Mandara Spa - Disney Grand California, worth it?

[Kilale]

Hi all, trying to book a 'spa day' to relax before or after getting trampled by crazy kids at the MHP. Specifically looking for a couples massage/facial package.

Just wondering if anyone has been to the Mandara Spa and if they would say it is worth the price?

It seems to be a bit more expensive than Burke Williams and quite a bit more expensive than other options in the area. Is the hike in price worth the service/facilities? Or would you advice to travel elsewhere and get more bang for the buck? The mandatory 20% gratuity seems to be what really puts it over the top, I am all for tipping for great service, but I do like to be the one deciding how much the person has earned.

Keep in mind we are staying at the DLH, so convenience of the proximity is a big bonus vs. getting in our car and driving somewhere.

 

[lilpooh108]

No ugh it was by far the worst massage I've had and my shoulders were literally in pain for days after. The facilities are tiny tiny tiny and there is no relaxation room at all, just 2 benches in a hallway. The dressing room has toilet stalls and one steam room. That's it. It falls far below the standard for the hotel and the "Mandara" name IMO.

 

[Nonsuch]

Just wondering if anyone has been to the Mandara Spa and if they would say it is worth the price?

I have purchased a few Travel Zoo offers (pay $100 for $200 of service) for DW, but she told me to stop buying them. The massage is not even worth $100
The facility is very small, nothing like similarly priced spas in Hawaii or Vegas.

Renting a pool cabana might be a relaxing alternative

 

[lilpooh108]

I have purchased a few Travel Zoo offers (pay $100 for $200 of service) for DW, but she told me to stop buying them. The massage is not even worth $100
The facility is very small, nothing like similarly priced spas in Hawaii or Vegas.

Renting a pool cabana might be a relaxing alternative

Yea, that's how they got me. The stupid Travelzoo voucher. After they added the 20% gratuity, it was pretty much paying full price at a non-hotel massage spa.

The facility is terrible and my massage was not worth the money at all. It was not busy and the ladies that work there kinda sat around and chatted with each other since there is no pre-room, you can hear them from the benches in the hallway while waiting. Not fun at all.

 

[Kilale]

Interesting, thanks for the replies. From what I can read online they seem to agree with you, small facilities and not really up to par with the hotel the spa is in.

I think I will take my business elsewhere for that day, Burke Williams seems to be the best option at this point.

 

[Jenasweetemotion]

(Jenasweetemotions Mom) I was also thrown off by the 20% gratuity but still gave them a try 4 years ago. Since then I have been there 5 times (last time was December 2013) and every time I have had the best massages. Before going into the massages they ask about your health. I have fibromyalgia and lupus based on that info they knew what/how to massage to not cause pain or discomfort and also where to tailor the massage around. I have never left here in pain. This last time I went I got the 80 minute massage and I was able to have them spend 30 minutes massaging my head and scalp and 25 minutes on my feet (which was heavenly). For the last two massages I got a gift card from Costco (spa finder gift card). Yes it is a smaller location but I enjoy every moment. For me I think it is worth it and will go there again the next time I am at Disney.