Ruby Room

Got my 1st salon haircut in years and loved everything
about the experience. It was a 90 minute vacation from
the street of life, right off Division and Paulina.

Kristina was not only skilled and professional at her art
(bewt haircut in ages)but also a joy to be around. She showed me around the wonderful offerings of products and services at the spa.

I not only purchased several but will be back for more.

Pros: Melange of Joys for the senses

Cons: Too Sweet

Posted 12/06/09

I first went to Ruby Room for an eyebrow wax and I was hooked. Next came a facial, then came a massage. Their spa services are truly the best I've ever received. I love their retail area and it's now my one stop destination for all my skincare and hair products. I've even been buying all my gifts there because they have so many cool things. I eventually found my way upstairs to their healing sanctuary and boy am I glad I did. I could live in that space. Now I'm hooked on crystals and herbs. I love this place. Thanks Ruby Room. You always make me look and feel great!

Posted 11/05/09

I love the Ruby Room - from the people to the products. It is a wonderful place to get your hair done. Very peaceful and full of positive energy. If you are looking for a relaxing hair experience that is all about you, I highly recommend the Ruby Room!

Pros: Great hair salon

Posted 08/17/09

I've been going to RR for about a year now, and consistently get the best facials and massages. The Arcona products have absolutely transformed by skin, and all the staff are incredibly friendly and helpful. I've been to many other spas before, but I'm a die-hard with Ruby Room now!

Posted 08/13/09

I've had my review "disappear" several times. I'll just keep reposting it. It is interesting that the glowing reviews that all appear to be written by the same person stay up, perhaps Citysearch doesn't know Ruby Room has their staff post false reviews? Anyway.....

Rude staff, rude owner. I went in there because I had some time to burn before an appointment down the street. After being ignored by everyone in there I was poking around in the Bumble & bumble section. A female with a blonde bob came up and said "This would be really good for your hair, it will help with the dryness and split ends.". Perhaps they're used to making sales by insulting customers into buying stuff but that doesn't work on me. I shot her a dirty look and left. I later emailed Ruby Room to inform the manager/owner about their staff. The response was from the owner and (surprise!) she was the one with the blonde bob. She claimed she hadn't come at me with anger in her heart (whatever that means and it wasn't what I had emailed about). When I explained that she tried to insult a potential customer in hopes of a sale I got more of the new-age babble about her heart. I stopped responding after that.

Avoid. Read all the negative reviews. Notice how they are all about different experiences, but all poor experiences. Read all the positive reviews, notice how they all sound the same.

Pros: None

Cons: Everything

Posted 06/13/09

Walking to the rear of the Ruby Room you are immediately greeted with a beautiful back patio which immediately takes you away from the busy traffic on Division Street. The rooms are wonderfully equipped including Wi-Fi. Very private rooms - the staff will only enter upon your request. "Green" towel and linen policy - will only replace if requested. Has a convenient little kitchen if needed but with all the great food around this spot you'll hardly need it! Would definitely visit again on our next trip to Chicago.

Pros: An oasis in the middle of Chicago

Cons: None

Posted 06/03/09

my sister brought me to ruby room as a divorce celebration. we really enjoyed ourselves and I needed it. the girls at the front desk were nice and geniune. Our facials were very relaxing and we were glowing at lunch cause this hot guy came up to our table (he was sooooo cute). We bought a smoothy and hung out in the garden in the rear after our service. The place is really beutiful. A real treat and we will certainly be back to try some of their other services.

Pros: good service and clean environment

Posted 04/26/09

Looking for the best salon in Chicago? Say no more! Ruby Room is fabulous, organic, and world class! The stylist that I see is Julia. My first appointment with her was last summer when she had first started as a junior stylist. Honestly, the first haircut she gave me was the BEST haircut I've ever had in my life. And trust me, I've been to many other high-end salons. Which brings me to the next point, Ruby Room is extremely affordable and the products they carry are phenomenal. Props to the Ruby Room and Julia, the BEST stylist in the Chicago!

