Graceful Services, Inc.
| Recommended: | yes | 0 | no | 0 |
| Recommended: | yes | 0 | no | 0 |
Graceful Services is a wonderful spa retreat in the heart of Manhattan. This New York City day spa offers the ultimate relief from the daunting stress of daily city life, as well as refreshing pampering spa services. This spa offers a variety of soothing spa treatments like massages, facials, reflexology treatments, stretching sessions and more. Try their unique combination of traditional Qi-Gong, Tui-Na deep tissue massage blended with Swedish and Shiatsu techniques. You can also revive your look through specialized beauty treatments like a hot stone facial, a body scrub or an upper chest facial. Graceful Services spa also helps you stay smooth offering waxing services and sauna access. Their award-winning massage treatments are also available for in-home sessions. Come indulge in a rejuvenating spa service today at New York's Graceful Services spa.
Although there are only curtains separating between you and the next person, the massage is great. At their price, a little less privacy is no problem. Where else are you going to find 1 hour massage for $60? I was there on a Saturday morning. The therapist was running late. They apologized profusely, and they offered me to have the massage done at their spa store downtown at no extra charge ($20 extra normally). And they would pay for the cab fare. The experience ended up being awesome. I literally melted off the table. I would go back there anytime.
Pros: great massage, service and staff
Cons: less privacy
Posted 03/14/05
What a pleasure this small, attentive body treatment center is! I come in weighted down by the stresses and strains of city life and leave relaxed and free of aches and anxiety. I have not found more expert therapists in any other spa. And none can match the techniques used to make me feel so good for so long. And all that at bargain prices! I recommend it wholeheartedly.
Pros: expertise, value, attentiveness
Posted 03/13/05
I live a quiet life on Long Island in a stree free environment. But occasionally I have to come to the City on business and between the traffic, noise, and of couse the business dealings, I get totally stressed out. That's when a visit to Graceful Services unwinds me. The therapists are great and I leave so relaxed that even the trip home on the LIE doesn't phase me.
Posted 03/03/05
My boyfriend and I had a couple's massage appointment at 8:30pm. I told my messeuse about the gnawing pain in my neck and shoulders multiple times. Even repeatedly asked and suggested how to loosen the knot, this guy just pushed his fingers into my shoulder blade and shook my entire body with all his mighty force. I watched the woman who worked on my boyfriend. Her professional skills cannot be compared to the poorly trained American I got. After the bell went off an hour later, we were rushed out the back door without any privacy or communication about their next appointment. I rather take my business to a real spa for the price we paid. This dive is too crammed.
Posted 02/05/05
the massage was excellent.. Clarence is a skilled and sensitive therapist... my sore muscles released as did the mental stress i had been carrying around all week.The receptionists were warm and kind. I felt welcomed and comfortable the moment i walked thru the door. i will definitely make this a weekly treat!!
Pros: great therapists, friendly receptionist, inexepensive
Cons: weekends very busy
Posted 02/03/05
This was my first massage, a gift from a friend, so maybe I did not know what to expect. While some moments were relaxing, overall the experience was very painful. This is despite the fact that I asked the therapist to lighten up several times. Next day, I am still hurting along my spinal chord and feel bruised. She pushed so hard on my back I thought it would crack!
Posted 01/25/05
My friend raved to me about G.S., so I decided to check it out. After reading CitySearch reviews, I was prepared for the atmosphere, and didn't find it disruptive (although I went at night, maybe a lighter flow?). I've had Swedish massages in the past, so guess I still need to get use to the Qi-Gong technique. She worked on my back and shoulders for a good 50 minutes and the rest of my body for only about 10. Good if you have a lot of tension there, but certain techniques HURT! The woman working on me always asked if the pressure was ok....I thought it was fine, but today my shoulder blades are pretty sore. Hopefully the toxins are just working their way out of my body!
Pros: cheaper than most, full hour, fast service
Cons: , no privacy
Posted 01/12/05
I have never had such a relaxing massage in all my years of having massages . there Qi- Gong style is absolutely wonderful. this spa is spectacular.
Pros: style, inexpensive, pleasant
Posted 01/09/05
I recently received a gift certificate for a massage at Graceful Services. I have had a bad back most of my life due to a car accident and seen what feels like hundreds of different masseuses not only in NYC but all over the world. Well, to my surprise I received the best massage of my life today by a girl named Eda. Although, I dont think she was the only gem there because the whole time I was getting my massage I kept hearing other people gloating about how great they felt. My gift to you all is the gift of knowledge. Graceful Services is by far the best yet and oh yeah, its completely inexpensive too! Enjoy!
