Reviews of Soakology (Spa)

Rachael Silvano

I agree with other reviewers about slipping customer service and quality. Their check in has changed to using clunky, awkward tablets which caused several customers frustrations in trying to use the on-screen keyboard, and mine exited twice. Upon going in to the room where service is, I've noticed they are trying to fit what feels like more people into the same space. We went in with a very large group, barely had a chance to change our shoes, and were rushed in to our spot. The soak itself was good, but the last and worst customer service moment for me was checking out. When asked if I'd like to provide a tip by the indifferent check-out hostess, I said 8%, to which she loudly corrected me to say the "standard" tip at this establishment was 15%. It felt awkward in front of my guest, and felt incredibly confrontational. I struggle to think that if I come back, and tip what I find to be a standard amount that I wouldn't be "corrected" in front of company. Altogether a poor practice, and one out of place with their "relaxed" environment

Cinde Tilton

First time there. They are very busy. So relaxing. Great atmosphere. I would definitely go back.

Kate Foley

loved this place, can't wait to go back!

stephanie tlusty

We got the head, neck, shoulder, feet and lower leg massage with the foot soak and it was wonderful!! The tea was super too!

Mary Ellen Borland

Wonderful experience..for men and women..

Krystina O

Girl at the front desk was not helpful, almost like we were a bother to her with our questions. Apparently we had too many questions so she sent the kitchen staff to deal with us. Paid for head/neck/shoulder massage, therapist asked which area to focus on and I replied neck. Guy never touched my neck. maybe a miscommunication? Not sure... End of the soak was not what was promised. Was just slapping the towel at my feet. Friends liked it though, cherrio.

Andrew Schwalbenberg

Excellent place to relax with a great massage, foot soak, and cup of tea.

Lesley Jones

I had an excellent experience on Saturday as I attempted to address my cold with a detoxifying foot soak and the Breath Easy essential oil neck & shoulder massage. The full package with services, tea and treats was perfect. Sarah, my attendant, was knowledgeable and attentive. They kept the hot water coming! (My only regret is they do not offer their salt and essential oil blends in a variety of "to-go" sizes.) I intend to pamper myself more often!

R LF

Really nice, very different than going for a pedi. Dan gave an amazing shoulder massage. The atmosphere it's relaxing, but its not too precious. Reasonably priced, too.

Stephanie Henderson

I'll never go again. It was my birthday gift. I Loved the soak, it was relaxing, BUT, 2 days after, I started getting pain in my big toe, for no reason. A little over a week later, it was extremely sore, puss came out, from under the tip of my toenail, and it looked like there was a blister forming, in the middle, underneath my toenail. 2 days later, a trip to the ER, extream pain, and lose of half my toenail, and dug a hole in my toe!!! I take VERY good care of my feet, and I've NEVER had ANY problems with my feet, untill 2 days after soakology. 3 doctor's told me that it was most likely from soakology. Just beware.

Alana Dickey

Very relaxing atmosphere, comfortable, good tea, good massage, very nice scents for the soak.

Casey Dunn

Soak & massage alone were great. However, customer service was a disappointing bummer, which colored my whole experience. Rather than feeling pampered and carefree, I started my experience feeling bummed, a bit slighted, and completely stressed out. I forgot to bring my $65 gift card, which, yes, that was my fault. However, there was no willingness to work with me in terms of finding a solution. I was very clearly disappointed that I had forgotten my gift card (which was a wedding gift--and I was here using this gift card on my 1 year wedding anniversary weekend). I offered to stop by Soakology the following day with the gift card, I offered to call with the gift card number, and I also offered for them to charge my card or put a hold on my card, or even take my physical card until I could come back w/the gift card. The employee went out back to ask her manager, and came back with hard no. Policy or not, at the very least, it would have been nice if the manager had come out and spoken with me, perhaps explained to me why this was the policy and exactly why it was not possible to work with me and find a solution. I would have appreciated even the slightest hint of sympathy, but instead, I got shut down with a hard no. I quickly decided in my head, "Forget it, i'll come back another time and use my gift card when I have the physical card in my hand," upon being told that I could not cancel my appointment because I was outside of the cancelation window. I certainly would not even have made the trek to soakology had it not been for the gift card, and I will certainly not be returning to soakology now either. Instead of telling my friends about a great experience, I will be informing them not to bother with the place. I will be telling my friends to go to Nine Stone Spa instead, the place my husband went while I was at Soakology. The place that DID work with us to find a win-win solution for forgetting our gift card(s).

