Root Whole Body

I recently signed up as a member at Root. The monthly rate is higher than a typical yoga studio - but Root is so much more.
A portion of the monthly payment is used for unlimited classes, with the extra amount going toward other services. Thus: Whole Body. I plan to 'save up' my 'extra' monthly amount toward a massage.
For me, it is also worth paying more since I can walk to the studio. The staff is wonderful. Each yoga instructor I have experienced to date has been terrific - clear and educational. There are a variety of classes, and also a variety of skills and ages of practitioners.
The facility itself is lovely; there is always fresh, filtered water and various hot teas ready to sip. The sauna is a real treat; showers and lockers are also provided, along with other necessities.
So much more than simply a yoga studio.

I refuse to go here anymore because I can't tell if the logo is spelling "loot" or "root." Sure I can tell now, I'm looking at the name in Helvetica on Yelp, but as soon as I drive by, I forget again. I just can't support such a ridiculously ambiguous design.

When I did take classes, It was fine. There was a deal of some sort and then when the deal ran out, I couldn't afford it anymore. Lots of bougie people in the neighborhood who can afford it, maybe that's how they keep the riff-raff out, but I wish they had a community class or a neighborhood discount for the people who live west of 15th.

If I dreamed up a place that's heaven on earth, it would have luxurious massage, a zen quiet room, yoga, holistic care options, a juice bar and cafe and it would all be under one roof. Oh wait, that place now Exists in NW Portland and it's called Root. I was lured in after spotting the enticing cafe with its open walls while shopping at new seasons across the street and by a special price offering for massage. The minute I walked in I knew this was my spot.

I've been looking for a one stop place to take time to myself to relax and quiet my mind. I've now found it. After my massage and tour of the facility, feeling relaxed and welcomed by the friendly but not pushy staff, i immediately opened an account. It's a great deal, for $149/month you get special prices on everything so you can get 30% off of the massage price. For me, I just cancelled my yoga membership elsewhere and hooked this spot where I can do yoga, get a massage, get chiropractic care all in one place. The health specialists all have a specific focus, holistic nutrition, hormonal balancing, etc. there is a wonderful private soaking tub, a dry sauna and a zen room to sit and drink their wonderful teas.

I spent an afternoon in the cafe with my laptop drinking tea and eating healthy snacks while I got some work done. All and all if you're into taking care of yourself and don't want to feel guilty about it and be part of a movement to a healthier life, this is the spot. I can't wait to try their yoga classes.

Tragic fall from grace. Root has now lost every good teacher who was once a part of their amazingly competent roster who were three years ago when I started.

Most have gone to better run studios or quit teaching yoga. Some, like Kate Holly, have started their own promising studios in other parts of town. The turnover of teachers is so disheartening, because it shows that management has no friggin clue about how to run either a student or teacher centered yoga facility. It's sad to see the beautiful place go so far below standards that I had to say goodbye forever and move to the far more successful studios such as People's yoga.

Two additional traumatic events hastened my departure. I was robbed in the changing room. My purse was stolen. The studio had hidden cameras and could have assisted police in apprehending the thief. Instead Root didn't even call the police back. So much for giving a rusty rats ass about patrons who are called "members". I didn't feel like a member when the owner didn't reach out to mr after this horrifying event to ask how I was.

A second galvanizing event was when I got dizzy during class and left the room to cool off. The receptionist kindly brought me water and I left early. No follow up call from anyone at Root to check up on me.

This studio is all about selling and has no give back energy to the community or its members. Not sure how the place continues in business as a yoga studio because there is no consistency of management or teachers.

It's been a downward spiral at the beautiful studio with its lovely sauna and dressing rooms, and inspiring large well lit studio. It's a shame that management can't get its act together to treat staff and students with respect so this place can regain its standing as a preeminent Portland yoga studio.

I hate to write this review because I have actually had some positive experiences at Root Whole Body. I've been to Root several times for both massages and chiropractic appointments. My first couple of massages were wonderful. (Barak is amazing!)

In December I booked and prepaid online ($125) for a "New Patient Chiropractic Appointment" with Dr. Agusta. Beneath the appointment name read, "Consultation, Plan, and Initial Adjustment."

Upon arrival at the appointment, the woman at the front desk asked me if I wanted her to check and see if my insurance would cover the visit. I'd only been on this insurance for a few months, so I told her it was highly unlikely but still worth checking. That was my first mistake. To my surprise, she said that it would be covered. I was still doubtful that was actually the case, but I had already paid for the appointment so I wasn't too concerned about it. I just figured they would reimburse my account and bill my insurance instead.