Pros: Awesome staff! Great follow-up and reminders!

Cons: ZERO - Everything is great!

Posted 04/06/09

I was really bummed to discover that my favorite massage therapist Sarah Weinstock was no longer at Ruby Room! But have no fear! I found her at Spa Soak in Bucktown. 1733 N. Milwaukee Ave. 773-395-9000. Give her a call, you will feel like total bliss afterward!

Posted 10/29/08

For anyone else distressed to find Ryan not at Ruby Room anymore, have no fear. He's apparently at Roots Salon on Grand. Whew!

Posted 07/13/08

Wes highlights and cuts my hair. If you're a blond- run, don't walk to have Wes do your highlights. Beyond my hair, he may be the funniest person alive. I have never laughed so hard in my life! Highlights and Humor, what more could anyone want?

Pros: Wes Hoffman highlights & haircut

Posted 07/01/08

I have been to many hair stylists in Chicago over the past decade for haircuts and high/lowlights. After asking three random women in a weeks time, who they went to for their hair, each referring me to Wes at Ruby Room, I knew I had to see him. My hair is doing things I never thought were possible. Wes was thorough in explaining what my hair needed and how he eventually wanted it to look. I honestly can not imagine my hair any better than it already is now. Someone has complimented me everyday! The high lights are perfect and even when I let it air dry ( which I have never done until now) it looks incredible. My hair has always been a struggle and I'm still in disbelief at how beautiful and easy Wes has made it for me. If you are someone who works at styling your hair, Wes is at Ruby Room and It's Magic!

Thank you Ruby Room & Wes for making my days a little easier!

Posted 05/16/08

A bunch of us have lived in this neighborhood for a few years and have been to many of the areas spas. We have had services and have been to the ruby rooms yoga classes. However, after hearing about the yoga instructor getting fired not in the "yoga community" but "on the street", we have to agree that is not a way to treat employees. Regardless of whether or not the classes or services are good at a place, that's just not cool to fire someone without giving them a second chance. hmmm

Posted 05/09/08

Why are you trying to in get for services in the first place if you believe "the word" in the yoga community? Hmmm. I have lived in this hood for a long time, have visited Ruby Room many times over the years and have watched them grow. I have never had a bad experience with this place. It is not for everyone. You need to be into a down to earth setting. The people are real and good at what they do. They could have easily opened up downtown and they didn't. That says a lot.

Posted 05/06/08

This place does not have a good reputation when it comes to treating their employees fairly. Word in the "yoga community" is they fired an amazing yoga instructor because she missed 1 meeting, which she didn't know was mandatory. Instead of giving her a second chance, they fiired her. That's absurd! Strangley, it seems like everytime we try to make an appoinment the people we request are gone.If they treat people like that no wonder they are no longer there. So what is this place, a spa of the spirit or just another corporate spa trying to make a buck?

Posted 02/05/08

I've visited the Ruby Room twice in the past month and have very much enjoyed both experiences. The first was for an enersage (energy massage). The practitioner was patient and listened to my reasons for the massage and made some great suggestions on how to help some of my health issues.
I also have taken advantage of the $20 first timers, one week unlimited yoga class. The Dynamic Realignment Yoga with Tina is my favorite yoga class so far in Chicago. I look forward to the other classes this week and doing more energy work there.
It's sad to see so many other negative reviews on this site. I felt an amazing positive energy the first time I walked in the door. The prices are reasonable for the city and I like the variety of energy/eastern medicine products they have available.

