Red Door Spa at Harrah's Atlantic City in New Jersey - a spa review by Julie Register at DiscoverSpas.com

Red Door Spa at Harrah's Atlantic City in New Jersey
Julie Register visited this hotel spa in January 2009

In May, 2007, I received a press release announcing that Harrah's in Atlantic City had opened a new pool complex ad and an Elizabeth Arden Red Door Spa. At the time, I made a note to stop by. Elizabeth Arden was a pioneer in the industry, and Red Door Spas were opening all over the country (there are 30 now). I had never been to one, and my only impression was from a short, most likely inaccurate scene from the Whoopi Goldberg movie Jumpin' Jack Flash. Over a year and a half after the press release, I found my way to Atlantic City and finally experienced The Red Door Spa at Harrah's.

*Harrah's Resort in Atlantic City, New Jersey

*The Pool at Harrah's Resort

As I walked to the spa, I passed the pool complex with its 90-foot-high glass dome, Olympic size pool, six Jacuzzis, cabanas and bar.

Entrance to the Red Door Spa, Harrah's Atlantic City

Spa Reception Desk at the Red Door Spa, Harrah's Atlantic City

Not far from the pool I saw the signature red door and knew I had arrived at the spa. Another guest was waiting at the reception desk when I entered, but there was no one behind the desk. After a few minutes, two staff members appeared, and I checked in.

Women's Locker Room at the Red Door Spa, Harrah's Atlantic City

Vanity in the Women's Locker Room at the Red Door Spa, Harrah's Atlantic City

I was taken to the locker area and given a quick tour of the women's area. A number of the locks on the lockers did not work. The fourth one I tried did. I stowed my belongings, donned a robe and sandals and wandered into the "wet zone."

Elizabeth Arden Red Door Spa at Harrah's in Atlantic City, New Jersey

*Women's Whirlpool and fireplace at the Red Door Spa, Harrah's Atlantic City

Women's Whirlpool at the Red Door Spa, Harrah's Atlantic City

I enjoyed the steam and sauna and the view of the fireplace while soaking in the whirlpool. When it got close to my appointment time, I moved to the small lounge in the locker area where a large flat screen TV was playing an old episode of Charmed. I am not a fan of televisions in spas, but if there has to be one, please have something on that is at least remotely related to spas or relaxation.

Treatment Room in the Red Door Spa, Harrah's Atlantic City

*Makeup and Retail in the Red Door Spa, Harrah's Atlantic City

My esthetician, Cyndi, met me in the lounge and escorted me through a larger co-ed relaxation area and past a spa cafe to my treatment room. She asked me to complete a form, get undressed and get comfortable on the table while she stepped out of the room. I took a few minutes to fill out the form. (Of the places I've been asked to fill out forms - before my arrival, reception area, lounge or treatment room - this is my least favorite. I feel like it's taking time away from my service.) When Cyndi returned to the room, we discussed my skin. She offered a number of upgrades to the facial to address the issues we discussed. I declined and she began the Red Door Signature Facial with PREVAGE™. This 50-minute facial used PREVAGE® and PREVAGE® Eye, which are antioxidant, anti-aging products from Elizabeth Arden and Allergan Dermatology. The facial started with an enzyme exfoliation and steam. While the steam worked, Cyndi massaged my hands and arms and put warm mitts on my hands. Extractions were followed by a wonderful facial massage (one of the best I've had!) that used warm cream and a light massage with a cool (temperature) beauty globe that looked like a small blue light bulb. There was a custom mask, and the facial ended with an application of a moisturizer. It was a very nice facial, and I loved the way my skin felt and looked afterwards.

This spa does the best job of coordinated selling that I've ever seen in a spa. It appears that the Red Door's system of processes is well integrated - especially the retail, treatment delivery and check-out processes. While I personally don't like being sold to, I do understand that spas need to sell retail products to be financially healthy and the products can honestly benefit the spa's guests. The sales efforts here were not pushy, but they were constant and consistent. They were also guest focused. After my facial, during which the esthetician attempted to up sell a number of treatment add-ons, she provided a "Skincription" of products for home use with an explanation of what she had recommended and why. She provided a 20% discount for my next facial with her. She also recommended a specific massage therapist, should I want a massage, and provided a 20% discount for any massage I booked with her. After the facial, I was given a complementary application of eye and lip makeup. The makeup artist told me that my skin looked great. She if I enjoyed my facial and if I intended to purchase any of the recommended products. She told me the specific makeup she used on me so I could purchase it if I wanted to. At checkout, the receptionist asked if I wanted to purchase any of the products the esthetician and makeup artist had recommended for me. She also asked if I wanted to schedule another appointment.

Other treatments and dervices offered at the Red Door Spa at the time of my visit include:

Face

Red Door Signature Facial
Ultimate Arden Facial
Phyto Organic Rescue Facial
Ceramide Recapture Facial
Sensitive Skin Facial
Antioxidant Defense Facial
Elizabeth Arden Essential Facial
Clarifying Facial $150
Back Facial
Time Saver Facial
microdermabrasion
face add-ons
- Collagen
- Glycolic Peel
- Lactic Acid Peel
- Customized Eye Contour

Massage

Red Door Signature Massage
Signature Stress Melter Ritual
Desert Hot Stone Massage
Deep Tissue Massage
Swedish Massage
Pregnancy Massage
Time Saver Massage
Reflexology
Couples Massage
In-Room Massage

Body

Cream and Sugar Scrub
Detoxifying Seaweed Wrap
Phyto Organic Shea Butter Wrap
Purifying Mud Wrap
Body Bronzing
Olive Oil Body Glow

