David Barton Gym

The gym is amazing and the guys who work there are super nice and friendly. Love this gym

Terrible place. The management is horrific their. I cancelled my membership and they still took money out. I was paying cash when I joined. They lied about the payment plan to me totally. Not to be trusted at all. It is not that great for a supposed to be high end gym. Be careful when signing up. They make up the rules as time goes on. Also, the classes are always changing without notice and were really never any good. The only good thing are the personal trainers, expensive but good. Look elsewhere

Here’s my take – David Barton Gym is a 5 Star gym for those people, like myself, that are looking for an environment that gets them pumped up and psyched for a workout. If you are someone, like me, who benefits from the best environment possible, then David Barton gym is right for you.

This is a great place to workout. Definitely a friendly atmosphere and they run an honest business. Go and ask for Charlotte. :)

Have you ever gone clubbing all night and woken up the next day full of regret and over-​priced vodka-​sodas? Same. David Barton Gym is like a club except you wake up the next day being like «woah check out these abs I’m getting.» See where I’m going with this?
I’ve been to three different gyms since moving to Boston a year ago. Three. That’s a lot of cancellation fees. But I’ve finally found my «forever home» in the form of David Barton Gym and it would be criminal if you didn’t at least do yourself a favor by checking it out.
Start by showing up. You’ll get an informative, warm welcome by Charlotte, who will give you a tour and answer all your questions. She’s fricken hilarious and won’t be offended if you have only one question or are more like me and have four thousand questions.
Next step, look around. Every single person there is motivated, supportive and happy. I’m not a big talker at the gym, but I will admit it’s been VERY nice having both trainers and other gym-​goers ask me how it’s going.
The bathrooms have everything you wish you had at the gym but didn’t want to lug around town — mouth wash, deodorant, q-​tips, shampoo, conditioner, RAZORS (for real) and lockers with locks already on them for you. The equipment is brand new and I have never ever had to wait to use anything.
The classes are challenging (what else would you expect from a class called «Ass Blast» or «Shredded»?) but so worth it! You can obviously go at your own pace and nobody will ever make you feel sub-​par, but once you’ve been to a few you can expect the trainers to pump you up and tell you to keep on pushing. Graham, Eddie, AJ, Chris and Yassine are my favs. Maybe they’ll be yours too.
Anyway. I’ll regret this review if the gym ends up becoming one of those unbreathable places with too many people, like Planet Fitness, but I really feel passionately about this gym. Lookin’ good is feelin’ good, so get on it.
Cheers!

The minute I walked into David Barton’s I felt super at ease and for the first time in awhile, got excited to work out. It has a great vibe, great people, is clean and the equipment is modern and very reliable. I’ve heard awesome things about the classes (trying a couple out next week) and there’s a spin studio in there as well.
I am part of their corporate plan and have been treated so well. If you’re looking to get in shape have fun and get involved with a gym that’s about to become (if not already is) one of Boston’s hotspots I’d check it out ASAP.

Fantastic equipment. This would be a five star gym if it weren’t for the obnoxiously loud techno music. Basically the same song that plays over and over at a ridiculous volume. I have politely asked them to turn it down a little, and was told they are «unable» because it is «part of the David Barton branding»
Last time I was there there were 11 people working out, eight had headphones on. I’m going to guess that those eight people were listening to something other than techno.
My company uses this hotel extensively for Boston travel, and this is a consistent complaint, to the point that some people even pay to go elsewhere. I’m no fan of techno, but even if it were at a non-​concert/​rave volume it would be reasonable.
But it’s ridiculous. I guess the David Barton branding states «employees must continuously play OOTZ OOTZ (untza untza) OOTZ OOTZ at volume 11.»
Would be a fantastic facility were it not for this one ridiculous, easily modify drawback.

Facility is nice.
Management is poor. Since opening the gym has had bumps with membership agreements, follow through and not being very responsive. Several times, I’ve heard that management essentially refuses to believe anything, unless you have it in writing. It is clear that the place is suffering, as membership is very weak.
All summer long, there has been a severe leak issue with HVAC system. This has been constant and in 2015 is unacceptable for a new, purportedly luxury, fitness facility. If this place wants to compete with Equinox then they should start acting that way.
Lots of turnover from pre-​opening and no one really seems to be running the shop. GM is clearly a novice and not motivated with follow through.
Positives are locker rooms, equipment, trainers, classes.
Cleanliness is inconsistent.

