Rescue Rittenhouse Spa Lounge

I went for a facial with Tirzah at Spa Rescue after finding out about them ... and was blown away. The facial definitely improved the appearance of my skin... but more than that it was relaxing. I was pampered with steamy towels, masks, and lotions ... all topped off with light massage. I felt as though my skin received expert attention specific to my skin care needs, not just something the spa likes to sell, and that the products used and suggested made a HUGE difference. I would go back to improve my appearance... I would also go back to treat myself. Tirzah took excellent care of me and the products she recommended have continued to improve my skin the more I use them.

Pros: Glowing skin, expert advice, most relaxing thing ever

Cons: none

Posted 10/13/09

I had facial with Monica, very attentive, pleasant simply wonderful person. She gave me amazing massage which left my face relaxed the way I never knew it could. She removed all black heads that bothered me and used products to minimize visibility of my pores. Monica gave me excellent advice on skin products! She recommended P50 toner to balance PH of my face and I am extremely happy with the purchase.
If i may say money well spent on service and product!
Best facial I ever had and I get them every 2 months due to my skin condition.
Monica has my two thumbs up. I will be back again soon.

Posted 09/14/09

I recently spent a day @ Rescue for the 1st time. This was my first time ever getting a facial or a massage. The facial was a amazing and quite relaxing. The massageon the other hand was slightly painful and at times uncomfortable. Unfortunately, I would never return again due to the disruption caused by the dog barking several times during both services. If I'm paying $200 to for a service it should be tranquil... Dogs should be confined to your home or a dog park, not a place of business!

Posted 03/09/09

I recently went to Rescue for a spa day with my partner. We had massages and facials scheduled. This was my second visit with Rescue. The services were GREAT. My visit however was tainted by the dog barking in the reception area. During both my facial and my massage I could hear the dog yipping several times. Aren't Spas supposed to be quiet and relaxing? On my first visit with Rescue the yipping dog could be heard as well. I will not return to Rescue again for this reason. The first time I could let go but a second time forget it. If I am paying for a Spa service it should be perfect from beginning to end and a quiet serene atmosphere is a key component. A dog, especially a dog that barks, does not belong in a spa!!

Posted 02/18/09

I visit Rescue monthly, it has a calm serene feel with nice scents...
Mostly I love the services I receive from there.
My facials are first class,
Erica is very gifted and has a touch and presence that is calming and she shape eyebrows too..

Posted 01/28/09

I have seen Anna Marie for a manicure and pedicure several times and have never been disappointed. She is down to earth and very talented at what she does. Her polishes last longer then any other place (several weeks - no chipping!) and she even mixes her own unique polish combinations so you have a one-of-a-kind color. I highly recommend this place and their services!

Pros: great service and lots of options

Cons: crowded waiting area

Posted 01/26/09

After raving to my friends about my experiences at Rescue (with Samantha I might add) I was surprised by the review I read. I have had 2 facials with her and waxing...all great experiences. She made suggestions as I woud expect (finally a serious skin care spa in this city!). My skin was happy, glowing and begging for more! Hate to say it but maybe she was trying to tell you something your friends won't...like you need a lip/chin wax. I agree regarding the little dog, barks too much, snaps at people. Keep up the great work!

Pros: highly trained, quality products, location

Cons: dog, pricey

Posted 01/05/09

I've had several facials all over the US and this was the worst I've ever experienced. I had Samantha who left my skin extremely dry and I was red for much longer than I should have been. The aromas she used had awful smells and she tried to push products and more of her services on me. I will not be retunring here and would suggest others stay away.
Also, the atmosphere was less than relaxing with a dog running around, vaccuming going on while I was waiting on the couch and I saw two large water insects in the tiny lockeroom.

Pros: I guess the water tasted ok....

Cons: Ambience, Service, Quality

Posted 12/29/08

Having been to some of the best spas around the world I consider myself lucky to have Rescue in the area. The environment of Rescue is one that is both welcoming and relaxing. One of their CMT?s, Heidi, gives one of the best hot-stone massages that I have ever had. I find her technique to be very thorough and she approaches her clients in an individual and attentive manner. Heidi takes a very holistic approach to her clients that I find is quite rare these days and the result is a massage that leaves you both relaxed and energized at the same time.

