Well Spa + Salon at the Pfister Hotel
Well Spa + Salon at the Pfister Hotel
4.5
9:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Monday
9:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Tuesday
9:00 AM - 7:30 PM
Wednesday
9:00 AM - 7:30 PM
Thursday
9:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Friday
9:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Saturday
9:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Sunday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
About
Tucked away within the heart of downtown Milwaukee, WELL Spa + Salon is a treasured refuge of relaxation. Our soothing sanctuary is home to signature spa treatments, chic salon services, couples massages, and much more. From the moment you enter our tranquil relaxation room, you’ll notice the restorative ambiance and the comforting atmosphere. We do everything we can to make sure your visit to WELL Spa + Salon has you feeling refreshed and rejuvenated.
Duration: 1-2 hours
Suggest edits to improve what we show.
Improve this listingTours & experiences
Explore different ways to experience this place.
What is Travelers’ Choice?
Tripadvisor gives a Travelers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travelers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
Top ways to experience Well Spa + Salon at the Pfister Hotel and nearby attractions
The area
Address
Reach out directly
Best nearby
Restaurants
838 within 3 miles
Attractions
331 within 6 miles
Contribute
Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
4.5
81 reviews
Excellent
52
Very good
18
Average
4
Poor
3
Terrible
4
sarahkk782
Milwaukee, WI39 contributions
Nov 2020
The staff was so helpful when I booked my services and helped me to maximize my credit from my room package. I was able to add upgrades when booking and was also given the chance to add more when I checked in. The staff all wore masks, I was temp'ed before being allowed to enter the spa, and when I was not wearing my mask (during a facial) the technician wore a mask and a face shield.
I started with a Swedish massage with an added hand treatment and then went into a second suite for a facial and added foot treatment. Both of my services were relaxing, customized to me, and I felt at ease the entire time. You have a private suite with a bathroom (including shower) and are able to pick fragrances and music - even providing your own via smart phone.
I started with a Swedish massage with an added hand treatment and then went into a second suite for a facial and added foot treatment. Both of my services were relaxing, customized to me, and I felt at ease the entire time. You have a private suite with a bathroom (including shower) and are able to pick fragrances and music - even providing your own via smart phone.
Written November 30, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
RhinanLaville
Springfield, IL90 contributions
May 2021 • Solo
I was able to get a last-minute cancellation for a 60 minute Swedish massage. From signing in, to waiting for my masseuse, to exiting, I felt Well Spa at the Pfister exceeded all possible Covid-19 precautions and guidelines. I never felt unsafe in that regard. I was happy and relieved that they took everyone's safety seriously. My masseuse was Laura (apologies if misspelled). She started with a polite, warm greeting. The spa walkways were a little loopy, but I arrived at a well-appointed room with its own en suite full bathroom (shower). This itself was a positive find! It made the space feel cozier and safer than other spas with typical general shower/locker areas, so I was already off to a good, relaxing session. Laura started with a good review of my health concerns and personal preferences. She had a soft voice and calm demeanor, which aided the relaxation. Her communication was gentle but direct, not distracting. Laura had smooth hands and a fluid touch. She respected my preferences to the letter, and I felt nurtured. I recommend this spa if you are downtown or staying at the Pfister!
Written May 29, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
luxchicago2016
Winnetka, IL45 contributions
Jun 2016 • Solo
Being a regular at the Well Spa for nine years, I can say that I have always had a wonderful experience. Fortunately, I have traveled the globe and had spa experiences extraordinaire. I believe that the people who have written negative reviews, possibly have brought it upon themselves. You need to arrive early as usually there is a preference sheet to fill out for your own personal desires and comfort. The lovely Well Spa atmosphere is designed to savor the soft music, the dim lighting, the quiet, and the scents. I have seen people come in there laughing and talking loudly, enthralled with their digital obsessions; ignoring that spa time is just that...spa time. So you shortchange yourself by ignoring the rules of etiquette and ruin the experience not only for yourself, but for the rest of us. I love the Well Spa. Go to a commercial establishment or a chain spa if you refuse to behave in a manner better suited for elegance.
Written July 3, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Makaiish
United States2 contributions
Apr 2016 • Solo
A service for pampering doesn't come often in my life. I work hard, take care of people and often times leave myself for last. I looked forward to my trip to the Well Spa Salon for a little, "Trim." It was not my first visit and I'm at the age where I was searching for the best and thought I may have found it. Not so!
In my previous visits I have used the Spa and had great results, kind people who made me feel relaxed and comfortable. Oh how I wished that transcended to the Salon side.
