Overall impression based on past history: 3 stars
I have…read morebeen coming to this laundromat for years. I stopped going for the past few months, but was planning to go back in this weekend. I have always appreciated that the water is hot; they have a restroom, magazines (VC Reporter!), and benches to sit on; the lighting and airflow is good (it stays pretty cool in hot weather); the staff are generally nice/helpful; and their machines are generally in good repair. A staff member once helped me clear out a jammed quarter.
They have a good variety of washers - including two massive 4 or 5 load ones. There are some "quick" 20-minute washers, but kind of expensive at $2.50 per load. The one load and double load "Speed Queen" washers are great. I like that the dryers charge as you go - 50 cents plus 10 minutes for each additional quarter.
Things are generally fairly clean, but I (admittedly picky) have often had to wipe off counters or machines. Other times, staff are not available to open the bathroom or whatever. They don't always have enough laundry carts.
Side note of warning: This place has not always been the safest place at night or in the evening. They haven't always had staff on duty at all times, and vagrants tend to park in the back parking and then come do their laundry here. Most are harmless, but some do loiter or interact with one (such as asking for change or fighting with each other). So, if you're going alone, I'd definitely go in the morning. Earlier is better - like when they open, or by 8 or 9 am. Things usually pick up around 10:30 or 11, especially weekends.
Tonight - WTF??? 1 star
I went in tonight to get change (after eating the 3-taco special at Rosabella's across the street). I was accosted by an older man in a beanie who worked there (not sure if he is the owner). He told me that quarters were for "those machines only" and pointed at the sign posted on the change machine saying, "The quarters are intended for use in these machines only". I said I was intending on coming back tomorrow to wash my sheets. The gentleman got in my face and pointed to the sign again, "Do you not understand me? Look at the sign." He said, "You're going to play bingo, aren't you?" I laughed and said no, but the gentleman kept escalating...He said, "I've never seen you before..." etc. This was all in front of other customers, who laid low. (I cannot imagine how they felt, if they witnessed the interaction)
As soon as my change was dispensed, he FOLLOWED ME to the back door. At this point, I got mad and told him that he was harassing me and that I may not come back given that he was treating me so rudely. He then FOLLOWED ME OUT THE BACK door and made a big fuss of making a call on his phone - I felt it was to intimidate me. I felt harassed and intimidated. How dare he do that to a customer! I told him if he kept following me, I would call the police. Enough was enough.
I understand that they probably aren't even running at break even, and deal with people all the time who take change away from there; and, if every average Joe comes in to make change, there won't be any left for the regular paying customers. But this was one overeager enforcer! I have never been treated so rudely and presumptuously in my life! Unbelievable. I would give negative stafs, except for the fact I have had so, so many good laundry episodes there.