Getting a massage is one of the most enjoyable ways to relieve stress and unwind. And with two major massage franchises dominating the industry – Hand and Stone Massage and Facial Spa and Massage Envy – it can be tough deciding which one to choose for your therapeutic massage needs.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll compare the pros, cons, pricing, and experience of getting a massage at Hand and Stone Vs. Massage Envy. By the end, you’ll know which massage chain is the right fit for your budget and preferences.
A Brief Comparison Table
| Feature | Hand and Stone | Massage Envy |
| Services | Massage, facials, waxing | Massage only |
| Membership | Optional | Required |
| Membership Cost | $59.99/month basic | $69.99/month basic |
| Massage Techniques | Swedish, deep tissue, hot stone, prenatal, sports | Swedish, deep tissue, trigger point, prenatal, sports, stretching |
| Amenities | Enhanced amenities like aromatherapy, hot towels, muscle cream | Standard amenities |
| Contract | No commitment required | 1 year commitment required |
| Locations | ~500 locations | ~1,200 locations |
| Therapists | Independently contracted | Employed by franchise |
| Ambiance | Spa-like, cozy | Clinical, franchise setting |
| Reviews | 3.8 stars on Google | 3.3 stars on Google |
| Pros | Lower membership fees, spa services, better ambiance | Specialized techniques, nationwide locations, multi-location membership |
| Cons | No membership lock-in, inconsistent locations, limited massage options | Higher membership cost, hard sales tactics, long waits |
Overview Of Hand And Stone
Founded in 2004, Hand and Stone Massage and Facial Spa aims to provide professional massage and facial services at an affordable price point.
With over 500 locations across the United States and Canada, Hand and Stone advertises itself as an accessible neighborhood spa for massage and skincare. The ambiance is designed to be soothing yet modern.
Hand and Stone employs licensed massage therapists, estheticians, and skin therapists. They offer a range of massage techniques – including Swedish, deep tissue, hot stone, prenatal, and sports massage. Spa packages and enhanced add-on services are also available.
On top of massages, Hand and Stone offers facials, waxing, body treatments, and foot scrubs. Overall, their menu aims to provide total body wellness and relaxation.
Overview Of Massage Envy
Founded in 2002, Massage Envy is now the largest massage franchise in the United States with over 1,200 locations nationwide.
Massage Envy focuses solely on massage services. Their goal is to provide professional, convenient, and affordable massage therapy on an ongoing basis.
Memberships and monthly pricing plans are core to their business model. This aims to encourage clients to incorporate massage into their regular health and wellness routines.
Massage Envy employs only licensed massage therapists. They offer Swedish, deep tissue, sports, trigger point, prenatal and geriatric massage.
Key Differences
Services – The biggest difference is that Hand and Stone offers facial and skin services while Massage Envy focuses exclusively on massage therapy.
Membership – Massage Envy is built around a membership program while Hand and Stone does not require memberships. However, Hand and Stone does offer discounted rates for monthly members.
Ambiance – Hand and Stone locations aim for a cozy, spa-like setting. Massage Envy has a more clinical, franchise feel common among national chains.
Price – On average, Hand and Stone has lower massage rates compared to Massage Envy before discounts or promotions.
Massage Techniques – Both offer common techniques like Swedish and deep tissue. Hand and Stone also includes hot stone massage while Massage Envy has more specialty options like trigger point therapy.
Therapists – All massage therapists at both chains are licensed professionals. However, some customers feel the therapists at Hand and Stone provide a deeper, more therapeutic massage.
Pros And Cons Of Hand And Stone
Pros
Lower Membership Cost – A monthly membership is just $59.99 at Hand and Stone compared to a minimum of $69.99 per month for basic membership at Massage Envy.
Higher Rated Massages – Hand and Stone massage therapists consistently earn higher ratings and reviews from clients praising their massage technique and deep tissue work.