Posted 12/18/07

I came in with and received one of the most profound massaged by Aslana there, she is a truly gifted therapist as well as a healer, during our session she channelled information for me that was healing and inspirational, i get massage twice a month and will come from the burbs to see her regularly, she is a healer a massage and bodywork therapist, yoga instructor and also to my surprise does healing feng shui haircuts i cant wait to go back to Ruby Room again, the personell is very kind and helpful, I think you should TAKE THE NEGATIVE REVIEWS HERE WITH A GRAIN OF SALT THOSE PEOPLE ARE SELFISH DRAMA QUEENS as im pretty sure those people are ANY stores "NIGHTMAREISH" customers, we all have seen them before out shopping who are pushy ,selfish ,impatient and cause trouble/DRAMA wherever they go because they think they are entitled to be late and/or get extra attention for themselves because they are lacking in their life something good and loving...that being said, people come here to heal and feel good and thats exactly what i unexpectedly got. The experience all around was delightful and im just looking forward to being there again, enchanting space nice retail, fabulous et al

Pros: the gifted practitioners

Cons: none

Posted 12/09/07

This place is great, and staff is very friendly. I cant see why there are bad reviews on the salon. I came in for some soft caramel highlights and who would have know....walked out with what i asked for:) Ryan is such a sweet guy and really took time with me and listened to what I had to say. He gave a great shampoo and I was so relaxed. Just an hour before I was a little down:( and having a fun person to talk with who also made me look BEAUTIFUL really helped. So for all you UNHAPPY people who need to complain about places because you yourself are unhappy......GET OVER IT!

Pros: street parking, great people & products, beautiful color

Cons: none at this time

Posted 10/28/07

Charles, who was my Ruby Room stylist left last Aug. Since then I have had a difficult time finding someone at his caliber. He is out standing with color like no one else I have ever had, that would include some of New York and L.A's finest salons. I was worried he went back to Beverly Hills but I thought I would call Ruby Room one more time and beg if needed. I had tried without luck twice before but three times was the charm. The very sweet receptionist informed me he is now at Joseph Michael's at 715 North State St. (312 482 9800). When I called Joseph Michael's they confirmed he was there and even said they would extend his prices from R.R. Thank you R.R. for owning up Charles new salon!

Posted 10/16/07

I had read all the reviews prior to my first visit to the Ruby Room but went in with an open mind, really wanting to have a good experience. My favorite stylist with another salon had moved out of state so I was looking for a new one and thought I'd try a different salon.

The Ruby Room website advises to arrive 10 minutes early so I did just that, only to have the receptionist inform me I was "a bit early" for my appointment as though she were disappointed in my time-management skills. She suggested I either browse the shop (no one informed there is a second level where the books, etc are located so I was stuck with the 10 feet or so of cosmetics to browse, all the while having 3 employees watch me) or, get this - go to Starbucks and wait. GO TO STARBUCKS AND WAIT? WHAT? So much for feeling welcome. When I asked if there was a waiting area she rolled her eyes and said, "Um, no". At my previous salon they offer you a seat and a choice of two hot teas or ice water while you wait, and you're provided a hand and arm massage during your visit. With exception of getting my brakes done at Midas, I've NEVER been told to wait somewhere else.

The stylist was very personable, however after a brief consultation I was taken immediately to the sink where my hair was barely washed. As my hair was being cut, another client sat down in the chair next to me and her stylist gave her a 5 minute head and scalp massage prior to washing her hair. I watched with slight envy, wondering why I didn't receive the same treatment. When my haircut was finished, a mirror was not offered, so I didn't actually see much of my cut until I got home. I ended up trimming several sections that were cut oddly.

I won't be going back to Ruby Room and wouldn't recommend it to anyone else either. Such a disappointment. ALSO NOTE THEY REQUIRE A CREDIT CARD TO MAKE AN APPOINTMENT AND IF YOU DO NOT CANCEL AT LEAST 4 HOURS PRIOR YOUR CARD IS CHARGED FOR THE FULL AMOUNT.

Pros: Great location, stylist was personable

Cons: Unwelcoming, inconsistent service

Posted 09/18/07

I went to Ruby Room for a gong bath recently. There was a $35 charge and we were packed in there super tight. I kept poking the woman next to me when I adjusted my position. You'd think that for $35 we would get enough space to roll over. Also my friend got moved away from the gong by staff who apparently had some VIP's who needed his spot. He later commented that this made him mad.

The guy that was collecting our fee that night had the charm and demeanor of a nightclub doorman. He was not exactly rude but was unfriendly and lacked the aura of good vibes one would expect in such a place. The woman who sold me CD's afterward was friendly, helpful and not pushy.

