Jessica I.
Yelp
We were only members for 1 month due to terrible management, key amenities being non-operational, and an increase in membership dues and F&B minimums less than 30 days after joining.
We joined in June for July start date so we expected to workout, go to the pool, and use the steam/sauna rooms frequently. Unfortunately, this was short-lived. The CEO sent out an email to Stirling Club members on June 26, 2023 closing the pool for the summer... reason was due to participation numbers. The only reason we were told of the closure was because a friend and former member (he quit too) told us. He complained to the CEO and had it reversed so we could use the pool again. FYI - I learned that Stirling Club closes the pool for most of the year and it's really only open in the summer so keep that in mind when you're paying for an amenity that is barely accessible. We argued that if they are reducing amenities and services, will they reduce our membership dues to reflect? The answer was no. They actually raised our dues.
Within 30 days of us joining, the CEO sent a letter to raise membership dues and F&B minimum. Email attached. When I talked to the Membership Director, she basically said they can raise dues anytime and without notice. I wanted to cancel then but in order to do so, you have to pay 3 months of membership dues in advance (at the raised rate by the way). They had to raise dues because they state that the Club has never been in the black since reopening... I understand operations are hard but I don't understand how members should be paying the price for this. There are other ways for the Club to reduce operational costs without placing that onto its members. Instead of installing a brand new dance floor, we could keep the pool open in the summer? It's not open the rest of the year.
In Aug, the CEO sent another email saying the pool will only be open on weekends starting after Labor Day. Picture of the hours attached. I went to the Club on Aug 29 before Labor Day and the outdoor pool, indoor pool, and jacuzzi were all closed. The locker room (steam, sauna, and jacuzzi) never worked while I was a member. Completely non-operational every time I was there. I sent an email to Eunice again and she escalated my frustration to the CEO, Debra Kelleher. She scheduled a call with her so we could speak one on one.
I thought it would be a great opportunity to discuss my frustrations and come up with a resolution. I was wrong. The CEO had the CFO on the call and they bulldozed me. After I expressed my frustrations, the CEO tried to refute all of my points. It was actually alarming how condescending it was. She repeatedly said, "You signed a contract. It is what it is." At the end of the call, she said, "You made your point so you should resign. We will take 90 days payment upfront."
I sent an email on Sept 4 to Eunice asking for the Club to terminate our membership as they had done for another member with aligned frustrations. I followed up multiple times and nothing. Finally, they emailed back and said our membership was cancelled. Screenshot attached.
The culmination of all of these factors led to my extremely negative experience here. I didn't get to even try playing tennis or pickleball because I was waiting for the weather to cool off. I went to the restaurant once and it was inedible... my husband was served rotten shrimp. I attached screenshots of the activities they offer, which I'm not interested in attending. So, for me, the membership was mostly for use of the facilities' amenities. With them being non-operational while increasing membership dues and F&B minimum, plus the mismanagement and lack of member care, I didn't want to be associated with Stirling Club.
Don't expect any hospitality from management here. It's shocking to me that a private members club wouldn't treat all members with respect, care, and professionalism.
I don't recommend this place at all. When looking at positive reviews of this place, make sure you're not reading the CEO, CFO, or other employees' reviews... they're posted and undeniably biased.