Spa Services – Beyond massage, Hand and Stone locations offer relaxing facials, skin treatments, waxing, and other spa services. Great add-on if you want a full spa day.
Enhanced Amenities – Many Hand and Stone locations provide enhanced amenities during services like aromatherapy, hot towels, and muscle warming creams. This adds to the luxury spa ambiance.
Rewards Program – The Hand and Stone rewards program offers a $50 credit for every $250 spent along with earnable redeemable points. Perks include free add-ons.
Frequent Discounts – Hand and Stone offers new guest discounts along with frequent promotions like discounted massage packages and membership rate specials. Great for saving money!
Cons
No Membership Lock-In – Because they don’t require contracts, you can potentially lose your membership rate at any time when your rate expires.
Membership Hassle – Some customers complain Hand and Stone makes it difficult to cancel or pause a monthly membership. Make sure to read the fine print!
Delayed Appointments – Like most chains, Hand and Stone can struggle with busy times and understaffing leading to massage appointments starting late.
Inconsistent Locations – With independently owned franchises, massage quality can vary greatly depending on specific location and staff. Check reviews!
Limited Massage Options – Technique choices are more limited compared to Massage Envy with no specialty options like trigger point therapy or stretches.
High Turnover – Some locations have frequent turnover of therapists. You may not always see the same massage therapist.
Also watch this review!
Pros And Cons Of Massage Envy
Pros
Specialized Massages – Massage Envy offers specialty techniques like Trigger Point Therapy and MYO-Fascial Stretching not found at Hand and Stone.
Nationwide Coverage – With over 1,200 locations, Massage Envy has a very wide national presence making memberships useful for travel.
Standardized Treatments – As a national brand, Massage Envy strives for consistent massage experiences across all locations.
Simpler Membership – Members enjoy fixed monthly rates, multi-location access, and easy membership management through their online portal.
Open Late and on Weekends – Most locations have late hours including nights and weekends to accommodate different schedules.
Recurring Discounts – Members get benefits like reduced rates on additional massages and discounted add-on treatments. Nice perk for regulars!
Cons
Higher Membership Cost – Their cheapest membership starts at $69.99 per month Vs. $59.99 at Hand and Stone. Elite memberships over $100/month provide the best value.
Pressuring Sales – Some customers complain of high-pressure sales tactics pushing them to purchase memberships, skin care products, and overpriced massage packages.
Lower Rated Therapists – Reviews frequently cite lackluster massage technique and inability to provide targeted deep tissue relief.
Long Waits – With a membership model built on volume, wait times for appointments during peak hours can be quite long at some locations.
Cookie Cutter Experiences – As a big brand, Massage Envy sacrifices some of the uniqueness you may find at a privately owned day spa. For some, the vibe can feel clinical.
Membership Lock-In – Massage Envy requires a 1 year membership commitment. If you cancel early, there is a hefty termination fee.
Pricing And Membership Options
Both massage chains aim to provide an affordable way to incorporate professional massage therapy into your monthly health and wellness budget. Here’s how the membership options and massage rates compare:
Hand and Stone Pricing
- New Guest Offer – Introductory 1-hour massage for $49.99
- Membership – $59.99 basic or $79.99 premium per month
- Membership Perks – $10 off enhancements, earn reward points
- Massage Rates – 1 hour massage $74.99-$84.99 based on location
Massage Envy Pricing
- New Guest Offer – Introductory 1-hour massage for $59.99
- Membership – $69.99 basic or $119.99-$179.99 for elite per month
- Membership Perks – Reduced massage rates, multi-location, roll-over visits
- Massage Rates – 1 hour massage $79.99-$109.99 for members
Both chains frequently offer promotions like discounted first time rates, reduced membership fees for your first month, or limited time massage packages. So make sure to keep an eye out for specials and coupons to maximize savings!
Hand and Stone comes in lower both for regular massage rates as well as monthly membership fees. Massage Envy membership perks like reduced massage pricing tend to offset the higher membership costs for frequent guests.
