Exhale Spa Chicago

PLEASE DO NOT GET FACIAL TREATMENTS HERE!!!! I went into the spa yesterday for a Smart Peel. The esthetician (Olga) continued to stress that the peel would burn but would cause no damage to my skin. When the peel was applied, it burned so badly that my legs were shaking but the esthetician continued to assure me that the pain was normal. After the peel was removed, the esthetician analyzed my skin and stated that it had handled the peel exceptionally well and that it had not damaged the skin at all. Well I wake up this morning and my skin looks like leather. The peel COMPLETELY BURNED MY FACE! My face looks like it's been charred and there are black scabs all over my cheeks, I cannot go out into public - my skin has been so badly damaged! I called the spa to tell them what had happened and Amber at the front desk told me she would speak to a manager and an esthetician and then call me back. Three hours later, I had not received a call. I called the spa back and spoke to Amber who said she had forgotten to call me back. Your spa severely burns a clients face and you forget to call them back??? I then asked to speak to the manager who stated that she had not even heard of the incident! I asked for a refund and she stated that she could not issue me one at this time and told me to call back tomorrow. You burn the skin off of my face and refuse to refund me $70??? I have been calling the spa for the past 2 days to speak with the manager (Toni) who has not been taking my phone calls or returning the messages that I have been leaving. I have scabs and scarring all over and no one will even return my phone calls at all. They seem to have no concern for the fact that they have caused potentially permanent scarring on my face, I have made an appointment with a dermatologist and I'm hoping that something can be done. I'm horrified!

PLEASE DO NOT GO TO THIS SPA. I don't want anyone to ever experience the horror that I'm going through right now.

I just came back from having a 60 minute massage and pedicure from Exhale. This is perhaps the 5th time I've been and I will never go back thanks to their total lack of customer service and rude staff. Since it's autumn and we're all wearing boots, the nail tech wrapped my feet in saran wrap in order to put my freshly painted toes into my boots. I don't think she put enough oil on, because when I got home, the polish was smeared all over the place. I've had the saran wrap thing done many times and it's never been a problem before.

I called them to express how unhappy I am that my pedicure was completely ruined, most likely because the nail tech didn't put enough oil on underneath the saran wrap. The person I spoke to is named Peter. After putting me on hold for a significant amount of time, Peter came back to let me know he would be unwilling to issue me a refund. He said I could come back and have them fix my pedicure. Frankly, I'm more annoyed that I have to spend the time to get it fixed than the money. He then said that the nail tech had said I was "short on time" and rushed out, therefore it was clearly my fault. He suggested I take it up with the spa director, who was not even in to take my call. Peter was extremely rude on the telephone and I'm shocked he's employed at an upscale spa.

And I'm shocked that an upscale spa would be so recluctant to issue a refund to an unhappy client. I didn't ask for a full day's worth of services, or that my massage also be comped -- I just want the money back for the pedicure which was improperly done.

I'm basically done dealing with rude customer service people like Peter at Exhale and I'll be calling American Express to file a chargeback.

With all the great spas in the city, don't bother with Exhale.

I had a great massage here from Aton, who is also working at Spa La La in Bucktown.. This is a very beautiful relaxing spa.. I would recommend Aton to everyone

I've been extremely impressed with all of the masseuses I've had at Exhale. A friend took me for my birthday 2 years ago and I keep going back! If you're looking for a full spa experience, this isn't the place for you. However, if you want a good deep tissue massage, I highly recommend Exhale!

Pros: Excellent massages - some of the best I've had in the city

Cons: Ambiance is more of a yoga studio than a spa

I just relocated for a job, and walked by Exhale. It looked nice, and being new to town, I thought I'd try out their waxing services and then maybe some yoga classes.

After scheduling a wax appointment with Kristen, I was instead given to Olga. I had booked the "basic" and it was quite obvious she was trying to up-sell me in the room. I insisted we keep it to the lower level of service and when presented with the receipt to sign I could see she had written the next level of service. Rather than confront her, I thought it would be best to take it up with the front desk.

Overall the front desk seemed inexperienced in customer service and started out quite rude. Eventually the front desk offered 25% off the more expensive service that I did not book. I made it clear that I had hoped to buy a yoga pass and make this my regular place for service, but I no longer had any interest. Almost as an afterthought (and after lots of rudeness) I was offered a coupon book on the way out.

Due to being overcharged, but more importantly not met with a level of customer service matching the price and decor, I will not be back.

I've had several services here-from pedicures to facials and massages. All have been excellent! Wonderful service, serene environment and great location!

Pros: Ambience is perfect

Cons: Parking

After spending 15 minutes on the telephone making appointments and giving personal information (including a credit card to hold the appointments they said they had made) (slow service, put on hold four times, "slow computer") was told that they made a mistake and did not actually have anything available at the times I needed. Big waste of time.

My "Exhale" experience started with a "Core Fusion" class taught by a cross between The Ballet Barbie and a Dallas Cheerleader. It should be renamed something that implies a flexibility class. The teacher was not interested in what we were doing, focusing entirely on how she herself looked in the mirror... Enough said.

The "spa" changing room is tiny and is FREEZING-- nothing relaxing about that! Several people complained to the front desk and the manager just smiled and said, "Thanks for telling us. Not much we can do about it!" The steam room looks like a police interrogation room. Bright white tile walls with a an even brighter light above it that makes your eyes instantly ache. No one was in it. It looked like it might be in a YMCA somewhere. Anything but Zen.

