Equinox

I walk in to the front desk and 5 people are standing behind the counter and when I ask to see the gym they tell me they have no one to-​show the gym. I was committed to purchase two membership today but I guess if a facility can not maintain regular staff to provide basic functions of the gym — is not a facility that deserves my membership.

They give out Free Icelandic water bottles at check in. They also offer Cups to fill at «Hydration Stations». This would be awesome if they had someone cleaning up everyone’s lazy left overs. The weight room basically looks like that scene from the movie Signs where all the water cups are left sporadically left lying around to deter the Aliens.

The best customer service from a team of employees! Usually there is 1 person who is kind and cool, but at this place everyone seemed to be on their A-​game. I wish I got the name of the guy who scheduled my massage, because he set the precedence, he went above and beyond. Then there was Carla and Shannon who were just GREAT. The staff seem happy to work there, good energy.

A couple of the masseuse are horrible; bad energy, no bedside manner’s, aggressive, offended if you tell them that they’re too rough or their nails are digging in your skin. If you have a really good masseuse stick with them because a good one it’s hard to come by.
If you’re uncomfortable a massage ask them to stop… no sense of being tortured for an hour or two.
Hopefully, the next time I go back the steam room will be working properly so that you do not have to pour a cup of water in the mechanism in order for it to work and reset itself and the Jacuzzi’s will be adjusted so that it’s not scalding hot or lukewarm.
Enjoy!

Much better now… Management is taking a better approach and running this place nicely.

Phenomenal health club and spa. Free for Hyatt Diamond members, otherwise there’s a pricey $ 24/​day charge for hotel guests. (That, for the record, is not overpriced for a lovely spa/​health club, but does seem high if one just wanted to do a quick treadmill workout! So do avail yourself of all the wonderful amenties!!!):
The locker rooms are well appointed with coded lockers, steam room, sauna, showers, and two different temperature hot tubs where clothing is obviously not required. Makes for a very relaxing bathing experience just a bit like the wonderful bathing rituals in Japan, though not quite. The workout room itself is unbelievably well stocked and, should you require it, there are personal trainers on hand. Lovely staff brought those of us on cardio machines eucalyptus-​scented chilled towels mid-​workout, which was an incredibly lovely touch.
Great place to stock up on Kiehls products, among other things. And they offer a full range of spa, salon, and massage services. And grab a juice on your way back to the pool and Southern California sunshine!

The facial is terrible here!!! They do nothing out of the ordinary. Theirs is the worst place you can come for spa treatments. It sucks that the hotel doesn’t have a spa…

Hands down the nicest Equinox in Los Angeles. It’s located in the heart of Century City with the Century City Hotel. If you are a person who enjoys a great gym then this equinox is a plus. They have excellent customer service and very polite staff.
They have one of the best steam rooms of any gyms. If you are a person who enjoys spin and yoga classes you will be in for a treat. No questions this one of the best run gyms in town.

