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What Is a Hotel Spa?

Diane Goettel
Diane Goettel
Diane Goettel
Diane Goettel

A hotel spa is a spa that is located in or on the grounds of a hotel or resort. It is quite common for upscale resorts to have spas where guests can enjoy a number of services and beauty treatments. The most common services that are offered on hotel spa menus are massages, manicures, pedicures, and facials. Depending on the facility, hotel spas may also come equipped with steam rooms and saunas for guests to enjoy between treatments.

It is common for a hotel spa to allow guests to book treatments in their rooms instead of in the spa. In fact, some hotel spas are quite small and conduct most of the services in guest rooms or suites rather than in dedicated rooms within the spa facilities. For treatments that are conducted within a hotel room, the massage therapist, esthetician, or nail technician will bring all necessary supplies to the guest's hotel room. Some hotel spas also offer hair care and have beauticians on hand who can take care of guests who need to have their hair cut, colored, or styled.

A woman getting a manicure at a hotel spa.
A woman getting a manicure at a hotel spa.

In addition to massage and care for the skin, nails, and hair, a hotel spa may also offer dental treatments. The most common dental treatments offered by spas are teeth whitening services. Another item that sometimes appears on the menus of hotel spas is a hot towel shave. This is a luxurious treatment for men involving the skin on their face being softened with warm towels, followed by a shave with a straight razor. The treatment is usually finished off with a soothing balm to calm the skin.

Some hotel spas offer Botox® injections.
Some hotel spas offer Botox® injections.

There are some hotels that are destinations simply because of the quality of their spas. In fact, some hotels and resorts are specifically designed to serve guests who are looking for an excellent spa experience. Many of these kinds of facilities offer packages that include the cost of lodging as well as the fees for a number of treatments. These packages can usually be tailored to fit each guest's interests and needs. Hotels and resorts such as these are likely to offer fitness classes such as yoga and Pilates as well.

A sauna at a hotel spa.
A sauna at a hotel spa.

There are a number of well-known hospitality chains that have spas in most of their hotels. There are also many boutique hotels that have spas. Almost every hospitality website has information about whether or not there is a hotel spa on the premises. If there is, then there should be a menu that will allow you to browse the treatments that are available.

A hotel spa offers massages.
A hotel spa offers massages.

For those looking for a luxurious and pampering experience, hotel spas are a great option. Whether you're seeking a relaxing massage, a rejuvenating facial, or a spa day package, there are plenty of options to choose from. Consider staying at one of the many best beach hotels that offer spa services if you want to spend your vacation at the beach. You can find luxurious spa packages offered at 5-star resorts or intimate spa experiences at boutique hotels. There is something for everyone.

Diane Goettel
Diane Goettel

In addition to her work as a freelance writer for BeautyAnswered, Diane is the executive editor of Black Lawrence Press, an independent publishing company based in upstate New York. She has also edited several anthologies, the e-newsletter Sapling, and The Adirondack Review. Diane has a B.A. from Sarah Lawrence College and an M.A. from Brooklyn College.

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Diane Goettel
Diane Goettel

In addition to her work as a freelance writer for BeautyAnswered, Diane is the executive editor of Black Lawrence Press, an independent publishing company based in upstate New York. She has also edited several anthologies, the e-newsletter Sapling, and The Adirondack Review. Diane has a B.A. from Sarah Lawrence College and an M.A. from Brooklyn College.

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Discussion Comments

chrisinbama

@cellmania: That really depends on where you go. Some of the more elite hotels include spa service for free. You can bet that your nightly charge will be pretty high at a place like that. Saunas and heat rooms, on the other hand, are usually free. Many hotels look at saunas as they would a swimming pool.

If you are planning a trip to a nice hotel that offers spa treatment, I would definitely call first to make sure of what the charge is, if any. If there is no additional charge for the spa, I would at least tip the staff in the spa.

CellMania

Do you have to pay extra at these luxury spa hotels or is that included in the price of your room?

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    • A woman getting a manicure at a hotel spa.
      By: Valua Vitaly
      A woman getting a manicure at a hotel spa.
    • Some hotel spas offer Botox® injections.
      By: Kaarsten
      Some hotel spas offer Botox® injections.
    • A sauna at a hotel spa.
      By: ecobo
      A sauna at a hotel spa.
    • A hotel spa offers massages.
      By: Igor Mojzes
      A hotel spa offers massages.
    • Spa hotels offer a relaxing place to get away from everyday stress.
      By: Michael Flippo
      Spa hotels offer a relaxing place to get away from everyday stress.
    • Teeth whitening services may be offered by spas.
      By: karelnoppe
      Teeth whitening services may be offered by spas.
    • Skin softening treatments may be applied during a manicure.
      By: bertys30
      Skin softening treatments may be applied during a manicure.
    • An esthetician performs a variety of skincare procedures.
      By: japolia
      An esthetician performs a variety of skincare procedures.
    • Warm compress and rock treatments are popular activities at hotel spas.
      By: Africa Studio
      Warm compress and rock treatments are popular activities at hotel spas.
    • Hotel spas have more modern and luxurious showering facilities.
      By: olly
      Hotel spas have more modern and luxurious showering facilities.
    • Hotel spas might use aromatherapy to help guests relax.
      By: luigi giordano
      Hotel spas might use aromatherapy to help guests relax.