On my many travels to Deutschland on business I always managed to hit a local gym to workout. They have a much better vibe than US gyms- just my observation. Plus when you hear people speaking German you feel like you better workout harder, haha.
I think ambiance is very important for a gym. Good groups of people without uptight attitudes. Feeling like you have some freedom to get "crazy" and enjoy yourself. Though some of these old school gyms like the Metroflex Ronnie trains at I think are too cluttered up with crap and look too dirty.
My current gym is fantastic except it's mostly somalis and middle easterners. The gym is big and there's no waiting for equipment but it would be fun if there were more white people lifting. The funny thing is I've never seen a somali do a single honest set, they are there but don't do much, a few reps on cable crossover followed by 10 minutes talking on their headsets
