Root Whole Body

For my birthday, I was treated to spa services at Root. I chose to visit the esthetician, Sally for a facial. It was the best I've ever experienced. She is a true professional. I have had about 15+ facials in my lifetime and this was superior in many categories; from the products she used to the tranquil atmosphere to frendly chit-chat - all wonderful.

Thanks for a great experience, I can't wait to return to Root for another facial and to try other services.

Pros: Sally Ann Hobart is fantastic

Cons: none

Posted 08/26/09

This is the first review I have EVER written and I am so happy with this place I have to pass it on. I've only been to Root twice, the first time on a recommedation from Blue Sky Wellness. I received a massage both times from Nealy and it is hands down the best massage I've received. She is great at reading your muscles and working with them to release tension. I cannot recommend her enough. Also, the fact that they have a sauna just makes the whole experience that much better. I've had a great experience all around, including friendly and helpful front desk staff. Every time I've called and been there the staff have been awesome.

Pros: Serene atmosphere, excellent massage, friendly staff

Cons: Parking

Posted 12/16/08

I've been going to root on and off since they opened and have to say, this place has really gone down the toilet. The last time i went, my massage therapist called out sick and they forgot to call me and let me know so I show up for an appointment to be turned away with little more than "We're so sorry. Would you like to reschedule?" I've also had more than one chilly reception on the phone when calling to make appointments and today was told they only offer massage appointments on the weekend, after 4pm. Gimme a break! The one shining star is Jay, one of the yoga instructors but you can find her teaching elsewhere. Which is where I'd recommend you go - elsewhere. There are so many nicer places to get a massage where you feel welcome, pampered and valued as a customer. I'll not be going back to root.

Pros: jay for yoga instruction, sauna

Cons: rude, chilly staff, overpriced services, high turnover, disorganized

Posted 11/04/08

My friend took me here on the recommendation of a woman at her work who is also a massage therapist. I've since been back once and had a different therapist. I typically get a massage once a month or so and this place has the BEST massage hands-down. They also have a sauna and a really nice locker room. Massage is a little more pricey than usual - $75 for 60 mins - but you definitely get what you pay for.

Pros: Awesome massage, great facility, lots of available massage slots, Gelato next door (oops, is that a con? ;)

Cons: a little pricier than most massage providers

Posted 09/06/08

love it. love it. love it. are you people high? LOVE IT!!! the classes are amazing, it's clean and welcoming, and the front desk staff are wonderful. don't hesitate go to shaney's class and call it a day.

Pros: everything

Cons: nothing

Posted 03/23/08

Well, it seems as though the new management really cares about the community and they have been offering some great services. The three massages I have had there with Bettina, Melanie and Patricia were super and the acupuncturist, Liz, is very talented. Shaney's yoga class is the BEST and she will kick your butt into shape. If you are not sure where to start, ask for Tara and she will help direct you. Blessings!!!

Pros: Acupuncture, Massage and Yoga! Tea and Sauna free.

Posted 01/19/08

A friend recently recommended Root in the Irvington district and i have now been there three times in the past two weeks. I'm already hooked. The moment you walk in, you feel complete serenity and comfort. The people were super friendly and the students i have met in yoga class are as well. As a new resident of this area, i'm happy to be making friends so quickly. I haven't had a massage yet, but all i hear are rave reviews about their therapists. And the friend who recommended this place just apparently had the best facial of her life last week. So what prompted me to hop on to citysearch is that i recalled reading a poor review when originally researching and just thought i should back them up with good feedback. I will be spending a lot of time there. Great variety of classes and a peaceful environment. Five stars all the way.

