Penelope & The Beauty Bar
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Review highlights
"Excellent customer service vicky was very nice and friendly. The receptionist was also very professional got me a same day appointment!"
"Absolutely lovely staff, great service and a relaxing/inviting decor."
"The quality of the services and customer service can not be beat!"
Overview
Categories
Day spa, Facial spa, Medical spa
Directions
411 University St
Seattle, WA, 98101
Phone number
Call: (206) 438-1750Website
View websiteHours
Sunday
8:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Monday
8:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Tuesday
8:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Wednesday
8:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Thursday
8:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Friday
8:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Saturday
8:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Description
Premier luxury spa located inside the historic Fairmont Olympic Hotel in the heart of downtown Seattle. Offering advanced skin and body treatments, spa services, salon and nails, special event packages and more. We strive to provide the highest quality care to our guests. Our providers have been featured in Allure, WWD, Elle, Vogue and Seattle Magazine. Penelope carries top global product brands such as Biologique Recherche, MBR and more.
Reviews
Jan 23, 2025
I bought the 6 pack groupon package for the laser hair removal at fairmont hotel. I'm 5'1, 105 p and S Asian. The spa is beautiful and clean. The aesthetician is lovely. The laser hair removal experience for full legs was painful on the front side. They don't have a basic amenity that every salon I've lasered at for years has - a cold blower. This immensely decreases the pain. For this reason I won't be renewing into another package. First session today and honestly it was so uncomfortable on the bony areas without it. For such a high end salon/hotel and paying thousands for laser packages you would have expected a better thoughtfulness towards client discomfort and a basic amenity. Simple things like a gel warmer and a cold blower could lead to improvement in the customer experience with laser.
Jan 16, 2025
This spa should definitely have $$$$ for the range on pricing, but if you have the money to spend, you should spend it here. You'll feel like a famous person!! And I had a Groupon, came in dressed very comfy, knitted, and baggy, but they treated like royalty. It was a most amazing experience. I got the 80-minute package, although I wish I had done more research needle buying the package. The massage was great. Mithra (meet-thra) was perfect. She listened to my needs and totally came through. My package included a jade pod experience but that don't have it anymore so I was put in a collagen bed instead. It also included a $50 credit on either an MBR facial or dermaplaning HOWEVER both of those items were $300-$750 ish, so even with the credit, they're was no way I would do that. Just not in my financial category. The location is beautiful. If you like fancy candles from France, this is your spot. Unique scents. Micah was a doll. I didn't get the other gentleman's name who checked me out but they were both so kind and pleasant to engage with. Definitely the place to get pampered.
Oct 05, 2024
Obsessed with Tania, her expertise, and her blowouts! I was in town to visit friends and am terrible at doing my own hair. Blowouts are just down the elevator from the hotel, so why not? Tania told me how to tame my new bangs, gave me tips on the hair type, gave me all her Seattle tips of things to do, and made me feel beautiful both times I sat in her chair. May need to visit my friends more often so I can get my seasonal cut by her. Love!
Oct 05, 2024
The room where I had my spa treatment in was so relaxing. I think the super warm bed put it over the top. My aesthetician, Sonia was an expert and very good in what she does.
Oct 05, 2024
Tia. Tia. Tia! The best massage I’ve ever had in my life. You were absolutely amazing, thank you so much for such a lovely treatment and chat!
Sep 05, 2024
The spa services here are truly exceptional and relaxing!
Sep 05, 2024
Vicky is incredible, I couldn’t be more impressed! From the moment I walk in, she creates such a calming and relaxing atmosphere. She takes the time to assess my skin's needs and customizes each treatment accordingly. Not only does my skin feel amazing afterward, but she also educates me on how to care for it between appointments. Her professionalism and warm personality make the experience even better. I always leave feeling refreshed and rejuvenated.
Sep 05, 2024
You should get a massage here if you enjoy being stolen from while being accused of theft. We booked 2 massages. We got a text that they had made a scheduling error for one of the massages, but their scheduling error meant I wasn’t able to get a massage. As for the massage that actually was received - we put a card on file. Micah called afterwards and he was incredibly rude with phrasing - in so many words accused my wife of leaving / sneaking out without paying. She walked past the desk, slowed down, and acknowledged the desk person but they didn’t indicate that she needed to do anything - that’s not sneaking off, especially when you’ve already handed over your credit card. In any case, Micah tried to pretend the hotel discount for the service didn’t exist, and then applied it, and then overcharged our credit card for a higher tip than we stated on the phone, which I caught in the emailed receipt. I had to call again to get that rectified, and then again for the updated bill which wasn’t sent despite being told that it would be. The whole experience was the opposite of relaxing.
