Presidio Community YMCA - San Francisco, California

Vanessa J.

I visited the YMCA Presidio around a year ago. Today was my second time, and this was because the location I normally attend (Chinatown) is currently closed for a few days due to renovations.

I was aware that today, being Labor Day, I had to make sure I knew their schedule. The website said "Holiday Hours September 2: 2pm", I was surprised right away, because it didn't specify anything about a different schedule for the pool; it was strange because for most YMCA's locations, pools tend to close 15-30 minutes earlier than the rest of the facilities.
They have listed on the website the hours both for the pool and the gym; so since for Labor Day it only said 2 pm; I didn't think much of it.

I had completely forgotten that the pool wasn't at the same address than the gym so I went to front desk at 1:00 pm and asked for directions, doing that plus walking to the actual pool took me around 15 minutes. Which was fine, because I had planned a 35 minute swim.

As soon as I entered the pool's front desk I wasn't greeted, instead I was received with a "just letting you know, you'll be kicked out off the pool in 15 minutes". I was surprised and said "why?" to what she replied "well, because we're closing at 1:30 pm."

She said this with the most condescending tone, and I told her that the website said that they were closing at 2 pm completely dismissing what I had just said, she repeated "just letting you know, we're closing in 15 minutes, you have plenty of time".
Not sure in which world does 15 minutes is plenty, (let's also take off 5 minutes to properly change into swimming attire) unless that's all she can handle when swimming.
I was really mad and ended up leaving, I didn't see the point of staying.

I shouldn't be surprised that the staff at Presidio is rude and entitled.

I went back and informed the staff at the gym's front desk, I told them that coming from the Chinatown facility, I'm more than aware that the pool always closes earlier than the rest of the facilities, but I decided to trust the website.
I want to make clear that this isn't the main problem, set aside that it was a mistake from whoever posted on the website, I understand this can happen to anyone.

What is not right, is the way I was "received" at the pool. She could have said the exact same message with a different delivery, on top of the commute I had to do, plus the fact I wouldn't be able to get a swim session; the last thing I needed was a rude and patronizing receptionist.

Do better.

Gomez A.

Reasonably good facilities and mostly nice staff. There are a few people who work or volunteer there who seem to lack social skills and basic common sense, but managers generally seem responsive.
The pool is nice but the locker rooms at the pool are ancient and small. The men’s sauna is like a broom closet. The main facility is quite nice and everything is well-maintained. For the price, in SF, it’s a good deal.

Matthias N.

It's definitely a great facility for the price. Location is good, parking (not free), "relatively" OK equipment that is not new, but is functional and good for regular weight or cardio routines. They have a healthy selection of classes, although I have not attended one. The pool facility also has a classic vibe that is clean and well maintained, but free swim times are in the wee hours or after 7pm, unless you can get on the Master's swim group. Shaved a star because there are a lot of folks in the 65+ crowd who like to chit chat about politics and sit on the machines, or groups of high school kids, who I think go to the Bay School and use the Y as their gym, but that's all manageable, and not really any fault of the Y. The staff is excellent, welcoming and friendly, and the locker rooms and facilities are clean. I like that that staff works out here too, makes it feel like they have a stake in the place.

Diego O.

Absolutely horrible got kicked out because I am a minor and apparently minors have no say in anything. A man in his 50’s threatened to beat two minors up for playing basketball and believe it or not the 2 minors got in trouble. Honestly laughable how horrible the staff member who kicked us out was.

john L.

Maybe the best Y in the city. Lots of space. I love the Y because of their prices though. They have low income options for me and my girlfriend who are currently students. Makes a gym membership affordable. I really appreciate the organization. The staff is great too. Good people.

Annie H.

I love the Y at the Presidio. It has a beautiful location within the Park, it is spacious, the price is right and it is a place where one can feel confortable to exercise. On top of that the staff is great and accommodating.

Eric C.

Great place to work out or play. Well maintained and the staff are very friendly and professional. The fees are too high, however, especially for a "community" facility. Need to reinstate the towel service...

Patty M.

I love it. You get ample for your money, and you’re supporting a great community contributor. So, ultimately it suits my 21st century vanity through offering facilities that help me maintain my desired body type And healthy lifestyle, and it supports my ego by allowing me to give back to to the community and help with its needs. It’s a millennial generation’s dream!