I had purchased a coupon thru Living Social Calgary for a manicure and pedicure at Pink Lime. It was a bit pricey ($79) even at 46% off, or whatever they had stated the discount was. However, I had heard Pink Lime's advertising and was looking forward to being pampered in an upscale environment. I also purchased a coupon as a Christmas gift for my mother, who loves mani/pedi's. I immediately booked my appointment, excited to receive my services!
When I arrived at the salon, I was a bit taken aback by the look of the salon, definitely not upscale as I had anticipated from the price I paid, or the substantial advertising that I had heard. The stylists were in casual jeans and t-shirts, and there was little to no 'luxurious ambience' that many of us think of when we think 'spa'. As I was taken in the back to the pedi chairs, I was told that the coupon I had purchased only covered clear nail polish and if I wanted a color, I had to pay an 'upgrade' of $8.00 for the manicure and $8.00 for the pedicure!! I couldn't believe it! When I asked why this was the case, the stylist told me "it's because the deal is so cheap". When I asked why it wasn't illustrated on the coupon, she shrugged her shoulders. I told her that I had spoken to the receptionist when I booked the appointment and discussed getting a french manicure and was told that it would be an upcharge of $10, which was fine, however, why didn't the receptionist mention at that time that color was also an upcharge? Again, she shrugged. Interesting approach to customer service...
It was evident to me that at least some of the tools used were NOT clean, which made me nervous. There was no autoclave visible and the emery boards were cracked, worn, and covered in white 'nail dust'. There was no soothing music, and the water fountain in the waiting area had no water in it. There were plugs in the middle of the walls, assumably for TV's, however there were nondescript pictures hanging below the outlets, giving the salon an 'unfinished' look.
In their defence, the attendant that worked with me was polite, pleasant and professional, as well as the front desk person. I did tip her, because it isn't her fault the place isn't what they profess to be, and she doesn't set the prices.
All in all, I would be embarassed to give this service to my mom for xmas, so I'll be shopping for something else, while asking Living Social to refund my money for the one gift certificate. I'll never go back there again, and I am hoping that I don't end up with an infection or a fungus.
Of note, it is interesting that the manager has rebutted similar comments to mine in saying that his prices are 'average' when compared to salon's such as Swizzlesticks, Diva, Evelyn Charles, etc. Having been a client at each of those salon/spas, I can guarantee that they are MUCH more upscale, and have nicer facilities. Oh yes, and they don't upcharge for things such as colored nail polish.
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