Aug 05, 2024
Ashley at Mildred + Gertrude made my neck and back not hurt for the first time in a VERY long time. I went in for a 50 minute Swedish with the goal of just relaxing and she miraculously did it. I have had many, many massages in the past and this one was by far in my top 3 of all time. Wish I could go back right now instead of work! Love M+G and will be visiting again, and again, and again for all of their treatments. Wonderful staff, beverages, and I want my house to look like this spa. :)
Aug 05, 2024
Lisa is the best hands down. The treatment itself was amazing but Lisa made it even better. Best experience I’ve ever had at a spa. The Endospheres Glow was amazing. Immediate results especially on my legs, 2 months later and it is still noticeable.
Aug 05, 2024
My favorite place to get massages. Ben is the best! This place is also very beautiful & always smells lovely. I have been going there for almost 2 years for my prenatal massages & deep tissue.
Aug 05, 2024
This spa is great! I’m always happy with the services (facial, massage, nails) and the ambiance is very relaxing.
Jul 05, 2024
I have been coming here for the past three years for treatments. I do hair removal and facials. I have not had a bad experience or a minor inconvenience that wasn’t resolved adequately. I find front staff and esthetician professional and lovely. Skincare lines provided is great.
Jul 05, 2024
I received laser hair removal, and after even one session the regrowth was minimal. They are respectful, kind, and speedy!
Jul 05, 2024
I went to Penelope and the Beauty Bar in need of a spa day. I'm writing this review the next day, still in need of a spa day. While the folks were friendly, the overall experience felt unorganized and way less value than the price point would suggest. My partner and I arrived 10 minutes early. The valet parking was full, so we had to find other parking. This prevented us from being 15 minutes early, as suggested. I asked for a prosecco and my partner asked for a water. This might seem like a small thing, but in the lighting of the waiting area, it's pretty easy to take a big swig of prosecco while thinking it's water, especially since they're both served in the same kind of glass. After waiting in the waiting area for 25 minutes, I realized that starting our first treatment late would likely have a cascade effect, so I went over to the spa desk. After a few minutes, the friendly guy at the desk explained that they usually had a spa attendant who would ensure these sorts of delays didn't happen, like getting "lost", but they no-showed that day. The massage I got was the least relaxing massage I have ever had. This is primarily because it was given to me... in the waiting room. It wasn't literally in the waiting room, but there was only a curtain between me and the waiting room, so I got to hear conversations from folks in the waiting room the entire massage. This completely ruined the experience. I got a facial afterwards. The woman performing the facial was very nice and it was a relaxing facial. Afterwards though, my face felt oily and gross, like it had sunscreen on it. Overall, this wasn't what I was expecting from a spa day. I came away with more stress than I entered with. My partner said she had one of the best massages she's ever had, but for me, this was not it.
Jul 05, 2024
My blow out/style for my daughter’s rehearsal dinner was perfect and lasted. The people were so lovely at the Penelope. Ambience was relaxing!!
Jul 05, 2024
Vickie is great! Amazing service and detailed work. Very caring and attentive. I have been very fortunate to have top notch service here from several different providers. Atmosphere is quiet and all of the rooms are very clean and well maintained.
Jun 05, 2024
Worst manicure and pedicure I’ve ever received. Looks like it should only cost $10, not $175. My nails had chipped before I even left the salon and my nail beds look worse than when I arrived.
May 05, 2024
Had so much fun getting pampered here for my birthday! First time getting a facial and couldn’t have had a better experience. Also got a mani and haircut with style. Everyone is so friendly and welcoming. Very professional and makes this experience really special. I can’t wait to return!
May 05, 2024
Always amazing front desk service from anyone who answers.Professional and genuinely Kind. Services are always on time when I've had my appts. Great products. Beautiful vibe
May 05, 2024
Excellent customer service vicky was very nice and friendly. The receptionist was also very professional got me a same day appointment!
Mar 06, 2024
Friendly and pleasant staff. Services offered were good but didn’t last.
Mar 06, 2024
Mina who runs the front desk and check-in is the most amazing, pleasant, professional, efficient, knowledgeable person.
Mar 06, 2024
The place is top notch! Such a great experience from the front deck to my dermaplaning experience! They offer hot tea or water upon arrival, the whole decor is cozy and fancy at the same time! Jessica took amazing care of me, she was professional and very personal at the same time. I would highly recommend getting any service from her! I will be back ❤️
Feb 06, 2024
A sweet little vintage French style spa in the Fairmont Olympic Hotel. A little speedy, so sign up for their emails to get notified when they have specials. Or ask the employees what specials they have before booking. They do "require" an 18% gratuity, which I think is unfair, especially if the service wasn't very good. Instead, why doesn't the company just pay their people a good living wage? Their prices are rich enough. For this reason I just go for services that are a must or on sale.
