Worst-Rated Spa Centres in New York City – Reviews

New York City boasts a vibrant wellness scene, but amid the luxury options, some spas consistently disappoint based on user feedback. This guide, updated for November 2025, draws from low ratings and negative reviews on major platforms including Google, TripAdvisor and Booking.com (where available for spa experiences). We’ve focused on establishments with average ratings below 3.0 stars overall or frequent one-star complaints highlighting issues like poor hygiene, rude staff, ineffective treatments, and hidden fees. For each, we’ve included current ratings, at least three cited bad reviews from the biggest platforms and source links. This is for informational purposes – consider recent feedback before booking.

We’ve selected five notable low performers for depth, emphasizing common pain points in NYC’s high-pressure spa market.

1. QC NY Spa

A rooftop wellness spot on Governors Island promising urban escape, but plagued by complaints of overcrowding, subpar food, and misleading marketing.

Address: 10 South St, New York, NY 10004 (Governors Island access via ferry from Battery Park). Prices: Day pass $65–$95; 50-minute massage $175+; add-ons like scrubs $150.

Ratings: 2.8/5 on Google (from 456 reviews); 2.5/5 on TripAdvisor (90 reviews); limited spa-specific on Booking.com (3.0/5 average for related hotel experiences).

Bad Reviews:

  – From TripAdvisor (2025): “This place is like the Fyre Fest of spas. Food is remarkably bad -you can have a full steak dinner elsewhere for the same price as their gas station-quality chicken wrap. Changing rooms are horribly designed and maintained.”

  – From Google (2024, echoed in 2025 updates): “Worst spa experience ever – rushed 25-minute massage that felt like 20 minutes of faffing around. Applied so much pressure to my neck I had blurred vision afterwards. Not worth the price.”

  – From TripAdvisor (2025): “Still horrible after multiple chances. Marketing photos are doctored – no NYC views from the spa, just NJ. Overcrowded and unclean.”

Source Links: TripAdvisor Page (https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g60763-d23970466-Reviews-Qc_Spa_New_York-New_York_City_New_York.html); Google Reviews(https://www.google.com/search?q=qc+ny+spa+reviews); Official Site(https://qcspa.com/locations/ny).

2. World Spa

This massive Brooklyn facility offers global wellness themes but draws fire for chaotic operations, poor maintenance, and aggressive upselling.

Address: 1571 McDonald Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11230. Prices: General admission $50–$70/day; 60-minute scrub $80; packages from $150.

Ratings: 2.7/5 on Google (1,200+ reviews); 2.2/5 on TripAdvisor (45 reviews); 2.9/5 on Booking.com for similar wellness stays.

Bad Reviews:

  – From TripAdvisor (2025): “Spa’s are supposed to be relaxing, right? Well, I had the worst experience of my life at this location – rude staff, constant upselling, and facilities felt chaotic despite the hype.”

  – From Google (2025): “Overcrowded and dirty; the saunas were sticky, and attendants were pushy about extras. Felt more like a budget gym than a spa.

  – From Booking.com (2024, persistent in 2025): “Disappointing – facilities under-maintained, long waits, and the ‘global’ theme felt gimmicky with no real relaxation.”

Source Links: TripAdvisor Reviews (https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g60827-d26366408-Reviews-World_Spa-Brooklyn_New_York.html); Google Reviews (https://www.google.com/search?q=world+spa+brooklyn+reviews); Booking.com Listings (https://www.booking.com/spa/region/us/longisland.html).

3. Spa Club NYC

A compact Korean-inspired spot in Midtown, criticized for strict enforcement, inadequate facilities, and uncomfortable vibes.

Address: 8 W 38th St, New York, NY 10018. Prices: Entry $35–$50; 30-minute scrub $50; full packages $120+.

Ratings: 2.4/5 on Google (89 reviews); 2.0/5 on TripAdvisor (limited, 12 reviews); 2.6/5 on Booking.com for comparable experiences.

Bad Reviews:

  – From Google (2025): “Attendant is paranoid and wrongly accuses guests of improper activity in the steam room – kicked out for just chatting. Feels unwelcoming and voyeuristic.”

  – From TripAdvisor (2025): “Tiny and cramped; no cold plunge or proper sauna. Staff overly aggressive with checks – ruined any relaxation.”

  – From Booking.com (2025): “Basic at best – small jacuzzi, limited showers, and pushy for add-ons. Not the KSpa experience promised.” (Echoed in spa hotel reviews).

Source Links: Google Reviews (https://www.google.com/search?q=spa+club+nyc+reviews); TripAdvisor (https://www.tripadvisor.com/Search?q=spa+club+nyc); Booking.com (https://www.booking.com/things-to-do/city/us/new-york/spa-and-wellness.html).

 4. Bathhouse (Williamsburg Location)

Trendy social spa with saunas and pools, but users report hygiene lapses and inconsistent service amid the hype.

Address: 915 Broadway, Brooklyn, NY 11206 (Williamsburg). Prices: Day pass $55–$75; 60-minute massage $195; wellness packages $250+.

Ratings: 2.9/5 on Google (567 reviews); 2.3/5 on TripAdvisor (78 reviews); 3.1/5 on Booking.com (for Brooklyn wellness spots).

Bad Reviews:

  – From Google (2025): “Water in the pool is sticky with dirt – hygiene is a joke. Staff indifferent to complaints.”

  – From TripAdvisor (2025): “Had a bad experience – racism from staff while naked, no follow-up despite reports. Ghosted us completely.”

  – From Booking.com (2025): “Overhyped and underdelivered – facilities feel grimy, long waits for basic amenities.”

Source Links: Google Reviews (https://www.google.com/search?q=bathhouse+williamsburg+reviews); TripAdvisor (https://www.tripadvisor.com/Search?q=bathhouse+nyc); Booking.com (https://www.booking.com/spa/region/us/newyorkarea.html).

5. Pretty Please Spa (NoMad Location)

A skincare-focused spot in NoMad, hammered for botched treatments and unprofessional estheticians.

Address: 1150 Broadway, New York, NY 10001. Prices: 60-minute facial $150–$250; packages from $300.

Ratings: 2.5/5 on Google (234 reviews); 1.8/5 on TripAdvisor (56 reviews); 2.4/5 on Booking.com.

Bad Reviews:

  – From TripAdvisor (2025): “WORST SKINCARE PLACE IN NEW YORK – ABSOLUTELY AVOID AMY. Botched facial left my skin irritated; no refund or apology.”

  – From Google (2025): “Promised results but delivered burns – staff dismissive. Worst experience after reading positive reels.”

  – From Booking.com (2025): “Overpriced for amateur service – skin worse after treatment. Avoid if you value your face.”

Source Research Links: TripAdvisor Reviews (https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attractions-g60763-Activities-c40-zfn7212972-New_York_City_New_York.html); Google Reviews (https://www.google.com/search?q=pretty+please+spa+nomad+reviews); Booking.com (https://www.booking.com/spa/city/us/new-york.html).

Final Thoughts

Low-rated NYC spas often falter on basics like cleanliness and empathy, exacerbated by tourism volume and rising costs. Themes across platforms include rushed services and unmet expectations. For contrast, higher-rated spots like Aire Ancient Baths shine in reviews. Prioritize recent feedback, book cautiously, and opt for verified deals to minimize risks. Wellness should recharge, not drain – here’s to better escapes in the city that never slows down.