Merritt Clubs Eldersburg is on Progress Way in Eldersburg, Maryland. It holds a 4.1 rating from 172 Google reviews.
The record stopped in October 2019, so everything below is nearly seven years old. But the newest review on it describes a cancellation rule that's worth knowing regardless of age, because rules like that outlive refurbishments.
Verbal Notice Wasn't Enough
A member of three years, in October 2019, one star: "Notified verbally in advance that I would need to cancel my month to month membership so they don't charge my card. Because their front personnel didn't put any notes or told me that I'm actually MUST be present and sign some papers 10 days prior to the cancellation, they still charged my card. Manager was rude and didn't care at all. Me and my family have been a member for 3 years and that's what you get."
The rule, as he describes it: you must attend in person and sign paperwork, at least ten days before the cancellation date. Telling someone at the desk doesn't count.
That's specific and checkable. He did tell them, verbally, in advance. It wasn't enough, and nobody warned him it wouldn't be.
Whether that's still the policy I can't say. But "month to month" and "must sign in person ten days ahead" are two very different things, and the gap between them is where his money went. If you join anything here, get the exact cancellation procedure in writing on day one.
He's a three-year member, which is what makes it worth reading. This isn't someone who joined and bailed.
They Wouldn't Tell A Visitor The Price
A visitor in September 2019, four stars: "Not too open about membership cost. As a guest, I expect them to have readily available information for guests that may be interested in joining the club. I spoke with 3 people before I could get it."
Three people, to find out what it costs.
Two separate reviewers, one about pricing opacity and one about cancellation paperwork, both describing information that should be easy and wasn't. I'd call that a pattern worth naming, though they're different failures.
The Lifeguard
That same visitor, at a birthday party, writes something that stopped me: "Lifeguards, on point, swiftly saved my girl from near drowning situation."
Her child nearly drowned and the lifeguards got her out fast.
She still gave four stars, and her only complaint was the pricing. I'd weigh that heavily. Whatever else is true here, the water safety worked when it mattered, and that's not a thing you can test on a tour.
It's A Family Club
A member in June 2019 gives the fullest inventory: "I originally became a member for the year round indoor pool. They have a play area for the kids while you are using the other facilities with team members there monitoring. They use wrist bands to identify the kids and you leave your contact info with the team just in case. They offer a variety of classes like swimming or dance lessons. Even writing proficiency as well as massages! Life guards are always on duty. Outdoor pool area has a pretty cool whirlpool, 3 slides."
Wristbands and contact details for supervised childcare. That's a described procedure, not a vague claim.
A member in March 2019 adds: "They have a physical therapy clinic located inside as well beside the racquetball courts. Ample parking. An indoor basketball court as well that appears to always be running some pickup games."
Indoor and outdoor pools, three slides, a whirlpool, racquetball, basketball, a physio clinic, classes, massages.
When To Avoid
A member in April 2019: "Gets crowded after 10 but they have plenty of equipment. I go daily for 2 hours and it's always clean."
Crowded after 10:00. That's the only timing signal anyone gives, and no opening hours are published at all.
Who It's Not For
Anyone who wants a straightforward gym. This is a family club with a gym in it, and you'd be paying for pools, courts and slides whether you use them or not.
1388 Progress Way, Eldersburg, MD 21784. Phone +1 410-549-8855, site merrittclubs.com.
