I bought the korean scrub/massage combo. I am not sure if their workers are trained in massage... my massage was mediocre at best and I felt like the scrub was not as intensive as I've had before. It was all just fine, but I definitely would not come back or pay full price for what I received. Nice people and I don't wish them any harm. Read Less

I enjoyed a 1 hour foot massage today, mid-day. The gentleman doing my massage spoke little English, making basic requests (too hard, hair tie please) a bit hard to communicate. The back and neck massage was abrupt and involved lots of pinching and elbows. A couple of times I winced. The foot massage was heavenly: attentive, just the right pressure, and finished with a hot towel. However, a bit of a negative: my therapist burped with his mouth opened several times toward the end of the hour. Now, I know body stuff happens, but it ruined the vibe to have some burping above you. Last time I was there, I had the sniffling guy with a cold. I wish management would speak with the staff about these things. It's not a cheap foot massage place. Read Less

My wife and I had massages yesterday and joined as members after a perfect first experience. This was our second time here and the massages were good, but we both paid for 75 minute massages starting at 3:30. We showed up on time, filled out the form and waited and the massages started at 3:40 and they finished up at 4:42 for me 4:44 for my wife. We were a little disappointed that the massages were practically one hour rather than 75 minutes since we paid for that length. We didn't make a fuss at the time but thought they should honor the time paid for actually during the massage not just scheduled time.Update: manager reached out and explained the error. It was just a mistake in communication, spoke with the therapists, and corrected it. Great service and happy to be a member! Read Less

Good bang for your buck massage in Oakland. First timers get member rates!  Combo options for feet and full body. Good music relaxation as well during the massage. They were able to fit me in on the same day! Happy birthday to me! Read Less

I ended up here because I saw the place referenced in a local "Best of" survey and was intrigued by the combo package on the website of 1 hour foot massage and 1 hour full body massage, so I booked for a Friday night.Upon entering the lobby, I was wondering whether I was in the right place -- it looked more like a jewelry/gift store than a waiting area. I did get a cup of lovely herbal tea -- and after waiting just past my appointment time, around :05, I was introduced to  my masseur.  He wordlessly lead me to a large, dim room full of large overstuffed armchairs with ottomans and some swagged curtains between some of the chairs.  There was no coat check, so I had to pile up all my outer wear on the table between chairs.  I was surprised that the masseur had me start off seated, leaning forward over a bolster.  He worked on my shoulders, back and arms -- a lot of pinching motions.  This is all going on while fully clothed -- I thought at first it was a bit strange, and wondered whether I would have an hour of seated massage, fully clothed before he moved onto my feet.  Really - having a full hour of attention devoted to my feet was the big draw for me in this package.Finally, at :30, my masseur had me sit down and started working on my feet and calves.  He covered my shoulders and arms with a soft fleecy blanket that my cats would have immediately confiscated as their own.My masseur kept checking the clock.  Periodically, he would get up and leave without explanation.  He did use a lot of hot towels on my legs and feet which was nice -- I thought perhaps he had towels in a warmer and was waiting to go get more?  I noticed that all the other  masseurs employed different techniques:  one guy did really noise tapotement, and others looked like they were effleuraging endlessly.  Some of the clients were relaxed with eyes closed, and others looking at cell phones.  I saw some masseurs standing behind the chairs of the clients to work on their shoulders.  I also noticed that a couple of the other masseurs (not mine, fortunately) kept rubbing their eyes, noses and one guy even kept sticking his finger in his ears to itch them -- without washing their hands afterward.  None of the masseurs wore gloves (like my  massage in Mexico City last December).Right on the hour, my masseur indicated with a slap to the soles of my feet, that we were done here.  He brought me some crocs and indicated that I should follow him as he carefully collected all my items, leading me to a private room with two massage tables, indicating I should get undressed and asked me to start face down.  I  noticed the room was chilly and the other table had a control for a heated pad, but I couldn't find one on  my table.  My masseur kept me warm with more fleecy blankets but the room still had a bit of a chill.  Overall, the massage was a B or B -  -- there was a LOT of downward pressure on my spine while I was face down that made it impossible for me to draw a breath.  I tried to explain that but my masseur did not seem to understand.  Also - he incorporated fingernails a lot in a way that was not enjoyable.When I went to massage school - we were told not to ever push down on the  spine in that direction (bad risk for injury, not to mention damned uncomfortable now that I've experienced it and not at all relaxing -- not even  my chiropractor has done that).  My  masseur also did some more pinching along the erector spinae (the muscles that are on either side of your spine) -- grabbing, squeezing and holding them in a way that did nothing for my relaxation or therapeutically as far as I can tell.After spending 40 minutes on the back of my body -- loads more hot towels were used, thankfully, since he used a vat of lotion to grease me up, he had me turn over.  I got a bit of attention on the arms and lower legs (nothing on the quads, hips or ribs).  Then he did a very quick head massage with about a minute on my face and right on the hour - we were done.Though this wasn't an awful experience -- it wasn't a great experience.  I didn't enjoy the large room full of people and visibility into the poor hygiene and varying techniques of the other practitioners (who were all men -- were women practitioners in another equally large room?).  Too much lotion, inconsistent technique (maybe this is Korean technique?), and not entirely relaxing.  And -- not a full hour on  my feet!  That was a bit disappointing.When I left, there were half dozen practitioners standing by the front desk, I later realized, waiting for their tips.  That was a bit of strange "behind the scenes" exposure. Read Less

