To think spa hotels are a scam?

[AlertBird]

I don’t get the hype around spa hotels, especially the ones that market themselves as “luxury.” You pay a premium for what often turns out to be a mediocre pool, lukewarm jacuzzi, and treatments that cost a fortune on top of your stay. Half the time, the “spa” is just a steam room and a couple of loungers. AIBU to think they’re massively overrated and not worth the price?

I’ve stayed at some awful spas but also some amazing ones. You need to do thorough research.

I’ve been to some lovely spas .

There are some amazing spas out there,

Pennyhill Park is one amazing spa!! That is def not a scam.
Check it out, it’s fantastic.

I’ve been to ones that fit that criteria and ones that are brilliant so it depends really

Have been to a few ‘spas’ in the UK… 🤣 They are not. I’ve possibly been ruined by my first spa experiences being during decades of living in SE Asia 💕

Checking in for the recommendations...

I've had a couple of amazing spa breaks but fuck me they cost. I've just sprinted over to the Pennyhill Park website but that's going to have to wait until my ship comes in.

I agree that a shit spa break would be shit.

Ragdale Hall is amazing, but not cheap.

Value for money for me though.

You’re going to the wrong spas op.

Yes it is pricey, but we go once a year as a treat for our birthdays.
wd prefer to go go just after Xmas and during the week when a bit quieter also.
even their lowest price rooms are lovely, and of course you then get the access to spa included.
A definite treat.
I am yet to find anywhere as nice, so also looking at other people’s recommendations on here.
I am lucky enough to live near Elvedon Center Parcs and have family who work there and occasionally get access for £10 to the forest Spa, that’s super lovely also.

Believe me, I both love and approve of spending money on lovely things. My favourite spa experience overall (so far) was the Gainsborough in Bath which wasn't cheap either...

It’s pretty obvious from a quick look and the pricing which ones are actually proper luxury hotel.

I've only been to two, and they both oversold themselves. In one case the 'spa' was a couple of treatment rooms plus a hot tub. The other had jacuzzis and saunas and a plunge, but the facilities were horribly over-subscribed and not very clean. Both claimed to serve healthy natural food but actually provided all the poor-quality pastries and chewy bacon that a Premier Inn offers. Both claimed to be 'luxurious' which was simply not true.

Example

Luxury https://www.grantleyhall.co.uk/?utm_source=mybusiness&utm_medium=organic

Crap https://www.chevinhotel.co.uk/?utm_source=GMBlisting&utm_medium=organic

We also went to penny hill park -it’s incredible. There was a really well travelled Middle Eastern couple there - who said it’s hands down the best spa in Europe! It has gorgeous hot tubs outside - and it seems quite Bavarian

i also love the centerparcs spas too! It’s very grown up and lots of things to do

Don’t think think they’re a scam as such, but never quite got their appeal

There are spas.
There are hotels with spa facilities
Often the ambience and services aren’t great with the latter.
Check the reviews