Urban Retreat Day Spa & Salon

I was a previous frequent visitor to the Urban Retreat West location prior to 2005. I stopped going to this spa because I'd moved away, but a friend had given me a $200.00 gift cert to this place in 2006. I never used it, had misplaced it, until finally rediscovering it while unpacking boxes in my move back to Houston this year. Unbelievably, I contacted Jade in Sales and she said I could still use it! How awesome was that?! Thanks to Urban Retreat, I had a great experience at this location with massage therapist, Sandra. The salt scrub was excellent and so was the massage she gave me afterward, and her courteous and professional attitude was great. I was turned off from getting massages before, but she turned me right back around.

Suggestions: the attentiveness from receptionists or support staff were minimal as you're only told to go or find the changing room, with no help in locating your robes/sandals, and wherever else you're supposed to go. This could be fixed if your aesthetician is the one that brings you from the reception lobby to the changing area, which is my experience at other spas. The interior is not very impressive and needs updates for what you would expect at a River Oaks area spa and price levels attached to it. The customer bathrooms/showers weren't functioning right, so those were closed. I managed to communicate with a service worker with limited english, and she led me across the public lobby to find a bathroom in the employee area across from their dishwasher. I also had to trek across the public lobby again to take a shower after my salt scrub, as they have no Vichy shower there. Being seen in front of several others in only a size too small robe, and with colorful stuff on my face or hair doesn't phase me, but I'm sure that others might not be comfortable with that.

This spa needs some work, but I still recommend it thanks to the great customer service I received from Jade and particularly Sandra, and I'll definitely consider returning.

Pros: Very accomodating, courteous, and professional, good cookies

Cons: poor spa layout, outdated and cluttered decor, utility issue

Posted 09/05/09

I used to be a regular at Urban Retreat West and was willing to pay a higher price for a good quality manicure and/or pedicure. The atmosphere has changed quite a bit so, although the quality of personal service remains high, the experience is not worth the higher price for the service. In recent months, there were several weeks that the receptacle for serving water dripped and was not repaired. Then it was removed and there was no more water service - only tea. I also noticed there was (and maybe still is) some sort of electrical appliance lying on the floor near the guest waiting area for manicures; not plugged in, just lying on the floor, looking tacky. Furthermore, in the past, soothing music was played in the background and the now presumably broken fountain trickled water softly. Used to be lovely. Now just ordinary. Not worth the higher price for the experience.

Pros: high quality manicure/pedicure

Cons: ambience going downhill

Posted 08/26/09

I wasn?t going to say anything until THEY called ME to put the blame of their inaccuracies on me.
I would have rated them 0 stars if I had the option.

1. Was that a massage I just paid for or did you just throw a bunch of oil on my back and rub it in??? HORRIBLE massage. When she was done, I was no less tense, but thought ?Oh well. You get what you pay for" as I had only booked a 30 minute chair massage, $1 a minute.

2. They messed up my booking and have tried to throw it at me because they took me behind a certain door? As if to suggest that I should have known what that means/ how they operate (no 2 salons operate the same way, and I had never just booked a chair massage before).
Experience:
I booked a 30 minute chair massage because my back and neck are all that I needed worked on and don?t have time for a full body hour long massage anyways. At check out, the girl informs me that I owe $70 instead of $30??? (Remember now, I booked a $30 chair massage) Instead of saying "Oh I?m sorry they messed up your booking" she says "well, because they took you behind that door it was a 30 minute Deep Tissue massage". After explaining my reasoning for why I should not be charged $70 since I did not ask for a deep tissue, I end up paying $30 PLUS a NICE tip (only because I feel bad that they messed things up for her) for a crummy massage and heading out.
I tell friends what happened and they all think that I should call in and complain on how they run their business/ about the bad massage. My thought was, noooooo times are tough and I'm not going to get anyone in trouble.
Flash forward to today, about 5 minutes ago, I get a call from their manager (I assume, I have no idea who she was) basically trying to say that I should have paid the $70 as a masseuse deserves payment for their services???? NOOOOOO MAAM!!!! IF I had asked for a deep tissue, or even felt like I got one, I would have paid. Give credit where credit is due, etc etc etc. HOWEVER, when your people mess up, IN EVERY ASPECT OF THE WAY, then your business should step up and fix the problem ...NOT throw it in the clients face for them to try to fix.

