I was very excited when Planet Beach opened up - since I was in the market for a new tanning place. (My old place was nice enough but had just changed their prices and made NO sense - usually it costs less the more you buy or if you buy a bigger package, but their packages actually got MORE expensive.) But anyway...when Planet Beach was "coming soon" I went over and met the owner and she was very nice and answered all my questions. I actually received a personal visit a few days later at my office with an information packet - she had remembered I said I worked close by, and was bringing me information on a business membership.
It turns out we didn't go the business route, but I decided that I was willing to try Planet Beach for myself. Every time I called or stopped by, I was greeted by name (impressive to me!) and everyone was always very friendly! Once I stopped by to check and see when they were opening (it kept getting pushed back) and they gave me a tour, complete with workers buzzing around, construction dust all over, etc.
Once they finally opened, I opted for the Elite membership, which gives you access to the Elite beds (higher power, less time needed per visit). The owner also let me use my "referral" card to try out the spa treatments. (You get a card that allows you three free tans or one free spa treatment. Even though I had used my one free tan as a trial and was buying a membership, they stil let me try the spa treatment! They were always very nice and very accommodating.
The only thing I worried about with the Elite package was that there were only two Elite units - one "lay down" and one "stand up" (while there were about six regular beds). My concern was "What happens when you get too busy and that bed isn't available?" They assured me it wasn't likely to happen - or that I'd maybe have to wait 10 minutes at the most - but they didn't take appointments so it was first come, first serve. Which worked fine...for a few months...until they started getting busier...and started taking appointments.
Honestly, this is why they only get 4 stars from me.
Since I usually just run over when I get a free 20 minutes from work, I can have no set tanning schedule. So when they started taking appointments, now when I decide to run over, it's about a 50/50 shot to get one of the two Elite beds. Someone is either already in the bed(s) or they have an appointment at a near-enough time that I can't get in and out before their appointment. (Had they always taken appointments, I couldn't complain. But it's a new thing.)
Yes, I am still able to use one of the regular Platinum beds, but I am paying twice as much to use the Elite beds so I should be able to use those.
Yes, I think I was spoiled by being a member from the very first day, when there weren't a lot of members.
Yes, I can still wait for the bed I want (if there are no other appointments) - but unfortunately, I don't have the luxury to wait 15 minutes on top of my actual tanning time.
So, would I still recommend Planet Beach? Definitely, without a doubt.
The location is convenient. The actual place is clean and inviting. The service is great - there is never any pressure to upgrade or purchase extras. The workers are friendly - I am generally greeted by name and engage in some chat with the owner and/or workers. The owners have even gone out of their way a time or two to help me out with payment issues.
I just don't like that they only have two Elite beds and that they take appointments, which doesn't work for me (or at least hasn't been great so far). I would give them 4.5 if I could (because they are good, just not perfect)! read more
