I had been a member of NOAC for more than a decade and had finally had enough. The draconian penalties to leave and/or return are financially brutal, no matter what the circumstances. It got worse after the flood in 2005, when most members were scattered, NOAC began charging everyones account when they (NOAC) were ready to reopen; regardless of whether members were back in New Orleans or not. They had collection agencies after people in Houston, they even harassed the widow of a dead member! After many frustrating dealings with management (Stacey must get a secret thrill reciting the contract rules and saying the word ""no""), Bill (the owner) saw the error of his ways and did attempt to mend fences. Of course that will happen when a huge percentage of people who represent $$$ resist.
Bill appears to have good intentions. Unfortunately they come at the expense of the members. The final straw for me: women's locker room renovations. I think renovations are fine, but you need to accommodate the women who use the facilities (and, ahem, PAY for them). Part of the locker room was sectioned off by a tarp. They installed temporary showers (after an outcry) and we women were told to ""cover up"" when walking through the workmen's pathway to use the sauna/steam area and on the way to the showers. Of course management said that the would do ""something"" for the ""ladies"". I guess you could say silence is something.
This had become an unacceptable situation after a month of walking past workmen in a towel, over a muddy carpet. Not to mention the surprise (!) water shutdowns.
This beautiful old club has become below par, and an embarrassment of its former self. There is a beauty in the old world patina of the building, however the rudeness and laziness of the staff, and the ""we know better than you"" attitude has gotten old too.There are a lot of other gyms in town, all LESS expensive, with newer equipment and better customer service.
Pros: Historic building
Cons: Not worth the aggravation
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