When I called to book my haircut which I said about a thousand times was just a, "Trim" I got the feeling because I was not booking other services I was a burden to them but just brushed off the rudeness and hoped I was just imagining it.
The day of my appointment had arrived and I thought it would be a break from the stress of life so I drove the extra miles, dealt with the traffic and parking and looked forward to a Mimosa and some quiet time before my service. At check in I was not offered anything to drink, as had been the usual before. I even waited a little in hopes the receptionist just forgot. No, I was just left hanging there and I could tell by her smile she did not forget, she just didn't want to put forth the effort. I brushed it off and just poured myself a flavored water and again decided to forget about it.
The stylist came out to get me and I thought perhaps she would offer something. Nope, just a hair, "Trim" today. I was disappointed but decided again to brush it off. She took my coat and purse and threw them onto a chair and that is how it all started. I explained to her I had a Brazilian Blowout put into my hair there last month (a Christmas gift) and I needed to use the Brazilian Blowout products to maintain it which they have there. She brusquely told me all shampoos would maintain it. Not true! During my haircut, I emphasized the word, "Trim" about a thousand different ways. I showed her exactly what I needed and wanted done by holding up a few sections of my hair and actually just wanted some layers cut into the top for some height. I'm at the age where my hair is thinning and it makes me very sad, so the occasional trims I get is all I need. I had finally grown out the bad cuts of the past and was so happy with my long length. I could finally put styles in my hair that I couldn't for years. I bet you know where this is going.
I emphasized to the stylist that my hair was thin in certain areas and she seemed agitated that I was saying anything at all about the cut and style. I had seen this same stylist once before for a trim and she respected my wishes. The cut wasn't stellar but decent enough so I returned because it was the Well Spa after all and I thought it was the best and thought I could trust her with what is one of the most important things to me, my hair and appearance.
The cut started out appropriately enough but than slowly became more aggressive. I said one last time all I want is a, "Trim." She turned me away from the mirror so I couldn't see what she was doing near the end and said she was just cutting it the way she wants. I should have gotten up and left. During this time another stylist who I had recently seen for a very expensive Brazilian Blowout said hi in a way that made me feel like I was betraying her for not being in her chair. So much for the relaxation that I so needed. When the stylist turned me back to face the mirror and did the blow dry I was mortified. My hair was gone. My long length in the front was gone, especially at the one place it's thinning the most. She chopped so many layers into my hair it literally looks like I placed it into a lawn mower. So much for the Brazilian Blowout taking frizz away, with all these layers that $300 treatment is worthless, it will take me longer to style, what's left of it and I'm still at that crying stage about it. My husband felt so bad he offered to take me somewhere to have extensions put in to hide this hideous cut. Unfortunately I think extensions will just damage my hair more and be uncomfortable and expensive. I will probably need to use the clip ins because as I said, my hair is gone.
When I looked shocked at the end, she ultimately responded in a disgusted tone that the cut will last longer. Yes, yes it will. It will take me probably a year to grow it out. I am devastated, disappointed and angry. I do know going forward I will, "Trim" my own hair because I will never trust anyone else with it again.
The stylist also asked me if I had requested her specifically because they are training new people and have been having difficulty with appointment times being accurate. She also told me I needed to have my hair cut more often so it looked better. Ah, I guess that's the rub. Like many other things, it's made so it doesn't last. So now I have to grow out this awful cut and yet again get it past that very awkward stage in the process, not that it doesn't look very awkward right now. I never thought this was the practice at the Well Spa Salon. I thought it was a more dignified establishment.
At checkout I thought I would at least get points on my Marcus Rewards Card so I proceeded to hand it to the receptionist. She said she didn't need it and points would automatically be put on. I explained to her that was not the case in the past and I needed to call to have them added. She rudely said well sometimes there are, "glitches" and I should just call again if that is the case.
If I wanted to be treated like this, there are a million other less expensive and more hassle free places I could go. I literally left there feeling like I was having an out-of- body experience. At least one of the lobby greeters (?) told me to have a nice day. I barely made it to my car before the first tears came.
I hope I've helped someone learn from my mistake. All I wanted was a day of beauty and to feel good about myself. I am not a celebrity, it doesn't happen often, so in my little world going to the Pfister meant a great deal. Not anymore.
In my previous visits I have used the Spa and had great results, kind people who made me feel relaxed and comfortable. Oh how I wished that transcended to the Salon side.
When I called to book my haircut which I said about a thousand times was just a, "Trim" I got the feeling because I was not booking other services I was a burden to them but just brushed off the rudeness and hoped I was just imagining it.