Pros: Attentive staff, clean and open space

Posted 10/08/08

I got a facial done here and my face was all red and dry when I was done. Plus, the service was terrible! worst experience of my life--i do NOT recommend coming here for a facial.

Posted 09/03/08

Avoid Linda for a bikini wax. She clearly doesn't want to be doing them. Find someone who specializes.

Posted 07/07/08

I've had massages all over the world and have never had a better experience than with Heidi. She is gifted and inituitive, and completely attuned to her clients' wishes and needs. Rescue is a well-designed, lovely space, although the front desk could be more attentive and welcoming to clients.

Posted 07/05/08

I had a massage with Doreen and she was excellent. I've had a fair amount of bodywork over the years (including treatments at the Cornelia Day Spa) and she is top tier. I can't vouch for any of the other services but the spa is clean, elegant with unpretentious service. Hope to go again--

Pros: staff knows what they're doing

Posted 06/16/08

I'm not sure what happened when the previous reviewer had her facial with Linda, because she is by far the most attentive and quality facialist I have ever had. And she spends a good amount of time doing massage my shoulders and arms while creams or masks are on my face, making the whole experience as pleasant and relaxing as a massage. She gives me excellent advice on products - what is worth the cost and what to skip. She does a thorough examination of my skin and spends time lavishing your skin with fabulous products that make you look wonderful when you leave - not like you just got picked apart - and for days beyond. And the products and tips she's given me are so wonderful and my skin has never looked better. I don't have problem skin, so I can't speak to her ability to deal with acne, but I know that she is careful not to "pick" at blemishes, and instead shows you how to take care of your skin (and breakouts) for the long-term. I've been to nice salons all up and down the east coast, and I am now a Linda loyalist.

Pros: Facials, pedicures, manicures, ambience

Cons: Not cheap

Posted 06/12/08

I love massage. I've been to most of the spas in philly always a little skeptical that it will be good.
Out of the 4 therapists that have worked on me at Rescue all were exceptional.
They each specialise in different things so it's never a lack luster massage.
Park at Latimer and 15th for$10 a day and they stamp your ticket downstairs at the front desk.
I like to sit in the steam room before I get started but you have to wait for it to heat up.

Pros: Experienced staff

Cons: rittenhouse area

Posted 04/14/08

I was just at Rescue Rittenhouse yesterday for my facial with Linda. My facial with Linda was below average. First, she bascially made me put my head all the way to the top of the table, my neck was cramped and uncomfortable as it hung off the end of the table the entire time. Secondly, Linda's cell phone went off TWICE during my facial. Now, when you walk in these places they ask you to silence your phone, your think their employee would have to obey the same rules. I could not believe it. How unrelaxing!! She did not get all of pimples, she missed nearly half of them. And to top off this average facial, she applied some cream on my face and left the room for about 5 minutes. There was no rubbing of the arms or shoulders during those 5 minutes. If I want to leave a cream sitting on my face and be left alone I can do that at home while listening to my cell phone go off. This place is losing their standards!!!

Pros: private rooms

Cons: cell phone ringing and parking

Posted 04/08/08

I am a weekly massage client and have been to various center city spas as well as spas around the country. i was eager to try rescue since i had read about so many fabulous reviews. I must say that Gina gave me, probably the best manicure and pedicure treatment that I have ever experienced. her work is detail oriented and her attention to customer service is remarkable. I had the absolute pleasure of getting a facial and sugar scrub by vanessa. AMAZING and so relaxing. she was kind and sweet and truely paid attention to my skin needs. her recommendations were terriffic, and i could have fallen asleep i was so relaxed and at peace. i would go back to both of these women in a heartbeat. on the other hand, my massage experience was a dissappointment. Every week i get a massage and this week my therapist was out of town. I tried michelle and was not happy with this massage. I like a deep yet relaxing and calming massage. her strokes were so fast that i felt unable to rest. i felt like i was going to get swept off of the table. the entire time it felt as though she was rubbing bone to bone rather than hand to muscle. it was uncomfortable and i was unable to relax at all. she is probably very talented as it seems she has a huge client base including professional athletes, but personally, i like a massage where i feel relaxed and this was not that type of swedish massage. i was not even able to close my eyes. Overall, the spa is beautiful and i would go again. the service was kind and generous. the changing rooms were a bit small and confining, but again, cozy and quaint, and very clean. the girls at the front desk called you by name which was very comforting. the spa is everything it should be, i just did not enjoy this massage experience- very very sore the next day and my whole body is in pain..even my bones.