Pros: Inexpensive, Great Service, Professional Skills
Posted 01/03/05
One of the best,most wonderful,inexpensive treasures ever found in New York City.I must say I have search high and low for a great massage place and I must give Graceful Services the Oscar for they have won best massage.
Pros: clean, relaxing, great
Posted 12/29/04
Flawless massage. Living in NY and being a seeker of the perfect massage, I have visited high end spas, basement level parlours in Chinatown, salons in Soho, UWS and nothing comes even close to my experience here at Graceful. I literally left feeling like a giant noodle. My therapist, Linda (at the 14th location) listenend to my needs and concentrated much energy to improving my shoulder condition.
Pros: Clean, lovely music, Inexpensive
Posted 12/28/04
Like going to the doctor (in a good way). The atmosphere is somewhat clinical, not spalike at all. The therapists wear blue scrubs and they do not offer manicures or facials, just good, professional massage.
As others have stated, it's a cramped spot and you are just a curtain away from the tiny waiting/reception area. However, when I was there (on a Sunday afternoon) it was very quiet and easy to relax and forget my surroundings.
And unless they are obtrusive or unpleasant, I don't care about the surroundings at all. The MASSAGE was excellent and that is what I was there for. This was full-body and included the scalp and face, though not the feet as much as I would have likedmaybe because they offer separate foot massage?
Pros: great massage
Posted 12/07/04
It's been awhile since last time I visit graceful, I always know that they offer the best massage, but still they impressed me one more time. It was our anniversary day and my husband's first massage ever, the staff recommended us to take the couples room, Oh...it's a really romantic room which separated us from everybody else, my husband loved it, we had great relaxing session. I can't find anywhere else offering the same great massage and great price with the great attomsphere at the same time. Thank you, thank you.
Posted 12/07/04
This is a terrific massage for the price. The integrated techniques they use are the best to get to your muscles... Swedish alone is usually just like kneading skin around. The massuese did ask if she was pressing too hard but in some places it was and others not...found difficulty communicating about that. Yes, it's just white curtains separating each massage table, but once you are on the bed and your curtain is closed, it is easy to drift away. This is a no-frills, small but nice and clean massage facility - so expect that - but the actual massage is not a let down! My gal was good, but not very personal and I don't think I had one of the better massueses in the place. I could easily see there being some especially good ones there...will return to figure out who and schedule with them. WORTH IT.
Pros: Excellent Value, Good Technique, Friendly Receptionist
Cons: , Small Space, Some Ambient Talking
Posted 10/22/04
As my name says, I enjoy a good, deep, therapeutic relaxing massage...I do not like a bogus, fluffy, surface body rub. This place knows excellent massage therapy!! The therapists are professional, pleasant and well trained. I had a male therapist who seemed to know just where my knots and tension was. When I left I felt an overall sense that all was right with the world. My appointmnet was in the late evening. I went home and slept like my 8 month old baby. I will surely go again.
Pros: Excellent massage, Great Value, Pleasant Staff
Cons: , Small space
Posted 09/20/04
This is an awesome place to come to, especially after a red eye flt and a couple of days of walking around. I wish they worked a little on the legs more but, they do a terrific job. It was a little too hot in there, and the curtains used to seperate the tables is kinda tacky. The phone rings off and on and the buzzer from the door rings also. Otherwise its a good value.
Pros: great massage, good value
Cons: , curtains only, ringing phone
Posted 03/25/04
This is the best massage in NYC. It's not for the extremely shy as a curtain is all that separates you from the next person. But this no frills massage is the best value for your money. You will keep going back for more!!
Pros: Inexpensive, Good Quality, Late Hours
Cons: , bad parking
Posted 03/05/04
The massage I got gave me the best post massage feeling I've felt. Which attests to the skills of the therapists and the art they practice. If only the space was nicer. The area feels of a bad ER with the curtains and the massage beds. People waiting for their appointments kept bumping up against my feet. And the New Age soundtrack was interspersed with the telephone ringing. Most egregious was the haste to set up while I was still putting on my clothes, for the next client.
