Aspria Reviews 22

As a loyal, long-time member of Aspria Avenue Louise, I am compelled to warn the Brussels professional community about the alarming decline in leadership under Arnaud Micheels (General Manager).

Recently, my multi-year membership was terminated with immediate effect via email, based on vague, unsubstantiated allegations. Despite my long tenure and consistent support of the club, management refused to provide a single shred of evidence, a specific date of the alleged incident, or the basic courtesy of a formal hearing. Choosing to act unilaterally on hearsay is a shocking departure from the 'premium' standards and Corporate Governance one expects at this price point.

The most egregious failure, however, is the breach of discretion. Since this arbitrary decision by Arnaud Micheels, sensitive internal details regarding my file have circulated among other members. This leak has fueled defamatory rumors and created a toxic environment that contradicts Aspria’s promise of 'exclusivity' and 'privacy.'

When management weaponizes rumors instead of following due process, they become a major professional liability to the brand. I have formally initiated a GDPR Data Subject Access Request and a dispute with the Consumer Mediation Service to address this lack of transparency.

If you value your reputation, your data privacy, and a management team that understands basic professional ethics and Belgian consumer law, I strongly suggest looking elsewhere. A beautiful pool cannot hide a total lack of leadership integrity. Aspria Brussels deserves better than this amateurish approach to member relations.

I want to start by saying I feel genuinely sorry for the frontline staff and lifeguards at this club. They are wonderful, hardworking people who try their best to provide good service. Unfortunately, they are clearly operating under a toxic, fear-based management culture dictated by the General Manager, Arnaud Micheels.

THE "WELLNESS" ILLUSION & ENERGY DRAIN
You join a luxury spa Brussels to save time, relieve stress, and focus on your well-being. Instead, dealing with the broken facilities and the constant hostility from management becomes a part-time job that drains your mental energy. You pay a premium for a "wellness sanctuary," but end up walking on eggshells. A health club shouldn't be a source of anxiety, and you shouldn't have to worry about management calling the police simply because you calmly submit a legitimate complaint about the declining standards. Law enforcement inevitably arrives, recognizes it as a civil customer service dispute, and takes no action, but Arnaud Micheels deliberately uses this extreme escalation as an intimidation tactic to avoid accountability while you are simply trying to relax.

A €3,600 LEGAL TRAP
Do not sign their binding annual contract. Once you are legally locked in and paying the €3,600 gym membership cost, the "luxury" mask slips, and you are at the mercy of management that knows you cannot easily leave. You are juxtaposing premium rates with a degrading reality: moldy showers, cold pools, broken ACs, and police intimidation.

A HEAVILY DOCUMENTED PATTERN
Sort these reviews by "New" and you will see a heavily documented pattern. My experience is not an isolated incident; there is a systemic crisis of unilateral contract terminations and dictatorial behavior targeting paying clients. To other current members reading this who have been intimidated by management: please speak up and leave your own reviews. We should not accept this standard of treatment for what we pay.

TO ASPRIA CORPORATE:
Your current leadership is actively burning your recurring revenue and alienating the expat professional demographic. You are bleeding premium clients to David Lloyd because of this unchecked behavior and operational neglect.

TO PROSPECTIVE MEMBERS: If you are looking to cancel Aspria contract, do it as soon as possible. Take your thousands of euros to David Lloyd (or another premium competitor) where they actually honor their contracts and treat you with basic hospitality.

A NOTE ON MANAGEMENT’S INEVITABLE REPLY:
Notice how management responds to 1-star reviews below. They will likely reply to this review claiming I am 'not in their system' or that this is a 'personal attack.' Do not fall for their copy-paste gaslighting. I have my signed contract and bank statements to prove my membership, which instantly exposes their standard tactic to dodge accountability.

Amazing experience at Apria Hamburg.

The outdoor area is just WOW!!

As a business professional, I am appalled by the operational and reputational self-sabotage currently taking place at Aspria Louise under the management of Arnaud Micheels.

While the facilities hold premium potential, the current leadership is a masterclass in how to destroy a luxury brand from the inside out. There is now a highly concerning, documented pattern of Mr. Micheels unilaterally terminating the contracts of loyal, referring members without cause, transparency, or basic professional due process.

To Aspria’s Board of Directors and Corporate Leadership: You have a rogue GM operating as a severe financial and public relations liability. By weaponizing his authority to settle perceived grievances, and cultivating a reported culture of intimidation among the staff, he is actively burning your recurring revenue. He is alienating the exact Brussels professional demographic your brand relies on. A premium price tag requires premium hospitality, not an unchecked, ego-driven dictatorship.

