D & M Motors
DM Motors has been great to me. I trust them to always check my car thoroughly and only recommend what I really need. They also always keep their eye on upcoming services so you're not taken by surprise.They always give me options for cutting costs. They will pick you up and drop you off (if they have enough staff). Also conveniently located near Whole Foods so you can shop while they work on the car. Prices are competitive, but way better than the dealer.
PROS: Quality of service, location, trustworthiness
CONS: none
Watercourse Way
Watercourse Way is a beautiful oasis right in downtown Palo Alto. When you step into the spa, you are transported to an exotic temple somewhere in a lost paradise. The sound of rippling water, the smells of delicate herbs surround you. The space has been lovingly created and cared for, and this energy surrounds you during your precious time there. I did not try the massages or other services yet, we only used our time for hot and cold baths with sauna. I can't wait to go back for more. The gift shop is amazing as well. Friendly and helpful staff.
PROS: Beautiful environment, friendly staff, convenient hours
CONS: The good stuff always costs more doesn't it
Avalon Art & Yoga Ctr
I love Avalon. The studio beautifully and thoughtfully designed, with changing rooms, 2 big bathrooms, and a wonderfully stocked storefront/reception area. The practice area is gorgeous, well lit, and has excellent ventilation. The teachers at Avalon are the biggest attraction---only the best in the Bay Area teach here. The cost per class is reasonable and in line with other studios. The staff is superb too. I highly recommend practicing here if you care about the quality of instruction and the energy of your environment.
PROS: Quality of instruction, beauty of environment, location
CONS: Zero
Pleskovitch Lyresa Dc - Spine & Therapy Ctr
Lyresa is the best chiropractor I've ever been to. She is extremely knowledgeable about bone and muscle structure, she has a holistic understanding about the human body. She is an accomplished athlete and understands first hand about what your hobbies can do to sometimes throw you out of whack. She doesn't try to sign you up for more than what you need. She teaches you effective exercises for prevention. Her staff are very competent. Billing is always accepted by my insurance company, there are never any mistakes with codes, etc. I heartily recommend her!
PROS: Quality of care, professionalism, efficient billing
CONS: none!
Verra Angela - Sam Samudio & Assoc
Every staff member here from the receptionists, billing, to hygienists, to dentists are pros. And pros that are totally focused on your child's experience. They're patient, kind, gentle, and really take time to make sure you and your child understand how to care for your child's teeth. Even scary procedures like fillings are manageable. Every chair is equipped with pain-distracting video equipment (DVDs or videogames). The office is decorated in a fun way, with tropical fish, no dingy beige here. Hygienists are trained to work on kids, and my kids feel totally safe with them. Parents have a place to sit right next to the patients so you're involved in the care. They're more expensive than most dentists, and they only take Delta Dental, but they are totally worth it. Especially if you were traumatized by your childhood dentist, you'll want your own child to have the best!
PROS: Quality of care, location, efficient billing
CONS: Only contract with Delta Dental but sends courtesy stmt to your carrier
United Studios Of Self Defense
My son has been attending classes at USSD for almost 2 years now. USSD offers a professional, structured, and engaging approach to teaching the kempo style of martial arts. The director of the Palo Alto studio, Gary Flickinger, is wonderful with the kids. He is disciplined yet caring. The kids respect him very much, and so he is able to create an environment where even the most fidgety kid can learn. This studio is more expensive than some others around the area, but you get a half hour private lesson plus 3 45 min group lessons every week. Having tried another studio, I think we are getting a great deal--great instruction and building high self esteem.
PROS: Quality of instruction, quantity of instruction, location
CONS: Cost may be prohibitive to some