Julie Beninati

Horrible, rude staff, confusing and not helpful. Then the best part was they undercharged the credit card and approached later on asking for cash

Sarah Robinson

Must be experienced.

Hannah Watson

I have been here for tea and it was lovely. However, their snack plates are 12 dollars each and do not come with a lot of food. Their apple and honey plate has about a half an apple on it. Their veggie and hummus plate has only a few carrots and slices of cucumbers. Not worth it. However, the tea was delightful and the atmosphere is nice. As for the foot soaks- I have tried to go numerous times and get frustrated that there is no online sign up option. I try to call and leave a voicemail but have never heard back from them. When I walk into the space, the customer service is poor and they complain that they are busy. I have never successfully booked a soak there because of all of the barriers they created for me both weekends I tried to book one.

Hernandez Juliana

Amazing!!!!!

Hana Charette

An amazing place for some self love

Jenn h

Wish I could give 0 stars! My friend and I had planned going here a week before we visited and tried calling every single day and leaving messages without a single response back. We decided to try then to walk in. The front desk staff was very unprofessional and a tad rude towards us. After telling us they couldn’t accommodate us, they then changed their mind and said they could do a foot soak only with no massage. “Fine” we thought, we were coming for the experience anyway. We then asked a few questions about the snack menu and ordered and were taken out back. No explanation of the anything AT ALL. We had no idea what time that the soak ended or anything else. This would be fine except for the staff also told us absolutely no phones to be seen while soaking, rudely. We finally got seated under a bright light with people talking loudly behind us. Our soaks finally came, luke warm. Now I got the muscle remedy soak with mint and eucalyptus, I didn’t smell nor feel either of those things in my $40 soak. My friend was equally disappointed with hers. We asked for hot water when the staff came and checked on us and they did indeed give us more, luke warm water. The snacks we ordered were not what we clarified with the front desk and when asked if we got the right order we were brushed off immediately. We then got people sat next to us in the same curtained room and they were loud as well and we were tired of our luke warm soak after an hour and not knowing when the session ended or what time it was. We started getting dressed when two people came into our room to give us towels. Well, a little late for that and again they were very rude about the whole thing as if we had been coming here forever and should have known the protocol. We then when checking out asked to speak to a manager because our entire experience from walk-in to finish was horrendous only to be told “oh so sorry I will give her your number so she can reach out”. We pay and leave and I get a call 3 days later from a manager and called back with no response. We had been told by multiple people how amazing this place was but we would probably never go back. As two “young” service business owners the way we were treated was unacceptable and curt and we were on edge the entire time we were there. We were definitely judged and treated accordingly from the moment we walked in the door.

Giles Landry

Very inviting and peaceful

Deanna Bolling

It was a much needed time!! The soak was amazing and the treats we had to go with them! I went with a group of MoMs so between the 8 of us we had 23 kids! Having multiples and being able to enjoy this was just amazing! I'll definitely be back again!!

Elvis Rivas

Incredible service. Very relaxing. Highly recommended.

JESSIKA S

Very original and comforting. The moment you walk in there is a very relaxing and stress relieving scent! The guest services are very welcoming and professional! They greet you the moment you walk in the door with beautiful big smiles and make you feel very welcome! I enjoyed relaxing in the teahouse just as much as I enjoyed relaxing in the spa! My hean neck and shoulder massage was the best massage I have ever recieved!! I was in heaven!! My foot soak was amazing as well!! If you have not been there before I highly suggest it!!! Everything there is perfect!!

Sam Vlcek

went here with a friend for an afternoon... great experience! very relaxing and inviting.

Caroline McPherson

FABULOUS...A very relaxing experience in the scents of your choice. Would do this again in a minute.

Keegan Carter

Wowza, walked in as part of a double date not knowing what to expect, left very relaxed.