To Prospective Members: Do not sign a contract here. You are paying luxury rates for the privilege of walking on eggshells. Until Aspria's corporate office audits this location and entirely replaces this toxic leadership, your money is much better spent at David Lloyd or any competitor that actually respects its clients and honors its contracts.

We was amazed about the location and the very friendly staff, we got welcomed so warm and friendly, the gym is great and the spa area is like a dream. Such a fantastic place to calm down and join the different saunas. We will definitely come back asap when we are in Hamburg
Tanks for the perfect stay
greatings from sweden

When I signed up, I was clearly told by staff that pausing the membership would be flexible — “up to 6 months, no problem.” In reality, pauses were only allowed with medical or work documentation, and even then came with administrative friction. This was nowhere near the simple process described during the sales pitch.

Despite being cooperative and paying all fees (minus a disputed €5), I was frustrated by the lack of transparency and empathy — especially given how long I had been a loyal customer. I even tried to part ways on good terms, asking for the final August fee to be waived — not a huge ask given the possibility of us returning or recommending Aspria to friends and family (we live very nearby). Sadly, this was declined with zero flexibility.

Ultimately their loss as my family are staying here in December and wanted to stay 1 week at Aspria - but I said no. Aspria "saved" 1 month forced membership fee but will now lose 6 nights paid stay guest - it gives you an idea of how they handle their "loyal" customers.

Trust matters — especially when you're paying a premium. I’m sharing this review so others go in with more realistic expectations.

Aspria Louise Brussels: Outstanding Facilities Overshadowed by Toxic Management

I've been a devoted member of Aspria Louise for years, and I've always been incredibly impressed with the top-notch facilities, diverse class offerings, and skilled staff. However, recent events have cast a dark shadow over my experience and shaken my faith in the gym's leadership.

A few months ago, I was shocked to have my membership abruptly revoked by General Manager Arnaud Micheels without any stated cause or opportunity for discussion. As a long-standing member who has referred countless friends and colleagues to Aspria Louise, I was deeply hurt by this disrespectful treatment.

In seeking answers, I've discovered that my situation is far from unique. Numerous other members have shared stories of having their memberships inexplicably terminated by Mr. Micheels. Even more concerning, I've heard troubling accounts from staff who describe a culture of intimidation and fear perpetuated by the General Manager.

Based on my conversations with other members and employees, I've come to the sad but firm conclusion that Mr. Micheels' leadership style is toxic and detrimental to the Aspria Louise community. While painful to say, I believe the gym's cherished reputation and member experience will continue to deteriorate unless the Board of Directors takes swift action to remove Mr. Micheels from his position and restore a climate of transparency, fairness, and respect.

I have the utmost respect for the hardworking team members at Aspria Louise and believe the gym can thrive under more positive, member-focused management. I implore the Aspria Louise board to hear the concerns of the community, thoroughly investigate Mr. Micheels' conduct, and take the necessary steps to replace him with a leader who upholds the gym's values.

It breaks my heart to write this, but I cannot in good faith recommend Aspria Louise until this personnel change is made. I firmly believe membership will rebound and the gym will be stronger than ever once Mr. Micheels is dismissed and new leadership is installed. The Aspria Louise I know and love puts members first, and I'm confident the Board will do the right thing for the community.

Aspria Louise in Brussels TO BE AVOIDED. This has been my worst sports club experience ever. The pricing policy is not transparent at all, the club is run by greed without offering a decent service. I definitely paid way too much for what it is: the facilities are old, there are too many people for such a small space and it is dark. The whole wellness area got closed for months on a very short and vague notice, the club did not offer any compensation but instead when i stopped my subscription requested two month payment, a contractual obligation. I never got the one month free subscription I was promised when registering. The club management tried to intimidate me to pay. They do not deserve a licence to operate

This club (Aspria La Rasante) aims to offer a premium experience but unfortunately lacks refinement and courtesy. Upon signing up, the club promised us 10 invitations. However, when I tried to invite a friend four months later, access was denied as the invitations were only valid three months, requiring an additional payment of 50 euros.

Two weeks later, my fiancée wished to enter with her friend using my card. This presented no problem, even though the staff could clearly tell that her friend was not the actual member.

Subsequently, when I intended to bring in two clients a couple of months later, purchasing a pass for 50 euros while having the other person enter with my fiancée's card, the Relationship Manager made it clear that he holds authority, this is strictly forbidden by the rules and there is no room for flexibility. I'm still puzzled by the condescending and patronising tone being employed.

Disappointing given that I live 4 mins walking distance - regardless I prefer being stuck in traffic to drive to David Loyd instead.

expensive,
no free towels,
could not find a personal trainer meeting my expectations (rather had discouraging experiences with the staff)

I am compelled to express my profound disappointment and concern regarding a recent incident at Aspria Louise, Brussels, which has left me deeply distressed and questioning the integrity of the institution I once held in high regard.