The day of my appointment had arrived and I thought it would be a break from the stress of life so I drove the extra miles, dealt with the traffic and parking and looked forward to a Mimosa and some quiet time before my service. At check in I was not offered anything to drink, as had been the usual before. I even waited a little in hopes the receptionist just forgot. No, I was just left hanging there and I could tell by her smile she did not forget, she just didn't want to put forth the effort. I brushed it off and just poured myself a flavored water and again decided to forget about it.
The stylist came out to get me and I thought perhaps she would offer something. Nope, just a hair, "Trim" today. I was disappointed but decided again to brush it off. She took my coat and purse and threw them onto a chair and that is how it all started. I explained to her I had a Brazilian Blowout put into my hair there last month (a Christmas gift) and I needed to use the Brazilian Blowout products to maintain it which they have there. She brusquely told me all shampoos would maintain it. Not true! During my haircut, I emphasized the word, "Trim" about a thousand different ways. I showed her exactly what I needed and wanted done by holding up a few sections of my hair and actually just wanted some layers cut into the top for some height. I'm at the age where my hair is thinning and it makes me very sad, so the occasional trims I get is all I need. I had finally grown out the bad cuts of the past and was so happy with my long length. I could finally put styles in my hair that I couldn't for years. I bet you know where this is going.
I emphasized to the stylist that my hair was thin in certain areas and she seemed agitated that I was saying anything at all about the cut and style. I had seen this same stylist once before for a trim and she respected my wishes. The cut wasn't stellar but decent enough so I returned because it was the Well Spa after all and I thought it was the best and thought I could trust her with what is one of the most important things to me, my hair and appearance.
The cut started out appropriately enough but than slowly became more aggressive. I said one last time all I want is a, "Trim." She turned me away from the mirror so I couldn't see what she was doing near the end and said she was just cutting it the way she wants. I should have gotten up and left. During this time another stylist who I had recently seen for a very expensive Brazilian Blowout said hi in a way that made me feel like I was betraying her for not being in her chair. So much for the relaxation that I so needed. When the stylist turned me back to face the mirror and did the blow dry I was mortified. My hair was gone. My long length in the front was gone, especially at the one place it's thinning the most. She chopped so many layers into my hair it literally looks like I placed it into a lawn mower. So much for the Brazilian Blowout taking frizz away, with all these layers that $300 treatment is worthless, it will take me longer to style, what's left of it and I'm still at that crying stage about it. My husband felt so bad he offered to take me somewhere to have extensions put in to hide this hideous cut. Unfortunately I think extensions will just damage my hair more and be uncomfortable and expensive. I will probably need to use the clip ins because as I said, my hair is gone.
When I looked shocked at the end, she ultimately responded in a disgusted tone that the cut will last longer. Yes, yes it will. It will take me probably a year to grow it out. I am devastated, disappointed and angry. I do know going forward I will, "Trim" my own hair because I will never trust anyone else with it again.
The stylist also asked me if I had requested her specifically because they are training new people and have been having difficulty with appointment times being accurate. She also told me I needed to have my hair cut more often so it looked better. Ah, I guess that's the rub. Like many other things, it's made so it doesn't last. So now I have to grow out this awful cut and yet again get it past that very awkward stage in the process, not that it doesn't look very awkward right now. I never thought this was the practice at the Well Spa Salon. I thought it was a more dignified establishment.
At checkout I thought I would at least get points on my Marcus Rewards Card so I proceeded to hand it to the receptionist. She said she didn't need it and points would automatically be put on. I explained to her that was not the case in the past and I needed to call to have them added. She rudely said well sometimes there are, "glitches" and I should just call again if that is the case.
If I wanted to be treated like this, there are a million other less expensive and more hassle free places I could go. I literally left there feeling like I was having an out-of- body experience. At least one of the lobby greeters (?) told me to have a nice day. I barely made it to my car before the first tears came.
I hope I've helped someone learn from my mistake. All I wanted was a day of beauty and to feel good about myself. I am not a celebrity, it doesn't happen often, so in my little world going to the Pfister meant a great deal. Not anymore.
