Guerlain Spa at Regent Santa Monica
This past Sunday, I spent a good chunk of the day at the Guerlain Spa at Regent Santa Monica with a friend, and I have to start by giving a shoutout to the designers. Everything was so aesthetically pleasing and branded to a T. From the minute you walk in, you're greeted by name and escorted to the check-in area where you fill out a consent form and are handed a hot towel and scented lotion. After check-in, someone walks you through the spa, showing you exactly where everything is and what amenities you have access to.
Overall, my experience was amazing. I usually don’t expect much from massages at upscale spas, but this one genuinely surprised me. I opt’d for the “Deep Muscular Massage – 60,” and it definitely lived up to its name. I could feel it. My masseuse even called me out for not stretching enough at home . That’s how tight and tense my body was. Now parts of the massage did hurt, but I did not request for lighter pressure because I have had deep tissue massages before and I know the reward is in the days after the massage.
Can we take a second to talk about the actual massage room? When I walked in, there was music playing at the perfect volume and a honeybee on the bed, it was decor, calm down. I was asked if I wanted the bed heated and which “waking scent” I preferred, there are 4 that you can choose from. That scent was such a nice touch, they use it toward the end of your massage, infused in the oil/lotion and spraying it just before the bed slowly lifts to a seated position. I’ve never had a massage end like that, and it was such a surprise. The scent really does gently wake you up. That was the first time I have ever experience a waking scent and it just made the massage that must better, you wake up in a happy mood.
If I had to nitpick, I wish they spent a bit more time on the bottoms of my feet, maybe that’s included in the 90-minute session which is what I usually book for massages, but it wasn’t available. Also, I would’ve loved a few minutes of a head massage at the end. That’s just something I personally enjoy.
After your service you are escorted to a lounge where you can relax, enjoy the snacks, teas, macaroons and are offered champagne. The champagne was surprising really good, it was crisp, light and the perfect amount of sweetness. We liked it so much that we asked what champagne it was and we weren’t the first to do so. The receptionist had a picture handy of the bottle because someone right before us asked what it was as well. Turns out it’s just a $7 Wycliff Brut. Goes to show that price doesn’t really determine the taste.
Now, about that pricing surprise I mentioned in my reel… I didn’t even realize it until I got home. I booked the massage expecting it to be $240, but I was charged $275. On the website, it says “starting at $240,” and when you click the service, it only shows add-ons as potential price increases. The next morning, I called and shared my concern of being overcharged. The rep explained that weekend prices are higher due to demand. I let her know that I do not see that stated on the website, She offered a price adjustment right away, no back and forth, which I really appreciated. Just keep that in mind if you're booking on a weekend.
Other pricing notes: a 22% gratuity is automatically added. Valet is $23 for the first three hours with validation, and $12 for each additional hour. My total was $59 for valet.
I’m not sure if everyone gets this, but I received an email the next day offering 20% off my next service of $240+ if I booked within 24 hours and the appointment falls within the next 60 days.
By booking a service at Guerlain, you get access to:
Lockers
Showers
The fitness center
Steam room
Sauna
Indoor hot tub
Outdoor hot tub
Relaxation room
Post-service lounge
The pool (weekdays only, excluding holidays)
Snacks
Champagne
Water and Tea
Hair products and tools
Hygiene products
You're asked to arrive at least 30 minutes before your service, but you can show up as early as 8am. Just make sure you’re in the relaxation room at least five minutes before your appointment.
Now for the food and drinks. The empanadas were really good, fries were just okay to me and the drink was good but not very strong at all. I felt the champagne more than the poolside cocktail.
All in all, I’d definitely go back to Guerlain for another visit and feel the pricing is worth the value you get from the service, access to amenities and the includes snack and beverages.
