185 before tip, the least they can do is use the good products! How disappointing.

Tru Spa is just another money hungry business trying to get at your wallet! Be warned.

Pros: nice design

Cons: expensive, poor quality products, high pressure sales

Posted 02/25/05

This spa was amazing. The people were awesome and the service was heavenly. I suggest anyone who is looking for a day of pampering, relaxation and care free atmosphere stop in!

Posted 12/12/04

I found that your spa had some of the most innovative and unique treatments of any spa that I've visited- and I've been to quite a few! Your staff were also some of the friendliest and most attractive people I've met- thanks for a "tru"-ly relaxing experience!!

Posted 12/10/04

I just adored every precious moment of my time at Tru spa. My toe nails have never caught so much attention (from perfect strangers no less) and the masseuse was quite thorough. Rarest was the receptionist, who was both knowledgeable and friendly but never pushy. Thankyou so much for making my SF experience that much more fond in memory.

forever your client,

-M. Tristania T.

Posted 12/10/04

I have been to many great spas in many great cities, but my heart belongs to tru. There is no place I am more relaxed or better taken care of. The unique treatments, the hip yet serene atmosphere, and attentive staff keep me coming back again and again and again.....

Posted 12/08/04

Sent to Tru by the Clift. Very skeptical at first. I mean, what is that place doing in the Holiday Inn? But everything about the visit was unbelievable. Now my biggest problem is figuring out how to move to SF so I can make Tru my regular spa! ;-)

Posted 12/08/04

I went to TruSpa for my first spa facial and it was fantastic! So relaxing and the staff was very courteous and friendly. My esthetician gladly answered any questions really took her time in giving me a thorough facial-- we even ran a bit overtime. My spa tech gave me a "prescription" of products she suggested and they were left at the front counter for me but I did not feel pressured to buy anything (of course I left with 3 of the 5 items she suggested!). I left the spa a bit red and shiny (they are very heavy on the extractions) but my skin looks fab today... I can't wait until my next visit to Tru.

Pros: Friendly staff, Skilled technicians, Great atmosphere

Cons: , Only 1 Womens restrm

Posted 10/08/04

Tru is so amazing! The staff was down to earth and extremely personable! I highly recommend the "thick in the mud" treatment... it's like you're in the middle of the jungle- very exotic! Awesome place to unwind!

Pros: validated parking, open weekends, skilled staff

Posted 10/03/04

What a wonderful environment this is. Felt like I was on an Island in the Carribean! Refreshing staff, not snooty like other spas. Treatments were first class all the way. This is the place to go! I got an incredible pedicure. Slices of orange in the perfectly hot water to soak my toes. Not a drop of polish on my cuticles. At first, I thought the price was a tad steep (I am accustomed to little strip mall nail shops) but five minutes in I knew I was getting a deal! This place doesn't miss a beat! Every decoration, ammenity and staff member is there to make you feel relaxed, important and well cared for.
Splurge a bit -- it's WELL worth it!

Pros: area & parking, music, quality

Posted 10/01/04

I am a spa-o-holic and I LOVED IT- the minimal atmosphere-upbeat music-no enya-target water fountain BS...the wax they use is fantastic- call around-you cant find it-or places like BellaPelle will charge you more if you want it-ask their receptionist....
The facials are thorough without being too aggressive-they have late appointments..no place else validates parking-Refresh&Splash=$20
Great Great Place-anyone whos had a bad experience should have talked to the mnmgt-he would fix anything!
I have nothing but great things to say about this place.

Posted 09/27/04

I shouldnt have to write a positive review because somebody pays attention to the details of their business and their customers, however, it is done so infrequently these days that the folks at Tru spa warrant some attention. I called many places and asked lots of questions about skin and facials. The person I spoke with at Tru was by far the most patient and knowledgeable, and spent 30 minutes on the phone answering in detail every question. So I booked an appointment and was not disappointed. Both the facial and the waxing were amazingly thorough. The entire experience from walking in the door to walking out again was excellent and exceeded my expectations. I will definitely return and would highly recommend Tru Spa.

Pros: people, parking in building

Posted 09/27/04

This was by far the best spa experience I have ever had. My Pure facial by Jen was the ultimate! I would highly recommend Tru Spa to anyone looking to have a brief escape from everyday life. The moment you walk through the doors you are pampered and cared for, your stress melts away. On a scale of 1-10 I give Tru Spa a 12! Thank You sooo Much!

Pros: attentive staff, amazing atmosphere, location

Posted 09/27/04

I used to love Bliss and thought they were the standard for spas, but since I moved to SF and tried Tru, I think they are actually better. A little fresher and definitely more personal attention. And as far as the spas in San Francisco, there is no comparison. Tru is a much needed breath of fresh air.

Posted 09/22/04

I am convinced that this is the best massage spa in the city. The seem to think of everything. Large robes and cedar lockers. Champagne and nice snacks in the comfy waiting room. Aromatherapy and colored light therapy (it must work because I was preternaturally relaxed!). Butter balm which was much nicer than oil. And of course spectacularly talented female therapists, who are very friendly and seem to love their work. My husband loves that he can have a beer in the men's locker room. The only disappointment is that they did not have sauna or steam, but I was told that sweating out your hydration before or after a massage is not a good thing. (?) Anyway, the overall experience was so incredible that the lack of a sauna did not even enter my mind when I left. I am totally spoiled for anyplace else!

Pros: Sunday Appointments

Posted 09/07/04

Maybe they have improved since my visit, but my pedicure wasn't all that great. The chair wasn't that comfortable (I'm all for the techs being comfortable considering what they have to do but there are more comfortable workstations). It's a nice looking spa but as far as nail services go there are better in the city. It's clean and the products are high-end but the process itself was average.

Pros: nice atmospher, good products

Posted 08/31/04

I had not heard of this spa but they have been open a year. I found them on Citysearch and the site looked nice so I was curious. All I can say is WOW. The place is much nicer than the pics on the site and the people are even nicer than that. The treatments are absolutely amazing. I got the most amazing pedicure during which I sipped a champagne mojito and watched Sex in the City. Also had a massage, which was the best I have had in SF or anywhere else. I am now spoiled and will not go back to my former spa. Tru Spa is a must try!

Pros: staff

Posted 08/19/04

The Rainforest scrub is the only one of its type in the world! You get the scrub and then you are left in a rainfall of warm (perfect temperature, not too hot, not too cold) water, then you finish with showering under a "waterfall" and applying shea butter with the scent you prefer. I chose Lemongrass. Amazing!

The massage with light therapy is more for the therapist than you. I keep my eyes closed during the massage so did not feel any benefit from the lights.

They have the massage without the lights, ask for that.

Pros: great atmosphere, unique treatment

Cons: , expensive

Posted 08/13/04