[QUOTE=BaconBits; 1754553]I was thinking of starting a thread with just those to avoid. Jackson?
BB[/QUOTE]Great Idea!
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[QUOTE=BaconBits; 1754553]I was thinking of starting a thread with just those to avoid. Jackson?
BB[/QUOTE]Great Idea!
Recently tried the place formerly known as China Pearl in Danvers. Had not been there in couple years and not since Lilly reopened. CL ads are easy to find, its still up the rickety wood stairs on "Hi" St. Across from Mickey Dees.
Drew Coco, only one there. Small gal, not ugly, shaped like a block. Not much engrish. Lousy massage. I always ask for hard, she didn't come close and obviously didn't seem to have the basic Massage 101 technique that most AMPs have down pat. Flipped early with no tease prior and went to HE immediately with no tease. Shorted on time too. 70+40, won't repeat.
Anyone try the new place W Broadway & E St, South Boston?
I'll try this week and report back unless someone has any info?
Thanks.
Moto
[QUOTE=BaconBits; 1754553]I can't even post these under legit massage because they suck.
1) KANGLE SPA, Middleton MA- Too much oil. Upsell just to get you to stay and pay longer. Then you get the "we no do. You do". They plain out suck. I can't say enough bad things about it. Hope they close.
2) Colonial road. Salem, MA- awful, old ladies, dirty, no ending.
Anyone have any to share? I was thinking of starting a thread with just those to avoid. Jackson?
BB[/QUOTE]There is an AMP in Auburn which is similar. Decent massage by an semi-attractive Asian lady, but nothing else. I left wanting more, but it was pretty clear that was it.
Legit I don't mind, but some of these places advertise like there are extras. I'm surprised Kangle is still around. Went when it first opened, horrible.
[QUOTE=BaconBits; 1754553]I can't even post these under legit massage because they suck.
1) KANGLE SPA, Middleton MA- Too much oil. Upsell just to get you to stay and pay longer. Then you get the "we no do. You do". They plain out suck. I can't say enough bad things about it. Hope they close.
2) Colonial road. Salem, MA- awful, old ladies, dirty, no ending.
Anyone have any to share? I was thinking of starting a thread with just those to avoid. Jackson?
BB[/QUOTE]
[QUOTE=Motoman36; 1754644]Anyone try the new place W Broadway & E St, South Boston?
I'll try this week and report back unless someone has any info?
Thanks.
Moto[/QUOTE]Let us know how you make out. There use to be a place by the corner of W. Broadway & L. Not sure how it was, as I had never tried it out. If this new place was good to go, it would be nice to have another option available.
Did a weekend walk in, walk thru at the new Bear Hill Spa, and politely requested a tour of their new place during their "grand opening," and for Mama to introduce each lady, answer a couple of simple questions, request card etc. I mentioned their CL and BP ad, and referenced the ten dollar off special. A standard recon that others have done out here before at various places. Well, they don't yet have a card. And here's what occured.
Mamasan, named Coco, (thirties, tallish, pretty but looked Chinese and not Korean,) seemed puzzled and perhaps a little spooked that I didn't just hand over house money and pick a girl. They wouldn't get within one foot of me the whole time. I didn't follow their routine so to speak, and they responded negatively. Anyone coming in and deviating from this routine at this place, totally confuses them and puts them at unease it seemed. I could tell they just wanted me to leave by their behavior; unfriendly and a bit rude and uninterested, perhaps a bit scared too, not that any of this was my intention, but they just took it the wrong way. Now, I was friendly enough and talked slowly and clearly, but just didn't get back that friendly or inviting reception, especially after they asked "do you want massage", and I again repeated why I was there and asked if it was it okay? No response. Confusion. Nobody grabbed the ball and wanted to do anything for me.
