Sothy's

I read so many reviews about Sothys, in which the word "sanctuary" was used, that I'm starting to wonder about the general sanity of midtown. My first impression walking in the door was more akin to words rhyming with "kitsch". The woman at the front desk is just as bad as everyone has made mention of- even those giving the place good reviews. I had Alicia for a Partial Brazilian Wax, which I booked through Lifebooker. She was very sweet and attentive, and it looked promising at first, between the surgery light and Alicia's high-power glasses. She didn't speak any English, though, and- despite asking her to keep the V-shape in the hair over the pubic bone- I ended up with a very unflattering, Howie Mandell-like soul-patch. She didn't hold down the skin at all while pulling off the strips, either. It suffices to say, one of the least pleasant feelings in the world involves your naughty bits being yanked all over creation. She also rewaxed the same spots three or four times, and I... Read more

I was extremely disappointed in my experience, and will not be returning! I received a luke-warm greeting upon arriving, as if I was disturbing their gossip session upon my arrival. The receptionist took me to what is the smallest women's lounge/locker room I have seen in a spa. The lockers were placed right where you walk into the tiny room. So anytime someone would walk in, the door would hit me as I was trying to get my robe out, etc. Needless to say, you can't even change near your locker, unless you want to expose yourself to any passerby as someone walks in. When I got my robe on, I was even more disappointed - it had definitely seen better days. The belt and bottom were frayed and tattered, and there were stains on the robe. This robe should have been thrown away months before, and not provided for clients! I was hoping that the spa services would make up for the lackluster beginning to the experience..but unfortunately that was not to be the case... First I had a ma... Read more

Got a gift package: massage, delicious scrub & facial. Here's what I thought... Massage - OMG, soooo relaxing. Simone is a sweetheart and has an EXPERT firm touch. Nearly fell asleep 3-4 times in the 50 minutes! She's also very knowledgeable & witty but not overly chit-chatty. "Just right" as Goldilocks would say. Never had a scrub done before. WOW. The delicious scrub was moisturizing and exfoliating and my skin (even 2 days later) STILL feels great! She got my elbows and knees so soft (I didn't know they could get THIS SOFT!!). HIGHLY RECOMMEND both, especially the scrub. The room is very tranquil and has an instantly relaxing vibe. A bit bright for a massage yes, but just close your eyes and you'll be fine. Okay, as for the facial... I had a bit of "gunk" in my nose, so yes, it hurt a bit... the before cleansing was great, the steam cloth was great too, the cooling mask afterwards was also great... this was my 3rd facial (ever), but I'm beginning to wonder, despite my sen... Read more

After reading some of the reviews on City Search I felt hesitant about this spa. However, the negative reviews didn't post until after i had booked my appointment. I had arranged for their sea salt scrub and massage for my husband and I. There is no need to fear, this spa was lovely. The staff was friendly and accommodating. I had my treatments with Simone, she was a true professional. I would not hesitate to book a treatment here.

I received two gift certs for their special winter dream treatment which included a massage, a facial, a mani/pedi and lunch. I booked my husband and I on Valentine's weekend and we were looking forward to it. When I get there I'm given a locker with a robe, etc. The robe is way too small. I'm a plus sized woman and they should have given me a larger robe without me having to ask. Then I get to my massage room. The wedge a massage table in the hydrotheraphy room next to a broken tub. There is a huge skylight and the room is complete daylight. No aromatherapy candles, no spa music. I refused my massage as it wasn't a relaxing atmosphere I am used to when getting a massage. Good thing because my husband's massage was less than amateur. She made him flip three times and barely used any pressure. She would work on his arm, then go to the leg, then flip over to his back then flip again. She was all over the place and he was uncomfortable and annoyed. AND they don't even have t... Read more

I scheduled a last minute massage with Sothy's through lifebooker at 5:30 on a Friday. I ended up getting stuck at work, so I was running a little late. On my way out the door at 5:15 I called Sothy's to tell them I would be ten minutes late. Seeing as I only had to go two subway stops 25 minutes should have given me plenty of time to get there, however, the train was stalled and consequently I ended up being 20 minutes late instead of 10. I walked into the store and immediately said "i'm so sorry! I had train problems!" The woman at the desk just gave me an incredulous look and was rude right off the bat. I was late- yes this was my fault. But the way the woman who was the manager chose to deal with the situation made me decide I would never return. I was excited about trying it out as I had never been. She told me that I could still have the massage minus the 20 minutes. I told her I was sorry, but that was not a desireable solution. Before I could say anything else she went on a ran... Read more

