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Expecting a man in a tuxedo, we were instead met at the door by two female spa employees in black polos who arrived before the promised time (they're available from 8AM to 8PM, but maybe most people pre-schedule their baths in advance -- which would explain why we had to ask for a bath "now," as if it was urgent).

They talked quietly amongst themselves as they poured a coffee cup of an unknown purplish substance into the tub and lined up rose petals along the rim. We picked the "Romance Blend" because we like the smell of roses (pumpkin and lavender are among the other scents offered), although it comes not only with a candle and spare bath salts but with a free double CD of shakuhachi music. Well, it's more cutting edge than Barry White.

If you can ignore your qualms of behaving like a complete nincompoop, you will be the recipient of a freaking awesome bath from the bath butler. The temperature was just right, the bubbles were massive and the scent was strong without being off-putting. We have no idea how long we were in there but emerged feeling moisturized, not sticky, and generally refreshed... till we thought about the price tag.

The Romance Blend bath was already listed at a peachy $65, but it comes with a surprise $13 "service charge" (for the black-poloed ladies) -- not that it feels right to argue over 13 bucks when you've just paid for your own bath. It was the best bath we've taken since we used to spend hours playing with Little Mermaid spray foam, but it still wasn't worth 19.5 trips to Starbucks.

So please, indulge in the Bath Butler, but know you aren't allowed to complain about the economy as long as you still smell nice from it. Afterwards, wanna come over and listen to some shakuhachi?

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