Pros: Massage, Price
Cons: , Ambiance
Posted 03/01/04
I enjoyed getting massaged here many times, but will not return because of the set-up. In one room 5 massage tables (seperated by curtains only) and a reception room are all crammed together. If the front desk gets busy, good luck getting some quiet time! Even a bargain massage should offer sufficient quiet. Geez, why not just raise the prices $10 and get rid of one friggin table so people are not almost on top of each other and you can have the receptionist behind a screen for noise reduction?
Pros: good therapists
Cons: , sometimes not quiet
Posted 03/01/04
I went to Graceful Services quite a while ago.. but let me tell you.. it was by far the BEST massage I have ever gotten. Granted that the "rooms" are separated by curtains and you will hear the guy next to you being massaged.. but it is sooo worth it. The massage leaves you feeling like Jello when you are done and the price is just great! I highly recomend this place!!
Pros: Cheap, No wait time
Posted 01/15/04
Thank goodness for a massage that costs what it should -- one dollar per minute, like the rest of the country! I'm so tired of the $90/45-minute massages this city toutes. While we felt they were a few minutes stingy on the full massage time, it was totally relaxing, and even the manic children at Dylan's Candy Bar down the street could not ruin our blissful state of mind.
I will return to Grace.
Pros: affordable, thorough, serene
Cons: not private, sometimes short mass., tight quarters
Posted 11/28/03
I've never had a better massage. The Qi Gong techniques left me relaxed, and invigorated. Muscle pain and stress were completely gone.
And the price was right!
Pros: Powerful and effectiv, Reasonably priced, Calm and serene
Posted 11/21/03
Great service, incredible price, art, skill, tradition and technique. I highly recommend it.
Pros: Inexpensive, Courteous, Professional
Posted 11/20/03
My sojourn to Graceful Services was an experience I will not forget and will forever want to repeat.
After a very stressful day in the office, I kept my appointment for Qi Gong there. The attitude of the staff was so positive that from the onset I sensed that I was in for a treat. The individual who attended to me, had that professional touch that made all the difference. The setting was right.
It was my first time there, having been recommended by a co-worker. The treatment I got was much more than I paid for.
Graceful Services is a must for anyone needing a touch of class to relieve stress at the end of a hard day's work.
I will definitely be back there. Keep up the good works.
Relax Guy
Pros: professional touch, affordable, clean
Posted 11/07/03
I am hooked. When I leave Graceful Services I feel like I am walking on air.
I have tried different massage places closer to my address and around town but I keep going back accros town to Graceful. The owner Grace and her manager Lee are the perfec hostesses. The staff is very professional. I raccomend this place to anyone who wants a real massage. No surprises, just a VERY GOOD MASSAGE.
Pros: Reasonable price, Professional, Parking accros street
Posted 05/19/03
Graceful Services happens to be a place where you get more than you bargain for. The Qi-Gong-Tuina treatment you get there is the best you can get around town. At Graceful Services, the attendants there let their hands and fingers do the talking so there is no need to have a conversation during your treatment. The atmosphere is so set up that you can feel the serenity and halcyon mood one has to associate with a Qi-Gong treatment.
There is no "ifs or buts" just a magic touch of class.
Don't miss out on this one.
Pros: Affordable, Classy, soothing
Cons: late-night hours
Posted 05/17/03
Not only are you separated from the patron next to you by just a curtain (think hospital), be prepared that the curtain will be drawn back and forth during your massage! When I turned over I could see the half-naked woman next to me. Also, I was cold half the time because they only give you one towel to cover the body parts that aren't being worked on. Lastly, be prepared that your therapist may know NO ENGLISH. I mean none. If you have a particular question or concern, she may not understand you... On the positive side, it was a deep massage and cheap, but some times you are willing to pay more for a reason!!!
Posted 05/14/03
Qi Gong Tui Na harnesses life energy to alleviate pain, stress and depression. I was skeptical when I went into the session but I soon became a believer. After an hour my back pain was gone. I felt vibrantly alive and refreshed, full of energy. I never felt so good in my life. I now recommend Qi Gong to all my friends and business associates. There is nothing like it!
Pros: Effective therapy, calm ambiance, very friendly
Posted 05/05/03
Been to a few places and haven't found one that really give you a good deep tissue... This is the only place where the ladies are actually working hard to relax your body - a great value considering the relatively low price. Definitely should give it a try.
