09/10/08

Not the same as it was

by serge4hair

I used to work here and before it got bought it was great. As soon as another company took it over everyone like me quit. They haven't really even updated it and it's more drama than it's worth.

I reccomend Davidyourstylist or GHITA JONES they were both my assisants at one time and are very talanted and working in the area at much better places.

06/19/08

hated it

by ebay2343

Ever since it changed ownership it has gone downhill. Recently had the worst experience. They have the most inexperienced staff. I had a facial there the women left the room at least 6 times and would not stop talking when she was actually there. I thought a facial was suppose to be relaxing. I took my sister, grandma and mom there and found out later they all had a bad experience. I called to complain and it took them 5 days to get back to me. They did not even apologize or least say they would take care of it.

There are plenty of spas in chicago this one is off my list.

• Pros: they are actually still in business
• Cons: they have no clue how customers should be treated

06/15/08

Great Brazilian Wax

by misslynnhall

I just moved to Chicago and was looking for a good wax. Heard good things about Kiva on E Pearson and tried it out. All the staff was very nice, and the location is beautiful. I went to Grace, for a brazilian, and she was very sweet and professional. I highly reccomend her, she's very fast, and gets the job done. Not good for parking, but where is?

I will always come back here for waxes, even if I move out of the neighborhood! 5 stars.

• Pros: Everything
• Cons: no parking

06/12/08

terrible customer service...and DIRTY

by sarahgayle

went for a bikini wax. the waxer had a cold sore on her face - fine if she clearly kept things clean. however, she DOUBLE DIPPED - ewww - and DIDNT WEAR GLOVES - ewww. i know - my fault for not asking her to wear gloves or to NOT double dip - but i was a first -timer and i was nervous as hell. anyway, avoid this place for bikini waxes!!! double dipping is the sure route to infection. go to sisters - they are clean and fast!!

• Pros: location
• Cons: everything else

05/23/08

Madison Avenue meets medicine man at this upscale spa with a rustic Southwest theme.

by Robyn Galbos

The main floor salon and reception area is sleek and upscale, buzzing with business-like activity. Ascend the curved staircase to the spa, where rounded walls, earthy tones and soft flute music create a calming effect. Slip into a robe and slippers before unwinding in the relaxation room with a cup of chamomile tea. Spa treatments range from traditional to unusual. Work out tension and knots with a Swedish massage or drift into a deep calm with a personalized aromatherapy massage. For something a little more exotic, try a stone massage. In this signature treatment, warmed, smooth stones are applied in long fluid massage strokes to stimulate tired muscles. Cocoon therapies allow you to luxuriate between warmed sheets as oil, minerals or botanical ingredients revitalize your skin. Other services include exfoliation therapies, facials, make-up application, manicures and pedicures. The spa also features a full-service salon.

High Marks
"My experience at Kiva was wonderful. It is a soothing environment. The staff was very accommodating and genuinely kind." (ms whitten, Citysearch user)

"My deep tissue massage was amazing, and the masseuse was very attentive to my needs." (659, Citysearch user)

Low Marks
"the salon has done nothing to create a calming atmosphere..." (kristin c, Citysearch user)

"the massage I had was okay but felt very rushed..." (amj012, Citysearch user)

"...because of their cancellation policy I have not returned, after being charged full price for something I could not make..." (mockbettys, Citysearch user)

04/14/08

Service and then some...

by arthurthegreat

The experience here was a bit unusual. The service comes across friendlier during the spa service than should be for an establishment of this nature. I guess there are many contracting massage therapist working here and rotate to other spas in the city, which would explain the solicitation for home (mine or hers) massage services.

03/17/08

Lousy.

by kristin_c

I went to Kiva for a massage with a friend. The "quiet room" stinks. It's too small and the salon has done nothing to create a calming atmosphere. My massage was just okay. The steam room was broken that day and I had been looking forward to that. Then, as I was checking out, I asked the girl ringing my massage if she could wait while I quickly grabbed two candles ($30 each) and she was annoyed! I asked her if I was putting her out--while thinking "excuse me for wanted to spend even more money here". There was not anyone else in the checkout line but me!

The bottom line is there are nicer salons (try Mario Tricocci in the 900 bld) that make every effort to insure that you get the very most out of your salon and service experience. Both my friend and I agreed we'd never go back.

• Pros: None!
• Cons: A staff that does not care about your experience.

12/10/07

Not worth it- would not return

by amj012

Had never been to this spa before and will never go back. Way to crowded and not sure why. No atmosphere, the dressing rooms are tiny, the steam room was not working, the "relaxing room" and I use that term loosing is just sad. My friend and I had to share a foot stool to sit and wait. The massage I had was okay but felt very rushed.

Overall nothing really good to say about the place you either go to a spa for the experience/atmosphere or the treatment and Kiva has either of them.

09/26/07

NEED GREAT HAIR???

by karenlagos

I used to have my HAIR CUT and HIGHLIGHTED by a guy here named SERGE. He is an INTERNATIONAL HAIRSTYLIST with some incredible talent, but he's not here anymore and I don't know where he went. I heard that his former assistant GHITA JONES is now at the SALON AT SAKS FIFTH AVENUE just down the street at 700 N MICHIGAN AVENUE 60611. He always talked about her being the BEST of any of his former assistants. I booked my end-of summer- highlights with her right away and was AMAZED by the gorgeous natural looking color result! I sure miss Serge, but Ghita is a RISING STAR for sure and I can't wait to see what she does with my haircolor for fall! P.S. While you're there, get your eyebrows sculpted with SHELBY- amazing!!!

03/31/07

Worst pedicure experience ever

by becster07

I had a gift certificate and went for a massage - massage was OK. Thought I'd also get a pedicure which turned out to be the worst pedicure ever. My toes hurt when she cut my nails and still many days after the pedicure. Bad service starting with the front desk to the nail technician, the didn't make you feel comfortable at all. And I know now that I will never leave "Nordstrom Spa" again after this experience!