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Czechrose Natural Therapy
Category: Beauty and Spas Massage Massage [Edit]
225-1118 Homer StreetVancouver, BC V6B 2G2
Neighbourhoods: Downtown, Yaletown
(604) 669-9312
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- By Appointment Only:
- Yes
13 reviews for Czechrose Natural Therapy
13 reviews in English
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Review from John A.
Greater Vancouver Regional District, BC
5/20/2012
I have been a regular client at Czechrose for around 18 months (about 40 visits in total) and I have been delighted with the service. The value for money is hard to beat - that's what keeps me going back - there's no way I could afford it if it were $90 per session like most places. I am highly active and I participate in a lot of sports (snowboarding, football, etc.) so I frequently have sporting injuries that need massage therapy. I've always found the staff to be professional, accommodating and courteous. And they know what they're doing. More than once I have literally walked in limping and walked out moving freely again. The environment is simple but I find it peaceful and soothing. I book a session every 1 or 2 weeks; usually to treat sprains and strains but also just for relaxation. It's wonderfully relaxing - I look forward to it all week.
Some of the reviews above have outdated information - they don't have any male staff members any more. The music is usually switched on the whole time I'm there and they've always been great about checking what kind of music I like, what kind of oils, which parts need the most attention, the amount of pressure, etc. Most of the other businesses in the building seem to be offices, so it's usually really quiet. The space is not huge, but it's certainly adequate. The building is open to the public during business hours, and after hours it's just a phone call to be let in. Not a big deal.
So overall, I find it great. I recommend it.
John Anderson -
Review from Raquel C.
Vancouver, BC
5/24/2012
I went to Czechrose in January and April of 2012. Zdenka is excellent. My first impression was a bit off, because she keeps the lighting dim for mood which I wasn't expecting from the lit hallway, but when I stepped into her office area, I could see it was very clean and well organized. The treatment room is also clean and nicely set up with all she needs for treatments. I found her to be definitely professional in both her technique and her manner - I'd the massage was on par with those I've had at good salons. The experience felt luxurious. I will go again, and felt it was worth it at even the full price.
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Review from Shoppa H.
Vancouver, BC
4/18/2012
I bought some vouchers on a daily deal site and want to refund the remainder of the vouchers. I had a Swedish massage from a nice lady Svenka(?) and there was not enough pressure. I thought deep tissue meant getting right in there to get out the knots. She did not address all my sore points, but pointed them out to me and moved on. I left with more kinks and knots than I came in with. I have had many massages and I do not think she is qualified or trained to be a masseuse. I want a refund!
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Review from Mark H.
10/3/2011 2 Check-ins Here
Looking or a spa-like massage experience? Keep looking. This place is just a small office in yaletown with a curtain, so princesses need not inquire.
Been here twice using daily deal vouchers. $28 for a 1-hr massage (deep tissue or Swedish). Heck of a deal if you ask me.
1st visit I got Eva. A sweet Czech woman who was very welcoming and informative. I went with the deep tissue and was very satisfied with her technique. All my knots and kinks were gone when I left.
2nd time I was a victim of bait and switch. A woman had called me the day before to remind me, and I assumed she would be the one massaging me. When call her to get let in, she comes down (likely the owner), fairly attractive lady and says 'enjoy!' and leaves. What the heck?
At this point, I vaguely remember a mention on their website that they have a male masseuse sometimes. Did I misread the staff schedule? Maybe, maybe not, but I open the door and it's a dude.
Not exactly my preference, but hey I wasn't going to forfeit my voucher so what the heck. The guy was a newbie to Canada and was learning English. Technique wasn't near as good as Eva but a massage is a massage. Was it still awkward? Yup.
But hey, Eva rocks. -
Review from Andrea M.
North Vancouver, BC
7/5/2011
Never go here. The owner BURNED my skin with a heating pad and was atrociously rude to me. This is not a spa, not a legitimate business. She works out of an extremely sketchy building; it's a makeshift office where you can hear the men in the office adjacent, with a tattered sheet hung from the wall, very unclean-looking.
There have been a few of these daily deal sites with offers - don't get conned, and protect yourself! -
Review from Mya N.
Langley, BC
4/18/2011
I discovered Czechrose after buying 4 vouchers off a daily deals site. Just had my third session and had to write a review while my body is still tingling with relaxation. First off, if you're looking for the glamour and glitz that comes with most spas, look somewhere else. But if you want a wicked massage with a friendly masseuse in a simple setting, this place is prefect. It's located on the 2nd floor of an office building in Yaletown, in a tiny room consisting of one massage bed. There are currently 2 masseuses alternating shifts 7 days/wk, 9am-9pm. They offer all types of massages from Swedish to pregnancy to Reiki as well as ear candling and paraffin hand wraps. I've had great Swedish and deep tissue sessions. Iva gave me one of the best massage I've ever had today.
The downside of this small business is that it's by appointment only and is usually booked up a lot. But if you book your appointment at least 2 weeks in advance then you should have no problem. Since there's only one bed, there's no couples massage and if you and a friend go, you'll have to wait for each other. Since it's in an office building, the washroom is down the hall with key access only. Lastly, if you book an appointment in the evenings or weekends, you have to call the masseuse so they can let you in.
Downsides aside, it's a great place and it feels good to support small businesses. And best of all, it's cheap! You can get a 1 hr massage right now for only $28!! -
Review from Walkie T.