Pros: ambiance, customer sevice, facial, manicure, pedicure, makeup, scrub

Cons: massage

Posted 03/24/08

I totally agree with 2007 Philly Style Magazine- Gina is the best at mani's & pedi's! I have been to Gina on a few occasions; and each time she makes my experience relaxing and enjoyable. She is always very friendly and gives you her full attention. Gina is the only person that has given me a pedicure that has not put me on edge (im a naturally VERY ticklish). Go to her and she will make your hands and feet look flawless!

Pros: relaxing atmosphere; talented staff

Cons: the owner walks around staring at people and looks miserable

Posted 02/05/08

I moved out of Philadelphia almost a year ago and still make the trip downtown for my spa services at Rescue. All of the staff there is wonderful - friendly and personable and make you feel so comfortable. Lind gave me th most amazing facial I ever had... I did the "wedding ready" facial package - saw her three times before my big day and my skin felt and looked so good I couldn't believe it. She made great at-home skin care recommendations without pushing Rescue's products on me. Nevis did the most beautiful job on my makeup for my wedding. She takes her time but it is well worth the wait. The spa service I take advantage of the most is getting waxed. Rachel is fantastic and makes getting a brazilian bikini wax and experience I (almost) look forward to. She also dyes and waxes my eyebrows to perfection.

Pros: The treatments are top notch esp. facials, wax and make-up/

Cons: not the kind of place you go to "hang out" between or before/after treatments.

Posted 01/13/08

I own a highly successful day spa in Short Hills, NJ so I am more than familiar with spa services. While conducting business in Philadelphia I decided to try Rescue Spa having heard some buzz.. The spa itself has a nice esthetic although I was not impressed with the waiting area's proximity to the toilets or a little barking dog who does not appear to be trained to be around the public. I was booked with Linda and had a facial which was well thought out with attention to detail which I find quite uncommon in this industry nowadays. Her client focus is a gift that cannot be taught. My skin was glowing afterwards with no redness or irritation. It is not my practice to poach upon other spa owners but if she ever moves to North Jersey she has a position waiting for her.

Pros: Very personalized

Cons: Barking Dog

Posted 08/08/07

Quite an unpleasant experience which is really not what I had expected from Rescue. After reading many reviews about this spa I decided to try it on my visit to downtown. Well the owner,a polish woman, was rather rude and quite cold. The massage was 2nd rate-at best, and the facial-well let's just say it was a facial.
I cannot understand all the glowing reviews about Resuce-it is quite 2nd tier-maybe third tier!!

Cons: rudeness,poor services and a rather long wait

Posted 03/16/07

I have been there maybe 4 times, and every time, I receive a facial of exceptional quality from Linda. My skin feels velvety soft, and what's amazing is that it lasts for days. Trust and believe, I will be back!!

Pros: Esthetician who knows skin

Posted 03/12/07

Love this place. I received the best facial ever. This place gave me one of the best facials I ever had. It?s not the "leave you in the room with a mask on" just to use up some time. She answered all my questions. Explained in terms I would understand and not throw ?buzz? words at me. She's such a great facialist, communicator as well as an educator. Thanks Erica. I also got a massage too. It was great!

Pros: Great service and value

Cons: None so far

Posted 01/30/07

I' m from Paris, France and came across this spa from being in the Medical Towers Building. When the elevator doors opened I was shocked to see Biologique on their shelves.. Being in the restaurant business I asked around who is a great esthetician from Rescue.. I called immediately and booked a facial with ERICA...Everything that was said about her was 100 percent true plus more... She is highly skilled and very patient and adds things on during the facial. I left hair free, skin radiant and eyebrows to die for...with tint and shape...I loved everything and will be back on a regular basis... GO SEE ERICA FOR A FREE CONSULTATION

Posted 01/24/07

Great experience! I just moved from another city, and didn?t know where to go for eyebrow waxing, as it can be scary to trust someone new. I wasn?t sure if I was going to find a spa as good as the one I frequented in Chicago. I read complimentary reviews, and decide to try this spa. Michelle M. was great?.she was meticulous, and I was very happy with the results. I will return to this spa for my eyebrows, and might try their other services, too.