THE END.

I do not recommend this salon and decided before they even called me that I will never be going back there again.

Pros: location

Cons: read details below

Posted 08/25/09

I have been getting my hair done by Sarah Mitchell and she is fabulous! She listens to what I want and gives her suggestions to creat a look that I love. The entire experience is first-class!

Pros: full service salon

Cons: traffic getting to location

Posted 06/09/09

Philip has been coloring, cutting, and highlighting my hair for over 2 years now and I will NEVER go to anyone else! He is the best colorist and always makes my hair look very natural blonde! From the base to the highlights - he knows exactly how to make it perfect!
All blondes (or want to be blondes) should visit Philip Valt!

Pros: Best Blonde colorist in town!

Posted 06/08/09

Philp knows how to handle hair - PERIOD !
HE is TALENTED TALENTED in HAIR STYLING and DESIGN
HE can color like nobody's business
HE can dry amazingly !!!! silky bouncy and fast
GREAT AT LONG THICK HAIR
He is a MASTER of the hair service and will make you feel GORGEOUS !!!!!!!!!
LOVE HIM!
HE is a JEWEL and if you are lucky enough to know this man and have him touch your hair, you are never going to go to anyone again.

Pros: He's fast and accurate and talented

Posted 06/08/09

So I was referred to Philip through a mutual friend and I went to him first to style my hair on my birthday. I have extremely curly hair and Philip was able to tame it and make me look fabulous. It's always so shiny and silky every time I leave the salon and it holds up all day! My hair has never looked so good. From that point on I was hooked and I've been going to him ever since for cuts and style. He colored my mom's hair and she has never looked younger. He can work wonders with a dryer and a round brush! If you come to Houston, or live in Houston, you should be getting your hair done with Philip at Urban Retreat!

Pros: BEST stylist in Houston!

Posted 06/08/09

I had frizzy, out of control hair before I found Phillip! When I starting going to him I didn't even know what a round brush was. My hair was the definition of "a bad hair day" everyday! He took the time out of his day on my first visit to teach me how to straighten my hair with just a round brush and a blowdryer ! I left his chair feeling like a new refreshed person. I would highly recommend Phillip to any one!!!! Also, if you are looking to get highlights he is the BEST in the business . People ask me all the time where I get my hair done and the answer will ALWAYS stay the same ...PHILLIP Valt

Cons: none

Posted 06/02/09

I have known and used Phillip for almost ten years now! He has always done an amazing job on my hair. I consistently get complements on my color and how natural it looks!

Through the course of years of working with him, I have referred many people to him and they too have had positive experiences!

Try him once, and you will love him! I would not trust my hair to anyone else!

Pros: Everything!

Cons: None

Posted 06/01/09

I have been going to Urban Retreat West for several years now despite the fact than I live on the other side of the city.
There used to be a lot of reasons for coming back to this place: family-like spirit in the spa, very sweet and professional office manager (Lorane), treats for customers which are very important for working mom like myself ? to know that you will have something healthy to snack on while waiting for an appointment. And of course ? very professional and skilled personnel (estheticians, massage specialist).
I used to look forward to my visits to this place as a chance to relax and get pampered, get your questions answered, receive good advice about products and methods for skin care, but without any sales pressure ? nobody every tried to make me buy anything there!

