Bliss World Spa

(415) 281-0990

181 Third St 4th Fl
San Francisco, CA 94103 37.7854 -122.4007

Get Map & Directions »

Neighborhoods: South Beach, Central East

Last updated 3.31.09

Category:

Spas, Hair Removal, Skin Care, Manicures & Pedicures

Payment Methods:

American Express, Visa, Discover, MasterCard

Hair Removal Services:

Brazilian Wax

Massage Services:

Massage

What People Are Saying About Bliss World Spa

Featured Review

Contributor

Contributor

The Scene – Nestled in the posh W Hotel, this 5,000-square-foot haven boasts a sleek, minimalist look with vivid splashes of lemons, limes and turquoises. The colorful mani/pedi lounge doubles as a screening room for "Sex and the City" reruns and chick flicks. Attentive staff members lead guests to treatment rooms through bright hallways with padded floors that muffle the sound of footsteps. Locker rooms feature steam showers and saunas while cozy lounges, complete with patio access, stock magazines, light bites and refreshments. – – The Services – Pampering in such…

Editor's Tips

Know Before You Go:
The spa is tucked away on the fourth floor of the hotel.
The Extras:
Don't miss the product shop, which stocks an array of fantastic goods from BlissLabs, Remede, Poetic Waxing and others.
Parking:
On-site parking at W Wheels is a steep $14 per hour. A garage at Fifth and Mission is a short walk away and a more feasible $2 per hour rate. The closest BART station is Montgomery.
Save Time:
This is a hot spot, so secure an appointment by calling in advance, but walk-ins are accommodated if possible.
1 Star Rating: Poor

06/23/11

Re: Not so Blissful:(

by rockrl at Citysearch

I was really excited about this spa appt since I've visited other Bliss Spa's. I went to check in and the gal was not so friendly and did not have any flip flops in my size up front so asked me to just wear my own shoes. I then had the worst massage ever. He was nice but it was fast and he only massaged my shoulders. He talked way too much. I then was told the spa was closing in three mintues and I was not allowed to shower and I bearly had enough time to get dressed. It was obvious that eveyone wanted to leave for the day. I wish they had not booked me so late! Too epensive for a massage I could've had in a mall chair!

2 Star Rating: Below Average

05/20/09

disappointing

by quietmouse33 at Citysearch

I was very disappointed in Bliss World at the W Hotel. I have been to several spas in SF and really enjoy the experience. I enjoy soaking the tubs, steaming in the steam rooms, hanging out in the common areas, and mostly I enjoy feeling relaxed and luxurious. Unfortunately Bliss World offered none of these things. There is no hot tub, no steam sauna, no dry sauna, and definitely no relaxation or luxury. The locker area is tiny. There is virtually no vanity area. The common area is cramped and bare bones. The entire place with the exception of the treatment rooms is brightly lit. I never knew I could feel comfortable in a spa but I did there. It's like the McDonald's of spas. They want you to get in and get out. No lingering. Apparently that is actually part of their business plan. It's a NYC philosophy of spas. Had I known that I would never had visited. The price is higher than much better spas in the city. The massage I had was excellent but that's all I can say. I recommend trying Burke Williams spa in the Westfield center if you want a nice experience. It's pricey too but actually less so than Bliss World and much more comfortable.

  • Pros: good massage, good location
  • Cons: uncomfortable, spare, pricey
1 Star Rating: Poor

04/12/08

keeps getting worse

by celso at Citysearch

I arrived for my waxing appointment having been shopping. When I checked in, I wasn't offered a locker so I asked if I could have one. They guy at the desk said, no, lockers are only for customers who need to change into a robe. Then the guy said, "Do you need the restroom?" I said yes, to which he bizarrely responded "Oh, good!"

I finished up in there, and was waiting in the lobby, completely ignored by the staff. Everyone else there, including two people who had no services but were just waiting for friends, had a cup of tea or a bottle of water.

Finally, fifteen minutes after my appointment was supposed to have started, I walked up to the desk and asked the gal there if she know how late they were running. Her response was, "Yeah, we had a problem with the schedule. Yeah, we're late." No apology, no actual time estimate.

A few minutes later I walked back up and said that I had a flight to catch that evening and things to do and that I needed to know how much longer they'd be. She responded with, "Well, I don't know. Probably soon." Still no apology or anything.

At that point, I was fed up. I told her I was leaving, and that I expected not to be charged as a no show. She said, "Well, sure. You were here. I guess you'll hear from the manager." A week later, and having emailed customer service (since I couldn't get a phone number), I've heard nothing back. I'm also having my credit card company fight the charge, since I was in fact charged for the appointment.

  • Pros: great products - buy them elsewhere though
  • Cons: terrible customer service
2 Star Rating: Below Average

01/03/08

blah

by sallysally11 at Citysearch

I came here with excitement and high expectations and left feeling very disappointed. The treatments were very cleverly named and the facility is nice, but it just felt too corporate for me. Over the years of bliss getting so big and well known they've lost their need or care to make the customer feel special and appreciated which is a plus of a spa day for me. I don't have anything to complain about treatment wise per say, but nothing to rave about either. the whole day was just lack-luster. Doubt I will be returning to this location.

  • Pros: beautiful facility, good products
  • Cons: price, treatments
4 Star Rating: Recommended

12/20/07

First time visit pretty good

by roostar at Citysearch

My first visit to Bliss...I had a massage with Irene, and it was honestly one of the better massages I have had...a good massage depends so much on the practitioner, no matter how many amenities the locker room has, or what kind of cheese they have in the waiting area.

She was very intuitive - my muscles needed a little special work, and she zoned right in on what I needed. She has a very refined and deliberate style - I didn't feel rushed at all.

Didn't feel pressure to upgrade - the extras were just offered - and I know that is what they are required to do - everyone gets more money when they upsell, and I really do want to know what my options are...

The parafin foot pack is nice, nothing to write home about

The spa itself is very nice...I really like that the locker room had all sorts of stuff, and the steam shower is really a cool perk.

The front desk staff was nice - and even though the gal was on the phone when I got there, she acknowledged me right away (I hate it when they don't) and gave me a clear tour of the place, and told me clearly what I was supposed to do and where to do it.

They have put so much attention into the services, the waiting area, and the locker...but (I know this is nit-picky) the hallways and floors look like a hospital...despite the hip floral arrangements - when I got off the elevator, I thought I was on a maintenance floor.

I guess my point is - that the overall experience is pretty good - but I definitely noticed that someone forgot about making it continuous - maybe a coat of warm paint....soft lighting, bamboo flooring?

Advertisement

Lists In San Francisco

Recent Reviews In San Francisco

5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended

Marlon Ramos - Brazilian Blowout

760 Market St Ste 449, San Francisco, CA

4 Star Rating: Recommended

Voila La Familia

109 Bartlett St Suite 203, San Francisco, CA

5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended

Bryan Roberts Salon

561 Castro St, San Francisco, CA

5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended

Hair Play and Joe Hamer Academy

211 Church St Ste A, San Francisco, CA

Advertisement