David Lloyd or Virgin Active?

bouicca21

I have recently learned to swim, but am still nervous about being out of my depth. There are two health clubs - David Lloyd Beckenham and Virgin Active Bromley - near me that according to the ASA have 25 metre pools with no deep end.

David Lloyd don't display their prices which always makes me suspicious; Virgin Active do but don't say what the notice period is.

It may be that I only want to use them for a few months till I'm more confident.

Anyone know anything about them? I'm interested in customer service as well as cost.

parking_question_chap

You could probably do an online search for the notice period.

Expensive clubs tend not to offer their prices for information unless you are sitting in front of them. I have been able to find out prices of clubs by calling up and saying that I am xxxxxx (insert random name) the general manager of xxxx club (insert club at the other end of the country). As long as you sound confident (this is vital) and to the point they will tell you their prices.

Say "GM" rather than "General Manager". Ask who you are talking to. Have a brief chat about how their sales are doing then making sure you control the conversation you can ask the question. Simples.

Withold your number so they cant see you are local if using a landline.

janed9388

It used to be a 1 year tie in at DL - Beckenham but that was a few years ago, not sure about virgin active.

We have been members of both at various times over the last 5-10 years (now moved away) and DL I think is nicer and it has has a lot of investment over the last few years (an outdoor pool now which it didn't have when we were members) and the spa area is very nice.

Virgin spa was a bit useless and always very full (but this is probably 8-10 years ago) - they may have invested since then.

Virgin seemed to have more modern gym equipment than anywhere else when we were going. hth.

loveka

David Lloyd is ruinously expensive, and no better than Virgin. However, you can do a 3 month membership at David Lloyd. They also usually do a deal in August of 2weeks for cheap!

Both are probably a minimum membership period though (apart from the 3 month David Lloyd)

I was a member of Virgin for 12 years, and thought it was great! I have done the 2 week thing at David Lloyd and wouldn't pay the full price. Most have outdoor pools though, which I would adore if I could afford the nearly 100 a month they charge!

jenniewb

I used to be with VA, the notice period was to get your request in before the 15th (or could have been the 18th?) for it to have effect on the following month (be it a membership freeze or cancellation). I was there a while ago so it's worth checking still but this was the rule in all the clubs I visited in London.

Talukdar

I think it would be better if you take a look on their Facebook page. You will find review from real users. It will help you to make your decision.