This week I finally took out a gift certificate I had for the Stillwater Spa at the Hyatt Hotel in Toronto. It was a very generous gift from a client of mine, and I couldn't wait to luxuriate in getting my legs waxed, having a pedicure a facial and a massage.
I had been before and really enjoyed it, but since my last visit in 2005 I had decided that the prices at the Stillwater meant a 'once in every 2 years' treat. Since then I've been venturing up to Gerrard Street or the Danforth for my 'grooming' needs. Through a friend I started going regularly to Metro Nails on the Danny (just east of Coxwell) for waxing, nails, pedicures etc. They do a fantastic job for a very reasonable price. And I head to Youngr Hair Salon (yes, that's the spelling, although I'm sure they mean 'Younger')for a fantastic haircut for $8.00. Yep, you saw right - $8.
So, the other night while I'm in my white robe awaiting the Royal Treatment at the Stillwater, I'm very excited. The women who gave me my treatments were very nice and I chatted with each of them throughout my treatments. The funny thing was, the wax (normally $88!) was simply adequate. There was no special lotion or treatment that I couldn't get at Metro for $35 and there they do my toes as well! Also the waxer was too slow and I had to ask for a 'quicker' rip so my skin wouldn't come off! We laughed about it at the time, but to be honest I thought for that price they should be at the top level of their game.
Then the pedicure. Half way through I noticed a bit of a sting on my right and left toes. The next day both were all bloated and infected. The pedicurist had cut too far into the nails leaving an actual cut on the inside of nail/skin. Pain...ful. But again, she was so nice I said nothing.
I happily limped around the next day but was shaking my head...thinking 'that never happens at Metro Nails!' and their pedicures are $15.
The moral of the story is...don't underestimate services that are cheap. They can be equally as good, or in this case, MUCH better. Vietnamese women are highly skilled in the art of grooming, nails, pedicures, haircuts, tailoring and a host of other 'attention to detail' tasks. I would use them anyday over the 'luxury' of a hotel spa.
I certainly enjoyed my jaunt to the Stillwater overall, but next time I'll head back to Kim at Metro and Ruby at Youngr for the real deal.
