Palm Beach Tan — Attraction in Alexandria

I’ve been a loyal member at this location for over four years and have generally had decent experiences. I typically come during the day, and I’m always respectful of the staff’s time. I’ve only ever come close to closing twice — and both times involved the same staff member, which is why I’m finally writing this.

Tonight, I arrived at 8:42 p.m., 17 minutes before closing. I had a long day at work, needed to let my dog out, and this was truly the only time I could make it in before traveling early tomorrow. When I pulled up, I saw through the window that the same blonde employee was working — the one who made me uncomfortable during the only other late visit I’ve had a year ago. She usually wears her hair in a ponytail or low bun and has worked there for a while.

Before I even walked in, I saw her and another staff member reacting — rolling their eyes, clearly frustrated, and making it obvious they hoped I wasn’t coming in. It took everything in me to go in, but I reminded myself I was still well within hours. At the counter, she asked for my name and quickly let me know that all the rooms had already been cleaned and that it was “almost closing.” She told me to take a seat and said they would take me shortly. A minute later, I heard her down the hallway complaining loudly about people who come in late. While they didn’t refuse me, the tone and energy were so intentionally uncomfortable i almost walked out which is i think what they would have genuinely preferred of me.

I was in and out by 8:53 p.m., still seven minutes before closing, and two other people were in after me. I get that no one likes a last-minute client, but when you’re paying over $100 a month for a membership, it’s really upsetting to be treated like a burden, especially when you’re not doing anything wrong.

What made this harder was the emotional context. My mother’s memorial service is coming up this weekend and i have a 6am flight tomorrow, and I know it might sound so so silly, but I’ve felt so unlike myself — physically and emotionally. This spray tan was the one small thing I decided to do to feel just a little more comfortable being around a lot of people during a very hard time. I don’t expect anyone to know that, but it’s exactly why I believe people should be treated with kindness regardless of the hour.

I want to say that Brock has always been absolutely incredible — warm, respectful, and consistently professional. He stands out and is the reason I’ve stuck with this location for so long. The rest of the team has been fine, but Brock is a true asset.

I really don’t enjoy leaving negative reviews, but this same staff member has made me feel uncomfortable more than once now and had me in literal tears walking out tonight and i couldnt not say something. Members who’ve been loyal for years — and show up 17 minutes before closing — deserve to be treated...

This Palm Beach Tan is always clean and busy. They have the most convenient hours and are right next door to Starbucks :)

I always want to tan at 9 PM for some God awful reason but to my surprise PBT is open until 11 PM! I only tan once every few months but when I do go it's a $80 trip. $50 Versa Spa spray tan + 10 minutes in the Level 4 bed.

For anyone out there like me that will only tan 4x a year I highly recommend the account option they don't regularly advertise. It makes no sense for us to shell out $90 or more a month for Level 4 beds every month when I will only use them a few times. PBT withdrawals $10 from my account every month- when I visit I pay using the balance I have on file and usually I pay a difference of $20 or so dollars. If you're one of those 4x a year tanners try it out!

After 5 months of not tanning I inevitably think of canceling my account but then all of a sudden I have a wedding to go to and want a tan! Then I remember why I have this setup :) it's convenient.

Onto the beds- my Level 4 beds at this location have been iffy to say the least. Their room #1 has a bed that gives you great results (for me anyway) but on more than one occasion the plug and play music doesn't work or the program isn't working. This particular machine is supposed to have an aroma, mist, and pulsing feature. None of those were working tonight and I wasn't warned before I went into the bed. I think that's shady and no way to do business. The other level 4 bed was available- I would have used that! Tonight I would hear (and feel from vibrations ) the loud fan turn on as if the machine was trying to pump out aroma and most on queue but it wasn't working.

The versa spa always looks best 2-3 days later following spray tan protocol (exfoliating/shaving/prepping/lack of scrubbing) and is a deep brown on me. However I have gone overboard and you can easily look orange if you choose to do this spray tan more than 1 a month.

PBT is clean and has big bathrooms in the back. Outside of the bathrooms there are vanity mirror stations (nothing fancy) with hair ties, and some complimentary amenities that you may need after tanning. The space is large and inviting. I've had no issues with staff (other than not informing me my bed is malfunctioning) and they seem very well informed about how to operate each room's...

Pros: Clean

Cons: The Entry Level Beds are very inconsistent and weak. Any final results are very minimal and un-even, no side color. Honestly, I think these things are just old Grocery Store lights.

The standup units are a waste. The light at the bottom of the bulbs are so high, they don't affect your lower legs much. And doors are about as usable as 1982 Chrysler.

They will take advantage of you. The place tends to close early (and trap you outside of your 24hr limit) or close completely on holidays and STILL charge you that day on a weekly membership when they .

They were trying to sell me tanning lotion for $90 a tube. ..$90. ..Lotion.

The girl, Gerica is one of those individuals so irritating that she will gnaw at your nerves as if your blood had termites. She is very childish with an unattractive attitude not suited for customer oriented service. She has charm of an oven mit. She will be miserable in all of her life and if she won't be, her imaginary partner will be. If she or her family are the owners, it explains a lot about the place. (the other staff was pretty nice and...