They were even more baffled with me not leaving just then, so I had to basically give myself a tour of the place, asked about the bathroom, and told it was a community one in hallway. They watched me from where they were standing and none got too close to me or tried to use any salesmanship to get me to want a massage. Their personalities were non-existant, unlike other places that I've encountered who were very eager, friendly and inviting, (luring almost) ladies, who wanted you to stay and wanted you to feel comfortable enough, and would try different tactics to achieve that. These three, whose names I had to ask several times to get right, (and they made it out like an imposition to tell me,) were Cici, shorter. 20's and a plump ass, and Wendy, a forties Chinese looking, petite lady, with a cute (in a average type way face,) and Mama; all dropped the ball as had they tried even a little of anything, I might have stayed. Had plenty of dough on me, but just wanted to feel them out first, per se.
I do know a few Chinese words too, so I tested this whole "we're Korean" bit and asked for "Schway" which is water, without using any hand signals or body language, or saying a "cup of schway" or doing anything that might clue them in to what I wanted unless they knew Chinese themselves, which was the case. I trapped them basically. And when they pointed immediately to the water bubble and said "there", I knew this Korean bit was all fake, plus none looked Korean and I have been to K Spas in Providence to know the difference. Back to the water bubbler, now. When I couldn't figure out the dispenser, finally Cici came over to help, (the first time any of the three got within one foot of me.) Also, just then as I'm drinking the water, I overheard Mama talking to the other girl and she used the Chinese word "Seen geen bean", which translates to "odd", or "weird", or "Crazy" depending on circumstances and context. It had to be in reference to me, and what had just transpired, so hearing this, I walked closer to the other two who were inside their draped off breakroom, pulled the drape open slowly a bit more than it already was and said "Just wanted to say I know some Chinese too." "That was Chinese you were speaking." And then I said "Xie Xie", which is thank you and walked slowly out with a big grin on my face. Bottom line, these ladies are fakers and cold as ice, unless you just walk in and show them the money, and shut up. It's all about the money here. They don't even try to act. Unless you show them the dough early on.
Otherwise they have no personalities, and could care less whether you want the massage or not, but they're not going to do anything to try to make youl feel comfortable or wanted and are not going to change their routine. If this is your cup of tea, then go for it, but I know I won't be back. The other two may not know too much English, and that was evident and fine and of itself, and they are excused from not un derstanding me, but Mama spoke very good English in the first 30 seconds of the reception, but then adapted later when I wouldn't just hand over money and went back to a playing stupid role, a I don't understand you scheme. Which is where the rudeness kicked in, in my mind. She failed to retain a prospective customer, which she will probably do again and again, unless she learns to adapt to different customer's tactics, and not be so spooked by something that was not the case. Had she been a smarter, more "think on your feet" type Mama, she could have gotten me to stay and her staff and her would have made money. They're all not the brightest in this hobby I guess, but these three really stood out. Complete air.
[QUOTE=Motoman36; 1754640]Recently tried the place formerly known as China Pearl in Danvers. Had not been there in couple years and not since Lilly reopened. CL ads are easy to find, its still up the rickety wood stairs on "Hi" St. Across from Mickey Dees.
Drew Coco, only one there. Small gal, not ugly, shaped like a block. Not much engrish. Lousy massage. I always ask for hard, she didn't come close and obviously didn't seem to have the basic Massage 101 technique that most AMPs have down pat. Flipped early with no tease prior and went to HE immediately with no tease. Shorted on time too. 70+40, won't repeat.[/QUOTE]I've been going here on and off for at least 5 years. Due to my location, it's the quickest and most convenient. In defense, I find it to be always reliable. 1) I've never been shorted time, have had extra time some days. 2) Never had to negotiate while on the table. 3) Have gotten medium and hard massages, and found them to be well within asked range. 4) I never expect to be able to communicate easily with any AMP anyway. Two negatives: 1) I think the 70 upfront is high, but all others nearby are the same price. 2) Stairway.
I pay 70 +40 every time and know what I'm going to get. We all experience YMMV anyway. I struck out twice at a location in Lynn some time back and won't try again. But have seen plenty of good reviews.
[QUOTE=BuffettFan68; 1754948]Did a weekend walk in, walk thru at the new Bear Hill Spa, and politely requested a tour of their new place during their "grand opening," and for Mama to introduce each lady, answer a couple of simple questions, request card etc. I mentioned their CL and BP ad, and referenced the ten dollar off special. A standard recon that others have done out here before at various places. Well, they don't yet have a card. And here's what occured.
