Keeping in mind, the spa opened just 3 months ago, the following observations are from a day visit on Wed. July 27th, 11am check in appointment:
Ferry Ride to QCNY/ Governor's Island is easy (10 minutes), the QCNY spa tix includes Ferry ride round trip tix ($4). Upon disembarking, the spa is around the corner, easy to see:
* Check in -- long line - the front desk staff (originally 2 people, eventually they added a 3rd person) was slow, with newer staff (perhaps in training) sitting in the waiting area looking at laptops. A woman with a screaming child was in the waiting area, and a guest asked if children are allowed on site (they are not, but for whatever reason this child was in the waiting area.
* Locker room - our front desk staff inadvertently assigned all guests to locker rooms next to each other - as in, 15 people checked in and we were literally stacked in the locker room trying to get into our lockers. I brought this to attention of an attendant who admitted this could have been handled better.
* Spa pools (there are 2, one larger than the other) was clean, comfortable, but some massage jets didn't work regardless how hard you pushed the buttons.
* Smaller pool had 3 life guards (bored, and playing around, they eventually ended up splashing around in the pool, enjoy the water more than the guests watching!
* Lunch - over priced for small plates, example poached salmon arugula salad cost $24. While tasty and healthy, the wait line was long with just one attendant taking orders and bartending at the same time (She was amazing and should get recognition asap)
* The Spa failed to warn guests - the spa is located directly in the path of various helicopters going back/forth to land at the South Street heliport, as well as planes. In fact, to listen to music/audio book on your phone, volume needed to be on highest levels.
* Saunas and steam rooms were very comfortable, clean, enjoyable.
* Ladies showers -- uses hanging curtains - which had mold on the bottom, and the shower drains had hair build up.
* Spa lotions (free to use) was a bit too watered down to my liking
* Spa shampoo and conditioners required extra amounts to truly feel a lathering.
Overall experience: , while spa offers a cool view of the city from governor's island, the general take away -- if you truly want a relaxing quiet spa /zen day, QCNY is not the place, but makes for a fun day outing with a friend.