Well, I guess these days are gone?. I?ve been watching for a while now (since summer I guess) the dynamics of changes that have been happening at this location (West) under the new management (Lorane is not with the company any longer unfortunately) and all I can say is: this place is going down! Big time.
The sweetness and home-like feeling is gone, no more welcoming healthy snacks and drinks, the products are being pushed down my throat (the ones that even I know I did not need). Personnel is not the same (even though these are the same people) ? it feels like they suddenly afraid to be too nice to you!! Very spooky!
There are way too many receptionists in the reception area, but you still do not feel welcomed and waited for.
The service now is performed in such a manner that you feel like they want you to leave? Well, may be because the estheticians are overbooked ?? Do not know why, but if does not feel right at all!
Also, I?ve read other people reviews and would have to agree with the person who unfortunately had to comment on the outfit of the receptionists?.Here is the quote from that review: ?I'm so sorry to comment on "dress" but the one showing almost her entire cleavage (what there was) really was putting off to me. ?
But guess what? let?s take a look at the management (Lana) ? the same ?deep? and unnecessary exposure of cleavage? Why expect anything different from the personnel if the management ?leads? the way?!

In conclusion ? I hope this information will help the spa management in making this place better (or at least not worse than it was for all these years). I can only hope that it will and that I will not have to start looking for the new spa.

Pros: Still have some good people

Cons: Not the same place any longer

Posted 04/23/09

I recently spent an incredible day with a team of amazing women dedicated to making me feel like royalty. Starting with Lana, who greeted me and presented me a lunch menu to choose from before leading me into one of the spa's multiple rooms to change into my take home slippers and plush robe for the day, to Chung, who gave me a luxury manicure-pedicure (including fabulous massage chairs while soaking), to Becky the gifted esthetician who administered a facial peel that made my tired skin feel alive again while I dozed with my feet up in a heated bed, to Virginia, whose invigorating massage touched every sore spot and smoothed every gathered tension, they oozed professionalism and made me feel like an honored princess. I'd expected to be bored, but the day -- which started at 9:30 and ended at 2:30, just flew by -- I barely got through two pages of the book I'd brought. Lunch, delivered in from Murphy's Deli next door, was healthy and scrumptious (I selected a Greek salad, which was generous enough for two). Everyone was on time even though the spa was a pleasant bustle of activity. In fact, they seem to have managed the art of time management so superbly it made me wonder why doctors and vets can't do the same!

I highly recommend Urban Retreat for anyone who insists on the best ... The fact that most of the staff have been there for more than five years, some for 10 or 12 and one for 16 years (Becky - who still has regular customers from the early days and drives an hour or more a day to get to work from Deer Park) speaks volumes for the management of this very special spa. I look forward to my next visit to Houston, which will no doubt include another Urban Retreat reprieve.

Pros: Fabulous facial, massage, mani-ped - with lunch!

Cons: I don't live in Houston!

Posted 03/23/09

I would totally recommend Urban Retreat for the best massage in town. Ive had my share, and Rebecca has the strongest hands I've ever felt , She knows what to do to get the extremely tight knots out of your neck and shoulders and you leave feeling like a new woman.
I also Recommend Kimberly for the facial , she was as nice as could be, suggested what she thought i needed and when i left , I was amazed what a facial actually is, its deftinatley not your mommas facial.
You have to experience urban retreat , Thanks to the wonderful staff ....I never met a frowning face!
I will return!
Nicola

Pros: Well rounded buisness

Cons: Far from spring , But i see theres one in the woodlands YEAH!

Posted 01/15/09

What a great visit to a Houston Day Spa - finally! I enjoyed my half day visit to the Urban Retreat . I reccomend Jamie for a massage you won't soon forget. The margarita pedicure was fantastic.....
Thank you Christoph (bet I spelled that wrong - sorry) for a new color and haircut I can actually manage after the visit. I have visited several other top day spas in Houston but Urban Retreat tops my list!