I had a great first time at Kume! Wendy gave me a great neck and shoulder massage to start with, and she used awesome pressure on my knots. The foot and lower leg massage was equally satisfying and relaxing. I loved starting with a foot soak and ending with a hot towel! I wish I lived closer; I'd definitely come here regularly. Read Less

Don't waste your time here. While first timers might like the foot massage, those of us who bought into the membership got a raw deal. Many of the people doing massages speak little english, so giving them instructions is worthless. When the spa first opened, some of the "massagers" were decent (not great), but the place has really gone downhill. They pay the "massagers" minimum wage and the place feels more like a cattle call than a "spa". The last "massager" I had didn't speak a word of english, so when I said, "ow", "that hurts" and "please stop", he didn't respond at all.  It was the worst massage I've ever had.  He had no idea what he was doing. At the same time, my 18 year old daughter was getting her "massage". She was nearly in tears when I came out of my room. Her "massager" made her take off her underwear!!! Then, he proceeded to touch her in ways that made her very uncomfortable.  He didn't drape her sheet over her bottom and left her exposed and humiliated. She cried all the way home. We won't go back.  Horrible place, horrible massage, horrible service. Read Less

I was given the groupon deal as a gift. I scheduled my appointment with my mom and we had a wonderful time. The staff greeted us politely and offered us water and tea (tea was delicious). The body scrub was a fun experience and the massage was very relaxing. Just a FYI that I think they reuse the shower caps for the body scrub because it wasn't in a package when she gave it to me. They're very accommodating and ask for any special requests ahead of time. Each room is very clean and towels smell great! Totally worth the groupon! Read Less

Love how you can walk-in and get a full body deep tissue massage with a massage therapist who knows how to work with pressure points. This is a great place to stop into while waiting for a table for brunch! Read Less

If you're looking for a massage experience that allows you to keep your phone / device in your hand so you can check your texts, SnapChats and emails during your service, Kume is for you. You can even have your ringer turned on loud, and staff won't bat an eye. If you're looking for a quiet, peaceful, restorative experience, where your phone is the last thing you are thinking about, Kume is DEFINITELY not your place. Yes, I say this from experience. My bad for not researching that Kume doesn't ask their customers to silence their phones so others can enjoy their experience. I would think this would be a given, but my bad for assuming and cheating on my amazing massage therapist at Oakland Acupuncture Project (who's also sliding scale). Would never return. Read Less

First time at Kume and will be the last. Here is why...My massage person was under a cold n kept sneezing and blowing his nose using the same tissue throughout my 45min massage! No sanitizer, no washing his hand! One hand blowing his nose and the other hand somewhat massaging me. It was the most nasty uncomfortable massage experienced ever!Also, there are two unfriendly bitchy receptionists and they will demand tips! Read Less