Mamasan, named Coco, (thirties, tallish, pretty but looked Chinese and not Korean,) seemed puzzled and perhaps a little spooked that I didn't just hand over house money and pick a girl. They wouldn't get within one foot of me the whole time. I didn't follow their routine so to speak, and they responded negatively. Anyone coming in and deviating from this routine at this place, totally confuses them and puts them at unease it seemed. I could tell they just wanted me to leave by their behavior; unfriendly and a bit rude and uninterested, perhaps a bit scared too, not that any of this was my intention, but they just took it the wrong way. Now, I was friendly enough and talked slowly and clearly, but just didn't get back that friendly or inviting reception, especially after they asked "do you want massage", and I again repeated why I was there and asked if it was it okay? No response. Confusion. Nobody grabbed the ball and wanted to do anything for me.
They were even more baffled with me not leaving just then, so I had to basically give myself a tour of the place, asked about the bathroom, and told it was a community one in hallway. They watched me from where they were standing and none got too close to me or tried to use any salesmanship to get me to want a massage. Their personalities were non-existant, unlike other places that I've encountered who were very eager, friendly and inviting, (luring almost) ladies, who wanted you to stay and wanted you to feel comfortable enough, and would try different tactics to achieve that. These three, whose names I had to ask several times to get right, (and they made it out like an imposition to tell me,) were Cici, shorter. 20's and a plump ass, and Wendy, a forties Chinese looking, petite lady, with a cute (in a average type way face,) and Mama; all dropped the ball as had they tried even a little of anything, I might have stayed. Had plenty of dough on me, but just wanted to feel them out first, per se.
I do know a few Chinese words too, so I tested this whole "we're Korean" bit and asked for "Schway" which is water, without using any hand signals or body language, or saying a "cup of schway" or doing anything that might clue them in to what I wanted unless they knew Chinese themselves, which was the case. I trapped them basically. And when they pointed immediately to the water bubble and said "there", I knew this Korean bit was all fake, plus none looked Korean and I have been to K Spas in Providence to know the difference. Back to the water bubbler, now. When I couldn't figure out the dispenser, finally Cici came over to help, (the first time any of the three got within one foot of me.) Also, just then as I'm drinking the water, I overheard Mama talking to the other girl and she used the Chinese word "Seen geen bean", which translates to "odd", or "weird", or "Crazy" depending on circumstances and context. It had to be in reference to me, and what had just transpired, so hearing this, I walked closer to the other two who were inside their draped off breakroom, pulled the drape open slowly a bit more than it already was and said "Just wanted to say I know some Chinese too." "That was Chinese you were speaking." And then I said "Xie Xie", which is thank you and walked slowly out with a big grin on my face. Bottom line, these ladies are fakers and cold as ice, unless you just walk in and show them the money, and shut up. It's all about the money here. They don't even try to act. Unless you show them the dough early on.
Otherwise they have no personalities, and could care less whether you want the massage or not, but they're not going to do anything to try to make youl feel comfortable or wanted and are not going to change their routine. If this is your cup of tea, then go for it, but I know I won't be back. The other two may not know too much English, and that was evident and fine and of itself, and they are excused from not un derstanding me, but Mama spoke very good English in the first 30 seconds of the reception, but then adapted later when I wouldn't just hand over money and went back to a playing stupid role, a I don't understand you scheme. Which is where the rudeness kicked in, in my mind. She failed to retain a prospective customer, which she will probably do again and again, unless she learns to adapt to different customer's tactics, and not be so spooked by something that was not the case. Had she been a smarter, more "think on your feet" type Mama, she could have gotten me to stay and her staff and her would have made money. They're all not the brightest in this hobby I guess, but these three really stood out. Complete air.[/QUOTE]What did you expect them to roll out the red carpet. You made it seem like you acted like a jerk. Its a massage joint not your personal concierge service
[QUOTE=Ccup2;1755004]What did you expect them to roll out the red carpet. You made it seem like you acted like a jerk. Its a massage joint not your personal concierge service[/QUOTE]Buffet. Really? I just read your pm (zero help, honoring the AMP silence promise) and now this post. I appreciate the effort on both. But what's your deal? You won't give out names or locations to fellow mongers and you act like LE doing an investigation at the AMP. It seems like your intentions are good but you need a little monger etiquette.