Pros: Great Service and Services

Cons: none

Posted 11/15/08

I live in East Texas and only get to come to Houston a couple of times a year. I visited the Urban Retreat last October for my day of pampering. I was totally surprised when I walked into the Urban Retreat last week. After speaking to several friends that get to go more often than I do, I was looking forward to seeing the "New Look of a 20 year old spa." It was so beautiful and new! I guess the "make-Over" on Urban Retreat was just what they needed. I have been coming to Houston for my day of beauty twice a year for 10 yers. I love the fact that Urban Retreat continues to give outstanding service and welcomes me like I am a regular spa goer! I have always loved my massage, manicure & pedicure and my hair cuts...now I love the new Urban Retreat. Thank you Guys for taking such good care of me.

Pros: Everything including the Valet

Cons: There is not an Urban Retreat in my town

Posted 11/15/08

I have been frequenting Urban Retreat for a while now, but I have only been going to the River Oaks location. A girlfriend bought her and myself a "couples massage" at Urban Retreat West- on San Felipe at Voss ( a spa day with my best friend, rated G for girls only). It was fantastic. I had Lupe and I forgot the masseuse?s name that my friend had, but by the end of the day there we were in heaven. I can?t wait to go back?maybe next time with my husband for another couples massage.
I also had a facial from Becky, and she was awesome and she suggested this new Sonic Skin Brush for me to use at home, so I took her suggestion and I am so grateful that I did. My skin feels good every day and my Husband even remarks on how clear and smooth my face is. I think that I will get him one as well.
The overall experience was perfect, including the fresh made cookies, juices, and the very best coffee that I have ever had. From the second we walked in I was treated very special. I still go to the River Oaks location, but I would not mind another short trip there for another special day.

Pros: Very relaxing and professional

Cons: I don't live on this side of town

Posted 10/23/08

I've been going to Urban Retreat for 15 years and have always loved it. It's hard for me to find a good stylist, because I have very fine hair and weird cowlicks. But when I started going there I found perfect cuts, great color, good customer service. Heaven! Worth every penny. Sadly, the San Felipe location has been slipping in the past year or two.

First it was just gesturing and letting clients find their way to their services rather than walking them back. Then I got a bad cut--which, yes, my long-time stylist willingly fixed. This last time, I got color that didn't cover the gray AND a bad cut. They offered to redo both, but I don't expect to have to spend all that time twice when I'm paying these prices. I'd really like to have it right the first time, which is why I started going there in the first place. My hairdresser seems distracted and less and less happy with the place. The decor is dated, the paint is dirty and peeling in a few places, and it's generally got a sad feeling about it. There doesn't even seem to be a lot of concern about leaving hair on the floor from previous clients. They have really let themselves go.

On the upside, parking is a lot easier, because there are fewer clients. One still-shining star is Tamara, the best eyebrow waxer on the planet. I hate having to find a new place, but at this point I wouldn't go back.

Pros: Tamara's eyebrow waxing always perfect, parking is easy now b/c of fewer clients

Cons: Bad hair services, run-down facility, depressing ambiance

Posted 10/22/08

Over the years, I have had numerous facials at many different places, but the facial I had recently at Urban Retreat was the best ever! My esthetician, Kimberly, was fabulous! As soon as she introduced herself, she immediately sat down beside me and started asking about my skin concerns. After a short discussion, she led me to the room, which was clean with a relaxing ambiance of soothing music and dimmed lighting. The facial was wonderful with Kimberly informing me along the way of what she was doing and how it benefited me personally. The massage was so relaxing that I nearly fell asleep. Once it was over, she asked me how I felt and asked if I had any further questions, which she also answered. It was refreshing to have someone completely concerned about all of my needs and address every one of them in such a relaxing way. I left feeling like a new person and will definitely be using Kimberly again in the future and recommending her to others.

Pros: Kimberly

Posted 10/04/08

I've always had a great expereince here, nice people and great service...
best massage therapist is RHONDA , she has short blonde hair, very sweet, sincere, professional and does an excellent job, i felt sooo relaxed and she really worked out my kinks! i'll deff be going back to her next time.
Best massage ever!!