This gym is a disappointment considering its location.
Parking: we confirmed with the staff that valet is the only option here ($ 10) and this service is not free for either destination or home members. We had to park across the street at the Gelson’s garage as there is no street parking available.
Lobby: this branch has a stylish décor on par with its sister site in Beverly Hills. It is bright, has some fanciful architectural details, floral arrangements, velvet couches, and fresh fruit available for the guests but the gym itself is very small.
First floor: The weights, cardio machines, and studio are confined to one floor. There is very little variety in the equipment that they have, this branch has the bare minimum in cardio and strength training machines. Towels were plentiful and easy to find but there were no eucalyptus scented ones available. I point this out not to be facetious but because this is a key amenity that Equinox advertises so it was odd that unlike other branches, they didn’t have it readily accessible.
We went here on a Sunday and although there were few people at this branch, I can easily imagine how crowded it can get in peak hours and with so few machines, a long wait seems unavoidable.
Second floor: this is where the spa is located. We did not try their spa here but it appears to be well maintained although the spa staff are nonchalant and were not at the desk. We had to actively look for them because we had some questions about the spa and finally found one hiding in a corner texting on her mobile.
Third floor: we reached the pool which is shared with Hyatt hotel guests and Equinox members. It’s pretty, clean, with plenty of chairs and cabanas along with two hammocks. The scenery is fantastic and you get a great view of Century City.
My issue however with the pool is that you won’t be able to swim or train here in an environment where you can concentrate on what you’re doing. The pool itself is very small, not deep, and does not have lanes — this is strictly for recreation. Because it’s shared with the Hyatt, many families with young children come to enjoy the pool as well so you end up having to deal with rambunctious little ones who play and will frequently cross over (without meaning to) so the pool becomes a very crowded, distracting place.
Locker rooms: both sides are clean, well kept, and although their soaks are small, they do have a small lounge area where you can watch telly or go on the computer.
Service: aside from the spa staff, front desk was polite, courteous, professional, and helpful. Stars are for them!

This is a very nice gym with a resort feel, that’s worth the lofty price tag.
The gym is always clean and I’ve never seen a dumbbell out of place. They also provide valet parking, free bottled water and laundry. I have no complaints about this gym other than the people who go to the gym. The members for the most part are lame. If I was given a dollar every time I saw one of the members doing a pointless exercise, I’d be the richest person who goes to this gym. I literally watch people roll on the ground on top of a foam roller for 30 minutes to an hour and call that a workout. On top of excessive stretching, they also like to make tons of noise with a huge rope or by continuously slamming a medicine ball on the floor.
I recommend joining this gym and bringing headphones.

Service goes a long way for me. I cannot say enough great things about Michael Melnick and his service to his members. He goes above and beyond and is beyond easy to work with. The facilities are beautiful, the spa is incredible and the service is great for members!
Appreciate them always going above and beyond.

This gym has so far been excellent. All the amenities are clean, I never wait for equipment and the staff are very friendly and have great manners. I read the previous reviews and was a little skeptical about joining but I have been coming here every single day for 3 weeks straight and thus far have not run into any of the issues mentioned, I think there is new management. Additionally the outdoor pool is heated and I do laps in it ever night post work out. Granted it’s not an Olympic sized pool it does what I need it to do. If you’re having doubts do it and if you don’t like just cancel after 30 days which I will not be doing. I tried every other gym in LA and this one suited me best, the valet and laundry service can not be beat.
Brieanna Skarbo was very helpful and excellent when I was joining and Shane who is one of the greeters has always been extremely helpful and always has a smile on.
Will update with any changes.

When I had a chiropractic adjustment I used the indoor hot tub frequently in the ladies’ changing area.
The massage is perfect at the spa there; I had a hot stone massage.
The outdoor pool is supreme for holidays, especially.
Executive membership is divine.

Visited Century City area for the weekend and stayed at the Hyatt Regency. Decided to get a massage at Equinox and was not disappointed!
Everyone at the front reception was friendly and helpful. Most comfortable robes ever! Massage with Tiffany and she was fantastic. Could tell where I carried my tension and spent extra time focusing on that area.
Only downside is that it is also a huge gym, complete with shops and juice bar, so not as relaxing as a day spa when you first walk in, but once you get to the spa area, it’s perfect.
I would definitely recommend!

This is an upscale gym but my review is based on my spa experience. Logistically, it was confusing for a first-​timer to know what to do. I was told the spa was down the hall and to the left. I think it would have been great to have someone come with me.
I wasn’t aware that I had to get the robe n slippers at the window by the locker room. Anyway, this is a nice facility with good looking people working and using the gym here which can make a suburban mom feel really out of her element. No worries though, I was treated very well with my body wrap treatment. They were so friendly and appear to be happy employees. While the prices here are significantly higher, it’s nice to go somewhere to relax and get pampered.
Parking is valet. It was backed up when I arrived, so I parked at the mall across the street since I planned to shop afterwards anyway.
Tip: be sure to get validated quickly at one of the Century City mall stores right after your treatment if you plan to do this.

