So I'm working in the Alton, Illinois area for 3 or 4 weeks. My work schedule is pretty intense while I'm here, so when I get some free time, I like to do something for me (jog, shop, relax...). The... Read More
So I'm working in the Alton, Illinois area for 3 or 4 weeks. My work schedule is pretty intense while I'm here, so when I get some free time, I like to do something for me (jog, shop, relax...). The other day I decided to go get a mani/pedi in my free time. I searched the area, and this place popped up. It's pretty close to my hotel, so I thought I'd give it a try.I LOVE pedicures! My favorite place back home is big on the massage aspect, which I love. I guess I've been spoiled. In any case, this pedicure experience didn't live up to my standards. It wasn't bad...it was just very basic (especially for the price). I feel like $20 should get me more than a trim/file with some lotion applied to my legs/feet at the end (notice, "applied"...not "massaged" or even "rubbed"). I pretty much could've given myself the same pedicure for a lot less money.The manicure situation was just awful. I asked for a gel manicure. The woman didn't act like that was something different or new for her, but it must have been. She gobbed the gel polish layers on so thick that (after 2 or 3 layers) the polish began to wrinkle and sag in the UV dryer. When she saw what she'd done, she had to call a male nail technician over, and, after much Vietnamese chatter, he totally redid my nails for me. They turned out ok, but it was a hassle. And luckily I wasn't in a hurry! I ended up staying at this place for 2.5 hours!I guess the options are limited in Alton, which I totally understand. So I'm not going to say not to go to this place. The finished product wasn't bad, but the saga that got me there seemed to drag on forever. If your nails can wait until the weekend, I say go into St. Louis instead. If you've just got to get 'em done now (!), then this place is an ok option. Just don't expect a life-altering experience.Oh, and p.s.--No, I don't want designs on my toes/nails! They really try to cram this one down your throat! Read Less