Iranian immigrant Jeniette Melamed’s namesake spa is nothing fancy, but its celebrity clientele find it as familiar and satisfying as a plate of comfort food. Since the spa opened in 1982, Hollywood A-listers and runway stalkers have embraced the Cheers-like atmosphere, not to mention the notoriously popular bikini waxes. (Heart-shaped and Brazilian are salon specialties.) Jeniette’s brow waxers and threaders have sculpted some of the best arches in the biz; Julianne Moore, Uma Thurman, Mandy Moore, and Ashley Olsen are a few who’ve graced the green-and-white candy-striped space. The second floor of the sprawling two-story spa is devoted to a long lineup of hair and mani-pedi stations, with private downstairs nooks reserved for couple's massages, facials and waxings for spa-shy gents. — Molly Noonan
I came to the salon twice last summer. The first time was fine, everyone was nice, it was good quality. I was glad there were no whirlpools though didnt love keeping my feet in a plastic liner in a basin.
Second time was another story. The owner was running around in rollers having the suffering-looking staff do her nails. A male customer was getting his hair bleached and the manicurists were making fun of him in Spanish.
Some woman said she forgot cash and had to go to an ATM. The owner said that was fine. After the woman left she said she didn't trust her.
Then when I got a pedicure the woman made fun of me because the light color was streaky and blamed it on my nails (rather than the polish being old) even though I had the same type of color the previous time I came. Other manicurists came over to look which was embarrassing and unnecessary and they were talking about it in Spanish.
When I complained to the front desk woman she said distractedly, "yes yes the customer is always right" and tried to be friendly but it was just fake.
Decent way to treat yourself when you're young and broke
I really liked this place, it's comfortable, my mani pedis always look excellent, even if the staff isn't exactly inviting or cuddly. The mani pedi combo on Monday and Tues is affordable, making it a great value.