Family run business. They are very pleasant. Very aesthetically pleasing atmosphere, and very clean. The prices are very reasonable. I will definitely be coming back, and recommending them in the future. Read Less

I had an above average experience here. Some miscommunication with scrub technician and a non-memorable massage. Staff didn't turn on the infrared light in the sauna. On the other hand, scrub service was great. Prices are affordable (for a spa and even more so with a groupon or discount). Read Less

Came here with my gf, who is Korean, thanks to a Groupon combining traditional Korean scrub with full body massage for $69. We had called to book a week in advance hoping to have a couple's session, but we were split up so that one person got the scrub before the massage and the other one received the treatments in reverse order. A few thoughts:1. The disposable undergarment they give the men are not meant for anyone who has 38 waist or higher, we're talking cutting off your circulation to your legs. The lady scrubber apologized for the lack of larger undies.2. Per my gf, the scrubbing is nowhere near as intense as they should be compared to what's done in Korea. May be a cultural tolerance issue...3. My masseur was this relatively scrawny guy, looked no older than 25, and only knew maybe 5 different massage techniques, basically a total beginner without any real training. I had circled on my questionnaire where my problem areas were, and he basically missed my entire upper half by focusing only on the rhomboids up to the neck for almost 20 minutes and not working on any other scapula muscles. I had to ask him in Chinese if he could use more pressure even though I circled "Deep" under the amount of pressure I wanted on my questionnaire. My gf had the same guy give her massage and found him to be somewhat lacking as well.4. My gf asked the scrub lady if the owners were Korean and she said no, the owner is Chinese who wanted provide a similar experience to what's available in Korea. I wish they paid more attention to details.As someone who gets massages almost monthly now for deep tissue soreness, I would not recommend this place if you're looking for a serious massage. Read Less

I've been a Kume member for a year now, so I've gotten monthly body treatments here for that long. For me, massages at fancy spas used to be an occasional, special treat. The short version: this place provides a great service and for the price, I strongly doubt it can be beat.Kume makes it affordable to get regular massages. I am able to go Tues-Thurs, when my member discount means I get an even bigger discount off normal massage prices. If I end up having a therapist that isn't perfect for me, I've usually only spent $60 (that's a good tip included) for a decent 60-min massage. Also, you save a couple bucks paying in cash.Remember these deep discounts when you go in. This place is not The Claremont or Burke Williams, although it's actually pretty nice inside. Very similar massages, HUGE price difference. I've had some of the best 90-minute massages ever at Kume--thank you!Tip: when you find a therapist you like, make appointments only with them. The staff up front are happy to remind you who you prefer. And be absolutely clear with the front staff if you have sensitive areas or need special attention. The default pressure is harder/deeper. The language barrier is tough when you have something as personal as massage, but it's never been a real issue for me.Bonus review: I bought a deal and tried the Korean Body Scrub. Kelly is the one to ask for. Having never done it before, I was a little intimidated but OMG the amount of dead skin that sloughed off, blew me away. Afterwards, my skin was so incredibly soft for weeks, I'm hooked! Read Less

I've been spoiled by the amazing Fung Soong reflexology and massage in SF on Kearny St and Montgomery (go there, and tip well!). This was my first (and only) time at Kume, a gift for "Winter Bliss" from my husband for Christmas. I'd be hard pressed to name something good. Here's the bad:Masseur was incompetent. Nothing was communicated to me in terms of how they run the appointment (back rub first, etc.). He FELL ASLEEP rubbing my feet. He did not seem to have a clue what he was doing. The back rub was pointless. I should have walked out after the foot rub fiasco, I have no idea why I didn't. You know when you keep talking yourself out of something because you can't believe how bad it is?Awful atmosphere. One big room and the privacy drapes between chairs weren't used. Cushions were stacked randomly on unused chairs. Very dark, hard to see how clean things are (or aren't). Did I mention he FELL ASLEEP 15 or 20 minutes into the "reflexology" portion? Again, kept thinking I had to be wrong because WHEN DOES THAT HAPPEN?!Unprofessional looking and acting front desk staff. Jeans and hoodies? When I said my treatment was very unsatisfactory I got indifference and the standard "I'll have to charge you but will let my manager know." I've waited since last week for the manager to reach out to me before posting this. I have heard nothing. It's called a "tea bar" but no one offered me tea or water while I waited. For 15 minutes. Until after I complained, as I was eagerly waiting to leave. No thanks, Kume. And I would have been a regular. I'd rather schlep back to SF Chinatown for Fung Soong. Read Less

