OK, I've never been to a "spa" before. I'm a big guy in his late 30's and I guess it just never crossed my mind. Not really into the man pamper stuff, but I've sat in a steam room, sauna, whirlpool, and enjoyed those, but never been to an actual spa before. I think it would be a neat add to my upcoming solo trip, just to help relax and unwind etc. Not really into all the treatments and such, other than a good old relaxing shoulder massage. Any advice or similar situations? Any of you fellow dudes out there ever give a spa a try? Staying at the Mirage. Any tips? And just to be clear, I'm not talking about an off-strip massage with a happy ending!
I've done it before - I'm also in my 30's - with my wife, and by myself. It's great to unwind after a long flight or to start/end a big day. Sometimes I just pay the entry fee, don't get any service, and get a day or two of access to the jacuzzi / steam room / pools / etc. Sometimes I get a massage to work the kinks out of my neck and shoulders. It's really relaxing, and I try to work it into every trip now. Highly recommend you give it a try.
I never went to a spa until Vegas. 2 years ago I did the Qua Spa at Caesar's Palace and I loved it. They had so many different rooms and the Turkish baths. It was very relaxing and enjoyed that one. I also went to Hard Rock last year, I wouldn't recommend that one after going to Qua. I don't know how much it is because I got the spa with my massage but I would recommend Qua. Very relaxing.
Best spa in my opinion is Qua at Caesars and I often don't get a service. I reset and spend a few hours there doing nothing but vegging. It's a quick 15 minute walk from Mirage and I sometimes go to Qua when staying at Mirage. I grew up in a family of all female siblings and cousins and my family had decent disposable income growing up so I used to go quite often. Having seen a lot of spas around the world, including a lot in Vegas hotels and I have to say Qua is top 2 IMO. Here's the website in case you're lazy: http://www.harrahs.com/qua-caesars-palace/ Not the cheapest but not that much more.
Going to the spa in Vegas is a frequent occurrence for me. I usually try and find a groupon for a massage, but I too sometimes just go for steam, hot tubs, etc. The best massage I have ever had in Vegas was at the South Point, think her name was Stephanie or Michelle, anyways she was amazing. The only spa I have ever been to on the strip was Luxor's and it was fine but nothing special. Qua is on my bucket list (I wanna spend some time in the snow room).
Snow room is very overhyped and the only downer. It's like they use soap bubbles as faux snow inside a tiled refrigerator. Everything else about the spa though is great. From the heated seats to the pools, and hot rooms and all the amenities. One tip for the OP that I forgot, if you get a treatment, Qua accepts SpaFinder gifts cards that you can buy at Costco for 20% off.
A spa visit is always a nice way to spend an hour or two. Many also offer complimentary non alcoholic beverages and nice shaving/ hair products and shampoo. I'll gladly pay $20-$30 dollars that can go quickly in the machines or tables.
I'm kind of the opposite of you. I have had massages (at both Canyon Ranch - Venetian/Palazzo & Sahra - Cosmo), but I haven't been in other parts of the spa. Both were pretty good, but preferred Canyon Ranch. I think the price ranges were similar as well. I think the quality is going to vary based on the person you get. Some people are very chatty, and if you're looking to relax you'll need to politely tell them to STFU. My impression @ CR is that most of the men's areas (other than the massage rooms) seemed to have sports on the TV. I didn't think that was all that relaxing. I was looking to disconnect entirely from the outside world. And I was looking to relax, not see a bunch of hairy naked dudes. That's why I stayed away from the other parts of the spa.
Yeah the snow room is kinda bs, its basically an industrial freezer with seats, ths spits out faux bubbles from the ceiling. However its a great cool down after 5 - 10 mins in the dry or steam saunas or jacuzzi. TR members also get discounts. Diamond gets a day pass for $20. I find it a great way to detox after a nigh of heavy drinking.
I try to do a spa morning at least once a trip. Made the mistake of booking a massage at Encore two weeks ago and not only was it terrible it was super spendy...$170...and I threw in $30 tip even though it sucked. Yeah, dumb. BUT, the spa itself was nice and "free" all day with my service. They have these heated tile massage chair things in the wet room...also, I liked the steam room and deluge showers. If I stay at Wynncore in the future, I would pay the access fee only and skip the service. I have also been to Paris...plain but good enough...and I bought a three day pass and was able to charge to the room to pay with points (couldn't pay with points on the spot since the Mandara branded spas are contracted). Bellagio also did a spa day or two since it was comped on my offer. That place was like an f'n sports bar...speaking of sports on the TVs...granted it was during March Madness. A bit noisy for relaxing... and I felt it was also warehouse-y...big and spacious but not necessarily relaxing. The patio overlooking the pool area is cool though. I recommend it...as someone else said, throwing a few bucks this way for a couple hours to chill is worth it vs losing the money in the casino...plenty of time for that later. Have yet to try Qua...my ass is too lazy to walk over there since we never stay at CP.
I try to do a massage atleast once a trip. Its nice way to unwind. Only drawback is I tend to use the hottubs before the massage and seeing 400lb fat naked guys is unnerving
I hit the spa most every trip. Love to do the steam room for a while and then get a nice long deep tissue massage. Then I usually hit the jacuzzi to wind down. Love it.
Just treated myself to the spa/fitness center at Rio twice during my birthday trip last week. Nice workout facility, then jacuzzi time while being offered juice, orange slices, and a bucket of crushed ice and a chilled towel for my eyes. Helped to get that hangover look out of the face. Eucalyptus steam room was pretty nice, too, then a refreshing shower and shave with all their products. $5 tip to the attendant and $12 groupon made me feel like a million bucks. Recommended.
When I do spa day, it is exactly that: a day - or most of one. Start with a long workout in the gym, then a shower and a time in the steam and whirlpool . Grab some juice or some snacks to tide you over. Then a nice massage and - afterwards - a long time chillin on a nice lounge chair. I love those fluffy robes After my chill time, I take a long shower and shave. If I can not devote 4 hours or more, I don't bother. And my advice - don't go to a spa outside your hotel - it defeats the purpose. Take the elevator down and spend your time to relax. When you are done, you are ready for a nice long nap to get you ready for the evening. If you have to get dressed and walk a hallf an hour to your own hotel, the buzz has worn off. My favorite is the Belagio, although I was at the Mirage a number of years ago and it was pretty nice. I was very disappointed with planet ho and not overly impressed with Aria. And I am a 50 something guy who discovered spas 20 years ago. Learn to love the spa atmosphere,
I've also done the Pokerface facial for men at Qua which was pretty awesome. $160 with tip and diamond discount.