Vancouver, BC
8/15/2011
I bought some vouchers on a daily deal site. I've gone twice and had the same therapist each time. The first time I said I was feeling fine and just was looking for relaxation. The second time I said my feel and shoulders were bothering me, but she didn't seem to work these areas harder/longer than the others.
This is not a spa. This is an office room with a curtain separating the massage area from the office area, and it is somewhat sheer. Not the prettiest or most private space, but it was functional.
As it is in an office building and I get massages on weekends, you have to call to get them to come down and let you in. There is no buzzer. As the appointment before me went over, I was standing on the street waiting. Very annoying.
As there is only one bed, it is hit and miss to get someone on the phone. Appointments can be made online, but I didn't find it very functional-the calendar only lets you book in a treatment if there is 15 minutes on either side of your appointment. So you have to find a 90 minute block for your 60 minute treatment. And yet the appointment before mine went over.
I found her pressure to be good and I didn't ask her to adjust it so I can't comment on how accommodating she was to my requests-other than I was disappointed she didn't work problem areas more. Her demeanor was pleasant. The massage was OK. I've had better and I've had worse. For the $28 I have no complaints, but I won't be going back and paying full price for a massage that is just OK in a space that I don't find aesthetically pleasing. Also, she has music playing when I came in, but by the time I got on the table it had stopped and she didn't put it back on. I don't understand that. If you have the equipment, why wouldn't you put on music or at least ask? It stopped half way through my first appointment too, and the second one I was massaged in total silence, except for the creaking of the building. Not conducive to relaxation. -
Review from Katrina S.
Burnaby, BC
5/13/2011
Bought a voucher for a friend and I, then realized they do not do doubles/couples massages as it is literally an office space with 1 bed. This is NOT a trip to the spa.
PROS:
Eva (Ava?) was thorough, friendly, and answered any questions I had.
They ask for immediate feedback if something is too painful/not right, etc.
CONS:
At the end of a work day, I don't REALLY want to be making small talk and I felt obligated to answer her questions and go along with the conversation.
The place seems to be booked up quite a bit (you can book online)
Negative review from friend who visited makes me think it's more luck of the draw on which masseuse (of the 3) that you get
Try it out. For the time being it is $28 for the hour. (plus $3.. hst)
4 stars as I had a good experience, but maybe I just got lucky. -
Review from Elsa C.
Burnaby, BC
7/20/2011
I bought a Social Shopper coupon for a massage. I thought it will be a spa, but it looks more like a small cramped room with a desk and a translucent curtain that separates the desk from her "treatment" room.
I received the all 3 massage: Swedish, deep tissue and aromatherapy in 60 mins. She was too gentle on me, I like more firmer grip.
I wouldn't go back because I can find other masseuse that are much more suitable for my needs (and a bigger space). -
Review from L S.
Burnaby, BC
9/25/2011
I went 3 times to this "spa" (NOT!) and each time got worse. The first time the only real problem was that I was kept waiting downstairs and there was some confusion because a couple was there saying it was their appointment time but it wasn't.
The second time I went I got a different masseuse (not Zdenka) and she was ok but did some very unconventional treatments (stomach massage?) and tried to do some chiropractic adjustments which she is not qualified for.
The third time I went was yesterday and it was horrible. I got a phone call from the owner saying that my masseur would be a male if that was ok. I said it was if he was professional and she assured me that he was. When I arrived I phoned to let him know I was there and I got the answering machine (which really needs to be replaced because you can't here a thing the greeting says!) and then a couple minutes later I called back and Pavel answered saying he'd be right down. 10 minutes later I call back and get the machine again. Finally 5 minutes later he comes down and I was not impressed with his first impression. I have no problem with piercings, tattoos, long hair on guys, etc but this guy was so casual and gruff looking that he should not be representing anyone's business. He blamed the lateness on the previous client who had arrived 1/2 hr late. That's not my problem, at 1/2 hr late he should have been turned away and rebooked.
Pavel asked me what kind of massage I wanted and I said that I needed tension relief in my neck & shoulders. He had music playing for part of my massage but it ended half way through and he didn't put it back on or ask if I wanted it. **Most** of the massage was pretty good. I do like firm pressure and he asked me if the pressure was ok and I told him it was. But then he did the hand chopping (Swedish?) massage really, really hard and then basically slapped me all over my back which hurt so much I have bruises on my back.
When it was finished I dressed and paid the taxes owing for the treatment and he barely grunted at me as I left.
This was the worst treatment I have ever received going for a massage and I would never recommend anyone go there but if you do, make sure you get Zdenka and not anyone else! -
Review from Niki V.
Vancouver, BC
7/15/2011
This place is great. Zdenka (therapist) is lovely and she is very kind. If the heating is too much, too little, just say something and she will help immediately. Lovely massage, very relaxing. This is a private salon, no fluff and huff, but cozy and intimate. Will go soon again.
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Review from Lisa H.
Vancouver, BC
6/30/2011
I had the ear candling through a voucher and really enjoyed it. Very relaxing and professional. I look forward to going back for a Swedish massage.
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Review from D. P.
Vancouver, BC
5/27/2011
I could have saved my money for a decent dinner instead of a tissue massage that was so light to the touch that I could have done it myself: slathered some oil on my body and patted myself all over. Guess you get what you paid for (voucher) but honestly, anyone wanting a repeat business should massage with some effort. No question asked if the pressure is ok. Total waste of my time and money.