Written April 5, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Cate H
Chicago Illinois15 contributions
Sep 2017 • Solo
Dear All, I traveled from another state to enjoy a spa service for my birthday. I had rearranged my entire day in order to safeguard my time for a spa treatment. I own my own business and also work in the medical field so time for myself is a rarity. Unfortunately I ran into an accident on I94 and was delayed in my arrival by 15 min. Delay was also in part that they moved the valet to side of building vs front of hotel even though the valet sign was in front of the hotel. I drove 2 hours to be told 'I'm sorry there are no appts available and no other services we can offer you and too bad that you drove so far - we will have to charge your card for the full service - have a nice day." I practically begged the young girl at the desk to at least talk to the service provider and see if we could do a 45 min session vs one hour - perhaps skip the 10 min shower, etc. she refused to check with the service provider and refused to even acknowledge the possibility that 15 min of the time allotted for the treatment is not for the treatment at all but waiting, lingering, showering, etc. I am so very disappointed in the Well Spas consistent lack of flexibility, attention to customer service, discourteous rude behavior. Such a shame because the practitioners are amazing. This is the 3rd time I have been treated rudely by front desk greeters/receptionists. My daughters and I visited the spa a few months ago and they treated my young daughters very rudely. I am sorry to say I will not be returning to Well Spa. Apparently the front desk help at the spa would prefer to only deal with Royalty. I hope there is enough Royalty in the world to support their spa business on a daily basis.
Written September 22, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jacilyn A
Madison, WI66 contributions
Apr 2011 • Couples
The Well Spa has special meaning to me, because I had my hair and nails done there before my wedding. However, the service there was sub-par.
My first visit to the WellSpa was for a highlight before my wedding. I tried to explain my vision to the stylist during the consultation phase of my visit. She initially came across as very rude and arrogant, as she stood there barely listening to what I was saying. At the end of explaining what I wanted, I asked her if she understood. She looked at me like I was insulting her, and told me "this would be easy" that she knew "exactly what I wanted." The thing that really got me was she told me she was "really good" and I shouldn't worry. **Read, stop blabbering and let me do what I need to do before my next client arrives.** At the end of the appointment, I looked in the mirror at my fresh highlight. Pleased with the results I could see, I collected my purse as she hurried me upstairs to pay. Right before I left the Pfister, I had a nagging thought to visit the ladie's room and check the back of my hair one more time, as I didn't really get a good look as she spun me around in the chair. I opened my powder compact to view the back of my hair in the mirror, and my fears were confirmed. The back was untouched! I had bi-colored, dark blond/light blond hair! I quickly explained my dilemma to the receptionist, and she proceeded to explain that my stylist had done a "partial." Stunned, I wondered who on earth would want a partial highlight for their wedding? Even worse, who would give a partial without the client's specific instructions? I was very upset at this point, as I needed another appointment ASAP (I live in Madison). I was scheduled with another stylist within the hour. She was very understanding, and did a great job of correcting the color. Interestingly enough, during the process, I was across the room from my initial stylist, who periodically shot daggers at me when she was forced to look my way. Talk about awkward. Oh, and the icing on the cake? WellSpa only gave me a small discount on this re-do. If you ask me, it's their fault they misunderstood my needs, which makes it their responsibility to fix it. This is a 5 star, full service facility. I shouldn't have had to deal with this debacle, much less pay for it. I did feel bad for the woman who had to cram me into her schedule last minute, and made sure to tip her well.
My next appointment was my gelish french manicure the day before my wedding. I arrived at the Pfister early, and was graciously shown to my Grand Heritage suite by the bellhop. I was very relaxed, excited, hopeful that I would actually enjoy this WellSpa experience. My nail tech was, surprise surprise, arrogant (and foreign), however I managed to ignore her and resigned to enjoy my manicure. The polish looked great for days and was done to my expectations.
If you like expensive treatments performed by rude, self-centered and arrogant stylists, this is the place for you. Even though I was pleased (eventually) with the end results of my treatments, I'm not sure I'd like to subject myself to that environment again. I may be young, but that's no excuse to treat me as a naive nuisance.
My first visit to the WellSpa was for a highlight before my wedding. I tried to explain my vision to the stylist during the consultation phase of my visit. She initially came across as very rude and arrogant, as she stood there barely listening to what I was saying. At the end of explaining what I wanted, I asked her if she understood. She looked at me like I was insulting her, and told me "this would be easy" that she knew "exactly what I wanted." The thing that really got me was she told me she was "really good" and I shouldn't worry. **Read, stop blabbering and let me do what I need to do before my next client arrives.** At the end of the appointment, I looked in the mirror at my fresh highlight. Pleased with the results I could see, I collected my purse as she hurried me upstairs to pay. Right before I left the Pfister, I had a nagging thought to visit the ladie's room and check the back of my hair one more time, as I didn't really get a good look as she spun me around in the chair. I opened my powder compact to view the back of my hair in the mirror, and my fears were confirmed. The back was untouched! I had bi-colored, dark blond/light blond hair! I quickly explained my dilemma to the receptionist, and she proceeded to explain that my stylist had done a "partial." Stunned, I wondered who on earth would want a partial highlight for their wedding? Even worse, who would give a partial without the client's specific instructions? I was very upset at this point, as I needed another appointment ASAP (I live in Madison). I was scheduled with another stylist within the hour. She was very understanding, and did a great job of correcting the color. Interestingly enough, during the process, I was across the room from my initial stylist, who periodically shot daggers at me when she was forced to look my way. Talk about awkward. Oh, and the icing on the cake? WellSpa only gave me a small discount on this re-do. If you ask me, it's their fault they misunderstood my needs, which makes it their responsibility to fix it. This is a 5 star, full service facility. I shouldn't have had to deal with this debacle, much less pay for it. I did feel bad for the woman who had to cram me into her schedule last minute, and made sure to tip her well.