Pros: massage therapist RHONDA

Cons: none

Posted 09/03/08

This is one of the dingiest, most dated spas around Houston. I went with two girlfriends for facial / mani / pedi and lunch and it was sort of a joke. The lunch is served in a nasty old waiting room, last decorated in the 1950's that felt dirty, and ...nice touch... allowed you to eat lame finger sandwiches off a folding TV tray while some chick's pedicured toes were six inches away from your lunch. disgusting! My girlfriend told her facialist that she had sensitive skin, and she was treated to a chemical so harsh, her face turned beat red for TWO DAYS. And at that we had to fight with the manager to get 20% off the facial as my friend sat there with her face sizzling. It really was a horrible experience for all of us. I would never go back!

Pros: The staff attendants were quick nice.

Cons: Horrible, dated atmosphere. Might have been cool in the 1960's. Grumpy manager. Poor service.

Posted 05/13/08

This place is terrible when it comes to customer service. I bought a pressed powder (over 40 dollars) here, on a recommendation from a friend. tried it out for a few weeks completely broke out my face, I looked like i was 16 again. I tried to return it, but since they have SEVEN DAY return policy I couldn't. I used to work at a spa and we always recommended a client try out any new skin product for THIRTY DAYS before they decided if it would work with their skin!!!! SEVEN DAYS IS RIDICULOUS!!! ALSO, I talked to their manager and she didn't help at all. I emailed their urban email address - FIVE TIMES that suppoosedly goes to their owner, and never got a response back.
I WOULD NEVER GO TO THIS PLACE AGAIN AND WOULDN'T RECOMMEND TO MY FRIENDS

Pros: NONE

Cons: RETURN POLICY/PARKING/RUDE MANAGERS/HORRIBLE OWNER

Posted 04/30/08

If you want the most amazing haircut ever go and see Kevin Batiste - he is FANTASTIC. I am very picky on where and who cuts my hair and when my boyfriend gave me a gift certificate for Urban Retreat i was very weary about getting my hair cut from a different stylist and salon but take my word for it, he is the BEST.

Posted 04/24/08

I received a gift card from my boss, who told me that there is an Urban Retreat in The Woodlands (closer to where I live). I called the San Felipe location (their phone number was on the gift certificate) and told them I have a gift certificate. I told them that I had been told there was a UR in The Woodlands and asked if that was true, because that location wasn't listed on this gift certificate. They confirmed that there is an UR in The Woodlands and gave me their phone number. I made the appointment for my gift package. When I arrived, I offered my gift certificate and was told to just hold it until I am ready to leave. Later, when I went to the front desk to pay, I was told that they were NOT the same as the UR in Houston and they would not honor the gift certificate. I had to pay $200 out of pocket. After a few phone calls back and forth, the manager of The Woodlands location said she had discussed the matter with the Houston location and that they agreed to credit back the gift certificate to my boss. She told me to send an email to the manager at the Houston location (she provided the email, too), which I did. The manager returned my call, spoke with their COO and the owner of The Woodlands spa, who told her that his staff said I didn't offer my gift certificate in advance (which I did), so they were not going to correct this situation. He made no effort to call me and discuss it. In light of the bad service I received, the manager of THIS HOUSTON URBAN RETREAT gratiously worked out an amicable agreement in order to continue to provide great customer service, despite the fact the other spa was clearly at fault. I deeply appreciate the efforts made by an organization who didn't even provide the spa services in question.

Pros: Very concerned about customer care

Cons: None to consider at all.

Posted 04/01/08

I received a gift card over the holidays to Urban Retreat and I admit that I was rather nervous at first because I had an assumption that it predominantly catered to a certain age group beyond my own. But my entire experience was phenomenal!!! From the customer service I received from a immaculately courteous and professional young lady named Jade to the endless smiles and attention I received the whole time I was on the property.

