GD85

As someone very familiar with the LA scene but a new (part-time) resident of SoCal, it makes me happy to see all the LA and West Coast help here 🥰

Yes, but 8 hours… lol. It’s true you have to have a plan, but with good planning it’s easily doable. Having done this with long layovers at LAX, JFK, HND, TPE, HKG… 🤣

I will let others chime in if they know providers near LAX… but I wanted to note that 8 hours is plenty of time to rent a car and drive in to WeHo or other areas that are more ripe with providers. You can likely rent a car (if you search for deals or have any corporate discount) for less than ubering back and forth to somewhere closer to the airport for lesser massage. Just my $.02.

I hate to sound silly, but I usually just stop them right at the end of the massage and say “can I get your number” and make a motion like I am texting on a phone. If that doesn’t work I make the phone signal with my hand and hold it up to my ear and say again “can I get your number” and then usually I say “to text you” and make the texting motion again. I’ve never had them not understand after all that what I’m asking, even with almost 0 English. But I have had them occasionally say “no” or “not allowed,” etc. I’d say though I have at least a 70% success rate though when I ask. Usually they pull out their phone or if they don’t have it on them at that point I get up and grab mine. Other thing is sometimes they don’t have text but have WhatsApp or WeChat, or even occasionally Facebook or Instagram. So be prepared for alternative options to text (but that’s more common in Asia or elsewhere).

Sorry to pipe in on an older (and ancillary) post… but I can’t overstate how much I agree with this. I battle with myself over it. Sometimes I want to know what I’m getting into, other times I like to be surprised. Maybe that’s why I like Asia so much, the surprises come more often so I don’t have to worry as much and can enjoy the journey. 🤣

I DM’d you. I really like Tommy from back in his G Man days through to now. As others have noted, expectations up front are important to avoid disappointment. His X/Twitter is very insightful… 🙂

I think part of the challenge is discretion is necessary in today’s environment. The realities of enforcement (spas being raided, individual masseurs having issues at border crossings, etc.) make everyone more leery to share openly. This has been stated by others, but I’m cautious to share openly with those who are brand new to the forums or don’t post much because you never know who is on the other end of the keyboard. Those conducting enforcement are absolutely using forums like these to gather intelligence. Now, regarding the original frustration expressed by the OP, I am sure some of it stems from masseurs wanting to avoid the burden of maintaining a strong reputation. The environment exacerbates the situation.

Fresh Men made sense. AI Man sounds like a future nobody asked for…

I had a good experience at AI Man. It is on the second floor across from another spa, so don’t get confused when entering. the signs say “Man Spa.” The facilities are very basic, just as @JayinHKNYC noted. Typical Asian spa. As I noted the manager was very helpful and engaging, to me that makes a big difference. All in, the massage was probably a 7/10. JJ is a slightly older twink, he took great care of me. No upselling, just great service. I tipped accordingly. I would repeat. I hope this spa does well.

I am trying this afternoon based on recommendation of the illustrious @JayinHKNYC. While I acknowledge the name of the place is absolutely awful and so is some of the obviously inaccurate marketing… the service so far has been great. They are super responsive over text and very accommodating. I’ll report back on my experience.

Someone just has to try it and report back. I might be willing next weekend depending on my schedule

This whole thread made me cackle. Sorry to revive it, but I wanted to note about Troy. He used to be awesome but got popular and went down hill, became really mechanical. To some extent I don't blame him, has to be exhausting. I have seen Theo once and he is at Energy now but I don't remember the experience. I'm trying to decide if it is worth repeating. Anyone have any Intel and know?

Disregard, I was able to just confirm that is still their address. They are on WhatsApp https://wa.me/19178212833

“was” may be the appropriate word… hence my question. But they were at 216 West 30th Street.

I’m not getting a response on text all day yesterday (using the number from the Groupon site which is the same as their old number) and can’t find them anymore on Google Maps. Anyone have any info?