Pros: Atmosphere, Customer Service, Skilled staff

Posted 01/09/07

I am getting married this month and after talking and after visiting 5 skin care people in 2 states for consultations I decided on Linda at Rescue. She did not rush me through my consultation (which was free) and really listened to my concerns. I cannot say enough about what she did for my skin which took 3 facials to achieve over a 4 month period. I bought products and for once really understood why I was using them and what to expect from them. She gave me her email address and told me contact her with any questions I have about my skin or the product. AND if the products didn't do as promised we'd try something else no risk to me. Premium service. Does this happen anymore anywhere??? My skin was NOT good when I came to her. Now people I don't even know tell me I have a nice complexion. My makeup
artist for my wedding has got the easiest job in the world. My mom is now coming to Linda and I am a fan for life.

Pros: Really personalized service. Nice steam shower

Cons: a yappy little watch dog

Posted 12/15/06

My boyfriend sent me here to be rescued from work and school and it is by far the best massage I have ever received. (Alexander). I think it was the little extras, I got a mini exfoliating lotion on my feet and then he worked on getting all the knots out in my shoulders and upper back, the oil was warm and he wiped the excess oil off afterwards with nice hot towels. I also got a unique cookie and candy snack afterwards while waiting for my facial. I had my facial with Michelle Martin and it was very relaxing, my skin is ultra sensitive but her extractions didn't really hurt which is great. I didn't feel pressure to buy any products but she did make one recommendation and I agreed so I bought some exfoliating pads for my face. The only thing that made me uncomfortable were the women going in and out of the dressing room without closing the door while I was getting dressed and putting my make up on...there wasn't a separate room to change in only a screen to change behind. I am already thinking about my next appointment and what I'm going to get. Also, I've been to a lot of salons where the aesthetician and massage therapist would not stop talking but this was amazing, they were friendly but not overly talkative so that I could just relax and drift away from the bustling city. I can't wait to go back.!!

Pros: wonderful staff; even staff who aren't working on you were pleasant

Cons: parking, dressing rooms not really "private"

Posted 11/24/06

FROM THE MOMENT OF WALKING IN AND BEING APPROACHED TILL I LEFT EVERYTHING WAS PERFECT.. BEAUTIFUL ATMOSPERE, SMELLS DELICIOUS, UNIQUE SNACKS AND DRINKS...MY FACILIST ERICA COULDN'T HAVE DONE A BETTER JOB: FROM MASSAGE TO SCENTS TO TIGHTENING MY SKIN AND WAXING, I LEFT HER ROOM FEELING YOUNGER AND LIKE A NEW PERSON... CANT WAIT TO GO BACK

Posted 10/17/06

Great place for waxing.. Erica's technique is skillful and artful.. never had better brows and always get complements on them...

Posted 10/16/06

Nives Riddles is the best! I was expecting perfection for my wedding day makeup and thanks to Nives, with her deliberate and patient touch, I never felt (or looked) prettier. I am not a makeup person so having an amazing makeup artist was essential. The foundation was flawless (as was my spotty complexion!) and the makeup looked great all day, long into the night. Plus, looked amazing in pictures. Nives is kind, calm, and a gifted makeup artist.

Posted 10/15/06

Michelle Martin is working in Philly again and I couldn't be more excited about it. She is truly gifted in the art of eyebrow shaping.

Posted 08/30/06

I was laying on the facial bed thinking this esthetician is unreal I've never had such a great facial. Later as I was changing I saw this little award in the corner of the room from Style Magazine for Philly's Best Facial. Linda was the recipient. She's low key and lets her work do the talking. My skin never looked so radiant! The spa should be bragging about her but I will. I've told all my friends!

Pros: linda has a very soothing personality

Cons: an abrasive loud desk manager

Posted 08/17/06

This is a superior spa. The staff is highly trained and the services are all doen to perfection.
Unlike other places in downtown,Rescue leaves you feeling refreshed and exhilerated,not scammed!

