Balance Spa and Fitness

Bought a Groupon recently for a 50 minute Swedish massage for myself and hubby. Making the appointment was fairly quick and they booked us in for a couples massage for the day I wanted. They did ask for my Groupon voucher code over the phone as well as credit card information to secure the booking.

We arrived promptly 15 minutes prior to our appointment so that we could fill in all the paperwork.
The receptionist was really nice and showed us our lockers and gave us keys to our allocated locker. The robes are plush and comfy - the shoes however was a different story. The shoe is not slippers - it's more like plastic. I'm a size (US) 7 and they just fit me. My hubby's shoes were too small and he couldn't wear them.

The massage - omg!! I had Jacob massaging me and all I can say is OMG it was fantastic!! I like a light pressure massage - which he adhered to for the full 50 minutes. Hubby fell asleep during his massage because it was sooo good. The room was dim, light music ( birds chirping) I think and the beds were heated! Everything about the experience was great!

After the massage we tried out some of the facilities which included a pool, sauna and hot tub.
The hot tub was great. The pool was nice and like warm and I didn't try the sauna.

So why only 4 stars? I would go back in a heart beat- the reason for the 4 stars is because the pool area and jacuzzi was really dated and in desperate need of an upgrade! The changing rooms are average and there is only 1 shower available to use which would be a nightmare if the spa is full. I needed a towel and the only towels were in the shower area which was locked because someone was using the shower - so I had to wait to get a towel . Eventually I just walked to the pool area to get a fresh towel. So that was a bit inconvenient.

However - I'll definitely be back! The massage was the reason we went and that was phenomenal!

Had an excellent massage and facial here! Clean spa and professional and pleasant staff. The place is showing it's age a bit (robe a little tattered) and the complimentary tea is a different brand from before (used to be white lion, now seems like a cheaper brand). The staff is awesome and it is worth a visit here. Very nice for locals or visitors. I will return!

PS I have used Groupons here before without issue. This time, I mentioned I was going to buy the Groupon when booking my appointment and they said they'd give me the same deal if I paid them directly (this is better for businesses because they don't split the take with Groupon). Just a note for folks who may want to consider asking for the deal directly from spa!

Pros: Validated Valet Parking for spa visitors, sweet!!! Nice ambience.

Cons: Limited space, limited staff. Not so friendly front office staff.

I experienced major difficulty scheduling. Initially, I thought it was because I was using a Groupon or because I was scheduling two people, but it was because of the limited staff. Yikes!!!

Sean was a Wonderful masseuse. Cathy was a good esthetician & the nail tech, not ms doris (what a hoot, hilarious) but Angie (I think that was her name) was ok.

I had three services this day & I must say it was a good day.

The front staff did not have the zealous attitude expressed by the the service technicians, what a bummer.

This facility DOES offer health/spa memberships, what a plus. The hours are great for people that work & live in the downtown area.

I may visit this spa again, but hopefully there more staff & space.

Booked an appointment for my birthday wanted to spend the day at the spa, arrived at the hotel was a little late due to some unforeseen issues I had. Got in the spa checked in which was great. Was greeted by a nice lady don't know her name but she was from the front desk. Wasn't my first time here and I loved the first experience I had so I wanted to come back. She got me some of the spa water which was good. Because I'm of my tardiness I didn't mind her rushing me to my massage. My masseuse Taylor was very accommodating to me

He made sure I was relaxed and did an amazing job,

Next I was scheduled for a facial and Cathy was also very informative, pleasant, and proficient.

The only thing I did not like was how the front desk lady kind of demanded a gratuity from me. I felt forced to or else. Which I was gonna tip anyway it was the way she asked me.

Nevertheless I will be back to the balance spa I love it there.
My birthday was great!

Went there with a Groupon. Apparently they have it all the time. After today, I can see why....

Massage- they are sticklers about time. So anytime you need to consult or make adjustments, it's taken out of your massage time. This includes bringing you to the changing room/bathroom where you are given your locker, slippers, keys and robe. Big sign saying if you leave with their slippers, it's $15. Robe was $60.

It was a typical Swedish massage so it feels like she was just rubbing the oils onto your body. Plus they took time away from your 50 min massage for the consultation and for you to change into your robe. So overall, wasn't too impressed with the massage.

Nails were better. Judy was really nice and was thorough with cleaning the nails. But her massages were also pretty mediocre.

Dressing room was nice and the lockers were a nice touch. But when I was changing back into my street clothes, the back door opened and someone slammed into a woman that was changing next to me. So beware of your surroundings in there!

