For the price of membership, it's not a bad deal - especially given the pool and size of the gym located in Hell's Kitchen.
Credit to the staff, especially janitorial, who maintain a clean space and are usually easy to find if assistance is needed.
The member portal login is difficult/impossible to find on the website, making it unnecessarily frustrating to update payment information or contact details.
Cardio equipment is frequently broken, but always in high demand. I understand that treadmills in particular take a beating - but there are usually at least two out of order - and software updates don't make up for the aging physical hardware of the equipment. Belts and motors whine and grind; the fans are busted.
There's also the typical gym etiquette issues but that's less on the gym itself, although management could take a stronger stance: heavy perfumes/colognes, full conversations on cell phones, leaving belongings on benches and equipment, etc.
Reply from Manhattan Plaza Health Club
2026.01.27
Thanks for taking time out to share your experience of MPHC. For the most part you sound fairly content with a few specific issues, which I'd like to address. We just switched over to a new software platform and now you can download our MPHC app at the App Store and access your account easily.
In respect to the cardio equipment, we have this serviced under contract on a regular basis. The two treadmills you mentioned have back-ordered parts which is why they've been out of service longer than typical. Hope this helps clarify some of your issues.
MPHC mgt team
In respect to the cardio equipment, we have this serviced under contract on a regular basis. The two treadmills you mentioned have back-ordered parts which is why they've been out of service longer than typical. Hope this helps clarify some of your issues.
MPHC mgt team
On Saturday, January 17th, at approximately 9:08 PM, my friend and I experienced what can only be described as a display of unprofessionalism and hostility by the staff at Manhattan Plaza Health Club.
We were pushed out of the sauna roughly 5–6 minutes before closing - not with a simple reminder, but with an aggressive tone and physical presence. One of the older female non-native speaker staff members (around 50+) stood directly over us and insisted on watching us leave, as if we were doing something wrong. That alone was humiliating and unnecessary.
Things escalated at the reception area. A male staff member, accompanied by two older female, began raising their voices at my friend while she was visibly shaking. Instead of treating paying clients with basic respect, we were yelled at, pressured, and treated as if we were trespassing. We were shocked by how hostile and confrontational the staff became over a matter of a few minutes.
This behavior is completely unacceptable. Manhattan Plaza Health Club should conduct an internal investigation, terminate the employees responsible, hold management accountable, and compensate for the emotional distress caused by this incident. We have already begun filing formal complaints and are considering legal action.
If the organization cares about its reputation, this kind of treatment towards clients cannot continue.
Reply from Manhattan Plaza Health Club
2026.01.27
We have fully investigated this matter and find the claims to be false.
Verified
On Saturday, January 17th at around 9:08 PM, my friend and I experienced extremely unprofessional and hostile treatment from three staff members at Manhattan Plaza Health Club. We were paying clients using the sauna, and approximately 5-6 minutes before closing we were abruptly confronted by an older female staff member (approximately 50+), who stood directly over us and insisted on watching us leave. The tone was aggressive, condescending, and humiliating -not a simple reminder about closing time.
When we reached the reception area, the situation escalated further. A male staff member and another older female employee began yelling at my friend, who was visibly shaking and distressed. Instead of offering basic respect or professional communication, we were pressured, shouted at, and treated as if we were trespassing. For context: the time was 9:08 PM eight minutes past closing, we were leaving stepping towards the doo, hardly grounds for aggressive expulsion.
We left shocked by how hostile the environment became over something so minor. As paying clients, we expected professionalism, courtesy, and safe treatment - not verbal aggression and humiliation.
This experience warrants a formal response from management. I strongly urge the organization to investigate the employees involved, take disciplinary action, and review customer service standards. We are also in the process of filing official complaints and considering legal options due to the emotional distress caused.
