Looking for a gym to join

So, my lovely wife has decided to do a triathlon this year. To be specific, this April in Hainan Island (aka Chinese Hawaii). It's going to be at the city of Haiku. The race course is about 172KM. This coincides with the need of a gym we need to use on a regular basis; currently, we only pay for a Personal Trainer at the Hilton. Not cost effective and we cannot workout during his days off. We have been talking about joining a gym for over 3 months now. The gym that we used to join, Audrey's membership expires. Even though it is just across the street, the equipment were broken and old. Not being well kept. No point of paying money to line someone's pocket. And no swimming pool - part of the triathlon event. We targeted numerous hotels around our neighbourhood, being on Nanjing Road West, all the major hotels are withing walking distance; we targeted only four - Hilton, Four Seasons, Ritz-Carlton and JW Marriott. Others we had discounted like Le Meridien, too far; JC Mandarin, been there when mom and dad were visiting last Feb. Not enough equipment.

OK, the screening process. Hilton. We discounted it as it does not have a proper swimming pool. That was the big draw bag. A 12-meter pool would not do the trick for swimming practice. Too bad. Ritz. Really crowded with people. Equipment were jammed closely together. Weight lifting machines were old and not well equipped. Swimming pool was noisy with too many kids splashing without supervision. Staff wasn't too keen or interested in helping. Four Seasons. Really disappointed with this hotel. As we walked into the lobby. It was smoky! Cigarette smoke permeated everywhere! Even though the lobby coffee shop was on the other side away from the lifts, bad! Then the gym, all running stuff; four or five weight lifting machines; Not even a universal weight station! The swimming pool was nice and calming. 20 meters by 6 meters. Staff was so nice. The cost was outrageous! RMB$24,000 per person; no couple membership! What this membership will get you are: free laundry of your gym wear, personalized bathrobe and slippers, 10% off at the spa and salon and here is the kicker: On your birthday, the hotel picks up the tab for a group of six having dinner buffet at the coffee shop; and a free night in a suite for two. Umm... I could do without the laundry as I do it myself as soon as I get home; I don't use the bathrobe as I just jump in and out of the shower; it's not a 1/2 day experience for me when I workout. And the group of six, I can do better somewhere else. O yeah, the gym was stuffy. Not enough air ventilation it seemed. So, decision was easy. It will be the JW Marriott at the Tomorrow Square. The cost, RMB$25,000 for two people. We get to park our bikes downstairs for free. The swimming pool is nice and long, the gym is well ventilated and stocked well with equipment. We can even bring our own Personal Trainer in and won't being charged for the extra person. Reason, this person only give advise and use the facility. Good reasoning I say. BTW, all the potential candidates are 24-hours ones. Except the change rooms are from 6am to 11pm.

Thought about local clubs too; they are really crowded and far away; also, considering the potential closing overnight without notice; this is something you have to consider when looking in China. Also, the bathroom and shower facilities. Most of them are of "Chinese" version. I have enough foul smells, broken shower head, smelly old "laundried" towels and dirty wet floors. Who knows, when we buy an apartment, a gym and swimming pool maybe included. I have an eye on this: http://www.crystalpavilion.com.cn. It is just around the corner from our apartment.

Marriott, here we come. Or, let the pain begins to train for the triathlon.