Mario's International Aurora Spa

The one bright spot was my massage therapist. I've known him for years, and he was wonderful, even spending extra time with me after hearing how confused I was downstairs while he got the room ready. I left feeling like a million dollars. Getting to that point, though, was a terrible experience, easily the worst spa visit I've ever had, despite having been to great facilities and resorts around the world. A longtime friend and former coworker from our five years working together at LifeTime Fitness Beachwood had just returned from Florida. He called to say he knew my birthday and Mother's Day were coming up and suggested I treat myself. As a busy businesswoman and mom of three boys, I could use it. I called Mario's Bainbridge/Aurora, and Sarah answered. She was lively and pleasant, told me about the Mother's Day services and specials, and asked which packages might suit me. I wanted to say yes to all of them. I booked a 2 p.m. massage for the following day with my former coworker. I explained I had a carefully timed noon appointment in Beachwood but wasn't sure when it would finish. Sarah said I could arrive at 1 or 1:30, leave valuables in my car, get a locker and robe, and have an appetizer and drink before the massage. I was really excited. I arrived around 1:35, but nobody greeted me or offered water, a robe, or the promised snack and drink. I wandered through several rooms trying to find someone, and eventually a kind woman led me back to reception. The Italian fountains were dry, and another staff member appeared without even saying hello or apologizing for the wait, then asked whether I wanted any other services. I asked about a quick polish change. A woman in the pedicure chair said she was finished, as was someone getting a manicure, but there seemed to be only one person working that area and just those two customers in the whole place. The kind woman gave me a clipboard and said she'd let the massage therapist know I was there. The building looked run-down, with paint flaking all around it. The overgrown trees and landscaping nearly hid the entrance, and I wasn't sure I had found the main door. The cobblestone path was crumbling, with stones scattered around, and I nearly tripped. The stairs to the entrance also looked like they were falling apart, with carpet thrown over them. Inside, the therapist took me up another rickety staircase. If you're disabled or have a handicap, those stairs would be a problem. The treatment room felt like a shoebox. We waited about 15 minutes for the music to come on, the electrical outlets weren't working, and the window was cracked open, so I could hear schoolchildren outside. Seeing the condition of the place, I thought Mario would be rolling in his grave in disgrace. The Parma location has closed, and I'm sure this one is headed the same way.