Escape Health Club

cozmicstar

I'd been a member for about 11 months when I finally got tired of this gym not delivering what it promised.

On first impressions, everything is rather good. Reception, changing rooms, gym and especially the pool are all pretty good, clean, swish and impressive. When I joined back in October 2008, they had Cowshed products but these eventually left for inferior products. The conditioner and make-up remover disappeared from the changing rooms and the conditioner only appeared back after many complaints from members. No plans for the make-up remover's return though. There is shampoo and body lotion though.

There are generally enough hairdryers and one hair strainghteners. Most of the lockers are half size and there's only about 12 full size ones which are always in demand and not helped by the fact that staff use these and so are never free. There's a problem with people hoarding lockers, and no enforcement of the don't leave stuff overnight policy. Lockers are £1 coin activated or a token which you can get easily from reception.

The website promises way more than it delivers unfortunately. Towels are micro sized and you're only allowed one. I usually took a separate one for my hair from home.

The gym is good for a hotel, a fair number of treadmills, bikes etc. Some free weights as well but not really enough. Some toning equipment as well which is not all that often used. One water fountain placed in a hidden corner. Sometimes there is cleaner for the machines but don't expect anyone to actually use this. Music is either blaring or non-existent. It's not too busy which is good. No sweat towels though.

Pool looks amazing and at quiet times it's lovely. This was the reason I joined and reason I left; kids are SUPPOSED to have restrcited times but peak after work rush hour there are kids everywhere and they run riot jumping over you swimming into the pool. Complaints or suggestions to introduce lanes to management are ignored. It's often too busy to swim lengths. Also started to introduce private swim lessons which takes up one whole lane/ thirs of pool. This problem seems to be getting worse and that's why I left.

Pool is 16m stainless steel, spa pool, steam room, sauna and tropicarium. Some hot and cold showers as well.

I got unhappy that my issues weren't being addressed so I decided to leave. It took me FOUR emails to finally elicit a leaving date confirmation.

Overall it's not worth the £60 price tag compared to what you get elsewhere. Don't be taken in by lies on website that they listen and that changing rooms are full of little extras.

I can't recommend this to friends.