Booked an appointment with Mia this week based on reviews I read and some DMs. I was greeted by Mia who led me to the room and took my door fee ($65).
The place seems very new and definitely justifies the $5 extra for the door fee considering how much they seem to have put into the place. Room was spotless with thick towels and a great in-room shower.
Mia entered as I finished showering and welcomed me with a warm hug. She began the massage with the sheet on and I could tell she definitely knew what she was doing similar to what I had read from other reviews. This only got better when she removed the sheet and began using oil about halfway through. Conversation was good with her throughout - her English isn't the best as she has a heavy accent but definitely understood everything I was saying. I'm a low mileage guy so I opted for a HE and her finish was average. She wasn't too keen on following instructions. Cleaned me up and I proceeded to shower.
On the way out I handed her $50 since she had a good attitude throughout and I was planning to see her again. She then told me it was $60. I told her standard was $40 and she saved face by saying it was because she gave me a "deep tissue" massage. This was complete bs since I had neither requested a deep tissue massage nor is this standard from what I know. Also I've received much harder massages than hers at places like JR so it definitely doesn't justify a higher cost. Keep in mind there was also no touching on my behalf and no other extras involved so a standard $40 tip was all that was warranted.
I regularly and gladly tip $40-$60 for a HE depending on attitude and service but won't give in to bs upcharges just because the attendant feels like it.
I haven't seen this mentioned in other reviews of Mia so perhaps I was unlucky or she thought I wasn't familiar with standard pricing. Just figured people deserved to know. Aside from this, I'd rate the session an overall 7/10.
Happy hunting folks!
Your review seems very fair based on the session you experienced. Despite what others have commented, it is very much in line with Mia's genuine personality and massage skills.
Disappointment arose with the tip expected, and clearly you felt $40 was standard price for a basic happy ending and you were being fair and happy were willing to pay her $50. No questioning of your intentions or the validity of your feelings when you thought what was generosity on your part was met with the implication that the opposite was the case when the lady asked for more. I've been there, and recently too, at another spa and the initial double take can be jolting. In my case I thought the lady was taking a shot at me in particular as a first time client and as someone who had been quite complimentary throughout the session.
Her disappointment arose with her belief that the entirety of her service was worth $60 tips over the hour. I have seen her regularly and often and I tend to come down on her side when it comes to what her services are worth. I have had sessions where she skipped the happy ending because she was dealing with a particular therapeutic issue, in my case a wonky shoulder, and even then I tip her for her time and usually equivalent to the room fee or more. I do believe she sees herself as a talented masseuse and as you note, she knows what she is doing. As for harder massages elsewhere, and your JR example is more than reasonable, the pressure is not necessarily the marker of skill or effectiveness in my case. But there is nothing in anything you say that isn't fair from your own experience.
I think what we have here is a failure to communicate, or rather a difference of opinions regarding expectations. I hope you will take my opinion here as sincere, you come across as a reasonable and respectful person and I wouldn't deny your right to your own feelings about your session. All I would say is that I strongly doubt Mia was trying to up-charge you (in particular), I believe that what she asked is what she expects and usually receives for an hour session like yours. I know for a fact she takes pride in her skills, but also that her language skills are less than you might have felt, I find when she replies we are at about a 50% chance of talking about the same thing I thought we were. So I know she gets frustrated at times when trying to converse real time.
The decision to not repeat is yours, and value for money is entirely subjective. My only aim here is to dispel the notion others imply (not you) that there was some sort of deception or cheating involved. I think your review helps in that regard by honestly presenting your massage experience, and what her expectations are for her tips over an hour. Good luck hobbying and finding value and satisfaction in your sessions!