HydroSpa Muskoka

My visit to HydroSpa was disappointing from start to finish. The amenities felt basic for a “luxury” spa, and the 60-mins RMT massage was underwhelming and nowhere near worth the cost. The real issue was the billing mess. My husband booked a side-by-side massage, which was an additional $10 per person. At checkout, the staff member processed my payment, which included a $200 Visa prepaid gift card. The next day, I noticed my credit card charge didn’t match the receipt and was off by $10. When I called, the manager, Ruchi, said the only way to fix the invoice was to recharge my credit card for the full amount and issue a full refund. I told her that payment was done partially with a Visa prepaid gift card and that it had since been discarded the same day of using, and she confidently said it wouldn’t be a problem, adding that she’d worked there for a year and knew what she was doing. I received the updated receipt, however the refund came back $200 short. When I called again, Ruchi claimed she had told me the refund would go back to the original payment method, despite me clearly explaining I no longer had the Visa prepaid gift card. After hours and multiple follow-ups, and pushing for escalation, I finally received the missing amount. This was the worst customer service experience at a spa I’ve ever had. The level of incompetence, gaslighting, and runaround over a $10 invoice correction was unbelievable. No spa charging luxury prices should put customers through this.

Overall this is a nice spa to visit if you are in the area. My RMT massage therapist was great and got all the knots and tension out. They have a waiting room with views of the lake, provide robes, snacks and tea before a treatment. The women's change room has lockers, steam room, sauna and hot tub. Downstairs they have relaxation rooms with salt and an oxygen bar. Outside there is a private pool, loungers,a hammock, an outdoor hot tub, cold plunge shower and a sauna. If you get a massage or a treatment, the amenities are included for the day, otherwise it's $100. I personally think it's worth it if you get a treatment or a massage vs using it only as a day spa - go early to make the most of it. This resort also has access to a private beach and the lake for guests. I was lucky that the spa was pretty much empty when I went so I had the place to myself and enjoyed my time there.

Highlights - able to get a fairly last minute appointment - one of the best massages (Mark) that I’ve had - incredible views -even saw a deer right beside the outdoor sauna - massages chair was great - friendly staff Suggestions for spa - have more substantial food available for those planning to stay awhile - update outdoor hot tub & add cold plunge - oxygen bar: Whole thing felt a bit awkward. Maybe someone to explain it more and different seating. The stool I was in seemed like I was sliding off and wasn’t comfortable.

Sheri Kamrad is writing this review. I had a massage with Ishera yesterday. She was amazing. I had an extremely tight left shoulder blade and she an excellent job of releasing the tension in my shoulder. She attacked every part of my body with amazing gentle strength. I was left feeling amazing the rest of the day and into the next day. Everyone at the spa made every attempt to make my stay the best it could be. I would definitely ask for Ishera for any future visits to the Marriott HydroSpa.

Really happy with the experience. Sierra gave me a great manicure and pedicure--she's attentive, easy to talk to, and delivered excellent results :) No complaints with the amenities--pool, spa, sauna, salt room all in great condition. You won't need to go looking for basics like towels and water because they keep them readily available, and they also think of the little things, like plastic bags to bring your wet swimsuit home. 100% recommend!