Talked to two receptionists, and they were both super nice. Teas and coffees were a wonderful touch, as well as allowing you to use their gym and pool afterward. I had to work but did think twice about spending some time in their cozy pool. It looked really clean and inviting. Bathrooms were also clean and well-maintained. They also validate your parking.

Update: Never heard from Spa. I called and left a verbal complaint. Don't waste your time and money here.

*** Note: the experience with the masseurs would get 5-stars automatically, but it was the initial encounter that landed this experience with a 3-star rating. This review does not reflect the service of the masseurs. ***

This was my first time coming here today. I decided to treat my cousin to a spa day to relieve some pre-final test as well as to unwind from the daily stresses of life. we had a Groupon and we wanted to use it before it expired. I originally dealt with Debbie when I was booking the appointment and she was the epitome of rude. She made me feel like I was inadequate because I was using a Groupon. She also made me feel rushed so I ended up calling back and confirming everything with Lauren, who was extremely pleasant. Fast forward to today: the day of the appointment. I called and spoke with Andrea (who was very nice) to let her know that we would be a little late due to the fact that there was a Saints home game. She completely understood and told us to arrive when we could. When we got there, she showed us to the area where we would chance and she let us go. Now, Debbie comes in and she's talking to me in a condescending tone because my Groupon said redeemed and that it wasn't supposed to say that. It stated redeemed on the day of the appointment at the time we checked it. I told her I didn't know why it said that because I had never used the Groupon prior to this visit. She then tells me she would need to verify the Groupon code, which at this point I didn't care what she did. When she came back she then proceeds to remind us that "we are late" and we need to "hurry because our masseurs are waiting." My whole experience with her was rude and very unprofessional. She made me and my cousin feel very uncomfortable. She would be the main reason while I'd never return. The only way I would return would be if she either retires or ended up getting fired for being a total b****.

Fast forward to our massages: we had the 50-minute Swedish massage with coconut oil. My cousin had Pia and I had Jacob. They were both amazing. They turned a rough experience into something pleasurable. They were very attentive and my massage was simply amazing.

For anyone interested in going to Balance, please AVOID DEBBIE AT ALL COSTS! If you can, please speak with Andrea and ask for Pia and Jacob! You won't be disappointed!!!

*please excuse all typos...sent from my iPhone*

We decided to book a massage and facial a bit last minute during our vacation via Groupon. We called before purchasing to make sure they could fit us in (2 people), and while they were only able to accommodate two massages the receptionist was very polite and accommodating. She made sure to ask if we were okay being in the same room (which we were) and it ended up being a nice little couples massage. We also were able to use both groupons at the same time, which a lot of places won't do - extra awesome.

Our appointment was at 9, so we arrived early around 8:30 as advised to get set up in our lockers and explore the facilities. The locker room is small and used by all hotel and spa guests as the pool and fitness center are part of the spa facility. We changed into our robes and spa sandals and spent a few minutes in the dry sauna and lounging by the pool before we were greeted for our massages.

My partner was had Aisha and I had Makisha - both were great and very respectful of our boundaries (my SO with her first-time massage anxiety and myself with a fractured arm to avoid). The massage was 50 minutes and we definitely got 50 minutes in - if you don't arrive early to change/get settled this will probably eat into your allotted time. Nice clean room, relaxing music, and two great masseuses made for an awesome relaxing day. They had water, coffee, and tea available in the "relaxation area" and also had many other services including facials, mani/pedi, styling, etc. I would definitely recommend this facility to others, visiting or local.

The 50 minute massage was amazing. My husband and I really enjoyed it. This was our top 5 of best massages, the masseuse ease each & every ache in our bodies. Will definitely come back when I'm in town.

So I was looking to establish the ground rules: Hair Salon, Nail Salon, Waxing Salon...get my point. And I have so many referrals all over the place of people who thought their places were good. Balance Spa inside the Loews Hotel was referred to me. I visited Balance Spa about 2 times -- like a couple other places I been to in NOLA, this one falls right in line under 'JUST OK WITH UPSCALE PRICES.'

The wax is terrible; hard and russian brand (cheap). The massage - weak, I asked for Deep Tissue not Swedish. I dare not even mess with my face, you have to be something special if you think you are putting your hands, let alone tools, on my face.

As others have mentioned, the hotel validates parking when you park valet at the hotel. The place is sorta depressing. Needs some remodeling and internal restructuring. I'm up to the job if they are looking for new executive management.