Pros: Inexpensive, Excellent results, Casual
Posted 04/29/03
Went for body/foot massage (2 hrs)
The massage beds are heated. The masseur gave the massage then concentrated on my problem areas. He got on the table w/me a couple of times & stretched out my legs/arms
Oils are used & hot towels to wash you off with but they don't dry you off immediately so you become cold quite quickly.
The foot massage - 1 foot is wrapped in hot towels while the other foot is worked on (shins/calves are not forgotten here). My foot massage had me falling asleep - fantastic!
Both massages were hard (you are asked if you want a hard or soft massage) but not painful.
Other patrons need to realize that this is a quiet, relaxing atmosphere & to keep their voices down as it disturbs other patrons.
I would recommend this place to others & will be coming again when I visit NYC
Pros: inexpensive, clean, experienced staff
Cons: other patrons loud, small, a little cold
Posted 04/20/03
The massage was not as great as I expected. For the first 15 minutes, I was massaged with a towel over my body, and since the towel was not very soft, it took away from the relaxation. The remainder of the time, I felt over exposed bc the masseus was not very professional about the way he covered me up. At one point he took the entire towel off and my bottom was completely exposed. I think this place is ok if you want a decent massage. But if you want the "spa" atmosphere & professionalism, I suggest you go somewhere else.
Posted 04/06/03
I've gone here several times and have always received a nice strong (sometimes a little too strong!) massage from the female therapists. Once I got stuck with a guy and had a bad experience (timid massage and too chatty!).
The decor leaves much to be desired (you can usually hear other customers grunting through their vigorous treatments).
I haven't found a better place for the money so I still go there when I'm stressed but request a female therapist. It's always a good idea to call ahead to make a reservation!
Pros: value, stress relief
Cons: need to call in adv., surprised by the guy
Posted 03/07/03
Graceful Services is the best. When you leave you feel as if you are walking on a cloud. I felt a little uncomfortable having a male give me a massage, but I just relaxed and let him go to work. Boy did he go to work! The only thing I don't particularly care for is when the person next to you decides to pull their curtain open, yours opens a little and they can look in at you. Otherwise I have no complaints.
Pros: Relaxing, Friendly, Easy to make appts.
Posted 02/02/03
The massage at Graceful services is definitely the best I've ever gotten anywhere. The service was professional and on time and not to mention my back felt like a million bucks after the treatment. I would highly recommend this place for anyone who just want quality massage at a reasonable price.
Pros: on time, massage, inexpensive
Posted 01/25/03
I have been to many massage therapists. At Graceful Services I was treated to the best massages ever! My massages were just the way I like them, very effective and as strong as I requested. I am a small person, but I enjoy a good amount of pressure. I felt my neck and shoulder "knots" being released, and a day or two later, even more relief. I found the place to be clean and very professional, and now when I visit NYC I always try to include a visit to Graceful Services.
Pros: great value, good location, friendly
Posted 01/21/03
Don't get me wrong - I actually didn't expect much considering it was "cheap"... but...
I don't know... maybe it was the masseuse - I did go late... regardless... I know that the prices are lower than other masseuse (1 reason) b/c you have no privacy(just curtains separting the tables), but who wants to hear other clients grunt.. plus no matter how many times i asked the masseuse to increase the pressure - didn't want to /couldn't accomodate me ... been to less classy joint for less money - where massages were much better. Might give them one more chance with a different masseuse.
Pros: cheaper
Cons: no privacy
Posted 01/10/03
It'll be a good massage if you are strong enough to withstand the incredible pressure. I am a fairly small person and thought the pressure was too much. While I asked the practitioner to lighten up a bit (and she did), she said that's the way the massages are and that I would get used to it. I didn't feel relaxed afterwards cause I was too tense for fear of getting crushed. But I'll go back to try the foot massage though.
Posted 01/07/03
This massage parlor is WONDERFUL! My expectations were greatly exceeded! At first I wasn't sure as I thought it would be a fancy place that wouldn't give me the deep tissue massage I needed. However, the massage was deep and relaxing; all my knots were smoothed out and my back and leg pain coaxed away. The service was prompt and everyone was very nice. I am a definite repeat customer.
Posted 12/31/02
Graceful Services was not fancy, but what they lacked in atmosphere was more than made up for by an amazingly skilled full body massage. Jenny, the massage therapist was really thorough and removed every stress-induced knot from every part of my part. She- as well as the rest of the staff- was very sweet and attentive. The prie cannot be beat either.I highly recommend Graceful Services.
