I've been a member of the RVC since June and have had such a great experience! I moved from Manhattan and was hoping to find a new club/gym in Lebanon. I was very happy to find the RVC! I've tried almost every workout class and was really impressed with how many instructors and programs they have. I highly recommend their new hot yoga with Danika and Pilates sculpt with Nikki and Teresa and the tennis clinics! RVC also has the nicest group of people and a very welcoming community. I see why some members have been going for 20 years! I saw a few negative reviews at the salon, and am truly shocked because I've had my hair and nails done here and absolutely loved the color! Heather just did a great job with my holiday nails and Amber has colored my hair a few times now and I always love it/ They are sweetest people and very talented! read more

I have been a member of the RVC for a while now, and I have really enjoyed the facilities & services. Recently, I have been taking more advantage of the Spin classes and the spa services, for haircuts - both are some of the best in the UV region. If you have not been to the Club - you have to give it a try! read more

I had a very disappointing experience at River Valley Club's spa. I specifically booked a massage appointment only after calling to confirm that Johnny would be the one providing the service. I was told she was available, and I was told my booking is with Johnny. However, when I arrived on time for my appointment, a different female therapist came out to greet me. I immediately said this was a mistake -- I had booked with Johnny. She insisted that the appointment was with her and that Johnny was already working with another client. I then spoke to the front desk, and they told me their system showed that I was booked with Lisa. When I said I had booked Johnny, they told me that if I didn't want to proceed with Lisa, Johnny was unavailable -- and I would still be fully charged due to their 24-hour cancellation policy. I then asked to speak with the manager, who told me they would investigate the issue and call me back. She never did. No phone call, no follow-up -- nothing. Why was my confirmed therapist given to someone else after I arrived? Why should I be fully charged when I didn't receive any service at all? Why did the manager promise to follow up and never follow through? This feels like a complete disregard for the customer and a very dishonest way to do business. I felt misled and disrespected. I need a sincere apologize and a full refund to my card. read more

$40 for a day pass is actually hilarious. RVC, if you want to stay in business, stop raising your membership prices without changing anything in your facility. I used to go here in high school and was paying almost $100 a month. I had to cancel my membership for college and it took numerous phone calls and email exchanges to cancel. Three months went by and I was still being charged. Heard they have since closed down their membership office and have left it up to their employees at the front desk to handle things. I hope someone else takes over this gym and actually makes it an affordable spot to go to. Maybe consider membership options for people who only want to use the weight room, the pool, etc. CCBA is a much better option if you're looking to save money or just use their weight room. Glad I found a new gym. read more

10/10 do not recommend. They charge you more than the price tag states, they randomly change prices on you, and the offerings aren't that great. The programming at the CrossFit space is awful. Not well thought out at all. Furthermore, some nasty people that I'd keep an eye out for. read more

I used to be a happy customer of the River Valley Club, but any dealings I had with billing or customer service were intensely frustrating: not returning calls, and then refusing to do anything unless I actually came into the club to meet with a membership representative. The last straw was their Covid handling: after getting shifted to work-from-home and not having easy access to the club (it's 20 minutes in the wrong direction now), having to have continued arguments with them about canceling? Sorry, that last monthly membership fee you got from me is the last money you'll ever get from me. read more

Well the owner doesnt seem to care that she has un qualified people working in the "salon". The person giving me my "delux pedicure" didnt even know how to file a nail let alone use a clipper or give a massage. Turns out her specialty is eyebrow tinting. When I brought this to the owners attention requesting a refund for the service that was not completed, she suggested I come in to talk to her about it. Really? She puts the burden on ME and provided nothing but we so appreciate feedback from our cherished customers. Pathetic. The Upper Valley is a small community. She should have given it a bit more thought. read more

Back many moons ago when I lived in the Upper Valley, I was a member for the River Valley Club for several years. At that time I very much enjoyed the clean, modern facilities (especially the waterfall near the pool :-), the friendly staff and the sense of community. I now live in Brooklyn and go to a very nice Y with similar features (pools, sauna, steam room) that actually is a lot less expensive that RVC which is a bit surprising but still if you live in the Upper Valley and can afford it, RVC is a great upscale place to workout/swim/socialize! read more

