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| - I'm still a fan of the Elmwood but thought I'd update my review with a few things I've noticed/learned during my visits. I've been here many times (as you can see by my check-ins) courtesy of my husband's work benefits for massages, plus my employer has been buying me and my co-workers spa packages for Christmas for the past 6-7 years.
Mani/pedi's -- not the Elmwood's strong suit. They're no better or worse than you would get anywhere else, but you're paying a big premium here. Sure, the atmosphere is way nicer than your average nail salon, but ultimately it's the end result that you're looking for (nice, long lasting nails that don't chip quickly). I believe the problem lies with the fact that there are no fans here for drying your nails if you're not getting shellac -- air dry only. I wonder why the Elmwood chooses this method for drying nails? Last year, a co-worker and I got regular mani's and were advised by our estheticians to wait 30 minutes and then we could go. We waited about 45 minutes, well over the recommended drying time, only for my co-worker to have smudged, ruined nails by the time we got down the elevator to the check-out desk (the day before her engagement party, no less!). This would easily have been avoided if nail dryers had been provided. Most recently, I got a shellac manicure, and within two days the polish became stained/discoloured due to an improper top coat application. Thankfully I work close by and they re-did my nails for free but that was almost two hours of time spent (and an extra tip for my manicurist) to fix a problem that should never had happened in the first place. HOWEVER, on both occasions the customer service was AMAZING and management had the issues resolved almost instantly. The Elmwood gets an A+ for customer service.
The Terrace restaurant -- the food has always been delicious, and lunch in your robe is such a treat, but I have noticed a big decrease in the portion of food that they now serve. I know it's a spa and you're not supposed to leave with a heavy stomach and feeling gross, but the past two or three times I've had the three course lunch I've actually left hungry. I remember coming here while I was 6 months pregnant for a pre-natal massage and lunch, and I couldn't even finish the entree. This was at 6 months pregnant when I had the ravenous appetite of an elephant. I don't expect to be over-fed when I'm at a spa, but the portions went from one spectrum to the complete opposite. It's now $38 for a three-course lunch at the Terrace restaurant -- not exactly cheap -- and with the plethora of good restaurants in the nearby vicinity, you may want to consider your dining options before you settle on lunch here.
The water therapies -- this isn't technically the Elmwood's fault, because they do have sign's posted reminding patrons to use their "spa voices" and to respect the fact that this is supposed to be a relaxing atmosphere...they just don't enforce it at all. One time, I kid you not, some guy was in the hot tub listening to RAP MUSIC on his cellphone. In the hot tub! Not only dangerous, but completely disrespectful to everyone else around. Sorry, but the last thing I want to do when I'm trying to relax is confront some moron about his music. It wasn't until I notified the front desk that someone came in and told him to stop, but by that time, I was too irritated to stay. Also, you'll often get groups of women who treat the place like it's their own backyard or something -- laughing and talking loudly without any regard for other patrons. I understand you want to use this time to catch up with girlfriends but please whisper! The water therapies are included as an extra amenity with most spa services but the past few times I've been here I haven't even bothered...
Facials -- just skip them. The Elmwood Essential Facial is a whopping $125 and never worth it, in my opinion. The last time me and my co-worker had facials here, her esthetician didn't even know what a chemical exfoliant was. Even I know what that is and I know very little about skin care. My facial was very lackluster and produced results I could have achieved at home with a bowl full of steaming water, a little elbow grease and some moisturizer.
Well, there you have it. Despite my criticisms, the Elmwood is still a top contender when it comes to luxury spas in this City. I still enjoy coming here, and will continue to do so for massage's and my birthday-- where they offer their 3-course lunch for FREE when you book a service during the week of your birthday. I will also remind you again to check out their web-site before you book to see if they are offering any specials. I was here a few months ago and received a free wine and cheese plate for booking a hot-stone on a weekday before 4:00pm. Can't go wrong!
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