Best gym in all of LA, hands down!
I will never leave again. Very happy with the staff, always professional and courteous, friendly, available, no hassles.
This is the right place for me where they understand and value the need to workout and be health conscious. It is my lifestyle and I love this!
I cannot go anywhere else.

One of my favorite gyms anywhere is this Equinox in Century City. Reason, it combines a wonderful and well equipped gym with a true spa and vacation experience as well.
One can enter from the Century City Hotel or from the front entrance and while there is valet parking for your overly expensive ride. No matter. The staff while a little bit of an attitude really are mostly accommodating. When you enter the locker room you get an immediate feel of being in a high end country club. There are rain showers, a couple of hot tubs, a steam and sauna along with free razors and decent towels. There is also a lounge where you can watch the Lakers lose and even a few computers to check email or write a Unilocal review. The workout area is extremely well equipped with the latest and greatest. Tons of TVs and sound options. Good free weights and many machines to become the next Bieber or Michele Rodriquez or to rid the body of those salsa and chip toxins. Also they keep the entire facility quite clean and neat.
Now, what also makes this a wonderful day vacation experience is not just the full spa services, a nice eating and snack area but the Century Plaza pool. This pool is a mini Las Vegas treat along with cabanas, beverage services and all the wonderful scenery you could expect at a Hollywood pool.
Been coming for years and soon will be my regular gym along with the facility on Sepulveda. I cannot wait to have a daily vacation.

Love this gym so much I can’t imagine my life without it!
You know you’ve found a great company when you’ve been both a member and an employee and you just can’t get enough!
I was first introduced to Equinox CC back in Feb of 2009 when I began working there. I was immediately impressed with it’s upscale ambiance and wonderful community of both members and employees. Equinox isn’t just a place to workout, it’s a place to relax and rejuvenate.
This club in particular gets my business because it offers some of the best classes around. I personally love their Vipr/​Kettlebell classes! If you are into yoga or pilates the studio is beautiful and the classes are never more than 10 people deep.
Their personal trainers are always willing to help you out if you need a spot or a tip on how to maximize your workout! And the group instructors are extremely knowledgeable and take the time to perfect your form, so you don’t hurt yourself.
My favorite weekends are the ones I spend working out in the morning and lounging by their beautiful saline pool in the afternoon. Sometimes I even pretend i’m on vacation and order myself a fruity drink with an umbrella from the cabana boy.
When Equinox says «It’s not fitness it’s life». They mean it!

I’ve been an executive member at this gym for 1.5 years. And I’m extremely upset about this place.
When I joined the club was exclusive, with more sophisticated people. I was ok with paying high initiation fee of $ 1500 and $ 240 monthly just to have quality people and not crowded place to work out, even though it is a very small gym.
Now they dramatically dropped the prices, and I don’t recognize the gym. The quality and service went down a lot. It’s always crowded and not as clean as it used to be.
Now it’s like any other regular gym! But other gyms are more specious with better equipment. I would have not signed up here again. And it makes it even worse that I had to pay so much for it!
P. S.: and btw beware of people stealing things! It happened at least 4 times in front of me in the locker room. Someone was missing shoes, or bag etc!