I have given this place a really fair shot. I have gone here 1x for hair and 4x for eyebrows. Just don't. Spend your money elsewhere for a better "day spa" experience. A $17 eyebrow wax during which you tell me that I haven't grown my eyebrows out enough and don't listen to how I want them shaped. I was over charged for my hair. My hairdresser also had shaky hands the entire time, saying she had been styling a wedding before and how much they had been drinking. There doesn't seem to ever be a manger around, and all the employees are all under 20. One time I was given an eyebrow wax at this lovely day spa., knowing I was paying $17 for this "spa experience".... and was given an eyebrow wax at the fucking sink. Literally a 3 minute eyebrow wax and they charged me the full amount. This past time was the nail in the coffin, as the wax smelled old, the girl who has done my eyebrow 4x hasn't remembered me, pretended she followed my request, and actually diddn't. B t urged me to book her before she went on vacation. NO. This place is not a spa. If you want quality and an experience, go elsewhere. read more

I grew up in Hanover and have used the River Valley Club on and off over the years. The facilities themselves are fantastic. When I was in middle school I used their rock climbing wall (which may be a bit small now that I'm not 4' tall). In high school I broke my ankle and came here for physical therapy and to swim while I couldn't run. The pool was almost always empty, and when my ankle was strong enough to support me and I started using the exercise machines upstairs I never had any competition for the equipment. Now whenever I return to Hanover I split my time exercising between here and the Dartmouth gym. Every time I come here my experiences have all been consistent with those while I lived in Hanover. The facilities are incredibly nice and accessible. If my review was only based on the building itself I'd give the RVC five stars. However, the negatives of this gym outweigh the positives. It's very expensive (that's probably a given in Hanover and doesn't really affect my review, but it's worth mentioning as a negative all the same). The reason I'd review this place as a two star instead of a five is because of the staff. They are rude, unhelpful, and snobbish. To put their customer service into perspective, I'd rather interact with an employee of Comcast phone support than the people who work at the RVC. The trainers are ever present in the weight room. They'll critique your form (without solicitation), but don't follow up with anything helpful (I imagine this is a strategy to try to pull in clients). The receptionists tend to be cold (potentially because I'm not a regular, but this was also the case when I was in high school and went five times a week). Last week when I was in Hanover I stopped by with a free pass I'd received in 2013. There was no expiration date. When I presented it the receptionist scowled, took it, threw it out, said they don't accept those anymore, and turned her back on me... Maybe she was having a bad day, but if you're in customer service this is never acceptable (or really if you're over the age of four and interacting with another person this isn't acceptable). I'd had experiences similar to this at the RVC in high school and always assumed it was because I was a kid. Now that I realize they treat everyone like this I won't be returning. read more

I've enjoyed the RVC since I moved to the Upper Valley in 2009. It is by far the most expensive, but it's by far the best. This time, you really do get what you pay for (assuming you use your membership fully). Things I really don't like (but I do feel the club has made a fair attempt at considering all users in spite of these things): 1. Class schedules aren't ideal for those who work the 9-5. There are soo many offerings, but I often feel like I can't get to a class I want because it's only offered during the normal workday. 2. Parking/Crowds around 5-6p.m. The front entrance is just a zoo with all the day care pickups and related vehicles at the main entrance. I don't have kids, especially at the gym, so personally I find this to be in the way of my fitness experience and in no way adds value to my membership. Things I really like: 1. Sauna in the locker room. 2. Salt water swimming pools. Yes they have salt water (so much less irritating that heavy chlorinated pools) and yes they have several of them. I've not had trouble finding a lane to swim in, even during peak times. 3. The steam and hot tub in the locker room, and the larger coed hot tub in the public area. Sometimes after a day skiing it's nice to just stop by for a hot tub or sauna. 4. I think they really do try to improve things based on member feedback, which is nice and really should be the way a club at this price point operates. read more

There are a lot of positive things about this gym- the hours are awesome, there are always available machines, the staff is very friendly, there is a steam room and several pools, and they have child care on site. The wifi usually works pretty well and once the tennis courts are done they will be really nice (extra to play on them though). The downsides: The membership price is quite expensive (though they do offer night time passes, punch cards for classes for less), and the showers are pretty much equivalent to a highschool locker room. They also require a personal training session and charge you $40 for it in addition to a joining fee and your monthly payment. Make sure you check out some of their deals online- I had to specifically ask about their holiday trial packages. read more