I received one of the best massages in my life from Jamie. I had never felt so relaxed and so invigorated. I also went for a haircut and style with Kevin. I'm usually rather skeptical about trying a new stylist but I had read about Kevin before in Woman's Day magazine and decided to be bold and try something new. Kevin was very engaging and proactive. He was very detailed and approachable while never once losing focus on me. I was extremely blown away with his work on my hair. I've already rescheduled my next appointment with him next month in which I will also be trying some color treatments as well.

Urban Retreat has truly been a phenomenal experience. I admit I was wrong and realize that they have the skills, experience and versatility to cater to women of all ages, styles, and professions.

Pros: Valet, Ambience, Location, Hair Styling Mastery

Cons: Closed on Mondays

Posted 03/31/08

I called Urban Retreat for the first time the other day and I spoke with a wonderful customer service rep her name is Christiana. She was very helpful answering all of my questions. I look forward to coming to Urban Retreat in the future.

Pros: Customer Service Rep

Posted 03/28/08

I called Urban Retreat to schedule an appointment and was greeted by a wonderful lady (Christiane) on the phone. She was very knowledgeable and knew who the best associates were for hair, facial and manicure. I recommend everyone that calls in to ask for Christiane, she will go above and beyond her duties to get you the best associate in each department. I wish there were more people as kind as she is., especially in this day and age. She is an asset to your organization.

Pros: Christiane - the person that schedules appointments, parking

Cons: Not having massages for men & women together.

Posted 03/24/08

I called to try to schedule an appointment for a massage. The recording stated over and over that services were available on Monday from 8-5 (I realize that some salons are not open on Monday, this specifically stated that they did offer services on Monday). I sat and listened to the recording for 12 minutes before (Shaquita?) came on the line and snippily told me that they were closed on Monday. I told her that the recording I was listening to said otherwise and asked her to note that. I really don't like this type of reaction. I wasted 12 minutes when I could have been calling someone else. Not good customer service.

Pros: I've enjoyed services here before

Cons: Mistreatment on the phone by an employee

Posted 03/16/08

I just had to take a moment and write about my experience at Urban Retreat with their makeup artist,Valette.
I have to admit I normally feel queasy going in for a makeover because I have had such bad experiences at other spas.
I normally come out looking like someone...I don't want to look like-too overdone or made up.
This was not the case with Valette, she took the time to find out what my challenges were with my makeup and skincare routines. She asked alot of questions about what I wanted {What a concept!}and then went to work on my makeup application. She explained how I could achieve the same look at home and gave me all sorts of fun tips along the way.
I had so much fun and felt very comfortable with her. The best part is I looked great when I left.She really did a great job.
Very talented makeup artist. The whole staff seemed friendly and nice. I highly recommend her....
I love the Franche mineral line they carry and it is a Texas company,too, which is nice.

Posted 03/09/08

If you want the best service in the City talk to Joan (MANAGER). Joan is excellent when it comes to solving any issues with the salon and will work with you. I have experienced some issues at Urban Retreat, but have been more than satisified as to how Joan works with the problem and solves it. Hats off to the Owners of Urban Retreat for hiring a fabulous manager!

Pros: Story Laurent and the mangement staff

Cons: The fountains are too noisy and it is not a peaceful atmosphere

Posted 02/28/08

I went to the Urban Retreat a few weeks ago. I have heard so much about it in the community and from my neighbors that I had to try myself. I have lived in Houson for 6 years and have tried every "A" salon in town! This was by far.... hands down the most relaxing and wonderful experience I had. I had my hair done by Story. She said that she was using an Italian color on me. I have never looked so good. She finally did what I have been asking for years! This week I have traveled to Los Angeles and NYC and people stopped me in the airport to ask me about my hair. Story also reccommended their new Italian shampoo and conditioner by Alfa Parf.... the smell is divine! (a man on the plane said he loved the way my hair smelled!) I love the way my hair looks and feels. I love the color too! The experience was worth every penny ! 5 weeks later people are still stopping me in random places. Thank you Urban Retreat and Story. I can't stop telling people about my experience or raving about my new products. See you in a couple weeks!

