Happy Feet

Rubbed by Strangers: Happy Feet Reflexology and Massage


Blonde4ever reviews Happy Feet Reflexology and Massage…

Editor’s Note: The author of this piece was informed by El Cortez that the spa is currently undergoing renovations and is slated to reopen on September 21st. The spa is currently removed from the El Cortez website. We recommend calling before heading there.

I have only had one massage in my life, so my experience with being rubbed by strangers is extremely limited. I have heard good reports about Happy Feet Massage and Reflexology at El Cortez from several friends. It seems that you can get pampered there for bargain basement prices. I am all for that, so one afternoon I ventured down to the El Cortez to give them a try.

Happy Feet

I did not book an appointment because I had had plans that day and wasn’t sure when I would be free. The spa was easy to locate as they had a huge pink sign right next to a pretty spiral staircase.

Happy Feet

I actually looked around for an elevator, but not seeing one I ventured up the stairs. I stepped inside the spa to find an elegant room with soothing music playing. There was no one at the reception desk, so I took the opportunity to study the signs. There was a sign stipulating what kind of tip I should leave.

Happy Feet

I found that kind of annoying and somewhat intimidating. What happens if you don’t tip the prescribed amount? I studied the sign next to it to decide what services I wanted. When it seemed like no one was going to appear, I tried calling “Halloo! Halloo!” a few times. A woman who seemed to be one of the masseuses appeared. I asked about the “this month’s player’s card discount” as the sign instructed me to do, but she didn’t seem to know anything about it. I decided to go with the one-hour combo; twenty minutes of head and arms, twenty minutes of legs and feet, and twenty minutes of back and shoulders. There were no clocks on the walls, and I didn’t have a watch so I had no idea if I actually got the stated times. I specified that I had no intention of taking off any clothing, and that I didn’t want to be walked on, just in case somebody thought either of those things might be happening. She asked if I preferred a male or female masseuse and I replied that it didn’t matter.

I was led into a large dark room with ten massage beds in it, five on either side. This is a communal room, and there is no privacy.

Happy Feet

I have heard it said that there are screens available if you want them, but did not see anyone using them. The music was louder here but still relaxing. I wanted to whip out my camera and start taking pictures, but that seemed highly inappropriate considering the woman two tables over was nude. I found a stock picture online so that you can see what it looked like. I was told to lie on one of the beds. My feet dangled down and were placed in tubs of hot water. I was covered with a very soft blanket, and a towel was draped over my eyes. Between the dimly lit room and the towel, I really never got a look at who was rubbing me; it could have been anybody. I didn’t realize that this was going to involve my hair and face. A good deal of makeup got rubbed off, and my hair got a new style, but that didn’t bother me. This man’s hands were extremely strong and sometimes the massaging hurt. I lay there for a bit wondering if it was supposed to hurt; maybe there are certain pressure points they are supposed to hit to release tension? I really don’t know. When it got a little too enthusiastic, I said a soft “ouch” and he went easier from then on, and apologized five times. The nude woman was very rude to her masseur. I didn’t like that; just because you pay for a service doesn’t mean you should treat the workers like dirt.

My masseur moved around my body until we got to my feet, the area that gives me the most trouble. If there is anyone who needs “Happy Feet” it is me. I was a little nervous that he might hurt me, since I am particularly sensitive there, but he didn’t. I was told to roll over and lie on my tummy. Once in this position, I was taken aback when he grabbed each foot and bent them up to touch my butt. (Another ouch!) Then he asked if I wanted to take off my top so he could use oil. I declined, and he rubbed my back and shoulders through the blanket, which felt lovely.

The entire time this was happening, I thought what an awful job this was, and how I would hate to have to rub strangers all day, sometimes bitchy strangers. Whenever I start thinking this way I know darn well that I will tip big; so the massage cost $30, and the masseur got $20. When I went to the reception desk to the pay, the receptionist was back. My masseur kind of stood behind me waiting for his tip, which I gave him. Be advised that they only take cash.

I did enjoy this experience, and I would go again and try some of the other services. It was different, but a nice change from my usual Vegas activities. I am very pleased that there is a spa that is easy to get to and within my limited budget. I recommend you give Happy Feet a try on your next trip downtown.

[Photos: Blnde4ever, Happy Feet Reflexology and Day Spa]

12 thoughts on “Rubbed by Strangers: Happy Feet Reflexology and Massage

  1. I was going to go there when we were in Vegas last April however the day we went to El Cortez the massage area was closed. Will try again next visit now that I understand more of what it is about and how it works.

      1. Yes I should have more available time next trip as we won’t have newbies with us and we are staying downtown at either 4 Queens or The Fremont.

  2. I went to this place late one night when staying at El Co in March. Feet only. Had no idea what reflexology was and determined i am not a fan. Also did not expect the masseuse to reach up my entire leg at the end! Memorable for the wrong reasons! *sigh*

  3. Interesting set up. Do they have different rooms for men and women? I wonder how that nude woman would feel if a man came in for a foot massage lol

  4. I’ve tried one of these in Chinatown called Good Hands Massage and for 100 bucks you get a 2 hr massage. This was 6 years ago and I was preg at the time and loved it and go back when I can when I’m in town.

    1. Apparently there a quite a few of these types of places in Vegas. I just liked that this place was within walking distance when you were staying downtown.

  5. $30 for an hour is a great deal. I’ve looked into these before, when in Vegas, and the prices are typically 3x as much. Sadly for everyone around me, I’ve no shame, so I’ll strip down to my underwear and take full advantage of a $30 full body massage! Don’t worry, I’ll tweet out when I’m going so you can avoid the area during that time!!! ;)

  6. Husband and I had the same massage in May, having heard a lot of good stuff about Happy Feet, Instead of forking out $$$ for an Aria spa, this seemed to be a great deal. Like you, I had a male masseuse, and quit a few ouch moments, leaving me with some serious hip pains for a couple of days after. Overall it was ok, but I wouldn’t do this again in a hurry. Oh and the tipping, we did give $20 each as per the recommendation, but it looked like they were expecting more than that.

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