If you are moving from a big city and want an equinox type experience this is as close as the upper valley gets but its still not close. They have indoor and outdoor pools, saunas, nice changing areas. The gym has plenty of equipment. If you are looking to use their spa I highly recommend Brandi she is amazing! read more

Back in February while they were running a promotion for hospital staff, I attempted to join. They imposed a $40 fitness assessment on me. I declined the assessment and was told that even if I don't get the service I still have to pay for it. Excuse me, what? Lie to me and call it a facility fee but don't try to rob me by selling me a service I don't want. Very unethical. The manager then told me if I don't like it I should "go to the gym down the street". I wrote an email describing the horrendous treatment and lack of professionalism and received no update. This was the worst customer service experience I've ever had. Ask around and many agree. The people running this place are amateurs with no training. Take your hard earned money and precious time elsewhere. read more

I used this gym back in 2013 and left due to relocating. In the past the gym was beautiful, inviting and had some of the best equipment i have seen. Coming back to the area in 2017-2018 and joining back as an official member and I am not disappointed. I see some new faces as well as some old ones and everyone is as pleasant as ever. The renovations are jaw dropping for a gym in the upper valley. They have advanced their technology aspect which is the most convenient thing they could have done for a young professional such as myself. For someone working 50-60 hours a week its nice to be able to schedule everything right from my mobile device. It goes without saying, with everything the RVC includes, if you're looking for a new gym in the upper valley. RVC is a no brainier. read more

Decent gym - they have a ton of classes and equipment but the monthly price is simply too expensive for a basic gym that has uninspiring classes. They give Dartmouth discounts and couple discounts but even after that, it's quite expensive. The main area with the equipment is really busy in the evenings and if you want to bench or squat, there's no way you'll get a spot in the evening. You can use the downstairs Crossfit area when they don't have classes going on though. read more

RVC--with its waterfall hot tub, indoor pools, and sauna-- got me through my first winter in the Upper Valley, and for that, I am eternally grateful. Love: Child-free outdoor pool in the summer, lap pool in the winter, most of the group classes are fantastic, like body pump, body combat Room for improvement: Better/More Yoga classes, having more after 6pm gym classes, more lockers available during peak hours But overall, it's a great gym with lots of options and amenities. It's no wonder a lot of people seem to live here. Of course, it also comes with a fairly hefty monthly price tag, so only join if you can make it worth your while. read more