Pros: Hair, New Fresh products, Hair color, stylists, manager, parking, price is well worth what you are getting

Cons: That I did not go sooner

Posted 02/11/08

I have visited Urban Retreat countless numbers of times, whether attending a wedding, school formal dance, or just a relaxing day at the spa. I have received amazing treatment with the staff. If there are any mix ups or accidental appoinment cancellations, as has happened to me once, the staff graciously helps to provide the services needed. In particular, Story Laurent, a wonderful hairdresser who has extreme talent in her field creates, shall I say, "masterpieces" with her up-dos for formal events. As a picky person with makeup and manicures, I can walk in to Urban Retreat and let Story do my hair and she just goes wild with style, and not once have I been disappointed with her work. She is definitely one of the best members of the staff at Urban Retreat to help fix problems, whether it be split ends, or messed up makeup, she helps her customers feel the most satisfied when they walk out of Urban Retreat. I highly recommend scheduling services with her because you will definitely get the hair style, cut, or color that you go in hoping for; SHE'S AMAZING.

Pros: Service! Story Laurent & Catha Duck

Cons: Pricey

Posted 02/06/08

I am very picky about my hair. I cry everytime I get it cut, no joke. But Story Laurent did my hair the other day and it was exactally how I wanted it. She did my hair for prom last year and I fell in love! This past weeked she did my hair for senior presentation and it was amazing. The effort she puts into it is amazing, all i did was explain how I wanted it and she did EXACTALY what I wanted and more. I got so many compliments. If you are picky about your hair TRUST HER I did and I am so glad.

Posted 01/21/08

I recently went to Urban Retreat to get my hair done by a wonderful cosmetologist named Story, she did some sort of Japanese straightening and it turned out lovely. She also did a wonderful job giving my bangs some style and trimming my ends. She did and incredible job and my hair is so nice and straight and perfect. I will be coming back.

Posted 01/18/08

I have been a client of Story Laurent for years and if anyone in or around the Houston area is looking for a hairdresser who will give them exactly what they are looking for, they should look no where else because she is just that. Any client can explain to her what they would like their hair to look like, no matter if it's with color, cut, or style, she will deliver exactly what is asked for. She is the most incredible stylist and I am absolutely amazed every time I leave. She is a color specialist and is especially good at updo's if anyone ever needs a style for any formal occasion. I highly recommend Story Laurent to customers of all types.

Posted 01/18/08

Urban Retreat is such a great place! Everyone is extremely kind there and very hospitable. For hair color, cut, and style I definitely suggest Story Laurent, also. I have never had my hair look so good and received so many compliments on it! I will be back to Urban Retreat very soon!

Posted 01/18/08

Over the holidays I visited the Urban Retreat West location. WOW! In my own backyard I found a great place. Lorraine was amazing and friendly and helped me get ready for a great spa experience. This place is smaller than the Big Urban Retreat in River Oaks, but they matched up to all I have ever heard about the big location! My services were excellent, I had the best facial I have ever had by Natalyia, and great pedicure & manicure.
The service was fabulous. It is a true treasue, I found this smaller Urban Retreat so friendly, cozy and warm.

Pros: Location for Memorial folks

Cons: NONE..........

Posted 01/02/08

I love the Stone Massage Mani. & Pedi. I received at Urban Retreat on Saturday.
It was the most relaxing Mani & Pedi. I have ever had. Both lasted an hour and I felt like I had spent more time than I had when I was finished. The stone massage on the arms and legs made it so special. This was my first experience at the main Urban Retreat on San Felipe. It was GREAT! Loved the great coffee and cookies too!

Pros: VALET and not over priced at all.....................

Posted 12/11/07

Urban Retreat Day Spa was like taking a vacation, I did not want to go home. The staff was helpful and educated about the products and services. I have had a headache off and on for six weeks due to sinus, the massage and steam with the facial was just the thing for me. But what really helped to eliminate the headache was the fantastic facial massage for 15 minutes. I truly felt like I had taken a short vacation. Sandy gave a fabulous massage and Sabrina gave me one of the best facials I have ever had. I travel with business and I get alot of facials on the road!