Daniel Pastor

Was very excited to visit this place for a few hours of pampering and relaxation. Instead, I left disappointed with much lighter pockets. Went here with my family with a reservation and our treatments already picked out. When we arrived we were told that only two of the three of us could receive any massage due to staffing and they were also unable to do any exfoliation or pumice scrubs. While we were asked to show up at 2:45 to check in and such, we were left to wait 15 minutes past our reservation time before anyone brought us back for treatment. They sat us down in big wide cloth chairs with multiple pillows that were impossible to arrange in a comfortable supportive way. They brought out the basins with our individual soaking ingredients in them supposedly; but were instead large uncomfortable basins lifted too high to use comfortably without digging into the back of your calves. The water was immensely too hot at first and might have well been just water as there was no trace of aroma or anything that might alert anyone to any benefits besides a few muddled pieces of flowers and fruit that were as scentless as the water itself. After a while of soaking my feet became sore, pruney, and dry/cracked long before anyone came to bring us a towel or anything. We were left to sit for a while with our feet sitting on the sides of the basins instead of in them because the back of our legs were sore from the edges of the basins. We left with 3 disappointing soaks, two leg/feet massages, and some decent tea and macrons for a total of $200. Won't return. TLDR: Uncomfortable chairs and water basins lifted too high to use comfortably. Disappointing soaks in scentless, useless water. Incredibly expensive for what we received. Tea and Macrons we're good.

Angela Griffith

Very relaxing

Grace Williams

Very relaxing environment. A little pricey once you order snacks and drinks but very nice experience.

Scott Giroux

Super nice experience. Left totally relaxed!

Wynter Giddings

I went to Soakology for the first time, for tea and a soak with a friend. Overall, a good experience. I will say that we went on a Saturday afternoon, and the front line staff seemed overwhelmed and were running pretty far behind schedule. I think it might be a better experience on a less busy day of the week. The tea and soak we're great, and they warmed up our water a few times. The only other thing I would say, is that the lighting in the space is a bit weird and shadowy, which makes you feel a bit like you're in a warehouse or movie theatre. I will probably go back, as it was a nice experience and if you just do tea and a soak, a pretty inexpensive luxury. (I'll probably spring for a leg massage next time though.)

Sandi Warner

Unique and relaxing experience! We arrived at a very busy time so I worried it wouldn't be a good experience but as soon as we entered into the Spa it became peaceful and relaxing. I did a Restorative soak with a 20 minute leg massage, and had a chai latte with some hummus and veggies. I would recommend to anyone and hope to see a similar spot in my hometown.

Sarah Fennessey

A very nice spa experience. The last time I visited they were still in a fairly cramped space right in the Old Port. Their Congress St location is much improved. The atmosphere was great. Different groups of people are now separated by heavy curtains, instead of sitting around one big circle like at their old location. I tried the citrus foot soak, an iced chai, and a caramel macaron which were all superb.

Germaine Pataki-Thériault

Great massage and my feet feel fantastic! Thank you

M Whitt

From the time we walked in it was extremely disappointing. I was there with my closest friends to enjoy a celebration for my upcoming wedding. As we were sitting and selecting our soaks my friend spoke about an issue in the bathroom having to do with smell and something left behind in there by another guest. She realized she spoke too loud and said to us its your fault I should have never had a mimosa this morning. She had a mimosa at 9 am and it was after 12 in the afternoon. She was not slurring, she was not tripping over her feet and reacted appropriately by realizing she was speaking too loudly. Cathy immediately approached her in front of all of us and told her she needed to leave that she could not have anyone under the influence in the spa..... we explained that she misunderstood what was going on to which she responded then i am just going to have to keep an extremely close eye on you while you are in there. So uncomfortable but then it got worse. When we went into the spa we were told to turn all cell phones off my mother and friend were both turning their phones off when Cathy walked in she reacted poorly again and sternly told them they could not use their phones and needed to put them away immediately. So we needed to explain ourselves AGAIN that we had just been told to do so and again were reacting accordingly and turning our cell phones off. Now mind you at this point we have been in the building for 40 minutes and almost asked to leave twice for doing nothing. Then its time for drinks. I ask for an iced green tea with honey...... Cathy explained to me that agave would be a more appropriate choice than honey because it will blend better I explained that I do not like agave I would prefer honey regardless lol you would think that explaining my choice in sweetener once would be enough but no I had to explain myself to three separate people. I mean I appreciate you looking out for my taste buds but feel having to explain myself three separate times is a bit redundant and far more annoying than say a cell phone vibrating or someone speaking loudly and correcting themselves immediately. To say I was disappointed is a huge understatement. Furthermore I was extremely uncomfortable and embarrassed. I love my friends and family who put this on for me and appreciate it beyond belief I just wish we would have been better received among the staff members. Cathy was just horrible and literally said to us that she realizes she has been barking at us all day.... how in the world is that acceptable? I would give Cathy the same advice I took when I became a parent listen to the whole story and take in the whole situation first then react. Sometimes knee jerk reactions are not the best way to handle a situation or paying customers.... just a thought.