Firstly, I need to say that I recently wrote a negative review about the RVC which I then removed (with a little prompting and resolution) and have replaced it with a more upbeat and positive theme. Everyone deserves positive feedback--especially on Yelp. Anyone can complain, but how about we focus on the positive...? When I composed the original message, I was very upset, but not only with the club. My bad. Unfortunately the club was a convenient target in the moment. And because I have a knack for being very critical and speaking my mind freely, I made a number of hurtful and generalized accusations about people and things in context of the RVC. As a local business owner myself, one with which I share common clients with the RVC, I would not want a client to feel that way or to feel the need to post anything with such vehement rancor. It was in the heat of the moment and for that I feel regretful. I only wish the best for everyone in the world--despite my surly attitude at times--and don't want to take that away from anyone. So, this review is partly me making amends to all that I may have effected. It's funny, actually. I am thinking back about all the critical and negative venom that I was being such a dick about and can now see the positive in much of it. Yeah, there's always room for improvement, and I am happy to point it out to any and all--I just need to do it with compassion in the future. My impetus for the bitchy attitude turnaround was Jen. She's the 'go to gal' and the cool one in charge (her office is the last one the right). After reading my original review, she reached out immediately as she was very surprised and concerned. I have known her from prior interactions at the club and they have always been positive. She's passionate, genuine, has great energy and is, thankfully, forgiving. One of my issues was in regard to the personal trainers. Being one myself throughout the years, I know it isn't easy. Motivating clients and getting them to take personal responsibility for their desired intentions (in the context of personal training for this review, but really in life), is no easy task. Often times it is lending an ear to someone in need. Trust me, I do it all the time in my own practice. It's 50% of what I do. They train because their passionate about fitness and I am right there with them. I have numerous clients that also utilize the RVC trainers and absolutely LOVE them. It's also funny as I have referred a number of individuals to them, so I am not sure what I was thinking. Everyone does it a little different and that's okay. Um, duh, douchebag! Anyway, it's big, it's clean and there are some great people there that are incredibly dedicated. They offer every service you can imagine (child care, a hair salon, tennis courts, inside and outside pools and other wet-things, amazing Pilates instructors, classes galore, a spa, and even a dry cleaning pickup and drop-off service). It really is a one-stop-shop kind of place. For those busy professionals in the area, with no time and a lot to do, the RVC really covers the bases. Granted, I don't use 80% of the facility, but it is there for those that want it. More importantly, for me, they carry Aveda products in the spa and hair salon and they are my favorite! Aveda makes me happy. Slow, but sure, they continually do updates throughout the club. Whether it is painting, changing the pool to saltwater (amazing), or putting down new, colored mats in the men's wet area, it's always really nice to see. I just wish they would take me on as their Facilities Design & Element consultant. Design is my passion. HINT, HINT! The real meat and potatoes: I am totally in love with Kettlebells, TRX and cardio-strength trainging. I am the guy in the corner with his headphones on, sweating profusely with all his balls, bands and other accoutrement. It looks a little crazy (and they probably think I am at this point) but it is effective and fun! That's why I love the RVC. They've got the equipment and space that I need in order to do my workouts. No one else in the area can accommodate all my needs, thus the reason I pay a lot of money for my membership. To quote American Express, "Membership Has Its Privileges". I also love the steam room. I have nightmarish sinus issues and steaming always clears them up along with making me feel a thousand times better. Additionally, they have a boatload of lockers, lots of showers, and new towels which are often times freshly folded and warm for my arrival at the front desk. That's a really nice touch when it's 20,000 degrees below zero six months out of the year. The front desk has some great staff members that are welcoming, smiling and one that even remembered my member number. That's a detail that I have done in the past in various careers (remembering the personal details) and people love that stuff--including me. For the moment, that's my story...and I am sticking with it. Choose, Train, Challenge read more

Went in for a tour today, and was hooked. My main interests were the pools that don't share any time with a swim team, steam room and sauna, a spa in house, a private and quiet workout room and that rock wall. I know people complain about the price, but I am coming from the Boston area. If you had half of the things this gym offers down there, you'd be paying well over $200 a month, and probably wouldn't have free parking or free classes. I would love a gym like this in my area for those prices! The staff was friendly, so many workout and class offers. Plus the child free areas are icing on the cake. I have never left a gym smiling EVER! read more

In town visiting my in-laws for the holiday and I had to get my workout in. Looked up a local gym and came across River Valley Club, and boy what a AWSOME place. The customer service and facility is amazing, I recommend anyone to join or visit for a day pass. Thank you Matt for your help today! Gerardo L. read more

The new renovations make this even more worth the expensive membership. The only downside are some of the trainers who definitely do not remember that clients do use the locker rooms too. We do hear things and we do pick up on your mannerisms. Definitely have been turned off by their personal training services because the trainers can be rude to clients outside the gym floor. Unfortunate really. read more

Strangely, this club only allows children under 13 to use its pools for 4 hours every week. I am surprised that local parents have not raised this as an issue with the club. Yes, children are loud, and children are annoying, (I would know, I have two adorable kids,) however, 4 hours a week is simply outrageous, especially when the club has more than one pool. What is the club communicating to kids with such a policy? That kids are not humans?! read more

I would give the club a 0-star, if it's possible . My girlfriend's money was stolen during SPA time. All cash was gone when her purse was in women's locker room! It's OK that this kind of awful things happened (it happens anywhere), what's unacceptable is the club doesn't even pretend it cares about customers. Nobody called my girlfriend, on the club's behalf, to express any kind of concern or a single sorry, let alone any compensation. I would definitely not recommend anyone to go to the club based on our experience. read more

This gym is awesome!!!! Maybe I have a skewed perspective since I come from NYC and even our nicest gyms aren't this nice. This gym has three pools, two indoor, and a rock climbing wall. They also have equipment to suit everyone's needs, and I mean everyone. If you are new to exercise, you can walk on the treadmill; but if you are a powerlifter you will find a full-on set-up. The crowd was as diverse as the equipment and this was a very relaxed environment. I can't imagine anyone who wants to work out not finding this gym the right place to do it. If I lived here I would join in a second. read more

