SSR Spa - massage and gratuity?

[nhdisnut]

DW wants to treat me to a Swedish Massage next week at the SSR Spa. (She somehow thinks I need to relax .) A professional massage will be a new experience for me.

Has anyone experienced the 50 min. Swedish Massage? How was the experience?

DVC Members get a discount ($92, I believe.). What is the standard spa gratuity?

Any feedback is much appreciated!

 

[emutrackster]

I am a massage therapist in Michigan and the rule of thumb is tip like you would at a restaurant. I usually get anywhere from 10-20%, it all depends if you like the massage.
I just came back from AKV and overheard a massage therapist that didn’t know anything about prenatal massages (she was talking over the phone asking questions in front of me, while I worked out). I know you are not pregnant but I would not like to pay the kind of money they are asking and not be able to give a very simple pregnancy massage. Also if you want anything deep you have to pay extra a well ($15). Paying that kind of money I would expect a therapist to be very good and know his/her stuff.
The rooms in AKV looked spectacular but it is a little too expensive for me. If you have a car I know there is a massage envy in Orlando. It is a country wide franchise that I have received massages from in Michigan. Good luck and enjoy.

 

[DotF]

The tip depends on the skill of the therapist.
I see a therapist every other week here at home.
I base my tip on how the SSR spa therapist compares with my home therapist.

A tip of 15 to 20% based on the actual cost of the massage not the DVC discount price is a good tip.

If you fall asleep during the massage, it happens, or feel
easy and relaxed after the massage that is a nice massage.
A therapist who finds your problem spots and works on them is a good therapist.

Enjoy!

 

[aclov]

15%-20% is the norm. I had a nice massage and facial there last year.

 

[Ms. WDW]

If she's still at SSR, Meghan is a wonderful therapist. I had her last year when at SSR and she did a Sweedish that was wonderful.

As for the tip, personally, unless the massage was horrible, I give 20%.

 

[nhdisnut]

Thanks for the info!

 

[Cruelladeville]

I have never had a bad massage at SSR! Not only do you get the massage, you get fruit, hot tub, sauna, steam room, shower, shampoo, cream for body, mouth wash, toothbrush, etc. For most of us, this is nothing like the massage we get at home! 20% is a good tip. Also, if you are plus sized, you can request a larger robe, which they have in the storage room. With the other benefits, I think the price you pay for the massage is worth it.

 

[Tarheel Tink]

DW wants to treat me to a Swedish Massage next week at the SSR Spa. (She somehow thinks I need to relax .) A professional massage will be a new experience for me.

Has anyone experienced the 50 min. Swedish Massage? How was the experience?

DVC Members get a discount ($92, I believe.). What is the standard spa gratuity?

Any feedback is much appreciated!

I've copied and pasted from a review I did this spring:

We are just back from a wonderful week at SSR and I just wanted to give a heads up to anyone getting a massage at the spa there. The DVC website currently (as of today)lists the 50 minute Swedish massage at $92.00 after a 20% DVC discount. The Portable Perks we were given at check that is dated May to July 2008 says that we would get a 10% discount making it $103.50 (not including gratuities). Hmmm...
We had massages on May 6 and were charged $108.00each. When I questioned it I was told the prices had increased May 1st to $120.00 and we got a 10% discount. I pointed out that the spa brochure listed the price at $115.00 and they said they had not printed out new brochures yet.
Our massages were nice enough, but I plan to go to VWL for our next trip and get the Sturdy Branches massage for 50 minutes at $90.00 and a 10% discount and double check the price before having the massage so we have no confusion.
Interestingly enough we had Peppermint Pedicures at SSR spa on May 3rd and were charged exactly what the DVC website said we would be ($52.00- $65.00 with 20% discount) and the price was the same listed in the spa brochure.

I made a call to DVC while still at SSR to let them know of the Portable Perks price discreptancy and the website incorrect info but never had my call returned.