I've been to Urban Retreat (main location several times and this one several times over last ten years) and to the Houstonian both before and after their new spa opened.
I only made a reservation for spa manicure and spa pedicure (gift card but didn't indicate that in my reservation) and although they only had time for the spa pedicure and regular manicure and at 9:00 am on a Saturday I said that was fine.
The facility itself needs some "makeup". It's rather shoddy in appearance and needs some general TLC to look like a "spa". The ladies that performed the services were nice enough but you could tell they didn't understand what I was asking. I was put in a "spa" pedicure chair that had no where for me to set my coffee or water or look at my magazine (which I REALLY had to hunt for) and even though three other chairs were emply (the whole time I was there) she said so sorry but didn't offer to change chairs. I later found another room with just two chairs so that must be the "special room". The receptionists were there "to be there" not very helpful and I'm so sorry to comment on "dress" but the one showing almost her entire cleveage (what there was) really was putting off to me. How many men do attend spa on Saturday? Could be just "uneducated" but when the total was done and I left a 20% tip there was a $1.00 balance and comment was "I guess you want to leave anoter dollar for tip?" No, actually I did not. But, I said ok (should have asked me if I wanted any products) and really believe the whole experience was only a star or star and 1/2 above what I could have gotten at any strip mall nail salon. Oh, except they did have waer with a bunch of vegtables and fruit in it I could get, but wait, oh, no where was I to put the glass I was drinking out o? All and all, make appointment far enough ahead to go to the main location (put up with the regulars) but at least feel like you were being "treated" as the gift card was meant to be used.
Pros: Get everything done in one place-make appt. far in advance
Cons: facility "dated" better housekeeping and more knowledeable staff
more