The Everett House Community Healing Center

Today I had a very disappointing craniosacral massage. I booked through Mindbody, where it stated the session was 75 minutes and included deep relaxation and bone decompression. I have to start by saying that the massage therapist picked me up from the waiting area 5 minutes late. When we arrived in the room, she explained that this was not really a massage and that it focused on movements and relaxation. She barely touched me and did not move my neck or anything at all. After some time, I asked her when the movements were going to start, and she told me that this was the way she performs this type of massage. She then asked me what I was expecting, and I told her that I wasn’t sure, but that I was feeling nothing. Only in the last 15 minutes did she start applying more pressure and some movement. She finished the session after one hour, not 75 minutes, and apologized that I didn’t get what I was expecting. When I mentioned that I had booked a 75-minute massage, she explained that the extra 15 minutes were for her to clean and organize the room for the next client. I regularly get massages, and I have never experienced paying for a service where part of the booked time is taken for cleaning. This was my first massage at this spa, and I booked it because I wanted to soak, detox, and have a relaxing and different experience. I was specifically looking for something to reduce stress and calm my mind. I went to soak afterward just to at least have some positive experience. After that, I spoke with the manager, who explained that they always take 15 minutes from the booked time—meaning if you book a 60-minute massage, you only receive 45–50 minutes—to allow the therapist time to clean and prepare. She said this is standard protocol, which in my experience has never been the case. She offered not to charge me for the massage, which I accepted since I was not satisfied at all with the service. I took the day off work to relieve stress and truly relax, and unfortunately, I did not get what I expected. I also did not expect to end my "relaxing" experience by having to speak with a manager, especially when I was paying specifically for rest and relaxation.

They continuously make improvements to this facility that I would have never noticed had I not come back. My very first experience at the everett house was about 7 years ago, if I was not mistaken. When I went then, it was only a few dollars cheaper, and my experience was subpar. I felt that it was over crowded, and that I over paid for the minimal sauna and steam room available. However, after going back after years my experience was the total opposite and was amazing!!!!! They have added at least 2 or 3 more saunas and steam rooms that are also much better kept than I remember my first visit. I went on a Friday night, yet there were times I had the beautifully kept saunas and steam rooms all to myself! I also LOVED the fireplace they added. Even after covid, and all these years I was Highly impressed to see how much the owners and staff have put into ELEVATING this space to what it needed to be. I am so glad I gave this place another chance, and if you are a Portland native or anyone that has not been back in a while, do yourself a favor and give it another chance. If you are unsure, go on your birth date, show ID, and I promise you will see what I mean! I will definitely be returning soon to treat myself at least monthly😊 My only ask is that the people who use this space to maintain SILENCE during quiet hours. As a solo attendee, even though the chatter, laughter, and conversations were not extremely loud, it was quite irritating and hard to ignore when you are expecting quiet. If you cannot go an hour without hearing your own voice, don’t sign yourself up during quiet hours please.

Well, I’m gonna go in reverse so that I can say holy smokes Indy what a gifted human being. And what a compassionate human being yes, you are doing exactly what you should be doing for the rest of your life… And the person who finally did help me with the waivers at the front desk I’m sorry I forget your name but you’re understanding that the system really is a barrier. I would say these two individuals made what I started with as maybe a two star experience. I understand you all know that the waivers and the MINDBODY application is definitely not user-friendly so thank you for acknowledging that the one piece that is human oriented that wasn’t a good experience with the person on the phone. I get that it’s busy on Friday morning, and I’m imagining it’s probably the same person who welcomed me I would say there is a gap in good service there.

There is no email address listed on the website, so I’m writing a review instead. I received a gift card for this place for my birthday. I have a stressful healthcare job and work-related injuries that cause me pain. I called and requested to book an appointment for a massage and spa session the following day ("tomorrow"), and was told it was scheduled and confirmed. I showed up for my appointment, and was told there was no appointment, and also no availability that day. The employee discovered that my appointment had scheduled for the wrong month in their calendar. The employee did not seem to care at all or offer me any alternative. I went home very disappointed because I really needed the treatment, and I rearranged my whole day for the appointment. I have been to Everett many times, and my experiences are very hit or miss. This was a big miss.

The place is good, nice environment, but for whatever reason the employee vibe is almost always off and bad. This has been the case for a while, not sure if it's management or what, but there is some sort of animosity/weird vibe going on that almost makes this place not worth the visit. Wish it felt a bit more inviting, warm and relaxed there.

I've been going here for a while to relieve chronic pain symptoms on really intense days. But I came in on a day I was having a really emotionally intense experience and was very humbled by the kindness and welcoming I experienced. When I was trying to stifle it, I was met with understanding, regardless. This place has always been such a gem to me, but the little gestures I was shown that day made a horrible time a little lighter. Thank you so much to the staff.

I come here almost every year for my birthday and once or twice the same year. I have had nothing but a wonderful time. I have felt safe and respected, relaxed and confident in these spaces. Love the Everett House