The gong bath was transformative and I am still processing its effects three days later. If you can go, go. But be prepared to be crowded if it's at Ruby Room! The message this sent to me was 'money matters', not a very transcendant vibe! So you may have to bring your own!

Posted 09/04/07

I recently moved to Chicago and needed someone to work with my long curly hair. I went in for color and Charles immediately put me at ease, so much so that I stayed to get my haircut. He listened very carefully to my needs (and worries) and gave me great color and a great haircut. He also gave me some recommendations on styling products, which are making my curls much more manageable. I'm looking forward to my next visit.

Pros: Had great service

Posted 07/12/07

l have had my eyebrows waxed and shapened by two different beauticians and they were very good.Very polite and friendly and would definitely go back there for facials.Excellent job.

Posted 06/08/07

Shortly put. Focus one the negative reviews this place has. They are the only ones not written by friends, family or staff of the Ruby Room, which means they are the only reviews that REAL people wrote. I went there recently and overheard two staff members talking about what a joke all the reviews on this site were, because the owners encourage staff to write good ones to receive a better rating on CitySearch. More importantly, while I was there, the staff ignored me, the place had a stench of sewage like the plumming was backed up, and the focus of the products was more along the lines of ripping a customer off rather than to heal and nurture them.

Pros: The Cafe Across the Street

Cons: Everything is overpriced, the staff is snobby.

Posted 06/02/07

Finding someone that knows how to cut thick curly hair can be hard. If you have curly hair you know what I mean. The Ruby Room is a salon that has no attitude. I'm sick of going to super trendy salons but never leaving satisfied. Charles cut my hair and I've never been happier. This is by far the best cut I've ever had. I will never let anyone touch my hair again.

Posted 05/24/07

What a interesting place. My friend and I visited after seeing them on some style show. We stayed for an hour and a half , missed our lunch and had so much fun learning about our energy and hanging about in the healing store playing with crystals and reading books. They spent so much time with us teaching us about healing and energy. The people working were very patient and friendly. I am not a frequent spa-goer but when I have the means, I will be back.

Pros: see their menu for coupons for free "mini services"

Cons: parking on saturday was tough

Posted 05/23/07

I went for an acupuncture treatment.The not tranquil waiting area was the gift shop.They had random chairs scattered about and there were people shopping around me. At one point a fix-it man hollered through a door.
He was angry and cursing about something that was going on there.
I felt very uncomfortable.
On my way to the treatment room .I passed several women with lap tops reading auras. Maybe this was a waiting room at one time.
I liked the acupuncturist but, not the upselling.
Would never go back.

Cons: expensive snake oil

Posted 05/10/07

I'll keep it simple as reviews stated here this place is absurd not so well maintained. Got my mom and wife a get-away-day package here sure enough it was a total disaster to bad I didn't read some of the reviews here. It was expensive I thought to myself worth the price at first but when I saw my mother later that day she and my wife painted a different picture for me. Let me just say this my mother owns a cleaning service and she told me she was very close to just walk out after an hour of being here. By the way sales pressure of products is overwhelming. I believe people should be aware of places like this.

Pros: None

Cons: someone needs to clean this place

Posted 05/05/07

I bought a get-away-day for my girlfriend and my sister at this place. My girlfriend came home crying saying that she felt she was all out of wack with stomach aches. Between her sniffles and tears, I found out that she had an Intuitive Blend, where the psychic - or as they call it "intuitive" - had told her that she need to make major changes in her life before she could continue on. What the heck does that mean? Weird and Scary. It took me over an hour to calm her down and remind her I love her. All I have to say is that I definately regret putting my girl through that and would highly reccomend thinking twice before going to this creepy place. The menu says they are all about spirituality and wellness, but my girlfriend came home with more negative gunk stuck on her than she went in with. Be aware and be careful if you decide to venture in.