Similar to many of the other negative experiences written here on Unilocal,I am having a very unpleasant experience with their billing practices. I went into their Boston location in mid July to check it out and ask for a trial because it’s very close to my office and seemed like a nice alternative to BSC (which I used to belong to and didn’t like). I signed up for a trial with the sales manager, who at the time generously gave me 2 weeks of free trial. I had to inform them by July 31^st if I wanted to join or not. I called and emailed her on July 30^th and said thanks but I won’t be joining. I thought the gym was nice and the two classes I took were both good, but I’m really into taking classes and their schedule just wasn’t robust enough for me, plus spinning in their affiliated Cyc studio costs extra. The next day, what do I see on my credit card? A charge for the month of August.
I emailed Nicki right away, who was very apologetic and said that it was their mistake and that I would be refunded ASAP. The one positive thing I will say is that Nicki has been very responsive in this process; she has emailed me back within hours every time I contacted her. However, over three weeks later, I STILL have not received a refund!!! I keep being told several times a week that my refund is coming, but yet, NOTHING!!! I even physically went into the office last Thursday, and they again assured me that I would get my money back. I don’t know whether this is just total incompetency on the part of corporate or what, but this is totally unacceptable business practice, bordering on deceptive. I have never had such a disappointing encounter with a business. At this point I’m disputing it through my credit card company and putting a stop to all potential future charges (honestly I would not be surprised at all if they try to charge me for future months, from the other reviews it seems like that’s happened to a few other people). I am really glad that I did not end up signing with them because if it’s this hard to get a refund for their mistake imagine how they would act if you needed to cancel your membership for legitimate reasons…
I would encourage everyone to think twice before they join this gym.

Their underground location is cool but also very dungeon-​like. Located in the basement floor of the Park Plaza Hotel, they have a ton of new equipment but the dark environment with no windows was off putting to me. The staff at the front desk were very friendly and the locker rooms were clean, but I expected a little more from this trendy gym.

My boyfriend and I went to this gym because it was part of our hotel (the Boston park plaza) and we thought it was great. We trained on Saturday morning around 9am and it was empty. We are both into weight lifting and found that this gym had everything we needed. Power racks, new equipment, etc.
Beyond that, this gym had beautiful set up. They provide towels, razors, shampoo, sauna and the place is so modern! It was perfect for the day and we could have gone the next day, but we like to try out new gyms everywhere we go.

‘Look Better Naked’. The Boston gym provides the right environment to accomplish this important task. The equipment is top of the line, always clean, in fact the whole place is spotless, locker rooms to. I have found the staff to be smiling and always helpful. And the music jams.
Cycfitness classes are starting up, which will add another health boosting element element to the gym.
They have figured it out, and this club will only get better over time, like all of us who chose to go.

This is my first review for a gym. I normally go to a private gym at work back home, so I have limited reference data. Also, my review is a bit skewed since I have free access, a nice perk of being a guest at Boston Park Plaza.
I’m giving 5 stars for this gym, since it has all the qualities I look for in gyms plus exceeding several expectations:
1. Spacious, clean, and sleek looking with great upbeat music. I like how everything is black and grey with good overhead lighting and mirrors everywhere.
2. Lots of equipment and benches — no need to wait for folks since plenty of dumbbells lined across the rack.
3. Kettlebells! From 20 lb all the way to 50 lb! I use these in favor of 80% of the rest of the machines and other stuff.
4. Squat Rack — they have a real one, in addition to that horrid, ergonomically-​inferior Smith Machine. Barbell Squats are the king of all exercises for me since high school (I was a shot putter on the track team and was rated one one of the worst in the city LOL).
5. Cool art and motivational slogans to add to the environment. I like the murals and their theme, «Look Better Naked» — as good an excuse as any to work out. Also makes you feel less guilty about eating out from all those Unilocal recommendations!

