Club Moativation

Club moativation encompasses the gym & pool at the Crowne Plaza hotel. I had a number of visits here as part of a Groupon offer, having seen what was on offer I can understand why it was on offer.
The gym itself is really small, I can’t see more than 20 folk fitting in here at any one time! The problem for any serious gym goer is that there’s no real benefit of being a member, apart from the fact that it was fairly quiet whenever I visited. The equipment selection doesn’t seem to have been thought out, there’s not enough of it to constitute a complete workout. There are only 5 weight machines which isn’t enough for a balanced workout for the arms & legs. There’s a couple of static bikes, a rowing machine, a stair climber and 4 treadmills for a cardio workout, which is fine when it’s quiet, but I’d question how long you’d have to wait during busier times. The treadmills look out onto the pool, which can be really distracting as there can be a lot going on in your peripheral vision. There’s a small warmup/​weights area, with all the benches and weights, it only really fits two people, unless you like bumping elbows. There’s another small box enclosure with a punching bag, but I never saw anyone using it (why would you when the gloves look grim & there’s barely room to swing a cat!)
The pool area includes a sauna and a jacuzzi bath which seemed to be very popular with the leisure crowd. The pool itself isn’t much more than a place for a relaxing dip. The pool isn’t particularly deep, you can stand at both ends, so forget doing lengths, you’re liable to spend more time dodging other users than to raise your heartbeat. I never used the pool or sauna because there seemed little point in trying to go for a swim.
The changing rooms reminded me of school sports facilities, there are only two hot showers (there are 2 cold showers but why?!!) which are right opposite the door to the pool and as there’s no cubicles or screens it is a bit risky (or risqué). They do provide cotton buds & plastic bags for wet swim wear, but I think most people would prefer private showers!
I understand why the business exists, the hotel has the space & pool and it needs to try and use what it has to create extra revenue streams. The problem is that at just under £30 a month it’s just not competitively priced given what it offers. Unless you work close by and are looking for a place to have a leisurely post work swim or short stretch on the treadmill then why would you bother??! Close by are a number of gyms with a multitude of facilities at a similar price & another priced at £18 p/​m, so really it begs the question why come here unless you’re staying at the hotel.

This beauty salon is a real hidden gem! Based within the Crowne Plaza Hotel which is situated next to the SECC, it is a compact beauty salon with spa facilities attached. I have had a massage here, and also a pedicure. The staff are friendly and welcoming, and extremely professional. They cater for groups and individuals, and it is lovely to use the pool, sauna and steam room either before or after your treatment. They regulary have great promotions — usually a different one each month, and the products used are really high quality. The salon is good value for money and very handy if you are staying at the hotel itself. The easist way to get there is by car or train, getting off at Exhibition Centre and walking across the covered walkway to the SECC. Parking is free if you tell the salon receptionist, as they will give you a voucher to cover your parking.