Today
Today, I visited Viva Gym Sacavém, Lisbon, with the intention of subscribing my girlfriend to the gym. Unfortunately, our experience at the reception was deeply disappointing and left a negative impression.
Upon arrival, we politely asked the receptionist if he spoke English. His response was abrupt and disrespectful: "No, this is Portugal, you should speak Portuguese."
This attitude was unwelcoming, especially considering that Lisbon is a multicultural, touristic city where people from different countries come to live, work, and visit.
I fully respect the local language and culture — in fact, I’m learning Portuguese myself. But a basic level of customer service in English is expected, especially from an international brand like Viva Gym. Gyms are meant to be inclusive spaces where everyone feels welcome and supported.
I believe this behavior does not reflect the values of the Viva Gym brand, and it’s harmful to its reputation. We were genuinely considering signing up, but this experience made us hesitate.
I hope the management team takes this feedback seriously and ensures proper training for front-desk staff on hospitality, professionalism, and respect for diversity.
7 August 2025
Unprompted review