Do not join this gym! There are better options out there and not worth the $ 170. The customer service has been horrible. I miss SCLA!
Similar to other reviews. I signed up in August 2014 and was informed the gym was opening January 2015. Of course, the opening was delayed. I had a week to try out the gym before signing a contract. It took me 2 days to decide the gym was not worth it. Before I belonged to SCLA and that gym was double the price of DB but worth every penny! DB was in a basement, where it was dark and felt like a night club. The space was small. You felt cramped on the limited amount of cardio machines while you stared at yourself in a mirror. The stretch area was in a corner and super small. The weight machines counts reps but was nothing special.
The locker rooms have a black/​red color scheme and are super small. There was nothing about special about the locker rooms.
I got a complimentary personal training session with AJ Avitable, who previously trained at my old gym. He knew his stuff and made it fun! Only positive thing about the gym.
So when I met with Ray Nieva. There was a special personal training deal going on but I was on vacation when it was happening. The email was non descriptive. If I wanted to get the deal, I had to prove to them that I was out of town by showing them a travel ticket. That was really ridiculous. Before the trial week ended, I let him know that I wanted a refund. Since my credit card they billed in August was hacked, they were going to send me a check. I called three weeks later to get an update on my refund. He told me that he was going to look into it and call me back. He never did call me back so I followed up and he told me that a check has gone out. It is now 3 weeks later and I have not gotten the check. I emailed him and he informed that he is doing everything he can to figure this out by Wednesday (a deadline I gave him before I called corporate and write a Unilocal review). It is now Wednesday and I had to email him asking for an update. Peter B from Corporate called me and had no idea of my situation. I was also informed that I had been charged an additional $ 186. Peter B says he is able to help me. We shall see.
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I pre-​joined last summer when I heard they were opening here in Boston, and am so glad I did! Visually, the gym is absolutely stunning. Totally over-​the-​top and luxurious, the gym feels more like a swanky lounge that also has gym equipment ;-) I especially love all the fresh flower arrangements and pumpin music. It’s awesome!
But more importantly, I have been completely impressed by the staff that work there. Everyone is super friendly in a sincere way, and go out of their way to make you feel welcome. Its so nice to walk in and have the staff know your name, or even just say hey. Such a nice change from some of the other «luxury» gyms in Boston where you feel like you’re just another membership fee. I recently signed up for training sessions and it was the same thing, no pressure or sales pitch. Totally stress-​free and easy.
I can say hands down this is best gym I’ve ever been to!

This is the greatest gym to hit Boston ever! When you walk in you sense the difference immediately.
It is beyond clean and the staff is there to greet you with huge smiles which sets the mood to a great workout.
The equipment is the nicest I have ever seen. There are so many workout options and you can even interchange your iPad. There are so many more features as well.
I am a music buff and typically have a great list on my iPhone to listen to, but I haven’t had to once as the music they play is always awesome. Great beats and just the right volume.
I had an amazing initial workout with a trainer, Chris. He was extremely knowledgable and, having just had twins and feeling SO out of shape I was nervous. He knew exactly how to push me in a safe way. Amazing workout!
I’m sad to see so many negative reviews. The opening was delayed but not due to any lack of effort from the David Barton team. Boston is tough! I have worked here for years and the Park Plaza is an old building that was also going through major renovations as well.
Give this place a try! I have been beyond happy with my whole experience. Check it out and see for yourself :)

THIS IS THE BEST GYM IN BOSTON. They have first rate equipment and lots of cardio machines for the perfect workout. The trainers are knowledgeable and highly skilled in all areas of physical therapy. The locker room is spotless at all times. The General Manager (Ray Nieva) deserves high marks for making David Barton a great environment to enjoy your workout.
Thank you DB for opening this wonderful gym in Boston!