This place has become my 2018 New Year's promise to myself: enjoy some self care/love! This place is awesome, and I felt right at home the moment I walked in for my 30 minute foot massage! I was greeted, checked in, offered water or tea, sat for maybe 2 minutes, and my name was called! I walked back and my relaxation began! The lights were dim and soothing music was playing. I sat down, facing away from the center, and sunk into purse bliss. I received a 10 minute back rub while my feet were soaking. This was AMAZING!!! Then the foot massage. Omg. Amazing! I had requested medium- deep pressure and ask and you shall receive. Shout out to Dave- you THE MAN. All I know is that I called here after work today seeking foot pain relief, and I left today with a huge smile on my face, grateful for Dave's healing hands, and a membership to this lovely place. Make some time for yourself and go here. My only regret was not getting 15 more minutes when they offered it in the beginning (lol, rookie mistake)!! Read Less

My first visit here was awesome:) I was able to be accommodated on short notice and as soon as I checked in I was offered herbal tea or some lemon water. They gave me a clipboard asking about my areas that I would like worked on specifically. I also choose deep massage too (since that's what I normally get at other places). My massage therapist Dave has a VERY strong hand and was very attentive to my areas that needed extra help. He was also attentive to other areas that I needed him to be lighter. The receptionists are very nice and professional as well. Overall this was a great experience and I'm considering getting a membership! Read Less

I purchased a 75 min massage; full body table massage. Most noteworthy was my masseuse was not trained on proper draping and less than average understanding of anatomy. However, it was relaxing....though I would not classify this massage as therapeutic or restorative. Read Less

Love this place. Check in. Accept a cup of tea while waiting to be called in. Go into a large communal room, where there are maybe a dozen comfortable recliners with lights dimmed and relaxing music playing. Sit on ottoman and put feet in warm container of water, and lean over big pillow covered with towel. Masseuse/massager goes to work on neck/shoulders/back. Feels oh so good. Then turn carefully around and lean back in chair and put feet up on ottoman (water taken away), and enjoy having feet/calves/shins worked over. You can request how hard/gentle you want the service. I say "medium" and get what is 85% easy to deal with, and 15% which is more challenging (I'm a sensitive sort) -- but I know it's good for me, so I don't let myself jerk away. (For me, having thumbs pressed into the muscles beside my shins can be painful, and having my toes touched can be very ticklish.) I bought one of their memberships so that I get a significant discount all year when visiting. Overall the place is professional, clean and peaceful feeling. Five stars! Read Less

We had a 30min foot massage! It was GRRREAT! But before that they offered us tea and water. We took both, except the tea smelled like wet dirty towel or they cleaned the cup with a dirty sponge. It was awful. If it was the tea, they need to change that kind of tea to something that smells like paradise waterfalls lol not dirty sink water. Read Less

Their intro pricing vs. membership pricing is so, so dumb. Why not just have one price. Why would you charge a new person less and then force someone to become a "member"? It literally has kept me and my wife from ever going back. Don't over complicate your business model. Offer services, charge a fair price, and be successful. Read Less

Wendy gave me a fantastic massage.  My body was all jacked up after a week of backpacking in Yosemite and I feel great now! She was really able to get in and work out a lot of tension.  The staff was very welcoming and the environment was tranquil and clean.  I will definitely be going back. Read Less