Not worth the price in my opinion. The tennis courts and hot tub are pretty nice amenities but I'd rather pay less for a membership and go to a more reasonably priced place to work out. As others have said, I don't love the service there, not the friendliest bunch. read more

I'm writing a review for the barber services at the spa. I recently got my hair cut by Shawn for the third or fourth time. I absolutely love it. He is a great guy and a very talented barber. My dad also goes to him and is always happy with his cuts. Five stars! read more

It's an overpriced, washed out 90s gym. Regular memberships start at over $100/month, which seems quite a bit more than what you pay in big cities. ($20 gets you into a big industrial gym, granted it is often a chain but that's all you need most days). For prices like that in NYC, you get a more upscale gym (Equinox comes to mind). Why not reduce the price for potential members who want only to use the equipment and/or pool but not take any classes? It seems like the one price fits all model is a little too restrictive. You can have the $67/mth option for evening only entry or late afternoon weekends, and even that is pricey! New Hampshire is ridiculously expensive that way. Where are the budget gyms? BSC, come up north! read more

I went here to get some facial waxing done this week. I was able to schedule a same-day appointment, so that was great, but my experience was not so great. The person doing my waxing was friendly enough, but didn't talk to me about my skin care regimen, what brow shape I was looking for, if I have sensitive skin, etc. She also had me sit down in the chair that is used for washing hair, which seemed odd. While she was doing the waxing (which took less than 10min in total), there was pretty bad rap/club music blaring and she didn't speak to me once. It set a weird tone and didn't add to the experience at all. After she was done, she didn't do any tweezing of any stray hairs that were there. She did have me look in a mirror and I said it looked fine, but went into the bathroom where there was better light after I paid and saw a bit spot she missed on one brow. I went back and she kindly fix it. At this point I had to ask for her to apply some of their Aveda dry oils to lessen the redness and hopefully lessen the breakout that I commonly get after facial waxing. All in all, it felt like I was getting waxed after hours by a friend's kid sister who was giving me a free wax instead of a spa where I spent over $50. Definitely won't go back for this service. read more

Very disappointed. The staff was incredibly rude. The facilities are wonderful but not enough to make up for poor treatment.

River Valley Club is a truly amazing place all around. From its great mani pedis and oh so relaxing massages at the spa to its get your butt into shape classes, this establishment simply boasts perfection. I have been going to RVC for a little under a year and have never had a bad experience anywhere there. I recently started CrossFit and am simply amazed at how knowledgeable and supportive everyone is. Whether you are an amazing athlete or just looking to get a little healthier, RVC is the perfect place. When you are done working out or with your spa experience, be sure to stop by Pura Vida for a snack. The Chocolate Thinny Mint is delicious!!! read more

Have been going to RVC for a couple years now - nice club - good atmosphere - one of they better clubs I've joined. But then...they installed shower stalls in the men's locker room. What? Really? Are you serious? This is a health club. People shower. People are naked when they shower. Are we, as a society, really so ashamed of ourselves or scared of seeing other people naked or scared that someone may ***GASP*** see them naked? Come on - grow up. Not to mention the waste of money - the club has many areas that need a tune up or updating. This is what my monthly dues are going to? Promoting a culture of shame and homophobia? No thanks. Not renewing my membership. read more

I was a member here a few years ago and it was wonderful then. The staff (trainers, front desk, housekeeping, etc.) were all friendly and the pool was very warm. Even after my membership ran out, my aunt (who drives 2 hours to get here) and I would still go to the pool every so often because it was so warm and helped her old bones. I found a day pass a few months ago and she drove up to go the pool with me. I think the place has been taken over by imposters! The front desk staff were so snobby--hello, you put your pants on one leg at a time like the rest of us--you are not better than anyone because you work in an expensive place! Then when I showed the person the pass she took it, said they don't honor them anymore, and it is $25 each for a day pass! No smile, no personality. Since my aunt drove so far, we paid and stayed. We were really surprised the pool was cold, so she couldn't even stay very long! One of the other people in the pool made a comment about how they had not been keeping it as warm, but that it was unusually cold that day. We paid $50 for less than an hour. It was horrible! read more