This gym is top notch! To start, I’ve never seen gym equipment this nice. They have a ton of cardio machines so you will never have to wait in line. They all have that virtual thing where you can go for a run in different countries on different trails. So cool! Who needs windows when you can go for a run in Austria or California?
There is also plenty of dumbells, kettlebells, foam rollers to go around. Plenty of weight benches to where I’ve never had to wait for one at any time of day. There are a lot of different weight machines as well. I’ve never seen so many pulley systems either — again, I have yet to have to wait for anything I need to do.
Sound system is pretty awesome as well. I haven’t used my headphones for any workout since I’ve started here. Its a good mix of club, hip-​hop, and pop — the tried and true workout tunes.
Best part is their trainers. From my understanding, this gym has a huge reputation to uphold so they went through great lengths to get these guys from all over. I just had my first workout with Sammy… can’t believe the pump he gave me in just one shoulder workout! I felt like a beast! This guy blew me away with what he knew and how to implement it. I’ve been weight lifting for quite some time now, so showing me anything new or different isn’t an easy task.
They have trainers for all sorts of goals and levels to get you where you want to be. You need to be at this gym! Don’t let any of the snarling/​naked pictures or muscle-​heads scare you away. Everyone here is knowledgable, friendly, and here for you.
I really don’t understand all of the negative reviews. Yes, the gym opened a few months after it was supposed to, but that’s what happens when you’re trying to construct something new (and safe) in a historical building from the 1920’s. They had a rough start, but in my opinion they have made up for the delays by giving incredible, personalized service to their members and a great facility with impressive amenities.
Don’t let the negativity keep you from trying this gym. It’s a fantastic environment that will make you want to keep coming back which will inevitably help you meet your goals — whatever they may be.

It’s not bad, but it’s not great. I signed up about 6 months prior to the opening after the many delays. I expected a DBG like what I’ve been to in NYC, and is occasionally the case, Boston is not NYC. They really should have aimed for a full scale grand opening, instead, it was still under construction. I’ve belonged to BSC for years, with the passport to use NYSC, in NY, CT, NJ, PSC in Philly and WSC in DC, MD and VA. Unfortunately DBG doesn’t offer reciprocal privileges at their gyms. The location is central, but at the same time far enough from most residential areas to be a quick walk.
The gym was a lot smaller than I thought. It kind of feels like a large, nice hotel gym to me. I really go for the free weights, and they had a decent selection. They weren’t busy yet, but with 2 benches, I see congestion when/​if they reach capacity, or have people going who are really going to lift. The machines are all really nice and brand new, but there are grips and handles/​attachments lacking (May be part of the not fully up and running Grand Opening). Along with this, the yoga/​class rooms weren’t finished either. As far as being an all inclusive gym, it also sounds like they have classes, but if you want spin, they’ll give you a discount, but they have some outside contractor come in and you have to pay more for it.
I don’t do cardio, but did see they have nice treadmills and elliptical machines, though not many, especially where I can more see this gym catering to women who love that stuff. The gym is also in the basement, so you don’t have a view of anything other than you in the mirror.
If you are looking for a gym with beautiful bathrooms, this is your spot. The locker and shower facilities seem to have taken a higher priority than the rest of the gym, and are the only thing that would seem to justify the delays. I am not some sauna creeper, but during my week trial there, the sauna never worked, it was being used however as a break room from some creepy janitorial staff member. I noticed an awkward white sneaker and khaki’s one night in the otherwise dark nonfunctional sauna.
The trainer there Eddie is super nice, and was also great when he was working at the BSC. Otherwise, the staff was unimpressive. The front desk people didn’t know how to do anything and clearly hadn’t been trained. They were also borderline rude. The managerial staff seemed kind of clueless too, not knowing how to operate the computer systems. The demeanor of most of the staff was just strange. There were a couple just being loud like I’d expect at a powerlifter’s gym (which I wish this was), but being all «yo bro, bring your boy-​eez in here, we’ll hook-​em-​up, yo bro, this is your home now brotha’, and other things that you may see plastered on an underarmour campaign (protect this house brah). For a gym that will supposedly eventually have membership fees of $ 170, this seems off brand.
Overall, I’m not sure where this will fit in in Boston. It’s not BSC, relatively inexpensive, located in every neighborhood, some poorly laid out, full service but no-​frills, but it’s definitely not Equinox either, expensive, luxurious, great classes, all inclusive, best eye candy. This is likely a good option for A. people who live/​work very close and can get in before the price goes up B. People who don’t care so much about working out, but really like the locker room/​shower scene (time will tell if the demographic will fit for this to be a good fit for you) C. People who literally can’t even with BSC, don’t go regularly and can’t afford Equinox.

David Barton is the newest gym in Boston
And all the socialites are checking him out!
It’s located conveniently next to the Park Plaza.
So, you can easily follow up your workout
with dinner and drinks downtown.
The Deal: I just attended their grand opening.
sign up now for a special opening week deal:
only $ 49.95 & 1 week money back guarantee.