Cons: Poor Readings, Not Encouraging, Leave Clients Crying

Posted 05/01/07

This place was reccomended to me by a friend... no wonder I think that friend is crazy! I tried a Ruby Room yoga class and I felt as if the instructor was impersonal. The worst thing about it was the room itself was freezing cold. Weirdly enough the owner, was in the same class as me and made no chages to the temp, even though a few others made comments about it . I also, don't think they ever wash the mats or launder the blankets and eye compresses - how stinky. If you like impersonal yoga classes, nose-running & finger numbing cold rooms, and an unclean facility then this is the place for you. If the owners really do take into consideration some critiques, as the below rating suggested, then they will read this and make some changes.

Pros: Great neighborhood with other amazing stores nearby.

Cons: Unclean to usual standards. Lacks personality.

Posted 04/15/07

I completely disagree with the previous review. I have been a regular at Ruby Room for over 1.5 years. They happen to carry great products and have given me great service. I have had one visit that was not the usual perfection. I took the time to give constructive feedback and the owner personally called me and was most receptive and gracious in effort to make things right. If you take a look at the details of this business it is quite obvious that they have spent an incredible amount of personal attention to make it special. This is not a corporate spa and it is certianly not a cookie cutter experience. The staffers here are real, accomodating and pay attention to your needs. I have received phone calls from my hairstylist and facialist to 'check in' and make sure my products were working. This is extremely rare these days. The only protocol here is quality.

Pros: staff, service, unique selection, quality, location

Cons: can be difficult to park on the weekends

Posted 04/14/07

This place is geared toward people who have money period. They don't really care about holistic or spirtual healing as much as they care about making money. The people can be a little snobby and they are all trained to follow "ruby room" protocol, which is to keep you coming back by telling you that you need more treatments that your chakra is out of alignments and you need to spend more money on crystals and such. They have a very high turnover of employees, which should say something about the business.

Cons: Hard to find parking and they have nothing that you couldn't find elsewhere

Posted 04/11/07

I just moved from Scottsdale AZ to Chicago, and thought this was the Urban Spa Experience. Boy was I wrong. The product selection was mediocre, and didn't match the spirit of the place. I tried to ignore my gut feeling to just turn around and go home, but decided to give this place a chance and book a Spa treatment. When I returned for my appointment the staff was cold and impersonal, the rooms were even colder, and I had thought my therapist forgot about me, because I waited way too long - and when she returned she said my name wrong. Yes this place is big and beautiful, but it's not worth the money. Coming from a city and state where Spirituality and Spa are on every corner, I consider myself a well-seasoned SpaGoer and I would never go back to the Ruby Room.

Posted 04/01/07

I actually happened upon this place quite by accident, wanting to take refuge from the snow. Boy, was I in luck. Ruby Room gave me the most wonderful spa experience I've ever had! From the moment you walk in the door: fresh flowers everywhere, the hip, yet totally friendly and cozy atmosphere, and the services are actually unique...something that one never finds anymore in the superabundance of spas in Chicago! I just had to leave a glowing review for this place, and I was quite surprised when I read the previous negative review. I suppose everyone has their bad days, but I personally found the staff to be extremely friendly and good-humored. I totally had a blast, and my facial with Amanda was out of this world. I'm going to be making ruby room a regular treat!

Pros: Unique services, awesome atmosphere, friendly staff

Cons: Maybe parking, though I found free street parking pretty easily

Posted 02/20/07

This is a different kind of spa. Treatments were unique and quite intriguing. My group left laughing and pleased with the level of attention we received. I'll be back.

Pros: enjoyable, different and not your usual run of the mill spa menu

Posted 01/29/07

Had my spa appointment at Ruby Room, walked in and the front desk girls didn't even acknowledge I was there - they kept chatting away like it was a high school reunion. The owner walked up and pretended not to notice them as she checked me in. The expierence just went downhill from there. I was told to go sit in the "lounge" it was anything but relaxing, while I waited for over 20minutes, my treatment therapist was late, the selection of magazine and books were boring and the foot traffic was distracting. I felt as if the spa service was rushed and the room was cold. I would never go back.