For the occasional massage, Hand and Stone is likely the better value. But heavy users will benefit most from elite membership levels at Massage Envy.
Also Read: Choose Between Theragun And Magic Wand Massage Device.
Reviews And Reputation
Reviews and testimonials from real customers provide great insight into the actual experience at each massage franchise. Here’s a brief summary of customer feedback on Hand and Stone and Massage Envy:
Hand and Stone Reviews
- Google – 3.8 out of 5 stars based on 14,600+ reviews
- Yelp – 3 out of 5 stars based on 2,400+ reviews
- Best Company – 4 out of 5 stars based on 2,000+ reviews
Positive feedback cites friendly staff, relaxing atmosphere, quality massages at a great price point. Negative critiques focus on membership management issues, billing complaints and inconsistent therapist quality.
Massage Envy Reviews
- Google – 3.3 out of 5 stars based on 29,500+ reviews
- Yelp – 2 out of 5 stars based on 7,700+ reviews
- Best Company – 3.5 out of 5 stars based on 3,600+ reviews
Positive praise centered around convenience, standardized experiences and specialty massage techniques. Common complaints included sub-par massage pressure, upselling of memberships and extremely long wait times.
Based on customer feedback across various review platforms, Hand and Stone appears to have a small edge in satisfying massage customers. But your individual experience may vary greatly depending on the location so check reviews specific to your local franchises!
Choosing What’s Right For You
When deciding between Hand and Stone and Massage Envy, start by considering your massage needs and preferences:
If you want:
- Affordable monthly massages – Hand and Stone has lower membership fees
- Spa services like facials – Hand and Stone is the only option
- Specialized techniques – Massage Envy has more variety like stretching
- Travel benefits – Massage Envy has far more locations
- Consistent experience – Massage Envy aims for standardized services
- Luxury amenities – Hand and Stone offers add-ons like aromatherapy
Look at the specific locations near you and read local customer reviews. This will give you the best sense of that particular franchise’s massage quality, pricing, staff and overall service.
If you’re still undecided, take advantage of intro offers from both Hand and Stone and Massage Envy. Testing out each massage chain first-hand will help you determine which provider leaves you most relaxed, rejuvenated and excited about your next appointment!
Also Read: Comparison Between Elements Massage And Massage Envy.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Hand and Stone has a strict no tipping policy. The massage cost fully compensates therapists. Feel free to compliment good service – but tips are neither expected nor allowed.
The main competitors to Massage Envy are other national massage chains like Elements Massage and Massage Heights. Regional chains like Massage Retreat and Spa also compete for local market share through lower pricing. Small privately owned massage studios offer a more customized experience.
Tipping is allowed, but not required or expected, at Massage Envy locations. Most members opt to tip therapists who provide an exceptional massage experience, typically about 10-20%. This is completely optional – you will not be pressured to tip.
Currently, Hand and Stone has approximately 500 locations across the United States and Canada. Massage Envy has over 1,200 locations, making it the largest massage franchise nationwide. For comparison, Elements Massage has around 300 locations while Massage Heights has about 500.
The Bottom Line
When it comes to choosing between Hand and Stone Vs. Massage Envy, the right fit will depend on your budget, massage preferences, and needs.
Hand and Stone excels for the occasional spa-goer with lower membership fees and a la carte pricing. Massage Envy rewards frequent guests through memberships providing lower per-massage rates.
Ideally, take advantage of new guest offers from both chains. This will allow you to experience their locations and massage quality first-hand before purchasing any memberships!
Whichever massage franchise you choose, the importance lies in taking time for self-care through professional therapy. Investing in regular massage provides incredible benefits like reduced stress, elevated mood, improved circulation and decreased muscle pain.
Both Hand and Stone and Massage Envy aim to make routine massage affordable and accessible. So take your pick based on budget and features – and start prioritizing your health and relaxation needs today!