Posted 08/02/06

If you want a true urban spa -- this is it. You are not asked to change in a dressing area and don't have a chance to use true spa luxuries, like steam, sauna, dip pools, etc., but you're in on time, out on time and you get great results. I would have expected for my face to be red after the extractions, but Erica did a good job without making me want to hide at home for a day afterward. The facials are not inexpensive ($90 for a 60-min treatment) but I will definitely go back.

Pros: Service, Results

Cons: Price

Posted 06/29/06

I have been to rescue spa many times and brought along some of my girlfriends.. Well they can't stop talking about how wonderful their experience has been.. each technician was equally fantastic... We have been all over the world to different spas and Rescue equals up.. very happy and will be back.. Don't miss out on Michele's massages, Monika's manicures, and Erica's facials.. Pass the word on Philadelphia this spa is special...

Posted 05/25/06

It was with great interest that I read the other reviews for this spa. As a former New Yorker who now lives on the square I have been to this spa many times for services. I have tried everyone and will NOT go to anyone but Donna or Linda for my facials, Andre for massage and Carina for nails. They are highly experienced and CONSISTENTLY excellent. I cannot say the same for the others. They just do not have the experience and it shows in many ways.

Pros: experience, technique, product line

Posted 05/21/06

I have had the perfect spa experience at Rescue twice now. The elevator doors open up to a beautiful space, the spa director (Lauren) immediately greets you by name and makes you feel at home. Monika gives a terrific manicure Alexander got knots out of my back that I didnt even know where there. Rescue feels like your on vacation without leaving Rittenhouse.

Pros: atmosphere, personal attention

Posted 05/18/06

I never believed in practice what you preach until I came across Resuce Spa and their esthician, Erica.. She knows her stuff from flax seed oil, acai an incredible antioxidant for the skin to salmon egg and rose oil ... It feels amazing as she is explaning each step and telling me how my skin is going to benefit from it...She is in her thirties and has the most beautiful glowing skin- so when she speaks I'm defintely listening and advise everyone else too.

Cons: loud dog

Posted 05/16/06

Donna gives a very intense yet effective facial for those who have congested skin. The products have been amazing and I have been able to avoid a dermatologist and photosensitive medicine for the past 6 months. If you have the cash (upwards of $120) I highly recommend it.

Pros: Experience, Results

Cons: Price, Language Barrier, Facial Room is cold.

Posted 05/14/06

The elevator doors open up to this classy very european styled space.. The smells make you feel you're rolling around in flower petals... The staff is extremely friendly but a little unorganized .. It's nice to feel you're not in a typical corporate company... My facialist was extremely patient, knowledgeable and makes skin and eyebrows look amazing...I strongly recommend this hideaway...Must try services with Carina(nails) and Erica(facials)

Posted 05/09/06

Perhaps, as a neighbor to this spa, I would go often -- but $75 to have self-tanner rubbed on while you're standing naked in a cold, bright room? I can do this at home -better- and for a lot less money! I am hesitant to return to see what other treartments are overpriced.

Posted 05/08/06

I recently went to Rescue with my sister and friend. The best kept secret is Linda and Corina-skin & nails respectively. Both are brilliant at what they do and lovely people. My sister went to the owner who should have been good but wasn't and has a little dog thats as mean as she is. Stick with Linda and Corina.

Cons: nasty dog that nips

Posted 04/15/06

This spa is the best place to have a facial. The service is friendly, not overwhelming, and very professional. I have gone through more than a few bad facials and can tell you that this place is the best. I will definitely be back for mani/pedi and massages. The environment is soothing and the product selection alone is worth a visit.

Posted 03/08/06

I learned of this new Philadelphia establishment from the Philadelphia Style Magazine. Corinna was named best of 2005 for manicures and pedicures. She is wonderful. My problem is with the owner and the receptionist. They have a major problem with their scheduling. They never have your services correct for the day that your appointment in the book. They did not try to accomodate me in any form. TThe receptionist was very incompetent. The owner is extremely rude. She told me to go to another spa to have my services. And that I should have called them back to confirm my appointment when they called me and were not specific about my servies that they repeated back to me the day the appointment was made. Very unprofessional. I will not be back. I hope Corinna will find another shop that is worthy of her.

Pros: clean, nice atmosphere

Cons: no parking, no accomodations

Posted 02/15/06