My next appointment was my gelish french manicure the day before my wedding. I arrived at the Pfister early, and was graciously shown to my Grand Heritage suite by the bellhop. I was very relaxed, excited, hopeful that I would actually enjoy this WellSpa experience. My nail tech was, surprise surprise, arrogant (and foreign), however I managed to ignore her and resigned to enjoy my manicure. The polish looked great for days and was done to my expectations.
If you like expensive treatments performed by rude, self-centered and arrogant stylists, this is the place for you. Even though I was pleased (eventually) with the end results of my treatments, I'm not sure I'd like to subject myself to that environment again. I may be young, but that's no excuse to treat me as a naive nuisance.
Written February 21, 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ColP60526
Chicago, IL1 contribution
Mar 2014 • Friends
My friend and I were on our 7th annual girls weekend away to Milwaukee. They cancelled our massage reservations 1/2 hour before because someone had called in sick. Found out that there was a party of 9 people also scheduled. They told us that they cancelled our reservation because it was our massage therapist that had called in sick. I have a hard time believing this. We had this appointment schedule about 4 months beforehand. Don't think I would go back. Party of 9 was more important than repeat customer. It was too late to go anywhere else and it definately put a hamper on weekend away.
Written March 21, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
gasgrrl
Seattle, WA20 contributions
Oct 2012 • Solo
OK, let's establish props: my fav spa is at the Four Seasons Hulalalai. So I'm not against paying top dollar for top service.
That said, Well Spa is charging top dollar for good, but not great, service. The lounge is only so so, though they do offer free champagne and mimosas, along with water, tea and a small selection of snacks. But your service will include only your service, and a fancy shower. No access to sauna or steam rooms (except as an add-on service for additional fees). The suite concept, with in room showers, might be nice for couples, but adds little to the usual spa experience otherwise.
To be fair to my massage therapist, Hope, I would give the actual massage 4.5 stars. She did a great job, and actually listened to what was important to me. For a first time massage, it was quite excellent.
One last word of warning: when you go to check out (upstairs in the retail shop, not at all relaxing), they might "suggest" a 24% gratuity and offer to add it to your credit card. That would be on top of their already very high prices. So pay attention, because unless you are truly blown away by your service, this is not at all the industry standard. I suggest politely declining, and tipping in cash at whatver level you think is appropriate (15-20% is my usual range).
That said, Well Spa is charging top dollar for good, but not great, service. The lounge is only so so, though they do offer free champagne and mimosas, along with water, tea and a small selection of snacks. But your service will include only your service, and a fancy shower. No access to sauna or steam rooms (except as an add-on service for additional fees). The suite concept, with in room showers, might be nice for couples, but adds little to the usual spa experience otherwise.
To be fair to my massage therapist, Hope, I would give the actual massage 4.5 stars. She did a great job, and actually listened to what was important to me. For a first time massage, it was quite excellent.
One last word of warning: when you go to check out (upstairs in the retail shop, not at all relaxing), they might "suggest" a 24% gratuity and offer to add it to your credit card. That would be on top of their already very high prices. So pay attention, because unless you are truly blown away by your service, this is not at all the industry standard. I suggest politely declining, and tipping in cash at whatver level you think is appropriate (15-20% is my usual range).
Written October 28, 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
SAMS1027
Jefferson, WI55 contributions
Jun 2015 • Friends
Had a pedicure as part of a bridal shower group. While the experience was good and my feet were silky smooth and nails painted to perfection, I thought it was a bit overpriced.
Written June 11, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Claudia M
Oconomowoc, WI40 contributions
Had a massage, facial & a pedicure. Relaxing nice atmosphere. Good spa services. Customer oriented. Received a gift certificate and was glad I tried it. I would go back again.
Written July 18, 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
No questions have been asked about this experience
*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.
Is this your Tripadvisor listing?
Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.
Claim your listing