Your post wasn't all bad. But these ladies can be spooked easily. I think you need to loosen up a little bit all around.
BB
That's the Korean word for a-hole.
Just saying.
[QUOTE=BuffettFan68;1754948]Had she been a smarter, more "think on your feet" type Mama, she could have gotten me to stay and her staff and her would have made money. They're all not the brightest in this hobby I guess, but these three really stood out. Complete air.[/QUOTE]Has it occurred to you that maybe they did not want you to stay? Perhaps they thought you were LE, or you scared them, or your appearance bothered them, etc.
I basically dispute your post as I stopped by recently for recon and was greeted warmly. Even after I indicated that I could not stay I was treated well bordering on flirty. Met two of the girls and none of the names you present was who I met. When my schedule and finances permit, I will definitely return for a session.
Hello everyone, first time poster but I have browsed for information and figured I should give back. Additionally if anyone has any information about places that offer things outside of HE, such as CBJ, I would appreciate the info, as I have not been able to find many!
Lan Lan Massage. Watertown, MA: Consistent, decent AMP. Seems to be run by two older ladies, Judia (Judy) and Eileen (Ellen). Both look decent, but are clearly mid 40s. Clean, two family house in Watertown Sq. Near the VW and Toyota Dealerships, and the Motel 8. Judia gives the better massage of the two (if you ask for hard she will walk on your back, yay!) but Eileen has a better finish. Apparently there is a third girl there (Ling) but in my many times going, I have never seen her. No negotiating in this place, they will touch and ask if it is OK, and if yes, away you go, no discussion of price ever, but also no extras and no removal of clothes. OTC touching is OK but you can tell they are a bit uncomfortable about it. I usually leave a standard tip and always get a smile.
Orchid Spa. Watertown, MA: A little dingy and open ceilings. Some people have been lucky here, I have not after going twice. Had a pretty, mid-20s girl both times (LuLu?) who gave an "OK" massage and some light teasing, but was totally distracting as she kept asking how to order items off of the McDonalds dessert menu. Seriously. She would also sing during the massage, which was cute. Probably won't go back.
Oriental Jade Spa. Waltham, MA. : Conveniently located above a DD in an office building. Seen two women work here, both on the older side. Both times I came here the provider, who's name is escaping me, was sick and coughing, which was a bit gross and distracting. Light negotiating for HE and no indication of extra services. Mediocre massage with no teasing, no touching and an uninspired finish. Might have been their cold. Standard tip was cool and off I went.
Sawasdee Thai Massage. Newton, MA: Came here twice, both times have struck out, although I am certain with enough time or money you could negotiate something. I saw Maylin once, who was incredibly hot, but gave no signs of anything extra. Somewhat decent technique and stretching, but for $80 would rather spend my money elsewhere. Nadia gave a really good massage, and was very sweet. After the hour she had me flipped at full attention and said something to the effect of "well work something out next time" and ended it there, but at the prices they charge I am not sure I am willing to go back. The big bonus here is the girls are all mid-20s and very attractive. If you have money and time to burn this may be worth it.
Art of Thai Bodywork. Malden, MA: Been here twice and had a OK experience both times. Like other Thai places, the fee of entry is $80. Located in a medical building with a bunch of other professional offices, and oddly enough, a school. They used to have a huge parking lot in back but most of it is reserved now. Lots of parking on the side streets, though. Once you enter there are usually 2-3 mid-20s, gorgeous girls hanging out. One TS as well. I had two different girls here, both very attractive."So-So" massage, and at the end they will ask if you want anything else, it becomes a bit awkward here because they act like the shy girlfriend in HS and I almost felt bad / guilty asking. Uninspired finish, no touching, and awkward small talk the entire time etc. Although I hear the TS may offer a bit more.
Jolin's Thai Bodywork. Framingham, MA: Go here if you are in the mood for something different. Massage is mediocre and at sometimes non-existant. However, everything is on the table, bring your own cover, which I have not tried.