Took my sister here for a bit of bride to be pampering. Found this place online & loved the way it looked, its location, & reviews so between the 2 of us I booked a spa manicure, signature manicure, & a signature massage. My sister had Sarah the masseuse & we both had Barbara the nail tech. Sarah performed a great massage and new how to apply the right amount of pressure to the appropriate areas. Barbara's manicures were meticulously well done. All staff was super nice & accomodating, asking us several times if we wanted water/tea & they were understanding when we arrived 5 min. late for our appointments and did not penalize us. The atmosphere/decor was beautiful and everything is very spacious. The only cons were: outside the nail room was a bit noisy/loud and inside the nail room I had to stare at a 1/2 eaten banana the whole time I received my manicure - a bit gross. But I would go back. They treated us like royalty :-) (Which is how you should be treated when you're spending that ... Read more

Of all luxury spas in New York Sothys offers the best service for the best value. The minute you come through the door you are in the luxurious osis of tranquility and relaxaton. The staff is very attentive and skilled. The treatments are of the best technique and quality - it helps that the esteticians are trained in Paris. They use high quality products that really work. Every time I go to the Sothys salon, I leave very relaxed and rejuvenated. Warning - if you try it - you get hooked and never go anywhere else.

I've been there several time for a full brazillian wax. Jenna is amazing! She has such good skill that it makes the entire process as painless as it should be. She used two different type of waxes for different area. Very skillfull. She is also very meticulous giving you a mirror to check for any strand of hair left. I have been a couple of places for brazillian waxing recommended by Citysearch....Sothys is my permanent home for waxing now. It is a bit pricy but I don't need to go home and tweeze the left behind anymore. Been there for massage too, Sarah is the best!

I received a gift card for Sothys over a year ago and forgot it was even in my pocket. When I called Sothys, the receptionist told me that it was still valid and I could just pay the difference for my treatment. I had a 60-minute massage that was good, but not great. I arrived a little bit early, so I sat outside the locker room reading a magazine. There was a screen that separated this area from the front desk, but it was open to anyone coming and going through the spa. That felt somewhat weird considering I was only wearing a robe. Otherwise, the service was great. Everyone from the front desk to the therapist were all courteous and prompt.

For NY Spa Week 2006, I decided to take my mom, aunt and best friend for ladies day of relaxation. I've been to many many spas during spa week and I have to comment on the level of service I received at Sothys. I booked our appts. on the first day of Spa Week and we had mid-day appts. of massages, facials and scrubs. From the moment I walked in to 5 hours later when I left, I never received such amazing service from the technicians to the manager of the spa. The massage and scrub was a great combo and Sarah did a great job! I felt so relaxed and rejuvenated afterwards and so did my family & friends. The staff ordered and set up lunch from Mangia for us downstairs in their little cafe area. We were also treated to complimentary white & red wine, coffee, tea, cappuccino's and cookies. The maintenance staff who set up our lunch were both great! They were very patient, friendly and eager to make our day great. I'm thankful that it wasn't very busy on the day I went because the staff was be... Read more

In Short For the ultimate French spa experience in New York, the posh get pampered at L'Institut. Curvy, contemporary design over three floors hides 10 treatment rooms and a special hydrotherapy room, with a large skylight overhanging the tub. Estheticians, trained at the Paris headquarters, perform head-to-toe signature treatments with Sothys' products--the complete line of which is exclusively sold in the spa's shop. A petite French bistro calms with light, post-treatment bites.

Good massage but there are not showers! (so French!). The staff was confused why anyone would want to take a shower afterwards! There is one shower in a treatment room but you have to walk though the entire spa when you are done to get to the changing room to dry your hair and change. Not so private.

The Sothys Institut is one of the best Spa's I have visited in many years. Their staff is very well trained and products are of high quality> The results of a facial is immediate and long lasting. i will return on my next New York visit.