Absolute Spa at River Rock Casino Resort - Richmond, British Columbia

Tina I.

I just spent a week with my mom in Vancouver at River rock hotel while visiting family. I booked Heaven From Head to Toe package for each of us which included 60 minute massage, facial and pedicure. I am comparing to previous spas I have been to in this review. I didn’t realize the pool/hot tub was shared with hotel which is my fault for not confirming this so we didn’t use that facility on our spa day as it was not peaceful with young sport teams burning off energy which is opposite of relaxing. We arrived 30 minutes earlier so we can enjoy the amenities of showers, herbal teas, relaxing before treatments. The changeroom/shower area was very small. The amenities and sink area were very nice, the showers however really need some work as they were not cleaned properly (if the management wants to contact me for a photos and details so they can improve there rating I can share that as this is such a simple thing to improve). Next we went to the lounge area, this area is a main corridor for the spa area and not overly relaxing due to traffic, bright light from change rooms and very small. There was some prepackaged snacks, teas and water cold or room temp available. Next we went in for start of our treatments with massage being first. My therapist was very good with her techniques (I knew she wasn’t an RTM when I booked it) and she was very kind and did a good job but many times I had to ask her to repeat as I had a very hard time understanding what she was saying and other times I just smiled or said ok as I still didn’t understand with her accent. It is extremely important to have good English when providing professional services. Which brings me to my facial & pedicure, surprisingly it is the same technician as I thought it would be an esthetician doing these. I do not think and maybe I am wrong that they are licensed estheticians. The facials were ok, room for improvement and I was not comfortable once I realized it was the same person but I had to let it go and enjoy. The pedicure was just ok. I’ve had many and this one didn’t stand out anymore than a regular one, definitely room for improvement. The cost was about $500 for each of us with a $30 tip. I feel they can improve greatly to be called a luxury spa and to stand out to get repeat customers and 5 star reviews. I am not looking to bash the spa in anyway nor am I looking for a coupon but just to give advice in what needs improvement and to let others know an honest review if they are looking for luxury treatments this is not it. Staff was very nice, just poor English.

Tam T.

OMG, Lillian was just wonderful! I went in for a lower leg wax and she instantly made me feel totally welcomed and comfy. The room itself was dimly lit, super clean, and cutely decorated with all those pretty Himalayan salt rocks.

The music was peaceful, and the complimentary tea and lemon water is so appreciated!

Thanks again, can't wait to go back!

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Karen R.

Came to the spa for pedicure ( Lillian ) was my esthetician who was fabulous! This is my fourth time @ the spa with Lillian who as always was fantastic! Highly recommend the spa. All the staff were friendly but professional and had excellent service

Elsie L.

Lillian was my masseuse. She was excellent. Her techniques are effective and unique.

T

Unfortunately mine and my partners experience wasn’t very good.
On the phone, we were told we’d have access to the spa pool and hot tub. We would’ve loved to be aware that it is shared with the hotel and there were many kids. Many many many kids sitting in the hot tub without parents. Had we known it was shared, we most likely wouldn’t have booked our spa at this location. We actually got locked out from the spa and stuck in the pool area due to a problem with the lock which almost made us late for the service. (Not the spas fault) Furthermore, the facilities need work. I arrived around 3pm and my service was for 4:15. By 4:10, the showers hadn’t been cleaned from the same towels and shoes I saw in there at 3. I had to personally remove items for my shower. There were no complimentary snacks or really any beverages. There was tea that was cold in the kettle. The staff were very kind and let us cancel our service with no charge which was nice. I don’t really blame staff for some of these but wish I booked at another location. Century Plaza was always satisfactory, kind of bummed it closed down.
All in all, I would have preferred a discount for the service at the very least or some other solution to make up for the dissatisfaction with the facilities.

Cindy C.

Such a lovely spa! Lilian was such an amazing esthetician and did an amazing job of my nails, toes and fingers. She also made sure I was completely relaxed and comfortable for the entire service! So lovely!!

Megan L.

I came here for the first time this afternoon for a pedicure. Initially I was a bit disappointed with the facility, but the staff were so friendly and welcoming that it really made the experience for me. Robin, who did my pedicure, was very accommodating and did such a good job on my nails. She was knowledgeable about the products and services and I was thrilled to purchase a body butter afterwards, which I would highly recommend. I relaxed in the lounge after to let my nails dry and was surprised with a mimosa and some snacks. All in all it wasn't the spa I was expecting, but it was well worth the visit. Thank you very much to the staff, especially Robin and the kind receptionist.

Amanda L.

I had a great experience at the Absolute Spa at River Rock Casino Resort. I came here with a bunch of ladies to celebrate a special occasion. The staff was very friendly and quite accommodating for our large group. They were very professional and even provided us with some goodies. The massage was relaxing and the location was very clean. They even had complimentary lockers in the shower/changing rooms to secure your personal belongings. Highly recommend for those interested for a spa experience!