Jolin's Thai Bodywork. Boston, MA: Same sort of deal as above but the girls are a bit more attractive. They are also a bit more cautious. One time I struck out completely and the other was a rushed finish.
[QUOTE=BaconBits; 1755045]Buffet. Really? I just read your pm (zero help, honoring the AMP silence promise) and now this post. I appreciate the effort on both. But what's your deal? You won't give out names or locations to fellow mongers and you act like LE doing an investigation at the AMP. It seems like your intentions are good but you need a little monger etiquette.
Your post wasn't all bad. But these ladies can be spooked easily. I think you need to loosen up a little bit all around.
BB[/QUOTE]Had this place been an already established veteran spa with lines out the door, a strong repeating clientele, multiple rotations of masseuses, banking large sums, then I would have understood their care less attitude. Wouldn't even write about a visit if those were the facts. Places like that exist and the ladies are jaded and sometimes don't want to help a newbie or make any effort unless money is presented quickly, and I get that, but this wasn't the case, in fact it was the opposite.
These ladies should have been hungry and should have responded like someone who was hungry, hustle to some degree anyway. They needed the etiquette, not me. Any sort of luring behavior, smile, or a question by them about me, might have made me change my mind. They didn't need to roll out a red carpet for me, I know not to expect something silly like that, and I almost certainly didn't expect concierge treatment there or any spa, never have or will, but when this was their "Grand Opening," in fact it was the first weekend of the first full month that they would be in business, during this grand opening, (so essentially a huge weekend expectation one would feel from their point of view to make money,) it is a reasonable expectation I believe, that they should hustle a little or even a lot depending on the case, and put on some sort of act to each and every person who enters the spa daily until they are established. And I bet that number is few too. They can't afford to lose a customer at this stage of their development from the few who even do show up. It is their loss, as I can now spend my money elsewhere, or even not at all.
They had placed ads on CL and BP for a few days prior, modified them a bit, then again changed and lowered the price ten dollars, all tactics, I would assume that were done to draw a customer, any customer. So, you know that they wanted many people to show. Any schmuck with some dough in his pocket, whether they like him or not, whether he was nice or not, or neutral was what they should have after. Attendance, shear numbers was key at this stage, not the personalities of attendees. So, when they got a prospective one (me) , they blew it by being passive, by being unfriendly and standoffish, by not acting or hustling. I look nothing like LE, you will just have to give me that, and even though I annnounced that I would not stay this time, somewhere in there I said I would come back at night time because that was my preferred time for a massage.
I was not unfriendly or scary in any way or an a hole I do not feel, and you are just going to have to accept that without knowing the facts firsthand, but it was just this lack of any degree of effort that the three of them showed that prompted me to write a bad review, or to not go back despite saying I would. I was a wiseass at the end when I caught them understanding Chinese and trapped them on it. They are not Korean!
They're the one's that needed to "loosen up", not me. I saw their multiple- varied ads, referenced them and came. I had over two hundred on me. I was ready to be conned, swindled and manipilated, separated from my money, (if the deal was good and that I guage by the reception,) yet they wanted to be lazy, and overly cautious. I don't doubt others' stories of a warm reception despite the fact that they too declined to stay, in fact that was all I was looking and hoping for, so since I can believe you, it's only fair I contend, you believe my result. I am open minded so maybe some others will do a recon and provide their story and get to the bottom of this "we're Korean" assertion when I argue it is just a marketing ploy that won't work and they are in fact just another run of the mill group of fake Chinese ladies, without much personality seeking easy cash.
Been here off and on with mix result. When it first opened up I had success, but it is a different staff now. Called ahead and was greeted by 2 women, one this and the other just a little chunky. The thin took my money and both showed me where the shower was. I had just taken one but wanted to see if they would help me in the shower. Didn't happen.
The thin one told me her name was Alice and was my masseuse. I laid down with out draping and she covered me, but soon removed the towel completely when she worked my legs. She gave a good massage and was friendly, and I would lightly rub her legs when I could. On the flip her kept me covered but would smile often, but it never went beyond that. I also didn't want to push it as it was my first time again. Will try again with her and see what happens.