Dr. Agusta was very kind, the appointment went well. I have no general back issues or pain but do work on my feet all day, so I wanted to see if he had any recommendations. He gave me some postural recommendations that were similar to what Barak had recommended. A generally positive experience overall. I leave the appointment and carry on with my day.

A week or two later I reached out to see if they were going to reimburse the $125, as I had not heard anything from them. At that point, I was informed that my insurance, in fact, did NOT cover the appointment. No worries, I thought the $125 had already taken care of it.

Three months later (mid March) I receive a bill in the mail from Root for $88 dollars related to the December appointment. Mind you, I have been in twice since the December appointment for massages with no mention of a balance. I contact their billing department thinking that this must be a mistake. After a little phone tag, I find out that this was not a mistake, and that my insurance was billed $432.64! The billing representative then said that they had discounted this amount down to the $88.64.

At this point, I was extremely frustrated. If there were procedures that were being performed that were not covered by the $125, why wasn't I informed at any point during my interactions with the staff? It's not like I had any unusual issues that would've to lead to the additional cost. I was told that it's stated on the bottom of the booking page. They said that they would be able to set me up on a payment plan for the $88.64. How insulting! I told them that this was a matter of ethics. I wanted to know specifically what my insurance was billed for and how it was different from the $125. The woman said she would speak with Dr. Agusta and get back to me. I never heard back from her, instead just received a repeat of the $88 dollar bill in the mail a few weeks later.

I too am a medical professional who performs procedures on patients. If I were to treat my patients without informing them that they would be charged, I would not have any patients.

I thought a place like Root would be above this type of unethical insurance billing behavior. Sadly, they are not.

So sorry, but walking in to a spa and smelling rancid water in the flower vase on the reception desk is unacceptable. Another issue that is unacceptable is that the therapist I requested called out sick the night before my appointment. That's no problem really. Where the problem lies is the receptionist failed to notify me. We come to the spa for pain management. I did my research and choose the therapist I believed best suited my needs. Then when I came in for back pain what I got was jabbing in the armpit. I get it! The muscles are connected, but I asked for a back massage not a armpit/tit tickle!
Lovely spaces, both locations.
Something must be done to train the receptionists (yes, both locations) on compassion and care for the clients and how they represent the company!

After moving here, I felt I deserved a really great massage, so I went here after all the great reviews. I really wanted to like this place!

I think this was my first rude experience since moving here! I booked a massage that was to start in 30 minutes because that's all they had left. Of course, I got lost & the receptionist called (even though it was still before my appt) & said that maybe I should rebook if I couldn't get there when it started & then she very obligingly asked if i needed help with directions.

When I finally found the place and walked in, she acted like I didn't belong there. I felt so awkward. I've gotten massages for a while now & that didn't seem appropriate for a place of relaxation. When filling out my paperwork, I heard her say to the massage therapist that I was FINALLY there (I think I was 5-10 minutes late). You don't pay $75 to be treated this way!

The massage was only ok. My body didn't really feel its effects.

I feel really bad giving this place a negative review because the space itself really is pretty & relaxing, but there are plenty of other massage places to be tried.

One perk is that Mio Gelato is only a few doors down, which made up for the evening!

I went here for a prenatal massage and unfortunately not the best experience. Root is quite nice but it caters a bit more to those taking yoga classes not for the pregnant type like me that honestly was looking to get some knots out of my back and relax a bit.

The bathroom was nice but extremely crowded with people going in and out for their classes and I missed the spa like amenities of a hairbrush and slippers.

The massage sadly wasn't that great... the masseuse was very sweet but given I'm seven months along I was surprised she had suggested that I lie on my back (even with a pillow I was ready to pass out) making me a little nervous at the end wondering how many prenatal massages she has done (although she mentioned her next appointment was a prenatal massage).

When I'm ready to exercise after the little fellow arrives, I'll definitely consider a class here but definitely head to a spa for the massage!

I got a last minute massage on a holiday morning (July 4th) and felt wonderful! Sauna, tea and showers with great shampoo/conditioner included.

I highly recommend coming early because the massage will end exactly an hour after your booking start time. I had to fill out paperwork for being new so I missed 10 minutes of a massage. Great strength and care in the massages. It's also next to a delicious, fancy sandwich/wine/cheese shop. I'll be back to try out more services!

This place is so amazing! I visited for a massage and facial last weekend and had a great end-to-end experience. Lovely front desk staff, clean locker room and sauna, exceptional massage and facial, and a really nice lounge area. The little extras like hot tea, water, and helpful communications make this a place friendly and relaxing. The use of natural, high quality products is important to me, as well as the high caliber of professionals on staff. I always feel so cared for here - like everyone is really invested in my health. So looking forward to my next visit!