Posted 12/09/07

I have been to Urban Retreat in the past and have always had a great facial and massage. I have never had a hair service. My stylist actually moved from Urban Retreat several years ago and I found her at my old nail shop. The problem with some hair stylists is they do not listen to what you want...She didn't. Because her hair is reddish she wanted everyone to be a red head!

So I tried Urban Retreat. My hair looks great, feels great, and I Love it! Thanks Janice you did an awsome job.

Pros: VALET and not over priced at all.....................

Posted 12/06/07

Thank you Urban Retreat for making my birthday so special. Everyone was so nice and helpful. I had the best day trying new services and products. I bought alot of products to try at home ---so I can keep my hair looking special! Everything was perfect! THANKS AGAIN - Urban Retreat was everything I have ever heard it was -------------------------and MORE!

Pros: Helpful Staff and Talented Stylists and Providers.

Posted 12/03/07

Feeling is Believing and I felt absolutely fantastic after I spent four hours at Urban Retreat. Facial was great and I loved the massage. Hot stones were used in my pedicure and was the best pedicure I have ever had.
Kostintine is a magic man with hair. Honestly -----BEST HAIRCUT & STYLE I have had in Houston. He was so into me and what I wanted. This was a nice change to have peole so service oriented and Happy while they worked. I will go back again and again.

Pros: Services worth the $$$$$$$$$

Cons: none for me

Posted 11/30/07

I received a gift certificate from my girl friend for a massage and pedicure to Urban Retreat. I went on line and checked this place out before I took the plunge to have my first pedicure. I have had many massages, but not one so good as I received from Sandy. She really got the knots out of my neck and gave a class massage. My pedecure was a good experience and I liked the fact I was in a private room and did not have to sit in a row of women having the same service. The place was Man Friendly and had great service & coffee. I thought guys should know.

Pros: Man Friendly Place Valet reated my car with respect

Posted 11/30/07

What a nice experience I had at Urban Retreat. I really hate reading reviews, sometimes you just have to go and try something new!. I loved the service and the Stylist. My hair was a mess. I had a fabulous hair treatment and a haircut...andmy hair has never LOOKED or FELT BETTER!
The Lait is great and everyone was so friendly...So trying a new place was great for me. I won't be going back to my old spa anytime soon!

Pros: GREAT HAIR DEPARTMENT & FRIENDLY ATMOSPHERE

Posted 11/28/07

What a PLACE! The valet Armando was so friendly, I was met by two women that could not have been nicer and helped me get ready for my day. I have never spent the entire day at a spa, but I have to admit it was a great escape. My massage was wonderful - thanks Rebecca, the facial was the best I have had - thanks Valette, manicure & pedicure was fantastic - thanks Tam....my hair is beautifully cut --- thanks Janice and I love the makeup---all mineral Franche'. Lunch was great and I loved how I was pampered all day! It was 5 STAR.......

Pros: Everything was perfect and I could not have asked for a better experience.

Posted 11/28/07

Not only was my manicure & pedicure GREAT! I really have runners feet that need alot of work and honestly it was the best pedicure I have ever had. I loved the service!!
The coffee was great - Chi Tea Coffee, everyone was so friendly, even the valet thanked me for coming.

Pros: Service was Great. Peop[le were so up and happy.

Posted 11/15/07

WOW! Thank you guys for making my day so special. Denise helped me get ready for my day and made me feel so comfortable, I admit I was a bit uneasy as I have never spent the day at a spa. I loved my massage - Jamie was great! I had the best pedicure I have ever had - Tam used a cranberry lotion that was a great aromatherapy - I bought two when I left. Kevin was fantastic! I love my new hair color----It was a great day!

Pros: I felt at home - The lunch was great - and the services were so great!

Posted 11/14/07