The American Club-worth it?

We have two young kids and live in the mid-levels. And oh yes, we are Asian Americans. We're thinking it would be a nice place to plonk down in the weekends, make some American friends, etc. However, since our employer doesn't cover the entirety of the entrance fee, nor the monthly payment, I am thinking hard about it. How's the situation when you bring your helper along, in practical terms? Are the activities subsidised at all? Is there a sense of community in the club? Is the pool a mob scene on weekends? How are the fitness classes? Thanks for your insights!

No helpers allowed. Week-days are very quiet and really pleasant. Week-ends busy. You may find the travel a little far from mid-levels to the country club, what about a club nearer to you, as most have all types of nationalities.

Have to agree with Pine. American is very expensive, and you pay for for any other activities, why not try the Aberdeen Marina Club, the facilities are fabulous for children, 2 pools, ice rink, play zone, bowling alley, tennis and a host of other activities. The club is mixed population, chinese/european/american. The restaurants are truly fabulous, Thai, Italian, Deck, Chinese is considered one of the best.


The LRC.. ( also known as Lots of Rules Club ) I would say is not as child friendly, you as a family with young children can only eat in the Family Dining Area. It offers DVD, Reading Library, and pool, bowling alley in the new wing.Excellent for tennis/squash. Mixed membership. Food is average. Your best bet is to take a tour around and see what each club has to offer.

Good luck

Thanks everyone. All useful thoughts. The LRC doesn't appeal because it seems quite useless with little kids, especially when the weather is bad. Despite the commute, it is looking like the AC is the one for us, I just have to get over the cost! Of course, it is not much compared to the Marina Club-whoa. Thanks again!

we have two young children (2 and 5 years) and are members at the AC. We live in Tai Tam so the convenience for us is a big plus!

The kid facilities aren't as good as the AMC - but still enough to keep our little ones happy.

The Eagles Nest can get busy on weekends (not so bad in the morning). I really like the choice of kids classes and the quality of instructors. You pay extra for these classes but I have found the fees reasonable and comparable to other places like the YWCA. My daughter loves her dancing and gymnastics classes, and my son enjoys the Gymtots. Classes are a good opportunity to meet other Mums because we are all hanging around waiting for classes to finish.

The restaurants are kid friendly, and there are good holiday functions/activites for the family. I mostly use the club during the week for classes and we go on the weekend for meals and the Eagles nest.

The fitness area is great, with good personal trainers available and a variety of classes. The view from the treadmills is amazing!

I think the down side for you is the commute - you may have a problem getting to classes after school in time (many start at 3.30pm). If you only think you will get a chance to go on weekends it will be more crowded - and you can only park if you have a gold car park sticker on the weekends.

We enjoy the club, but may not use it as much if we lived further away??

With helpers they are quite strict. They are only allowed to take children to the Eagles nest or to classes (and then they have to wait in a special area). They are not allowed at the pool or in the restaurants. They have to have their own card (which I think you have to pay for?)

You can also pay to have your children watched at the Eagles Nest by staff if you need to go to the gym or similar.

Hope this helps in your decision.