I've been getting massages here for the past 3 years. There's a reason why I drive half way across town to get massages here. Most of the massages were top notch. Some were good. None were bad. Not sure what the fuss is all about. I normally have better massages with the females. Guys just don't seem very good with their hands.
Yes they do not speak English much. But they understand a few words like "softer", "harder". So I just tell them "harder" like on my legs, and "softer" when on my face. If I have several areas that I want them to work on, I point to it and say, "more". I am not Chinese and do not speak Chinese. They have all been very accommodating, especially the ladies. I usually do 90 minutes.
The desk clerk told me the chair massages weren't very good so I never tried them.
I've always been a good tipper. You can't expect good service for so cheap a price without a tip. :)