Welcome to the Spa Go See Series, where we test out the top spa experiences. We share our in-depth review of the experiences, where to invest your time and money, and how to connect your beauty goals with each spa. Today’s spa feature is Spencer’s Spa in New York, NY. I’ve been to Spencer’s Spa in Soho multiple times now – for both massages and facials – and each visit confirmed what this space is really about: accessible luxury for a younger generation building their wellness routines.
The Brand: Spencer’s is the newer, chicer alternative to established spots like Rescue Spa. While the older generation still gravitates toward Rescue Spa, Spencer’s is where the younger crowd goes for massage-focused treatments in a beautifully designed space.
The Location: Soho (with a new Los Angeles location that just opened).
First Impressions
Walking into Spencer’s, the architecture immediately stands out. If you care about interiors and design, this space will appeal to you. The aesthetic is calming, chic, and clearly curated for Instagram-worthy moments without sacrificing actual comfort.
You’re supposed to arrive 15 minutes early, which I recommend following. The staff prepares tea for you, sometimes offers trinkets and snacks, and encourages you to take off your shoes, settle into the lobby, and decompress before your treatment. They have an eclectic book selection – astrology, tarot, beauty – that’s actually interesting to browse rather than generic coffee table filler.
The concierge service is phenomenal. They take feedback well, they’re attentive without being hovering, and the overall vibe reads as “we want you to feel taken care of” rather than transactional.
The Space Reality (Important Details)
Here’s what you need to know about the layout: Spencer’s decorated with sheer curtains and multiple layers of fabric around certain treatment rooms rather than solid walls. It looks beautiful, but if you’re sensitive to noise, you’ll hear other clients walking down the hallway. This didn’t bother me during massages when I was fully relaxed and zoned out, but it’s worth knowing before you book if ambient noise disrupts your spa experience.
The Massage Experience (Where They Excel)
Spencer’s massages are fantastic. I’ve done multiple sessions and created a specific protocol with my masseuse based on what I wanted to achieve – this isn’t a casual spa massage; it is therapeutic work if you approach it that way.
I recommend booking at least 60 minutes, possibly longer. Be very particular about what you want and communicate clearly with your masseuse. The more specific you are about your goals – whether that’s reducing muscle tension, addressing back pain, or full-body relaxation – the better results you’ll get.
The massage quality is genuinely excellent. If you’re serious about investing in regular bodywork to reduce inflammation, help back pain, or maintain your body, Spencer’s delivers.
The Facial Experience (What To Know Before You Book)
I’ve tried their facials as well. The protocols are good, but here’s the key detail: I couldn’t get completely undressed and lie on the bed during the facial treatment the way I prefer.
This might not matter to you – many people are fine with facials where you stay partially clothed. But if you prefer the whole spa experience where you undress completely and get covered with a sheet (the way many luxury spas operate), that’s not how Spencer’s structures their facial services.
The facial work itself is solid, but this setup difference is why I personally stick with massages here and get my facials elsewhere.
The Membership & Pricing
Spencer’s operates on a membership model, and the membership is genuinely the best deal if you plan to come regularly. They also have a text line where they offer discounts regularly – if you’re not ready to commit to membership, get on the text chain and wait for deals.
If you’re an investor – meaning you’re serious about regular massage work for health reasons like reducing inflammation or managing chronic pain – the membership makes sense. Suppose you can write it off as a health or business expense. Do it and call it a day.
They also offer signature packages, which work well if you want to commit to a series of treatments without an ongoing membership.
Practical Tips
Timing matters: Arrive 15 minutes early as they request. It gives you time to actually rest and decompress, which makes the treatment more effective.
Don’t overbook: Don’t schedule something immediately after your appointment. Sometimes they give you extra time, sometimes you just want to decompress if you fell asleep on the table. Give yourself space for tea and warm water afterward, especially during the winter months.
Day vs. Night: The vibe shifts depending on when you book. Nighttime is very quiet – maybe one or two other people, minimal path-crossing. Daytime can be busier with four or five people in the lobby at once. Both crowds tend to be quiet and respectful, but the energy differs. The natural light during the day is beautiful, though.
Who Does This Actually Serve
After multiple visits, I can tell you precisely who thrives at Spencer’s:
You’ll love this if: You’re building a regular massage practice for therapeutic reasons, you appreciate beautiful design and curated aesthetics, you’re younger (or young-adjacent) and want accessible luxury without stuffiness, you’re open to membership models, and you value excellent service and attentive staff.
Consider elsewhere if: You’re very sensitive to ambient noise, you want traditional luxury spa facial experiences with complete undressing, you prefer established legacy spas, or you’re not interested in membership or package deals.
Why I Keep Returning
Spencer’s fills a specific need: consistent, high-quality massage work in a beautifully designed space with excellent service, at a price point that’s accessible if you use their membership model strategically.
It’s not trying to compete with traditional luxury experiences. It’s building its own lane for a younger generation that wants wellness investment without the old-guard stuffiness.
The massages are worth it. The space is beautiful. The service is attentive. Just know what you’re getting – and what you’re not getting – before you book.
Note: Spencer’s recently opened a Los Angeles location. This review covers the New York Soho space only.