Posted 12/12/02
If you can handle a "back breaking" massage, GS is great! The practitioner will man-handle you no doubt, but the results are fabulous. Expect lasting results after repeat visits... and at about $60/hour, it's even more satisfying.
Pros: extremely nice staff, skilled practitioners, comfortable
Cons: small facility, semi private rooms, no aromatherapy
Posted 12/06/02
I am a poor graduate student...not one to easily spend money on massages. But I just had a huge exam and had to get some serious tension out of my back. Earlier in the week, I used a gift certificate at a very expensive and fancy spa on a massage. It was a pleasant experience...dim lighting, nice smelling oils, but I didn't leave with any less tension than I went in with. At graceful services, I got what I needed. Anna kneaded and pummeled my back until the tension was gone. And on top of the best massage I've ever had, she was very friendly and concerned with my comfort.
Pros: Effective, Friendly, Inexpensive
Posted 11/03/02
If you are looking for a fancy spa, this is not where you should go. But if you are looking to get a good massage, and feel reenergized afterwards, this is the place to go. The staff is courteous and professional. Only one caveat, if the massage is too hard, speak up!!
Pros: Inexpensive, Long hours
Cons: Little privacy, Not fancy
Posted 10/31/02
I liked the fact that they used oil (or was it lotion?) instead of powder to start off with. The massage was as strong as I wanted it to be - I think Randolph would have used more force if I needed it. He took a lot of knots out of my system and I felt glorious, alive and soooo happy after. He kept reminding me to breathe out which is very important to get the best result. I will go back for sure though it is out of my way as they are EXCELLENT!
Pros: very professional, extremely skilled
Cons: walls between beds
Posted 10/25/02
One of the best in NYC ! I will definately return.
Pros: set, staff, very relaxing
Cons: waiting
Posted 10/25/02
I read about Graceful Services on Citysearch & all the reviews are right on. Had a wonderful massage-the staff is very attentive and informed. I would highly recommend their services.
Pros: great staff, inexpensive
Cons: not very private
Posted 10/25/02
This will definitely become part of my activity on my future visits to NYC. Good value and very skillful. Highly recommended. However, if you are looking for a relaxing Swedish massage, this is not the place for you. Graceful services is all about deep tissue massage.
Pros: Professional, Skillful, Healing
Posted 10/17/02
The magic hands of the massage therapists took all my pains and strains away. Their Qi Gong therapy made me feel like a new woman. I felt younger and stronger, ready to face the world with new energy.
Thank you, Chrystal and Iida.
Pros: great massages, worth the money, friendly
Posted 10/02/02
To my mind, this gracious salon well deserves its "Best" rating. I have been to spas uptown and downtown, east side and west, and nothing beats Graceful Services for skillfulness, attentiveness and pure bliss - - all at a very reasonable price.
There are cheaper places downtown for those who do not mind mass production treatment in dingy surroundings. And there are more luxurious salons for those who do not mind practitioners more interested in selling creams and lotions than in the welfare of their clients. But none equals this spotless and serene spot for the care and attention given its clients and the effectiveness of its treatments.
Pros: great massages, convenient, prompt service
Posted 10/02/02
Pretty good massage, especially for the price, but the ambiance could use some help. The thin curtains dividing the rooms allow you to hear everyone else in the place including people paying and making reservations. The massage therapists talk to each other, and to their boss during the massage which is rather annoying. All in all though, for $60 it is ok for a quick fix. I don't think I would try accupuncture there. It doesn't seem like the most sterile environment.
Posted 10/01/02
This charming salon should be called Rejuvenation Central! It revitalizes both mind and body. Whenever I feel too overworked or over-exercised, I place myself in the skillful hands of the therapists at Graceful Services for complete relief from stress and strains. They haven't failed me yet.
Some advice for newcomers: massages come in a variety of applications. For therapeutic treatment of sore, bunched or cramped muscles, a strong massage is usually recommended. For relaxation, a softer massage is often preferred. However, you can ask the therapist for softer or stronger treatment at any time. It's all up to you. At any rate, enjoy it.
Pros: welcoming, serene, rejuvenating
Posted 09/27/02
"amazing results. great job. both my wife and i were very impressed ..."