Spa Ology
East Village salon and spa offers men and women on-the-go a pleasant destination for moderately priced pampering.
Message from Spa Ology
Spa Ology, just step away from Union Square is calming from the moment you walk in from 14th Street. The soothing colors of wickford blue and lemongrass green are refreshing when pared with the new white and blue furnishings. For and instant Beauty boost, stop in for a Paraffin Spa Pedicure and Hot Cream Manicure with a 20 minute Chair Massage. Have an afternoon to spare? How about a Milk & Honey Manicure & Pedicure with a Deep Cleansing or Collagen Facial Treatment along with a Deep Tissue or Hot Stone Massage? Gentlemen can be pampered with a Men's Revitalizing Facial that is deep cleansing, exfoliating, toning, moisturizing and is focused on prevention of Ingrown hairs and razor burn. Visit Spa Ology soon and view their many Spa services and Special Spa Packages.
Editorial by Citysearch
Everyone who walks through the door is greeted with a chorus of "hellos" (and, upon leaving, "goodbyes") from the friendly staff at this spotless neighborhood salon. Offerings include all the typical services (mani/pedi, chair massage, waxing) at mid-level prices, plus some higher-end options like a collagen facial and hot stone massage. Extra large, baby blue pedicure chairs are more comfy than most, and little details--like a fresh lemon wedge squeeze before the hot washcloth wipe-down, and an extended pre-polish massage with every mani/pedi--give Spa Ology a charming edge over most walk-in joints.Hits: It's open late, and even during peak hours there's rarely more than a five- or 10-minute wait.
Misses: Dryer space is limited--five pairs of hands and feet can be accommodated at once, and the machines themselves aren't very strong.
Key Points
- Special Spa Packages
- Facials & Micro Dermabrasion
- Manicures, Pedicures & Waxing
The Inside Scoop
- Look Good - There's a fairly extensive selection of both Essie and OPI-brand nail polish, but if you're wedded to a particular shade, you should bring your own bottle.
- Know Before You Go - Reading material is grim, but a large flat-screen TV plays a constant rotation of newish movies (muted, with subtitles).
- The Extras - The salon is extremely male-friendly, with a variety of both services and products catering to men.
Insider Pages Reviews for Spa Ology
The sign outside the store reads Waterlily's, but I guess the business is incorporated as New Water Lily Nails & Spa Inc. I was given a gift certificate for a manicure to Waterlilys, so I went for a manicure/pedicure right before a wedding. The salon is a little run down and could use some renovations--it's no Bloomie Nails. As you sit in the pedicure throne, you can turn on the massage features of the chair, which is a nice bonus. They have a good assortment of magazines to read. I remember seeing Bessie and OPI brand nail polish. Manicures never last that long for me, but my pedicure is still going strong. After the mani/pedi, I sat down by the nail driers and got a quick shoulder rub to top it all off. They have a mani/pedi special Mondays through Wednesdays for (I think) around $25 but dont quote me on that because Im not 100% sure of the price.
PROS: price, pretty good service
CONS: in need of an upgrade
Posted 07/26/06 | Report Abuse
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Latest reviews from Citysearch.
DO NOT GO THERE
by l amber
I went there last week for pedi and manicure. They did terrible job...one of my nail was bleeding, the nail polish was too thick so it didn't dry out at all...there are more things i could describe. People who work there no nothing about good pedicure/manicure. On top of the injury with my finger, they charged me for an extra without telling me that it's not included in the package i bought. After arguing with the manager, I got yelled and was told that I must pay no matter what. I couldn't believe I had to pay for my nail which was bleeding and feet massage I wasn't even told about. They really try to screw you there... obnoxious manager, unprofessional staff and terrible service don't worth money they charge.
Posted 10/14/09
Mixed Feelings!
by RubyFiraz
Despite reading mixed reviews i decided to try the place out as it's local to where i've recently moved. I had a manicure, a 1-hour massage and my half legs waxed.
The manicure- it was pretty basic, it didn't include much of a hand massage and the nails could have been painted with more care.
The massage- i have mixed feelings about this- the masseuse was a man- who was friendly and professional and massaged very well- in the end i felt very relaxed and my back, and shoulders felt much less tense... The only problem was that at times i felt uncomfortable because he was massaging too close to parts of my body i wanted him to stay well away from- such as breasts and thighs. Maybe for some it might be ok- if it were a female i would have been ok but if you're a modest female who generally prefers a female masseuse then i would stay clear of this place!
I think i would go again if i really needed a good massage- But i would wear shorts and perhaps a strapless bra- and i would be more vocal about what i am and am not comfortable with.
Waxing- it was good. No problems really
Pros: Offers all the basics- good waxing & massage
Cons: Manicure could be better, Massage not for the modest!
Posted 07/30/09
Impeccably Clean, Friendly, Relaxing, Long Lasting!
by Stephanie17
Spo Ology has the most friendly staff! They give great pedicures, using fresh lemon slices and sugar scrub! The basic pedicure also includes an extensive amount of massage time! I also recently had my nails silk wrapped, they did them just how I wanted them! Short, narrow and very natural looking. They are all super sweet and accommodating, it is truly a pleasure to go there! I also recommend a 10 minute chair massage! The guy who gives them is incredible! All services are moderately priced, but not overly expensive. They charge a bit more then your typical $6 manicure place but the atmosphere, cleanliness and service is well worth the few extra $. I've tried so many salons since moving to NYC a few years ago and once I found Spa Ology I would never go anywhere else! I highly recommend!
Pros: Clean, Friendly Staff, Long Lasting Manicures, & GREAT Pedicures! Open Late!
Cons: Slightly more expensive then the cheapy salons, but quality makes up for it!