I was guided to the "quiet room" which felt like I had just stepped into an earthquake ride at Universal Amusement Park. Apparently, there is a skyscraper in early construction just across the street which is now causing the walls and floors to shake to the core. No mention of this when I booked the appts. When I went in and layed down for my facial, I seriously thought the floor would fall into the Walgreens below us. I asked the facialist and she begged me to complain "to corporate about it" as they had been told it was not viewed as an issue by corporate-- who are not in Chicago. As I am in town from LA and have experienced my share of earthquakes, I have to say that this scared me more! I was a nervous wreck through the entire facial and practically ran to get my clothes on in the cold locker room!

I did mention it to the manager, who smiled and said, "Thanks for telling me." And then charged me full price for the services.

Pros: Good teas and water, nice robe

Cons: Cold Changing Room, Teacher for Core Fusion not good, Construction work going on

Exhale's professional, talented staff have remembered my name since my second week of attendance. I take Core Fusion, a great class that truly kicks your butt. Honestly, I wouldn't be shelling out for these classes--a tad pricey-- if they weren't so effective and if the setting and service weren't so luxe. Exhale makes you realize the difference a helpful, friendly staff can make: they understand that their attitude makes or breaks your day and understand that it's their responsibility to fix any problem. I can't rave enough about this place.

Pros: Effective classes, Fantastic staff, Beautiful setting

Exhale's whole philosophy is different. They aim to provide both inner and outer wellbeing. They call it a "results oriented" spa which means that it's not just about being pampered and beautiful, the treatments they offer are more like medicinal therapies that actually improve your health. The staff is helpful and friendly and the facility is beautiful. Prices are a little high but it's worth it. Parking is less than a block away in the structure on State St.

Pros: steam room, expert technicians, classes

Cons: need AM yoga 1 class

My spouse bought me a gift certificate and I finally got around to using it(I am a teacher). I came in the morning and was greeted by a smiling, welcoming desk staff who brought me to the beautiful locker room. I took a yoga class with Erin and wow, she is a great yogi.

Afterwards, I had a deep tissue with Nicole. She has the Midas touch and I walked out of that room feelin like butta! She brought me over to Beth and I had a facial. I left with glowing skin and she was helpful in assisting me in choosing some products from Astara(its all natural girls!!). I finished my spa day with a steam in their fab steam room and then showered - I love those rain showerheads, gotta get myself one!

Girls (and gents too) - do yourself a flavor and check it out, its DIFFERENT!

Pros: cleanliness, friendly

I had my wifes 50th birthday weekend to plan. I wanted to take the guys to a cubs game and the women to a spa. Exhale was so helpful in setting up appointments for the 15 women. They had it catered and the girls left glowing. This was the only spa I could find in the city that could handle a group of over 5 people. My wife was so surprised and thankful, and had nothing to say but great things about the services and people at Exhale.

Pros: Big, Friendly, Atmosphere

I think the thing that sets this place apart from the other spas in the city is that is so laid back. It's like going home and getting a massage in your living room. Everyone is so nice and inviting, and they make you feel like it is your place as well as theirs. Let's not forget that the space is gorgeous, and the staff is very capable. I am not one for facials, but they were doing some special whith facial and massage. Anyway the facial was suprisingly relaxing and painless, and I got the best massage from one of their girls. They gave me classes to take, but i have yet to try it. All in all I enjoyed myself. Had great stuff and no hype!

Pros: Homey, Welcoming, Experienced Therapist

Cons: Busy on some days, pricey (but worth it), Parking

I happend upon Exhale through a reccomendation from my hair stylist. I have been having some trouble with my skin and wanted to correct it in time for the many holiday parties happening this month. Exhale is not only a beautiful space but the staff was very friendly and attentive. My esthician was kind and really listend to my specific skin care issues. She used their facial machine on me which was a much more pleasant form of microdermabrasion than I have expierenced in the past...my face was not even red!!! She suggested certain products to me but wasn't in my face about buying them. After using them for a few weeks I already see and feel a difference. All in all a great day of beauty. I will definetly return.

Pros: Beautiful space, Knowledgable staff, Variety of products

Cons: Hard to find parking

Exhale is beautiful with some bad kinks.

First, it's so crowded with exercise people that you have to beat your way in.

Next, you go to the 'quiet room'. This is next to the employee breakroom. Obviously, someone did not think this through. It is one loud obnoxious soap opera.

Then 15-20 min past your start time (they were smart enough not to have a clock in there), you will be told that something is wrong. i.e. technician did not show up, technician can't perform the specific service or the price listing is wrong.

Bottom line, it is not a relaxing experience, and even if you give it another try as I did, you will still be walking out of there looking for the first person to beat over the head with a stick.

Save your money!

Pros: nice people, beautiful spa

Cons: timeliness

Ok - I started my day at Exhale taking Core Fusion. Its this pilates/yoga workout that kicked my butt. Wow do I feel awesome!!
I then had Body Enlightening which was fantastic - I never thought I could fly like superman.
Everyone at Exhale was so nice - they really cared about me.

Pros: Great Workout, Caring Staff, Unique Services

Cons: Classes can be full, No Men's clothes