After taking over a year hiatus from nail solons.... I went on the hunt for a new salon. And found Optimum Serenity! Let me tell you. I love this place! After coming here for about 2 months, I learned..... this is a family run business. Each person is very kind and pleasant. Making the atmosphere comfortable and enjoyable. I appreciate that they will do a thorough job for each client and not slack or rush in any areas. My nails are always looking the best I could ever ask ...for! And their herbal pedicures are a new and innovative way to experience the spa pedicure. I leave each time completely relaxed and happy with the results. Especially since the prices are very reasonable. Not as expensive as some places and they do a much better job for the money! The salon is also very clean, and beautifully designed. Each pedicure there is a plastic covering placed over the foot tub keeping ultra clean so you never share the tub with anyone else ultimately. And their tools are clean and taken out of a new package for each new client. I can't say enough. I love this place. And they deserve all the praise. Hopefully you will try it out. I am 100% sure you will be very happy with your decision! See More Read Less

Service was awful me and my husband paid for 1 hour foot massage and did not receive full hour. The guy who did my massage did not listen to me when I ask for a firm massage he just continued to rub my legs and feet softly. Also, I felt insulted when both left from massaging to put on gloves no one else had gloves on. I will NEVER go back and really want my money back. Paying for a service is very important to me and to not get what you pay for and pre tip before hand. I'm just displeased and will not return!!! Read Less

This place is wonderful! It's a zen heaven in Oakland- See Jackie, Tim or Sue. Otherwise it is a crap shoot! Front desk is very nice and eager to help. Water and tea are readily available. Price is good though, not as great as a straight up Chinese place- But being able to ask for what I need and have someone understand is helpful- since I speak neither Mandarin or Cantonese! Enjoy! Read Less

So relaxing.  I had the 45 minute foot massage & it was amazing.  It began with a shoulder & neck massage, and then followed by a thorough foot and lower leg massage.  My masseuse was Jason and he was fantastic.  The massage was done in a dark relaxing room with soothing music.  We were served tea & lemon water.  Perfect place to go after a stressful week. Read Less

Brought my best friend here for an early Mothers day spa date after some research on Yelp and it seemed to have pretty good prices with good reviews.Here's my random blurb:- hard to find parking, make sure to try and arrive extra 15 mins before your appointment so you have time to find parking. After youre late for the first 15 mins, every min after that will cut into your appointment. Sadness.- dont forget to lower your voices, we somehow missed the sign and was talking in our public announcement voice and walked into a room of darkness where it was completely quiet. Oops.- the foot massage room was kinda like a communal room with other clients, and at first it was kinda awkward because all the workers would stare.... but i thought about it and it was either because we are cute girls or.... just loud. So i think its the latter.....- Requested for two ladies to work on us and my lady was way too gentle so I asked her to use more pressure. After that, I felt like she used her entire body to work on me, lol! It felt good though, I approve- The massage went well, Ive definitely had better- we got the intro prices as first time go-ers so it was pretty cheap- place looked cleanOverall, my experience was just mediocre but had lots of fun as a girls day out :) Read Less

I really am unhappy with my first visit. I see why the prices are so low because the service sucks! I had a 9:15 appointment, the service didn't exactly start until 9:30. He didn't  introduce himself at all to me, and made sure he told me they close in 30min. Not relaxing at all after a long day of work. My massage was over at 9:57, which means I didn't get my full massage. Yes, I wanted my 2min more of "relaxation", I'm paying for it. In fact I put my clothes back on and went to pay and it still wasn't 10:00. I informed the receptist, but she said she didn't know what time he started, but I informed her 9:30. The man came to get me at 9:24. Overall the massage was okay, but seemed very rushed. Did I add the man had to leave the room twice to get a hot  towel, so that cut into my time as well. I really think hot towels should be in the room. Usually  after a massage you receive water, well I guess not here. After I paid I asked the receptist do you usually get water afterwards, she said yes. Well I didn't see the person who gave me the massage afterwards nor any water. Idk where he was, she even looked from her seat. No where to be found, I left after all that. In addition the front desk girls were both talking to someone about pictures in her phone when I arrived. Finally one of them greeted me after a few minutes. Epic fail, but never again. When they told be they didn't have any 1hr massages appointments left, I should have just went home and relaxed in my bathtub. The only thing this place is good for is probably there tea. It was good. Read Less

