Why 5-Star Hotel Spa Massages Are So Bad

What would you say if I told you that these 5-star Hotels put this poor quality out on purpose, would you be shocked? I was.

Oh don't get me wrong, these Hotels are first rate as far as their non-spa services, ambiance and amenities, so why do they go out of their way to hire fresh-just-out-of-school massage therapist?

• Profit margins




• Easily trainable for their "Spa Culture"

I'm positive that they have more reason for this other than what I listed, for instances, I know that these 5 star hotels impress upon newly graduated massage therapist, the allure at working such a prestige luxury spa. Once this is accomplished, they throw in a bunch of fluff "employee benefits" to make their massage therapist think, "wow" I am special.

By design someone needs to pay for that terry robe.

These 5 star hotels are very smart they know their industry. They purposely avoid hiring massage therapist with experience as they know most likely this massage therapist is "set in his ways" and will not work for such low wages. These Hotels lose a lot of money for instance if they hire a veteran massage therapist, who specializes in deep tissue and delivers that massage to all guest. Advance massage therapist may also find a problem and spend more time there, which the guest did not pay for.

Let me explain have you ever noticed how much they charge just for a 50 minute Swedish Spa massage and have you noticed how much that price jumps when you get anything extra (i.e. aromatherapy, reflexology, deep tissue or scalp massage), I don't need to tell you folks. If you had gone to a hotel to a massage then you know what I am talking about it. A 50 minute deep tissue massage with aromatherapy and tip will be over $200 easily, and all that goes to your hotel. Your massage therapist might be lucky to make 15-18% of that total.

Your veteran massage therapist on the other hand may find a problem that needs that extra attention and not care if their customer only paid for a Hotel Signature Spa massage. The massage therapist with experience often will know that in this spa business, your tips may be well over what you get hourly from the Hotel. Your veteran massage therapist will be more customer service orientated than your newly graduated massage therapist will be more likely to do what is required no more no less, until they become smart.

All fluff and no substance, 5-star ambiance, 2-star massage service

Even with their reputation at stake here, I am amazed that these 5-star Hotels would not want to put the best quality experienced massage therapist on their payroll. I cannot tell you how many times customers of certain Hotels have come to me and express their disappointments. Do these spa's think that they can win you as a repeat customer, just on fluff alone, but hey if fluff is what you like, I can give the names of many places to check out.