Spa Bloom

I am pleased to share my little downtown secret -'The Inn at Parkside'. It is quietly nestled across from Southside Park; if a friend had not told me about it I'd have never known it was there. Now let me confess, I love classic architecture!! This refurbished 1930's art-deco mansion turned B&B/dayspa piqued my interest at first sight. Now mind you, the location is convenient, but not ideal. Parking is sometimes a problem during noontime, but once you walk in the door the ambiance is magical. The soft music, the candles, the accomodating staff; it all came together to make my very first massage memorable. And when it came time for an in-town romantic retreat we stayed on the 3rd floor of their new building next door, 'Parkside House'- also memorable. I now send all my best clients to the Inn at Parkside because I know they will be well taken care of, and the kudos will come back to me. This is one secret I'm glad to share!

On my birthday, I decided to treat myself to a badly needed facial. I had heard good things about Bloom Spa, so I made an appointment. I have had many facials in the past, and this was the best ever! Kristin was my esthetician and she was amazing! She made some specific product recommendations for my skin concerns (after I asked for her opinion). The aromatherapy was beautiful as was the massage. I went during the week, so I got the midweek special. This facial felt so luxurious, that I left not only feeling very well taken care of, but also that I had just found one of the best bargains in town.

My boyfriend and I went back a week later for massages. Those were wonderful as well!

This is a great spot. Cute historic building. Quaint and charming.

After working for days on end, I needed some time to indulge myself. After looking at their impeccable website, I decided that Spa Bloom would be right for me. It is located in on a serene street, lined with trees, in a historical building. While it was obvious the place was old, it was still beautifully decorated and very presentable. I was given a male massager, which at first I was uncomfortable with, but soon found Michael was very professional and very good, however a little rough on the salt rub, leaving my skin burning and stinging. Fortunately for me, I also ordered a bath in one of their jacuzzi tubs. It was very comfortable, very relaxing, just a little dirty. With my facial, Cindy was very professional and courteous. I was even convinced to buy some of their products. Afterwards, there was wine and cheese served in the lobby with the other guests. The best part was the intoxicating smell of Lavender following me throughout the experience.

I had a really great time at this little day spa/inn combo. The building is beautiful both inside and out. It is no doubt one of the most charming and relaxing atmospheres I have been in. The staff greeted me at the door and led me to the changing/waiting room. It was lovely with the candles lit, soft music playing and comfortable furniture. The massage tables were beautifully decorated and the massage itself was fantastic. I had only scheduled an hour but the therapist went over a bit and I really appreciated that extra attention. The spa/inn is very well put together and the grounds are lovely. This wonderful day spa hits the mark with its unique setting, great treatments and relaxing environment.

From start to finish, this was the worst experience I've ever had at a spa. The staff was disorganized and rude, the property was dirty, and the massage was subpar at best.

After an awkward greeting, the receptionist left us in the lobby for a while, then took us downstairs to the waiting area. My husband and I had arrived early to use the jacuzzi before our massages. After waiting downstairs for 15 minutes, I went upstairs to see what was going on. The manager seemed confused about whether or not the receptionist had given us our robes, which had been downstairs the whole time. She told us we could change and go out to the jacuzzi.

The "changing room" is a miniscule bathroom which smelled like mildew. There are no lockers, either. You are expected to carry your clothes around the spa with you in one of their giant bags. By the way, the robes say "Cypress Hotel" on the label. Were these taken from another establishment?

We went outside to use the jacuzzi, which, it turned out, was completely filthy. The receptionist and a caretaker were quickly trying to clean it up when we went out there. There was dirt and leaves floating around in the water and mildew all around the edges. "CHANGE FILTER" was blinking on the digital display.

We changed back into our robes, were left downstairs for another 15 minutes until we asked someone about our massage therapists, and were finally told that our massages were in the building next door. We then had to walk down the sidewalk IN OUR ROBES to go to the other building. Completely embarassing.

Needless to say, the massage was not only lackluster, but we could hear the phone ringing, the music from the room next door, and people talking and doing dishes just outside the door. We asked for hot stone massages, but the hot stones were used for maybe 10 minutes during the 60 minute session.

In short, don't go to this spa unless you want to be grossed out, possibly humiliated, and completely disappointed.