I love this place. I found out about it from a friend who purchased a gift certificate for me, when I was working retail and on my feet all day. I'd never had a foot massage before, and it is really great to just relax. It's conveniently located for me, as well. Their waiting area is comfortable and filled with treats in case you are looking for a gift for a friend: aromatic candles, tea, cards and journals. The staff at the desk are courteous, professional and offered me Discount when I become a member:-- during my birthday month, they offer me a FREE massage. -- when I bring in friends, I may pay with my Discount. That means I can spend quality time at a quality place, with another, hard-working friend. I've had three different masseuses and they were all excellent. I highly recommend this place. Read Less

I came in and for a 35 minute foot reflexology massage plus a 75 minute body massage that I had made a reservation for. They have a big room full of comfortable chairs and relaxing music. My massage therapist started me off with this interesting next massage. It wasn't very relaxing it was uncomfortable in the position I was sat in. After 5 minutes of that he started my foot massage which was very weird to me. It was very unfocused and it seemed like he had no training. He basically just rubbed my foot with lotion their was no actual technique. Especially when I looked around their therapist we're doing a lot more technique and variety.After the 30 minute foot massage he walked me over to the room to do the body massage but I wasn't confident it would be worth it so I just "no" and only wanted to do the foot massage. I don't think he understood me because he started massaging my feet again, when I really meant I was okay with the previous 35 minute massage. He gave me another reason 45 minute massage and again it wasn't good quality very amateur and not much skill. I ended up staying awake the whole time and playing on my phone.Bummer! My masseuse was really nice and he was trying but it just wasn't a good massage. I don't recommend this place unless you personally know a masseuse their already. Read Less

Peaceful way to start or end your day!All staff members a very kind and patient.The space is very clean and comfy. Very pleasant bonus is being asked to enjoy hot tea or refreshing cool water prior to my services!Love this place and you will too! Read Less

What a fantastic experience!! Got a simple manicure, that was anything but simple with sugar scrub and a massage. Their gem is the jelly pedicure, 55 minutes of just pure relaxation and pampering. What wonderful engaging people who perform the service, thank you!!! Read Less

Awesome new nail salon in Fairhaven, with easy off street parking! Family owned, and the mom and daughter were so nice and sweet! Extremely clean, and my new almond shaped acrylic nails have never looked better! I will definitely be back! <3 Read Less

Wonderful new nail salon and spa in Fairhaven. Clean, relaxing spa with gentle, friendly staff. The owner and her staff are very personable. Love my nails and looking forward to a spa pedicure during my next appointment. They have a wide array of choices for a spa pedicure. Thank you Christina for my beautiful nails! Read Less

Shockingly I've been here a couple times and haven't reviewed this place. I was desperately in need of a massage and was in the neighborhood which worked out perfectly!!  Going to school at Holy Names makes the jaunt down here to the Grand Lake area very easy. These are my old stomping grounds being that I was born and raised in Oakland, went to Lakeview elementary and Our Lady of Lourdes (on the other side of the street). Even worked at the Grand Lake Theatre many moons ago and Kwik Way (which is now Merritt Bakery)!  Just being here takes me back to simpler times - I mean - I was a tween and teenager so definitely life was easy!!Anyway, back to the review - I opted for the 75 minute delight - 25 minute back and foot massage and then 50 minute full body. They recently relocated from down the block and so this building is nicer and larger. If you've been here in the past, you'll be pleasantly surprised at their upgrades. I am a member (you pay a yearly amount) and that gives you a special member price on all days and an EXTRA DISCOUNT Tuesday through Thursday - hello!!!! My 75 minute heavenly delight cost me $48! That's a steal and worth it and double. The masseuse (didn't catch her name - oops) was great. She made sure to check in on the pressure and followed the instructions I gave prior to getting my massage (being that I recently had shoulder surgery). I feel like a new woman - not like the woman I was wasn't good enough - but improvement is always welcomed.  Honestly, the aches and pains feel less intense and the pain in (both) my shoulders feel more tolerable. I am sure you won't be disappointed whether you join or just come for a one time visit. Don't be surprised if some of the masseuse team do not speak English. The front desk rep is helpful and will pass on any information necessary. Now go get a massage!!! Read Less