Posted 10/28/08
Cleanest nail salon in the East Village
by NYer83
I was born and raised in the East Village and nail salons have come and gone, but Spaology is here to stay. Their impeccable service, clean utensils, efficient and effective, massaging pedicure seats, free massages while you wait for your nails to dry, in-house massage therapist, this place has everything and best of all the prices are reasonable. $10.50 for the best manicure of my life? Totally worth it.
Pros: Everything
Posted 10/13/08
Great, especially for us working mom's.
by Demarism
I loved it. I got a gift certificate which was for the Ultimate Stones package which included a Hot stone pedicure (GREAT!) a manicure (Also GREAT!), Hot Stone body massage (The Best!) and a deep cleansing facial. It was a great relaxing experience. I would recommend it to anyone. I must admitt it was kind of pricey but its definitly worth it especially for us working mom's.
Pros: Staff was friendly.
Cons: The only con i saw was the fact that it was kind of a small location.
Posted 10/09/08
Best place for mani/pedi in East Village!
by jacquelinenyc
I love this place! I have tried several different nail salons in the East Village and this by far is the best. It doesn't matter which technician you get -they all do a gret job. The staff is super friendly and its a great break to go in their every week after work. I feel completely relaxed when I leave. Definately 5 stars from me and I'm a regular!
Pros: Wonderful place, they do a GREAT job, very friendly staff, one of the best pedi's I've had
Cons: Pedi's are a little expensive but they do a great job
Posted 08/20/08
It's a favorite...
by Remus85
This place is the best! I go here once a week (at least) to get a mani / pedi. It is clean (number one priority) and the women / men who wait on you are friendly, professional and efficient. I always have the greatest massage, my nails look fabulous and they color selection is full. The only problem I have run into was the wait--which can be much more than just "5 minutes"....
Pros: Clean, Friendly Staff
Cons: Wait time can be long
Posted 08/11/08
Great Mani/Pedi and massage!!
by sarah_bg
I went in to get a basic Mani with a girlfriend. When I was there I decided to get a massage. It was the best one I found in a long time. I now go back all the time for a mani/pedi and massage every chance that I get. Also my manicure lasted about 2 weeks! very impressed by this place. They are also extremely clean. I recommend this place to everyone :)
Posted 06/05/08
Not worth it
by EastVilNY
I took my mom in for a treat . I asked for two basic pedicures and a manicure. They asked my mom if she wanted a milk & honey treatment for an extra $5 than the normal - It ended up being double ($50!) and throughout the entire process they kept trying to sell us add-ons. Then when I checked us out her manicure and my pedicure magically went up in price as well, the girl then handed me her own spa menu where she used a pen and crossed out prices and made them more expensive than what they told me on the phone when I booked. It would have been ok if the service was nice but the girl doing my pedicure kept complaining and would stop to stretch or chat with the other workers. I wish I would have gone to bliss or a nice spa considering my bill exceeded $100. So disappointed!
Pros: Clean atmosphere
Cons: Prices
Posted 05/11/08
Great for nails - but not for a "Spa Experience"
by nygirl222
Spaology is a nice upgrade from a basic nail place in the east village because the chairs are new, the environment is clean and the nail techs really spend a lot of time on massage for a basic pedicure. The prices were a bit high compared to other places in the neighborhood but it's probably related to the upgrades in the aesthetics. The massage/facial rooms are really tiny but I got a massage there because the pedicures are so great - it was not relaxing at all as the guy's cell phone kept going off and right outside the door an employee was cleaning up and kept banging trash cans around. Overall the service was friendly and accomodating though, I've been back since for my pedi's. It's probably better for a quick nail touch up than a "spa experience".
Posted 05/05/08
Great Spa Pedicures
by jclair
I love the spa pedicures at Spaology. They have like all different kinds of spa pedicures. I remember there were six of them??? I tried Spaology, marine, and milk and honey spa pedicures. And the milk and honey spa pedicure was totally cool~! Because it was something new, something that I never ever experienced before. The spa products smell just like fresh honey and sweet milk. But, it takes about 45mins, so do it when you have enough time.
Pros: Great service
Posted 12/06/07
Great savings on Dermalogica Skin care products
by shlove83
If you want to have great savings on Dermalogica skin care products, go to Spaology!!!
Since I have been using Dermalogica products for about five years, I always know where to buy them. (Not many spa places carry the products, and Spaology is one of the spa places where you could buy Dermalogica products) The fragrance is not strong as others, texture is very rich and soft, and it is very gentle. Therefore, I decided to buy some Dermalogica products for the Christmas gifts; professional shaves for my boyfriend, multivitamin power firm (eye cream) for my mom and the natural bars for my girl friends. (I always end up my Christmas shopping with useless things like chocolates boxes, candles, and perfumes every year.) And, when I went to the Spaology, Dermalogica was on sale!!! I was so happy to see ?On Sale Now? on them, because it was never on sale in other places. The lady at the front desk told me that they do the ?On Sale Now? on holidays for the best satisfactions and thanks for the customers. Whatever the reasons were, it is so graceful to have savings. How about Dermalogica skin care products from the Spaology, if you are not done with your Christmas shopping? I love savings!
Posted 12/06/07
I can imagine myself being relaxed at Spaology
by mu6345
I needed to get a pedicure so I decided to try at SpaOlogy where recently renovated under new management. The place was bright and relaxing. Decor was a bit classic but very neat and claen. First step to the last, the staff was courteous. Pedicure, it was amazing! The manicurist tried to be very gentle but thorough during procedure. I had the best foot massage even though it was regular pedicure. It was definitely not quick, rushed, sloppy pedicure i often experienced from other places. I think I will go to Spaology for my mani, pedi and also for the other treatment like massage and facial.
Pros: Clean.Great service
Posted 11/27/07