Feb 06, 2024
Any excuse to go to the Fairmont is a good excuse. Same goes for Penelope.
Feb 06, 2024
Had the most AMAZING massage with Regina T at Penelope, and it was like she just had an intuition for where all my achy spots were. It was the most satisfying massage I've had, and even before it was over, I was already planning the next time I'd be back!
Feb 06, 2024
I booked here for a gift for my partner for their birthday. I decided to splurge on us since we had both been through a rough couple of weeks and could use some relaxation but it was just not a good experience at all. Was not a good experience from start to finish. I had scheduled an appointment with them over the phone for my partner and I. We arrived and they didnt have me on the books despite me having a confirmation email. They told us they couldn't get us in together that day. Okay no biggie we rescheduled and understood mistakes happen. Arrived for the second appointment, filled out some paper work and waited. We werent greeted by our masseuses until exactly appointment time. Again not a big deal but they didnt spend any time going over our papers. They also failed to give any instruction to my partner who had never had a professional massage. This lead to some awkward interactions as he just didn't know what to do. They seemed to just expect we'd know the steps to get ready. Once as the massage had started my massaus hardly checked in. Once again not a big deal but the massage was uneven and I don't feel like she actually paid attention to what I had written or my 'problem' areas. All of the social interactions were very uncomfortable and awkward. I don't know if we weren't the kind of clients they were used to, these girls were just young or if they were new but it was uncomfortable from start to finish. The only positive interaction we had in the space was with the front desk clerk that checked us in. I got a call asking for me to call them for a review, I did and had to leave a message which they never responded to. It was extremely pricey for a massage I didn't feel helped much of anything, the customer service was iffy and they made multiple mistakes between the booking, not checking in and lack of instructions. Will not be coming back and would not recommend to anyone. I left feeling a little jaded as I had spent over $400 for a really lackluster experience that was supposed to be relaxing and a special gift.
Feb 06, 2024
I had the best facial ever from Sonja at Penelope & the Beauty Bar. She is a true artist in her craft. Sonja made me feel so welcomed and relaxed. I will definitely be back!
Feb 06, 2024
I went in for the dazzling dry service. Chau was the provider. I had an exceptional pedicure experience with her. She was incredibly thorough, dedicated, and truly cared about her work. What stood out the most was her willingness to go above and beyond to ensure my satisfaction. Additionally, she was very easy to talk to, which made the experience even more enjoyable. I would definitely return for another pedicure, but only if she's available.
Feb 06, 2024
I've been coming to Penelope & The Beauty Bar for 2.5 years now, and have to say it's one of the best spas in Seattle. Like any customer service business, you have your good people and then you have your truly great people like Kelsey, Robin, and Jennifer. Other folks have glowing reviews too - but the key is knowing what you're looking for and asking for someone who can provide that experience. For everything that you could possibly book with Kelsey - you're doing yourself a disservice by not choosing her. I formerly worked in skincare, and Kelsey truly knows her products and how diet + environmental factors impact your skin as well. Kelsey takes what others can just do as a regular by the book experience up by several levels. Everything she does is very custom, and you can tell she cares about what she does and the people she works with. Because of how she has worked with my skin over time, I can confidently go out sans-foundation or anything beyond skincare products. For deep-tissue work, you want to get in front of Robin or Jennifer. They will take you apart like Gumby the clay man, and rebuild you into a brand new person. They both understand not just the pressure points, but how every person has different bodies that hold stress in different spots you didn't even realize were the reason other areas were so tight. I have a high-stress job, and can confidently say that I consistently have a positive experience here every single time I come (which is often). I always go in excited for my treatments, and leave feeling overly pleased by my services. Yes the prices can be high, especially with the products. You truly get what you pay for though and the results of the services/products prove that. They run great specials here as well if you're paying attention to the announcements!
Feb 06, 2024
Massage was amazing! I’ve had many massages and this was one the best.
Feb 06, 2024
Outstanding service always. Vicky is an expert and is so warm, and efficient. Scheduling is always a breeze. Proud to be a customer for 10 years running!
Feb 06, 2024
We had a small group of friends, seven of us, who flew in for a wedding. We wanted to celebrate the bride, two days prior to the main event. With a little advance planning, Penelope & The Beauty Bar was extremely accommodating and ensured that our time there was special and memorable. They were able to get us all into a combination of massages, facials and mani/pedi in one afternoon. In between services we enjoyed Prosecco and herbals teas and never felt rushed. Every service was well done and we all felt refreshed and relaxed at the end of our experience together.