The Refinery

04/24/2008 Posted by snazzygurl

Front counter help was nice and cordial. Ambience is okay - give it a 2 out of 5 stars. Too much noise for a salon/spa - I could hear the conversations of between clients and aestheticians during waxings, etc. Just a bit much for me. The woman who did my pedicure was horrible. She hardly touched my feet. I was like, "Is that it?" I get much better service at the small, cheap Asian nail salons that are everywhere. I was actually mortified that I paid $33 for this service! Trust me, I won't be going back. I have no idea what their other services are like but I would NOT recommend the nail services there :(

Pros: Nice location; couteous staff

Cons: Bad pedicures; some staff that just don't seem that into their jobs!

02/26/2008 Posted by AnnaMpls

I have been to the Refinery about 10 times. Sometimes I come out satisfied, other times not. It mainly depends on the service provider so ask for a recommendation from someone who has been there before. I have had a good massage and a bad one. A great brazilian and an AWFUL one (I have never had one more painful!!! I was seriously almost crying). An amazing facial and a really crummy one! So, it seems their level of training is not really consistent. It just depends who you get, so it's kind of a gamble. But, the prices are about the cheapest around. I guess there's a reason for it!

Pros: low cost

Cons: inconsistently trained staff

12/19/2007 Posted by sheheri_axtaran

I went to Refinery for a massage. That was a waste of money. The receptionist on the second floor was very unfriendly and looked annoyed...I was told when making reservations that I would fill out a form if it's my first visit. I arrived 5-7 minutes, they didn't even give me any forms and rushed me into the massage room. My massage therapist looked like a college student with no experience. Her skills matched her looks...That was a lousy massage. I don't know about their other services, but don't go there for a massage...

Cons: staff, massage threrapists

11/16/2007 Posted by hotmama_p

I love the refinery!!!! I get all of my waxing done there, they are able to get you in and out in 10-15 min. I've seen all of the waxing people... Amy, Ann Marie, Christine & Autumn... everyone does such a great job! I highly recommend the refinery!

10/13/2007 Posted by yesterdaysnews

I've been going to The Refinery for about a year for waxing, and after moving here from out of state, I can assure you that they offer the fastest and most affordable brazilian waxes. I've been seeing Amy my waxing, and she is really good, but once I had to get in last minute and saw someone else, who was also great. Make sure to sign up for their weekly emails. They send you discounts every week! I recently had a massage, and it was fantastic. I'll definitely go back for massage. Next I'm going to try a facial. Because I had only ever done waxing on the first floor before my massage, I didn't even realize that they have two floors above the first one! I think this place is the best find in town.

Pros: Fast waxing, great staff & prices

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful

10/12/2007 Posted by brightbelly

I have been going to the Refinery for over a year, and have had every type of service, except for hair. The waxing is amazing, quick, quick, quick! And CHEAP! Because of this, they don't have time to mess around, so you can't be even 5 minutes late! I have had almost every esthetician wax me and they have all been great. Over the past few months, I have been getting facials from Kelly, and she is fantastic at really customizing, though every facial I've had has been effective. Massage is oh-so serene up on the third floor. They use warm stones during your nail services.

Pros: Cheap, effective services.

Cons: parking, can't be late.

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful

06/05/2007 Posted by mal220

I noticed that over half the reviews are from a year ago or more! I wanted to let everyone know that The Refinery has a fantastic staff committed to serving the client, and great prices! Be it nails, hair, facials, waxing, or massage - I've NEVER had a bad or poor experience and I've been using the salon since 2004. The massage therapists are very in tune to what the client wants, working out every part of the body requested. The facials are phenomenal, leaving my skin better than ever and giving me a great maitinence plan so that I can keep it looking radiant. I have my choice between Express and Spa manicures and pedicures so they can always fit my schedule! Not to mention I wouldn't trust another place for waxing! The esthis do between 15-20 Brazilian waxes a day (or more!) andI can't even compromise how comfortable I feel putting myself in their skilled hands! I am a proud regular client at The Refinery, and I've had great experiences with all staff from service providers to reception staff, I've referred all of my friends, and they feel the same way. If you are looking for a spa experience, look no further!!

Pros: Staff, Service, Timing!

01/06/2007 Posted by bestofmin

The Refinery is an excellent place for pampering and relaxation. The staff is professional and efficient. The facials are delivered in a comfortable and informative manner. The atmosphere is zen-like and I was made to feel comfortable since my first appointment. The prices are reasonable and the sessions are enjoyable. Definitely a place for a well-deserved treat at the end of a busy week and good service!

Pros: Excellent service, atmosphere, great facials

Cons: Need to give credit card number for a first time appointment

09/30/2006 Posted by tandoorilotus

The Refinery is good... depending on what type of service you get there. Waxing is excellent-- they do a good job and are very friendly with first-time waxers. The massage I got there was disappointing... more of a back rub than a massage. I have not had a good experience with hair there... the first time I got lectured for coloring my hair, because it makes hair "unhealthy" and the second time the stylist actually insulted me (when I commented that I needed to get in for a touch up on my hair color, she scoffed "Uh, YEAH!" in a snobby way). I will continue to go there for waxing, but that's it!!

Pros: hair removal; free parking; cheap

Cons: rude/snobby staff; lame massages

09/06/2006 Posted by youngra06

I picked this spa to get waxing done based on price and how close it is to my apartment. For my waxing i give them an A+, the appointment started on time, i was afraid it wouldnt all get done because they scrunched me into an open time slot, but it did. i would go there again for waxing any time and would definitly recommend it to my friends. I got my haircut there as well, and that wasnt really what i was looking for, i would prefer a full salon. I probably wouldnt take a group there for bonding and relaxing but i would definitly go alone for quick and efficient service. Parking in the dinkytown lot was really easy.

Pros: waxing, price, staff

Cons: not luxury