Lauren O'Keefe

Very relaxing!

Jahan Monirian

Staff was unfriendly

Rebecca Lynn Ramsey

I loved it!

Ian Dumont

In short, this is an interesting idea that is less than perfectly executed. After some quality customer service at the check in desk, including tea and an explanation of the process, you choose a flavor for your 'soak' (think woody smells versus floral, etc). You head back to the relaxation room--cushy chairs elevated so you can put your feet in a bucket of heated water. The relaxation room is basically one giant room partitioned with cloth dividers that neither block sound nor stop your prying neighboring soakers from seeing you. It was fun to try as a novelty and certainly more relaxing than walking around the Old Port on a busy day, but you could do better at a massage spa, etc.

Christopher Plebani

This is a great little spa to visit in Portland. My wife lives going here for the different foot soaks and usually a massage as well. Its cool spot for guys as well, since I have also gone with her. They offer teas, drinks, and light food. Definitely a relaxing experience, we go back every time we are in Portland.

elyse peare

Went to Soakology in July 2016 and thought it was something different and fun. I have a few family members coming in from out of town this week and thought a trip to Soakology this coming weekend would be fun after our scheduled massages we already had at a spa in the old port. So, on January 17th I called soakology for 3 appointments for Saturday the 21st. First off, I called 3 times without anyone picking up the phone and on the third call I decided my only option was to leave a message for a call back. I didnt receive a call back until Wednesday the 18th at 12. I ended up making 3 appointments for 2:45pm for Saturday the 21st. I gave my credit card to hold the reservation with fully understanding that if I did not show or if I late cancelled my card would be charged. They said there's a 48 hour cancellation policy. So today, Thursday the 19th I was working until 4:30p.m and when I left work I had two voicemails. The first was my confirmation call from Soakology at 1:39pm confirming the appointments for Saturday at 2:45. The second message was my family stating their flight was changed and they were now not making it to be here for Saturday the 21st. I immediately called (@ 4:40pm) soakology to let them know I needed to cancel the Saturday appointments. Shockingly they picked up the phone and after telling them I needed to cancel I was placed on hold for about 5 minutes. I ended up hanging up because at this point I was picking my children up from daycare and at that moment trying to nurse my daughter before our communte home. A few minutes later I was back in my car and had a missed call and voicemail saying I didnt make the 48 hour cancellation policy. I immediately called back and questioned how they dont consider my cancellation two days in advance? She said because it has to to exactly 48 hours. Are you serious!? I called 46 hours in advance. She said she was sorry but she had me on hold before because she was asking a manager and the manager said no. I asked to speak with her manager and then I heard someone in the background say, "tell her the manager left". So evidently the 10 minutes that went by from the first phone call to the second, the manager left. I asked for a phone call tomorrow from the manager. Im sorry but this is frustrating, I understand cancellation policies. I work in an appointment based medical office, we too have a 48 hour cancellation policy but we would NEVER charge a patient if they called at 4:00 on Wednesday to cancel their 2:00 Friday appointment. Thats a joke. And to think, I work for a very popular office in which we were going to purchase gift certificates to Soakology to give away to our patients. And also book an employee day at Soakology. We wont waste our time or money. And I suggest if your reading this you should take your money elsewhere. Oh and just to mention the high end spa that we also had appointments for at 1:00 on Saturday, I called them at 5:15p.m and told them I needed to cancel. They also have a 48 hour cancellation policy but they in a professional manner said that was so terrible my families trip got changed and said to call them back to reschedule when I knew we could.

Neil Arnold

Great spa experience.

Courtney K

LOVE this place

Deb Schroeder

Wonderful respite - attentive staff, soothing environment and great massage

Greta Tucker

Lovely place, good soaks. Would love it to be more private and cozy.

tom crocker

Come here to soak your feet and you will leave wondering when you will be able to return. I was walking on clouds for the few days following my visit. This is not just for a girls day out, everyone will enjoy the care and benefits! If you plan ahead there's a menu of additional massages that will just maximize the inner peace these magical folks are providing. I will likely book ahead for every visit to the amazing city Portland. They also feed the belly with a lovely tea cafe! Loved it and I am a 56 year old man who was dragged in by his wife! Shannon converted me into a believer.