Absolutely HORRIBLE experience. My iPhone was stolen & staff stated they have had thieves on their premises for sometime (targeting iPads and iPhones according to last night’s staff). I had LAPD come out to take the report and just ordered another iPhone today with zero assistance or empathy from Equinox.
My phone was taken and reported to management LAST NIGHT. Today they put their hands up and basically said sorry (even though I know who it was — happens to be an employee). Another employee (Alberto) was in the locker room and BEGGED management to «search» employees due to his own suspicion (he was in my presence when the equinox employee stole my phone).
After 2 years of being a member and sending FOUR referrals, I canceled my account after speaking with Kent Guzman and then his boss in West LA — Brian Hemedinger, who I went to discuss this great concern personally and made me wait over an hour to speak with him!
I will be updating people and blogging about this more. Unbelievable they would not want to assist me when this was taken from a LOCKER!
DO NOT BECOME A MEMBER OF THIS GYM UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCE! If you notice all the good reviews are people that come here only once or use the spa (for the most part).
YOUR THINGS ARE NOT PROTECTED IN YOUR LOCKERS EVEN WHILE IN YOUR PRESENCE! EVEN WHEN ITEMS ARE ONLY ACCESSIBLE TO EMPLOYEES — RUN FROM THIS CLUB — DO NOT JOIN THIS CLUB UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCE! Most 5 star reviews are from people who were there one day and used the Spa!
I just ordered a new phone last week — $ 371.00 used on the Internet plus the Otter case. I cannot believe — with all the referrals and «word-​of-​mouth» that KENT GUZMAN (the manager) said he would rather lose my business by not being responsible rather than paying the phone charges. What type of club allows its LOYAL members to walk away when the member has been a walking advertisement and LOYAL for two years? EQUINOX — CENTURY CITY DOES!
I guess in the long run I will save money as canceling saves me $ 240ish a month but I was so happy to pay that amount in the past and felt safe there — NO LONGER the case as things are DRASTICALLY different! Additionally, MR GUZMAN promised he would «continue» to investigate the case and contact me (never has since I canceled my membership). I also sent an email to Jack Gannon (Vice president in NYC headquarters — which I copied to Kent and Brian) and guess what? NO RESPONSE!
When I went to pick up all my stuff on Thursday night, the front desk staff (Jonathan) was briefed «by management» and was told vaguely that Equinox and I had a «disagreement» and TOGETHER we decided to terminate my membership! Can you believe the nerve of them? COMPLETE LIE! I had to inform him what happened as this was solely my decision based on an employee who stole my phone. I also have a written statement from an employee where I think I have enough evidence to sue them in small claims court for the fees incurred ($ 371). UNREAL this happened to me.
DO NOT JOIN THIS CLUB THAT HIRES RIFF RAFS AT MINIMUM WAGE ($ 8.00 per hour) to look after people in the locker rooms (some confessed they were previous gang member affiliated in Los Angeles). These staff members come and go so very often and usually are on the evening shift when they can EASILY steal.
Update # 2 for today: Had a good conversation with Brieanna. She actually was kind and listened. I spoke with the new manager (effective TODAY) who advised me Kent was terminated. I asked him to have all the information and mishaps forwarded to corporate (since Kent assumedly never did) and have them respond to me and he said he would — I do NOT believe him but again — Brieanna was really awesome to speak with!
UPDATE:
Can you believe I got this email from Equinox on 06/​14/​2013? (So about 10 days have passed and NOW time for another updated review):
How are you? This is Brie with Equinox at Century City. I am emailing you to say that we have missed you and would love to see you back with the Equinox family:) Please let me know if there is a day next week that we can sit down and discuss bringing you back in.
Hope all is well, and I look forward to meeting with you.
Brie
–
Brieanna Skarbo
So I get a call finally from a «new manager» and he tells me that KENT GUZMAN was fired on 06÷24÷13 (the day I called) as they were not doing their job properly and «funds» were missing. I had a conversation about how I saw one of the employees steal my cell phone way back when I canceled my membership. He really had nothing further to say and I asked if he could have the headquarter office in NYC (who I have left several messages for) to contact me. His response: OF COURSE!
After several weeks of waiting I am updating to let you know I have never received a follow up call from anyone! SAD SAD SAD is not the word! I WITNESS my phone being STOLEN by an employee and they do nothing. They lose a customer (paying $ 240/​month) and treat me like crap! UNREAL!