Until recently, I was a proud and committed member of Aspria Louise, actively participating in club activities, regularly utilizing its facilities for my physical and mental well-being, and consistently recommending it to friends, family, and professional associates. However, my membership was abruptly and inexplicably terminated by the General Manager, Arnaud Micheels, without any prior warning, explanation, or opportunity for me to defend myself.

This unexpected action has caused significant distress to both my personal and professional life, impacting my hard-earned reputation and causing unnecessary strain on my mental health. It is deeply concerning that a single individual, particularly one in a position of authority, can wield such power without any accountability or due process. This incident raises serious questions about the club's management practices, its commitment to fair treatment of its members, and its overall integrity.

Lack of Due Process: It is a fundamental principle of justice that individuals are given the opportunity to defend themselves against accusations. The abrupt termination of my membership, without any explanation or opportunity to address any concerns, is a clear violation of this principle. This lack of due process suggests a disregard for the rights of members and raises concerns about the club's commitment to fair and equitable treatment.

Impact on Mental Health: The sudden termination of my membership, coupled with the lack of explanation or opportunity to address any concerns, has caused significant stress and anxiety. Aspria Louise positions itself as a promoter of health and well-being, yet this action has had a detrimental impact on my mental health, contrary to the club's stated values.

Damage to Reputation: My abrupt and unexplained expulsion from the club has raised questions among my personal and professional networks, causing unnecessary speculation and damage to my reputation. This action by the club's management has had far-reaching implications beyond my membership, affecting my personal and professional relationships.

Lack of Accountability: The decision to terminate my membership was made unilaterally by Arnaud Micheels, without any apparent oversight or accountability. This lack of checks and balances raises concerns about the potential for abuse of power and highlights the need for greater oversight and accountability in the club's management practices.

In light of the above concerns, I urge the management of Aspria Louise to conduct a thorough and transparent review of this incident and the decision-making process that led to my membership termination. If it is found that the actions of Arnaud Micheels were unjustified, inappropriate, or reflective of a lack of experience or judgment required for his position, I respectfully request that appropriate actions be taken, which may include his immediate dismissal.

It is my sincere hope that this incident can serve as an opportunity for Aspria Louise to reaffirm its commitment to fairness, integrity, and the well-being of its members. Thank you for your attention to this critical matter.

All about getting you to sign up and pay for a year a full year and then customer service rubbish. Promise you loads of freebies but then don t share much about them until you are told that they all expired after 3 months. Don t recommend. Short term focus mindset

UPDATE: My troubles with Aspria La Rasante are still on going ! They keep on withdrawing money from my account although I have requested a cancellation of my membership in August !! If you really want to go there, don't take the flexible subscription. Its a huge trap !

Date of experience: October 10, 2022
Extremely disappointed. I took a flexible subscription at 192€/month. Because of health issues (tendonitis in both legs) I asked for a suspension for the month of September and had to provided them with a medical certificate. I was in contact with the person in charge couple of days in advance and he even confirmed in writting that my subscription was indeed suspended. Then, I noticed that they still took the amount from my account ! What happened next when I contacted that same person was totaly unprofessional. I was so scandalized by his attitude that I asked for an immediate refund for the month of September and a complete cancellation of my subscription. Here is the answer I received in writting: "You sent us your certificate on Septembre 1 at 16:44 and all direct debit leave every 1st day of the month at noon. It was therefore impossible for us to know that you were going to suspend your subscription. It is unfortunate that you decide to cancel your subscription when the club is not at fault". This is unexceptable. That person knew that my certificated was going to arrive on September 1st and that my appointment was at 14h (my doctor was on holidays till then) so what the hell is that for an answer? That person is not taking responsability for his mistake and doesn't care about the members. The subscription is expensive enough to be treated this way.

Nobody ever called to check what happened or appologize. Apparently, they have too many members. Even worse, they continued to withdraw money from my account for a total amount of 410€ ! I got completely nuts and so mad ! What a rude person, "Serge" who doesn't care about the members but only their money.

They are little things I must add concerning the club. I used to go there regularly a couple of years ago and I was very surprised to see the calamitous state of the pool area. The water is dirty, the spa is in a bad shape. It doesn't smell nice espacially in the hammam. The celling is peeling off everywhere because of the humidity. The "warm" relaxing pool is not warm as it used to be. So, not relaxing at all anymore. Twice in one month I was told that it was forbidden to go swimming as they had put too much chlorine ! They used to have nice towels available. Now the towels are so thin that they get soaked too quickly so if you want to go to the pool and spa you have to take at least 4 with you. In the changing rooms, one locker out of 2 is broken. So, in the end, I am thinking that everything happens for the best.