Leah Twitchell

Worth a visit.

Amber Nason

I have never had a bad experience at Soakology. Very relaxing and soothing to the spirit. It is on the pricey side but it's so worth it. Reservations aren't required but I would recommend them.

Darryl Vanover

Took my wife as a surprise as a friend of mine had gone several times with his wife and loved the place. The foot soak and massage was excellent. The chairs extremely comfortable and the atmosphere relaxing. We're not tea drinkers so I can't comment on the tea. My only complaint would be that while they make you turn off your cell phones they did nothing to make the 3 young girls next to us stop talking so this detracted somewhat from the experience. The only other negative is it's a little hard to find as it is on a pedestrian only street so it's not visible while driving around looking for it. Parking is limited and the meters are either 15 minutes or 2 hours max so you have to watch where you park.

Mnml Me

Good selection of teas, I just wish the staff was a bit more knowledge about them, and more attentive to the clientele.

Chris McAllister

Best spa and unique experience.

Jackie Kim

Great welcoming experience from start to finish. Would highly recommend to anyone needs to rest their weary feet.

Ashley B Reynolds

I love this place and make it a point to go here every time I am in Portland. So relaxing! I love the soaks and massages, and the tea options are endless!

Eliza Trauger

a little disappointed compared to previous visits. they changed their slippers to these awful rubber type instead of the soft fluffy ones they used to have. tubs used to be completely covered on the bottom with smooth rocks, mine had 5 small rocks. the tub had about 3 inches of water in the bottom so you could barely put your entire foot in there. new location has big open ceilings which makes sound carry so it isn't as quiet. music was too quiet. ask twice about a snack I ordered. loved it previously! seems they've cut back on quality.

J Argiro

Best. Cole was amazing! And the Macaron was on point

Kathleen Jarvis

Love the foot soaks & massage. Thru kerp the soak hot. Great tea selection.

Light Biaggi

Good place to treat your woman :)

Kate Howell

Amazingly relaxing

BECKY RICHARDS

Soooo relaxing!!

Floristry's Journey

Very relaxing and so worth the price. I will go again in few months.

Jon Bolden

What an amazing way to get out of cold is rain. My legs were so tired and this changed everything. I went very basic and got a simple soak and drink but the service was so wonderful. It can get very expensive so I recommend something simple and relaxing like the muscle soak and a hot tea. Great selection of bathing and lotion items as well.

Sara Bumby

Nothing Like it in the world! What a magical place. The ultimate date night.

Joanna Gould

Love it

ryota hirata

One of the most relaxing experiences you can have in Portland. It’s pretty amazing how rejuvenated you feel after a foot soak and a massage. Compliment that with a snack and tea and you have yourself a nice retreat. I highly recommend trying Soakology if you’re looking for a great way to relax. All of the staff are friendly and are willing to explain all of the options they have available. If you are planning on going, I highly recommend calling ahead and booking an appointment so that way you can get all of the amenities that you want.

Ryan Lohrenz

Foot soak was nice and the masseuse was very friendly but professional. Would go again.

Mandy Welch

Very relaxing. The soak was nice and the foot massage felt great. However, I think their old location was more private and quiet.

Rick Bouchard

This place has changed dramatically from when it was on Monument Sq. There, it was quiet and relaxing. Now, it is noisy, hard to relax, commercialize and expensive. The little rooms you are in are separated only by curtains so you can hear everyone chatting away which, if you are going for silence and calm, you are not getting. Instead, the noice of everyone brings you out of that calm. The massage/soaks started late and, therefore, we were made to wait almost a half-hour before we were brought in. A cookie, not even the size of a silver dollar is $2.50. I called twice to give feedback and was told a supervisor would get back to me and I never got a call. I am sad to say goodbye to such a nice idea.

Beth Innis

Wonderful concept, kind and attentive staff, great experience.

Unoriginal Pins

I'm not really sure how anyone enjoys this so much. The soaking tubs are up so high you can't even sit flat in your seat. Also they are situated so your calves are being pressed into the side of the tub the entire time. It was completely uncomfortable. I was in so much pain after 20 minutes that I had to get up and leave. The host asked us how everything was, but didn't actually care to listen to my response. Se didn't even bother to notice we were leaving 40 minutes early. This is a great concept but needs better execution. I've had better foot soaks at a nail salon. Soakology is a complete waste of time.