London Float Centre

I have been to The London Float Centre in Clapham on and off for a few years now and I think it's really good. The staff have always been really helpful and professional. Yes, there are a few improvements that need to be made (e.g. they should put new pictures on their website as the pictures they have at the moment can be a little misleading as far as what the float rooms look like). But all in all Common Sense/ London Flotation Centre should be recommended as a place to try out.

I floated once at another place and felt really claustrophobic. Then I was convinced to try it again when I was told about a float room. What a revelation to float in a float room after the coffin/shell I first tried. So big I could stand up in it and was able to relax so much I have become a member, which makes it very affordable. The place is clean, and recently refurbished and the staff very friendly. My only sad gripe is the climb up the 3 flights of stairs.

I also use a lot of the other facilities at Common Sense - great therapists, spray tanning, and yoga classes. The yoga room is a bit small but then I prefer small classes anyway. Highly recommend the place.

Having floated extensively at this facility when it was first set up and become a regular user over a period of years, I was a little disappointed when I returned for a float today.

I got all the benefits of floatation but I felt that the session was short and on checking my phone I found that my actual float was 45 to 50 mins instead of an hour. I checked to see if this was right and was told that the auto timers had been set for 70 mins and since the session had been started whilst in the shower my session was indeed short of an hour. The London Float Centre's website advertises 90 mins including showering, the length of time I had been used to from my time with the float centre before. 70 mins left me with less precious time floating took the edge of the quality of the experience, I felt rushed. I am due to talk with the centre managers on Monday, perhaps this is down to poor servicing of the centres diary and I should actually have had 90 mins all in. My hope is that it is not a case of the centre trying to maximise profit at the expense of the quality of its customers experience.

Certainly, although polite and professional the staffing today (Sat 11th June 2005) lacked the warmth and care I became accustomed to when I first floated with them (around 10 years ago). I wasn't offered my after float tea and chance to gear up to the outside world again, a feature of their original service and something which they still advertise as part of the package. Since I only live 4 mins from the centre this didn't mar my float as much as my shortened time in the tank but for those who have to travel onward, this time to readjust to the world and consolidate the benefits of the float would be much more important. What it does tell me is that floatation is not just about a warm, dark tank, 300kg of epsom salts set in a clean private environment, it is about being cared for before and afterwards. That care is not only demonstrated in staff attitude but also ensuring that your float is of the right duration and that the promises that are made by the centre are kept, not just out of obligation but out of a sense of respect.

If you are reading this London Float Centre, please get it together quickly! I floated in excess of 150 times when the centre was run by Gordon Frikas, the original founder and on no occasion did I ever have a disappointing session to have one on my first time back with the new set up is once too often, even if it was a 'blip'. If you are a potential customer check before you float on what comes as part of the package - I had to go and check the website afterwards to confirm the details. When I first floated this was part and parcel of the induction.

The whole Health Centre has been revamped - huge improvement. But as for floating... truly amazing - everyone should do it! Once you get the hang of the idea of letting the ultra salty water (don't get it in your eyes) take your weight and just keep relaxing you get transported (man). I can't recommend it enough.

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