Pros: There is nothing nice to say.

Cons: Parking and Service were Poor

Posted 01/01/07

You would never guess it from the outside, but Ruby Room is really, really big. I was there twice before I realized the place has two buildings filled with really interesting shopping and service options. Front desk people are very friendly. My experiences there have always been nice.

Pros: Lot's great gift ideas. Massages are wonderful. MBT shoes too!

Posted 11/05/06

I'm not much for internet reviews, but I had to write after reading the one below. I have had nothing but great cuts here. No attitude and everytime I visit I feel like a queen. To each his own but, I love Ruby Room!

Pros: Super cute store and the nicest staff with great product selection

Cons: parking

Posted 11/01/06

On my recent trip to Chicago I was told by a friend to get my hair cut here because they do a feng shui to your face type of cut. Hers looked great, mine was terrible. The girls at the desk were very helpful to get an appointment for me last minute but the stylist failed to listen to my wishes.
First I was asked what I was looking for, I explained how I am growing my hair out for my wedding so I didn't want much off, plus I were my hair flat ironed pin straight. She proceeded to measure and examine my face, which I thought was cool and I was then told what type of style would look good on me. Of course I was excited however this is NOT the style I ended up with. I ended up with a Short curly mess on my head that resembled a female mullet. I was almost in tears. When I asked her when she was going to flat iron she said she would never flat iron this hair cut. And when I told her it didn't look like what she told me she was going to do, she said "I know, but isn't it fabulous."

After leaving in true dissapointment and now late for the event I was in Chicago for I didn't have time to have it fixed. When I returned the next day to see if they could no stylist were around and I was never offered anything to resolve the problem. Leaving Chicago that day I couldn't return during the week but left very dissapointed.

Pros: Great Ambiance to the store! Nice product selection.

Cons: Awful communication!

Posted 10/28/06

I've been going to Ruby Room for about 2 years. Terrific place. Employees really make the extra effort which is unusual these days. My massages and facials are always terrific and the Arconaa skin care line they use, is the best I have ever tried and I've tried them all. I talk about this place all this time to anyone looking for a great spa experience.

Pros: Great Service, BIG Product selection, neat concept

Cons: parking can be tough

Posted 02/26/06

First time I walked into Ruby Room, it just fealt comfortable. My girlfriend hosted a party in their "sancutuary" and then I came back the next week for massages/facials with my sister. I guess you need to experience it for yourself, I love Ruby Room.

Pros: pretty, soothing, neat neighborhood

Posted 01/30/06

I travel for a living and I can tell you without hesitation, ruby room is unique from anything out there. Someone has put alot of thought and love into this place. Visit if you can, I recommend ruby room to all my clients and friends.

Pros: beautiful, unique services, friendly staff

Posted 01/27/06

Every once in a while you discover a new concept that is just really neat. Ruby Room is that concept. My friends and I can't get enough of this place.

Pros: Super Service, Super Products, Super Unique Services

Posted 01/14/06

I went to Ruby Room for a hair appointment and was the happiest I have ever been after a cut and color. My stylist was very knowledgable and recommended some great aveda products to hydrate my hair. I'm totally addicted and am a Ruby Room client for life! I'm even doing yoga there now!

Posted 01/12/06

I got my hair cut and colored here about two months ago because I wanted a neighborhood salon to get my business. The only individual that worked at the salon at the time did a good job on my color but the cut was just average. I also purchased 3 hair products from her that she claimed would be excellent for my particular type of hair, dry. 1 of the products made my hair even drier. When I went to the salon to exchange the product (which I attempted to do only because the hairstylist implied the salon stood behind it), I was disappointed in the response I received. The individual who worked on my hair told me that she would have the owner call me to discuss the situation, which she never did. A much better salon located West of Damen now gets all of my business.

Posted 01/11/06

My Facial with Amy was worth every penny. It was a great experience. This is better than chocolate. I think of how great this is for my peace of mind versus other ways that I would be spending my time and money.

Posted 01/08/06