The manager Sean was curt and incompetent. They allowed a boy in the women’s locker room that was clearly over the age of 5 years old. He looked and spoke as though he was 9 years old. That is completely disgusting to not be aware of this and there were other young girls in there as well. This gym is becoming a complete mess. When I told the front desk Sean came back from the women’s room saying “I didn’t see anyone”.. no duhhhhh did I say he was still there. Did you even ask me before avoiding me and going back there. She couldn’t answer any of my questions without asking one of her colleagues. Then there was laughing when I walked away. Next there will be grown men in our locker room. This is sad and ridiculous. She made no effort to calm my concerns and basically said “you’re not gonna avoid children in this gym”.
Incompetent women.. I want to avoid young boys in the women’s locker room. Major difference.
The facilities are worn down but mainly the vibe is way off and here are some examples:
- Workout classes: The classes during the day are unwelcoming because of one mean girl. She squeezes past people, rushes into the workout room and proceeds to reserve floor space for 3 or 5 of her friends, then moves around the room, meddling and moving new comers around like a schoolmarm. If paying gym members politely rebuff being treated like her props, she insults them. Staff see this happening and do nothing. (To be clear, the mean girl is a gym goer, not staff.)
– Cardio area: Elliptical machines are scattered around a series of narrow mezzanines, so not centralized. The space given to each machine feels cramped with too many machines out of service.
– Staff: They mean well, but there is a lot of turn over and they seem checked out. They often can’t answer basic questions, for example I got two different explanations on how to cancel. Maybe management is too hands off?
- Pool: It’s not easy finding pools in New York City and this one has a roof made of glass so it’s full of what light there is (the plaza is nestled between skyscrapers which cast shadows). Despite being large, the pool does get crowded. Pick a lane, match the default speed setting and you should be fine.
It's a shame this place isn’t more responsibly run. On balance, I moved to a another gym closer to my building and with more engaged management.
It pains me to put such a low rating for a gym that has nice amenities and that I enjoyed going to.
But I have never had in my life such a hard time cancelling a membership. 6 months after the date the membership should have ended, and even after multiple written and oral confirmations, I once again got charged this month.
This is borderline scammy and absolutely unacceptable
Reply from Manhattan Plaza Health Club
2026.01.06
This is disinformation and intended solely to tarnish our reputation. Anyone can cancel their monthly agreement by an e-mail or phone as stipulated per our membership agreement and the law. It's quite easy. This person's claim is false.
I like everything there
Reply from Manhattan Plaza Health Club
2025.12.08
Hi Max, thanks so very much for the rave review! Our entire staff greatly appreciates the recognition, and we're delighted to hear when members are content. Thank you for being part of our fitness community.
MPHC mgt team.
MPHC mgt team.
The gym staff is super kind, they are fantastic! Only complaint is they only have two stair masters. There are a lot stationary bikes that are always unoccupied and I wish they would switch some out with the machines that you can never use because people are always using the two stair masters.
Reply from Manhattan Plaza Health Club
2025.12.08
Hi Lauren, thanks for the shout out to our staff. Greatly appreciated. We didn't know the Stairmasters were so popular...until now. Thanks for the feedback and being part of our fitness community. MPHC mgt team
The policies at this place are terrible. It’s not suuuuper expensive if you’re a member, but their “Day Pass” is $50. You can’t even tour the facility without a day pass. They have no affiliations for residents of NYC (it’s $5 Off if you have a Manhattan Plaza key card). It’s $40 to purchase a pass online, but their website is terrible and gives no information on their policies, even when you register for a class. The only way to find out what this gym is like without paying 50% of the monthly fee is their once-a-month open house. Needless to say I won’t be joining. Frankly- I could join New York Sports Club for just slightly more than their day pass, they give me 1 month for free, and I have access to multiple gyms and multiple pools. So sadly, MPHC is a total bust. PS. I learned all of this when I tried to take a class at this location. I filled out an interest form, signed up for the class, went to the gum, and the only option the front desk offered was to pay $50 for a day pass. I asked if I could tour the facility, I asked if I could see the pool. The only option was to pay $50. Which, as I said above is just under half the monthly cost. I did actually visit the facility, despite the owner’s response. I just never got past the front desk. In fact, I have other reviews of other businesses. I did belong to NYSP many years ago, but I’m not affiliated with them, as anyone can see by checking out my other reviews. The correct response from an owner is, “I’m so sorry you had that experience, how can we make it better?” Not, “well, this must be from a competitor”. It’s actually indicative of the experience I had. I repeat: I obviously won’t be joining.