Manicures

Red Door Signature Manicure
Olive Oil Manicure
Healing Manicure
Citra Spa Manicure
Warm Cream Manicure

Pedicures

Red Door Signature Pedicure
Olive Oil Pedicure
Healing Pedicure
Citra Spa Pedicure
Warm Cream Pedicure

Nail Enhancements

Full Set Gel
Full Set Acrylic
Fill In
Artificial Nail Removal
Polish Change
Paraffin
French Finish Pedicure Add-on
French Finish Manicure Add-on
Nail Repair

Time Savers

Time Saver Massage
Time Saver Facial
Olive Oil Body Glow
Reflexology

Gentlemen

Gentleman’s Facial
Gentleman’s Manicure
Gentleman’s Pedicure
Deep Tissue Massage
Back Facial
Full Back or Chest Wax

Hair

Wax

Eyelash Extensions

Makeup

Makeup Application
Makeup Lesson
Special Occasion
Bridal Trial
Wedding Day

Packages

Open Door
• Time Saver Facial or Time Saver Massage
• Warm Cream Manicure
• Makeup Refresher

Red Door Debut
• Elizabeth Arden Essential Facial
• Customized Eye Contour
• Swedish Massage
• Warm Cream Manicure
• Makeup Refresher
• with Warm Cream Pedicure

Signature Escape
• Red Door Signature Massage or Facial
• Red Door Signature Manicure
• Red Door Signature Pedicure
• Makeup Refresher
• with Shampoo, Blow Dry and Finish

Iconic Red Door
• Red Door Signature Facial
• Red Door Signature Massage
• Olive Oil Body Glow
• Red Door Signature Manicure
• Red Door Signature Pedicure
• Makeup Refresher
• with Shampoo, Blow Dry and Finish

Ultimate Indulgence
• Ultimate Arden Facial
• Desert Hot Stone Massage
• Olive Oil Manicure
• Olive Oil Pedicure
• Shampoo, Blow Dry and Finish
• Makeup Refresher
• Spa Lunch

Ideal Break for Men
• Time Saver Facial
• Deep Tissue Massage
• Gentlemen’s Pedicure
• with Gentlemen’s Manicure

Mother’s Dream
• Pregnancy Massage or Desert Hot Stone Massage
• Sensitive Skin Facial
• Customized Eye Contour
• Warm Cream Manicure
• Warm Cream Pedicure
• Makeup Refresher
• Spa Lunch

Bridal Packages

Bridal Bouquet at the Red Door
• Swedish Massage
• Bikini Wax
• Warm Cream Manicure
• Warm Cream Pedicure
• Haircut, Blow Dry and Finish
• Makeup Refresher
• Spa Lunch

Dress Rehearsal at the Red Door
• Bridal Trial Hair Consultation and Design
(with headpiece)
• Bridal Trial Makeup
• Wedding Day Hair
• Wedding Day Makeup

Groom’s Day at the Red Door
• Swedish Massage
• Gentlemen’s Manicure
• Haircut

More Information

Contact
Red Door Spa at Harrah's Atlantic City
• Address:
777 Harrah's Blvd
Atlantic City, NJ 08401
• Hotel Phone: (609) 441-5000
• Spa Phone: (609) 441-5333 or 866.RED.DOOR
• Hotel Web Site: http://www.harrahs.com/
• Spa Web Site:
http://reddoorspas.com

More Spas in Jersey
• New Jersey Spa Directory
• Elizabeth Arden Red Door Spa Listing on DiscoverSpas.com

Other Resources
• Atlantic City Convention & Visitors Authority

FYI

• Appointments - To secure your appointment, a credit card
number will be requested, however you can pay for your services on the day
of your appointment with cash, check, credit card or gift certificate.
• Online Appointments - Now you can book your spa and salon appointments online at reddoorspas.com. It’s quick and easy.
• Arrival - Please arrive at least 30 minutes prior to your appointment to allow time for you to change into a robe and relax. Being on time for your appointment is greatly appreciated so that you may receive your full service and our other guests are not inconvenienced.
• Cancellations - The spa requests a minimum of 24-hour notice for any single service. A 48-hour notice is required for any multiple service or spa package cancellation. Special requirements may apply for group bookings. A full service will be charged for any late cancellations or no-show appointments.
• Age Requirement - To maintain a relaxing and peaceful spa environment, the spa facility is reserved for adults. Children under the age of 18 are not allowed in the spa unless they are receiving services. Children under the age of 18 may need a signed waiver and/or accompaniment by a parent or adult guardian for some salon and spa services. The spa regrets that select services for minors age 12 and under may be denied.

• Service Charge - For your convenience, a 20% service charge is added to your spa invoice upon registration. After your service, in the event that you wish to leave any additional gratuity, a tip box and envelopes are located at the registration desk.
•Gift Certificates - A Red Door Spa gift certificate makes a wonderful gift for any special occasion, holiday or cause for celebration.
• For Your Comfort - The spa requests that you disclose any medical conditions and/or prescription medications as some services may be contraindicated. Please feel free to request a male or female therapist. The therapists are highly trained to be sensitive to your comfort and modesty at all times. The salon and spas are smoke-free. So you may fully enjoy your spa experience, and as a courtesy to other guests, please turn off your cell phone and pager. Robes and slippers are provided for your comfort. Please deposit them in the hamper at the conclusion of your service. The spa regrets that it cannot be responsible for the loss or damage of personal articles. The spa recommends that you leave your valuables in your hotel room. However, if you do bring them to the Spa, please keep all valuables with you during your appointments. Safe deposit boxes are also provided for your convenience.
• Spa Access Fee - Guests may enjoy the spa without a treatment for a fee.