I Took One for the Team

Yep, I did it. You wouldn't believe how selfless I can be. I am willing to sacrifice my very body for my customers.

A couple of weeks ago, a former client (now friend) who just moved to Chattanooga called me up and said something like, 'Gahhhh, I'm stressed. Where can I get a good massage?' I gave her the names of a couple of places that I'd heard of through the grapevine but I realized that I hadn't ever actually used any of the spas that I was talking about.

The proverbial light bulb went off and I decided that trying out (and then of course, blogging about) several of the better known places around town would give me two things: A. a good, direct experience that might be a big help to my clients and B. a good direct massage that is also a tax deduction. I mean, I wouldn't be doing this if I weren't planning on writing about it on my Chattanooga real estate blog. Honest, Mr. IRS auditor!

I checked out the websites of many a Chattanooga day spa, noting massage, manicure and pedicure prices. In the midst of all this I got to Royal Treatment Day Spa & Salon. And that's when I noticed the Monday & Tuesday massage special: $40! And glory of glories that was on a Monday. So I called 'em up and made my appointment for the following day. Walnut Street Bridge

Eleven the next morning found me at the south end of the Walnut Street Bridge in downtown Chattanooga. Setting up the appointment was quick and painless. Information online is accurate, including the specials. Even though it's in the heart of downtown, there is plenty of free parking. I'd give the building and decor 2 out of 5 stars, it's clean and functional but not what I'd call luxurious. The setting at the end of the bridge is pretty cool though, so I'll up that a 3. Seems that the couple's moonlight massages are done in the room which looks out over the bridge. And that, my friend, would be the cat's meow.

The massage itself was heaven, not too hard, not too soft. I particularly liked the hot-towels-on-the-feet treatment. I'm giving it 4 out of 5 stars (so that I can reserve a 5 star rating for an experience that is even better, if there is such a thing). There are several different LMT's that you can choose from. If you are particular about whether you have a man or woman, be sure to specify that when you make the appointment. They don't have service industry style credit card machines which let you add a tip at the end so if you want to charge a tip to your card, make sure you tell them how much before they run it.

Prices for typical services:

Massage $70/60 minutes
Deluxe Manicure $30
Deluxe Pedicure $45

Other services are available but these are the basics that pretty much every spa is going to have. You'll definitely want to take advantage of the Monday/Tuesday massage special (best deal in town that I've found).

Over the next few months I'll be slogging along, accumulating experiences at different well known Chattanooga spas. I'm just that dedicated.

You're welcome.