Reply from Manhattan Plaza Health Club
2025.12.03
This review looks like it was probably written by someone who works at NY Sports Club attempting to tarnish our image. I don't know anyone who would take the time to trash a business that admittedly hasn't even visited it. Shameful....
Verified
Great gym, really has something for everyone.
Locker rooms are very well-maintained with locks built into the lockers, so no need to remember bringing your own lock. Large wooden lockers, ample showers and a sauna and steam room in the locker room. Towel service and a small locker for overnight rentals are both available at a very reasonable monthly price, and definitely worth it.
Training/weight floor has a really nice range of equipment. Two squat racks, two flat benches, an incline bench, and a smith machine. A mat and bumper plates are there for deadlifting, and there are also multiple other bars available in the turf area if a rack isn't open. They also have a SSB and a trap bar. Turf area has a range of equipment, and the training floor never gets overly crowded, even at peak times. Additionally, on separate floors is a large cardio area and a stretching room.
Very solid pool, especially for Manhattan. Four lanes, 25 yards, but the real highlight is the ceiling windows (which can retract and open up) with views of high-rise buildings while you swim backstroke. You probably won't get your own lane, but there's usually never more than 3 to a lane and typically it'll be two to a lane. My only complaint about the entire facility would be that it would be nice to have backstroke flags up, although I'm told there are backstroke flags up during the morning masters swimming.
Staff is friendly and the cleaning staff is always around making sure the place looks nice. Personal trainers are around and available if that is your thing.
Overall it's a fantastic gym, especially for the price, and really has everything you could want. Highly recommend.
Reply from Manhattan Plaza Health Club
2025.11.24
Thank Dylan for the awesome review and sharing your positive experience at MPHC! Our entire team appreciates you taking time out to let us know how we're doing. Delighted you're satisfied and to have you as part of our fitness community! MPHC Mgt. Team
I just discovered this health fitness Gem today and I must tell you it’s a “must have” in your life if your trying to live your best one 🏃♂️.
The front desk staff is welcoming and the ambiance is amazing. Also Bryce Clark, The fitness instructor. Is a godsend. He did His absolute best to make sure that my workout needs were planned accordingly Plus, he was open to answer any questions That I may have had in regards to my workout Fitness plan. I definitely recommend MPHC.
Reply from Manhattan Plaza Health Club
2025.10.15
Hi Queen, on behalf of our entire team we thank you for taking time out to share your positive experiences at MPHC and give recognition to individual staff. We are delighted to have you as part of our fitness community. All the best, MPHC Mgt Team
Reply from Manhattan Plaza Health Club
2025.09.28
Hi Mahmoud, thanks for taking time out to share your experience at MPHC. It seems like you're relatively satisfied but that there's definitely room for improvement. Our staff strive to give the best customer service and be highly responsive. We are delighted to have you as part of our fitness community and hope to earn your appreciation in the day ahead. MPHC mgt team
Very good place
Reply from Manhattan Plaza Health Club
2025.09.25
Hi Gilberto,
Thanks for taking time out to share your experience of MPHC. On behalf of the entire staff, we really appreciate the positive feedback and always strive to improve. We delighted to have you as part of our fitness community! MPHC mgt team
Thanks for taking time out to share your experience of MPHC. On behalf of the entire staff, we really appreciate the positive feedback and always strive to improve. We delighted to have you as part of our fitness community! MPHC mgt team
What is described as a Jr. Olympic size pool I used to train in as a scuba diver with Pan Aqua Diving. Neat clean locker rooms, bathrooms and facility also offers health club and gym memberships. They also have a rock climbing wall.
Reply from Manhattan Plaza Health Club
2025.09.09
Hi Thomas, thanks for sharing the great scuba photos taken in our pool. I also got my certification here 30+ years ago. Our entire team appreciates the terrific review and positive feedback. Happy to have you as part of our fitness community. MPHC mgt team
