The NOW Massage Lincoln Park

Our masseuses were fantastic. Mine clearly catered his massage based on my needs as he worked, noticing that certain areas required more work than others. Outside of that, I found the overall experience surprisingly subpar. Firstly, there seems to be ample opportunity in the fine details; this separates a truly luxurious and tranquil spa from an average Joe. A few examples of details that dampened the overall experience: 1) the eye mask add on was added to my partners face at the end of the massage - this felt rushed and sloppy. Adding an eye mask right before dressing again (it got caught on clothes/glasses) and keeping it on in the lobby during the payment process is unpleasant. Also, there is no trash bin in the lobby for the eye mask to be removed before exiting, so clients have to either exit with it, exit and pocket the trash, or ask desk workers to take it (they have no bin either! ) — it’s very awkward. 2) having no system for the removal of shoes prior to stepping into the room, or at the very least onto the rug adjacent to the massage bed is very unhygienic; clients must step bare footed onto a filthy rug immediately after a massage. Even in the dark environment one can see its filthy state. A simple shoe basket and stool at the entrance of each room would be a solution. 3)I found it surprising that there was no use of scents as far as I could tell, which might be a first for me. This feels like a missed opportunity to create an immersive experience. 4) There was no umbrella holder nor coat system. So we have to take it dripping with us (I can only imagine the state of the floors throughout the spa). Overall the experience felt rushed (not by the masseuse, rather the appointment system), clunky, and dirty. There was clearly no time allocated in slots for clients to speak with their masseuse in anything other than a highly abbreviated matter prior to the session; this makes the experience feel a bit like a client turn-over system. Also, there were a few system errors - we rescheduled using their text support and it was not reflected. I also called and left a voicemail to ensure all was well as a safe measure - We found out the error the day before when we received confirmation texts regarding the appointment. They comped a few add ons, which was appreciated. However, those add ons - while confirmed at the desk when we checked in - were also confused when they were passed to my masseuse. I had to correct him on the services we scheduled. Small issue, but add on to the overall bumpy experience. I wish the staff the best and hope leadership can make the necessary operational and customer experience improvements necessary. Thank you.

My partner and I booked a couple’s massage online for our anniversary. There was an excellent deal if we signed up for a membership, and we were able to book our 80 minute massage for $200. Once we arrived, we realized that we wouldn’t be together. I’m a little surprised that nowhere on the website did it say we wouldn’t be completing the massage together. It was as if we’d booked 2 individual massages. My masseuse and I finished first, so I waited for my partner in the waiting room up front. When he came out, they asked us to pay—again. They said that the deal on the website was an error and that the massage would be another $400+. They promised to take off the $200 that we’d ALREADY PAID, but if we’d known it would be more than DOUBLE the price, we wouldn’t have booked here. We’ve had better experiences at other spas in Chicago, particularly Massage Evolved, for better prices. We cancelled our subscription and will not be returning. Please fix your website.

Unprofessional staff. I booked my bf a massage here about a year ago. He was running late, and I know massages/spas run on very tight schedules. Instead of promptly assisting him to his session, the front desk staff was busy spending time chatting with him — him not even realizing his session had already started and he wouldn’t be getting the full experience. He had ran the Chicago marathon and I booked him a sports massage, but the therapist ended up giving him more of a stretch, than a massage. I regret sending him here and spending $100+ on simply a "stretch"… We ended up getting a "10% off" your next service, but we will probably never end up coming again anyways based on our negative experience.

Loved my massage with Carlos! He really worked hard on my knots and I loved the questions he asked before my massage to make sure I was comfortable. The place is very aesthetic and you don’t even sense that it’s a shared place other than the whispering. I signed up for membership so will be back monthly!

DON’T GO HERE…. Unless you want to get sick! Was completely fine before making a last minute massage last week. It has been almost a week and I have been so sick coughing all night. Really convinced that my masseuse or my bed was not properly sanitized from germs. Really disappointed!

Ambiance is wonderful. Bohemian, Tulum-inspired vibe captures it. Love the ocean waves. Therapists are friendly. Beds are warm & comfortable. For the price point however, I’d expect a few additional amenities. I’m more inclined to go to the Spa at the Peninsula with access to the lavish steam room, sauna, use of pool & whirlpool… not to mention sun deck. With tip, I paid $210 at The Now. For a basic 80 min massage, with some type of "eye treatment"that was nothing special. It was a decent experience… just overpriced for what it is.

I got my first prenatal massage with Nathan and he was amazing! Made me feel super comfortable and so relaxed.