Aviation Club de France Guide and Review

Located in Enghien-les-Bains, France, the Aviation Club de France, primarily known as a casino, presents a highly mixed experience according to recent visitor feedback. While some praise its ambiance and hospitality, others report significant drawbacks concerning operational policies and customer treatment, especially for poker players.

The Good: An Elegant Atmosphere ✨

• The club has been described by some as "one of the most beautiful Parisian clubs," offering a "cozy atmosphere."
• A recent 5-star review highlights a "good welcome" and "good clientele," contributing to a pleasant environment.

Areas of Concern: High Costs, Questionable Rules, and Service Issues 💸

The most detailed feedback, particularly from a seasoned poker player, highlights several significant points of contention that severely impact the overall experience:

1. Exorbitant Costs:
   • A mandatory €100 membership fee is required, valid only for the calendar year, regardless of when it is purchased.
   • Poker tables, specifically 2/4 No-Limit Hold'em, reportedly incur a hefty €20 per hour collection fee. This aggressive rake structure makes it "virtually impossible to get out of this place with your shirt on."
2. Controversial Rule Interpretations:
   • Several users have pointed to what they perceive as arbitrary rule enforcement, particularly favoring local players over international visitors. One account describes a situation where a verbal declaration from an Australian player was misinterpreted by the floor, leading to action being prematurely closed against the player's intent.
   • Another perplexing rule mentioned allows players who bet out of turn to either take their bet down or increase it if a player who was supposed to act before them folds. This unusual interpretation of rules raises concerns about fairness and standard poker etiquette.
3. Subpar Service:
   • A particular complaint noted the difficulty in obtaining beverages, humorously suggesting one must "call at least one day ahead" for a "piss warm beverage," indicating a severe lack of prompt and quality service during play.
4. Treatment of Non-French Visitors:
   • There are strong allegations that non-French visitors are treated as "third class customers," with rules reportedly being "made up as they go along to favor natives/locals."

Location Clarification 📍

It's important to clarify the club's location. While some reviews refer to it as a "Parisian club," and one review mistakenly claims the club "does not exist" at "104 Avenue of the Champs Elisee," the Aviation Club de France is indeed located in Enghien-les-Bains. This distinction is crucial for visitors who might be expecting a venue directly within central Paris.

Overall Recommendation

While the Aviation Club de France might appeal to those seeking a visually appealing and cozy environment for a casino experience in the greater Parisian area, potential visitors, especially poker enthusiasts, should be aware of the significant financial commitments, the reported inconsistencies in rule enforcement, and potential issues with service and customer treatment. The highly polarized reviews suggest that individual experiences may vary, but the detailed negative feedback points to considerable operational flaws that could deter a pleasant visit.