Pros: tea service and sauna with every visit

Cons: usually have to park on the street

Posted 11/12/07

Root positions itself as a high-end wellness center. And indeed, it has talented massage therapists, top-notch yoga instructors, a gorgeous dressing room and showers, and a relaxing tea room. Unfortunately their customer service is totally sub-par.
I've gone there for numerous services over the past year, and felt compelled to write a review, because compared to every other yoga or massage place I've been in Portland, Root's customer service is strangely inattentive, impersonal and unresponsive to requests and feedback.
One time I arrived for a massage, and the therapist was out sick. Front desk's response? "There's no one else available. Would you like to reschedule?" Typically a place will go out of their way to make amends in a situation like this, Root did nothing.
On several occasions, the front desk people have been downright rude to other customers and me - but these weren't the front desk employees, they were self-identified "management" on every occasion! Which makes it so much worse, because who do you direct complaints to? If management is rude, inflexible and unapologetic, you know you're in trouble.
So, if you go to Root, go for the yoga instructors and massage therapists, but don't expect a Nordstrom-calibur customer service experience from the people who run the place. If you're going to ask anything of management, put on your armor and set your expectations low.

Pros: Great yoga instructors + massage therapists, beautiful ambiance

Cons: Impersonal and occasionally rude customer service

Posted 10/24/07

a friend gave me a gift certificate for a facial at root and i have to say... WOW. my skin has never looked so good, and the experience was incredible. marywynn, the esthetician, is extremely knowledgeable and taught me a lot about my skin. (i thought i had dry skin, and i don't ... i was using all the wrong products!) she made me feel so comfortable, and the lymphatic massage she gave me rocked my world. i have never had a facial like this before... i will definitely be back!

Pros: amazing facials!! relaxing atmosphere, sauna

Posted 06/14/07

I had the most wonderful massage at Root last week. I had a woman by the name of Kat and I'm still feeling the effect of her work! I have had quite a few massages and found that Kat's therapeutic technique and relaxing/mesmerizing style were one of the best combinations i've ever experienced. She was knowledgeable about my concerns and listened to my requests. I couldn't have asked for a better experience. I was impressed by her follow through at the end of the massage. She brought me water and recommended stretches as well. I thoroughly enjoyed my massage and my time at root as a whole. I thought the atmosphere was relaxing and the staff were extremely attentive. I felt like i had the place to myself! I highly recommend it for someone looking for a quiet, relaxing, and truly rejuvenating experience.

Pros: Fabulous Tea Room

Posted 06/14/07

Molly rocks, this is the best circuit training class ever! Amazing what she can do with such simple exercises. I'm so glad to be sitting here with sore glutes and abs, I was worked in a great way.

Thanks Root for adding it to the schedule.

Pros: great instructor, love the sauna after class

Cons: only offered 3 times a week

Posted 04/30/07

I live nearby, was going to use a coupon that I had, called and left a message...no response. I called and left another message. No one ever called back. I'm pretty sure I was clear on what I was looking for (a massage) and I know I left my name and number. I've never heard of a business that is fairly new, NOT calling a potential customer back. Too bad....I would have recommend this place to everyone I knew had I been actually able to schedule a massage. As it is, I will steer friends and family somewhere else where they actually want to get business.

Posted 01/09/07

I tried out Root because I live nearby, and was lured by the $50 unlimited first month trial membership. And then, I quickly fell in love with this place. The instructors are all really wonderful, there's a great variety of classes, and the staff and surroundings are warm and comfortable. (It's so nice there, swanky yet unintimidating.) There's a nice variety of clients, too... old folks and youngsters. I bought a year membership, which was a big investment, but I am glad I did so. I always feel great during and after my visit to Root.

Pros: instruction, nice facility, showers and sauna

Cons: pricey, no midday classes

Posted 04/02/06

This place has a beautiful atmosphere and good instructors. The thing I don't like about it is that you can either buy a year membership (you have to pay a large amount of money up front) or pay a $15 drop-in fee, there is nothing in between. I haven't been back in a while because it is too expensive to pay a $15 fee each time and I can't afford a year membership. If they got class cards, I would come back.

Pros: Great atmosphere, Knowledgeable teacher

Cons: Too expensive

Posted 02/14/06